Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2021-03-08T06:01:00

2021-03-07T05:01:00

(BPT) – Prescription drug prices are skyrocketing. For anyone who needs regular prescriptions to manage serious chronic health conditions, the soaring cost of their medications creates a real burden. Studies show that one in four adults skip medications primarily due to cost, which leads to bigger problems both for their health outcomes and for increasing medical costs as they suffer complications due to missed medications. But a new survey shows that a growing number of Americans are finding a workable solution: importing prescription medications from Canada.

In the survey, conducted by the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI), over 93% of the respondents cited the high cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. as the primary reason they ordered prescriptions from licensed online Canadian pharmacies.

How much are they saving?

According to the survey, Americans ordering their prescription drugs from certified online Canadian pharmacies are saving an average of $228 per month — or $2,736 per year. Here’s the breakdown of savings per month:

• Over 57% saved $100 or more
• 15% saved over $200
• 19% saved over $300

For that last group, the average monthly savings was $755 each month, up from $648 in 2019.

Recent price comparisons show that online Canadian pharmacies consistently offer Americans savings of 50-90% on brand-name prescription medications compared to leading U.S. pharmacies as well as GoodRx and Amazon Pharmacy.

The real impact

The effect of these savings is not just about the cost. Craig Barnes of Oregon has been ordering prescription drugs from Canada for about two years. “I have a heart condition that requires medication to regulate my heart rate,” said Barnes. The U.S. list price of 60 tabs (a 30-day supply) is approximately $500.00. On GoodRx, the price is a bit lower — about $460.00. Even with his insurance, his out-of-pocket monthly cost in the U.S. would be about $236.00. Buying from an online Canadian pharmacy, Barnes saves $2,328 a year, getting the medication he needs for only $42.00 per month.

“If I had to buy the medication in the U.S., I would have to stop treatment or split doses,” said Barnes. And for most people managing a health condition like Barnes, that can result in a much poorer health outcome, leading to complications that could even be life-threatening.

In the CPPI survey, 62% of the Americans who import their prescriptions said they were referred by a trusted medical professional, friend or family member, and 80% of the survey respondents knew how to identify “rogue” pharmacies and felt savvy about their ability to find a trustworthy online pharmacy. The upshot? A whopping 99% of those who currently import their prescriptions from Canada would recommend doing so to family and friends.

It’s definitely a continuing trend — last year saw an increase from 8.1% to 13.3% of Americans who reported ordering prescription drugs from online Canadian pharmacies for the first time. Eighty-seven percent said they had been ordering from online Canadian pharmacies for a year or longer. Until prescription medications become more affordable in the U.S., it’s a trend that is likely to continue to grow.

How to find a safe pharmacy online

The pandemic has underscored the importance of everyone having access to safe, reliable and affordable medications. For those with multiple underlying conditions, this is even more crucial now.

The Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) recommends searching for licensed Canadian pharmacies on certified websites. CPPI is a national nonprofit patient advocacy organization that fights for Americans’ access to safe, affordable prescription medications from Canada for personal use. On their website, PersonalImportation.org, you can find advice and tips, plus a link to the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) website, CIPA.com, for a list of licensed pharmacies.

“All Americans deserve access to affordable prescription medications. The savings that American patients report finding from online Canadian pharmacies is significant and available to Americans right now,” says Jack Pfeiffer, executive director of the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation. “There is even a bill in Congress, the Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act, which could make these savings even easier for Americans to come by.”

2021-03-05T10:31:00

(BPT) – H&R Block and Nextdoor, like-minded companies with deep commitments to neighborhood connections, have once again teamed up to bring much-needed improvement projects to communities across the country. Individuals are encouraged to submit project ideas that build connections between neighbors while also uplifting small businesses. Project nominations are being accepted through March 31. Nextdoor and H&R Block will select and bring to life select submissions in 2021.

H&R Block believes in the importance of thriving local communities, as it creates more connected neighborhoods and supports small business through its community impact platform Make Every Block Better. To date, the company has provided funding to startups, built homes, made home repairs in underserved neighborhoods, launched a new program to help Black small business owners access capital, and more. Details about its work can be found at makeeveryblockbetter.com.

According to a 2020 global study conducted by Nextdoor, performing small acts of kindness for neighbors reduces the likelihood of feeling lonely and increases neighborhood unity.

2020 projects built neighborhood connections

Last year, local communities nominated projects to restore sports courts at a historic community center, to build gardens to strengthen engagement between neighbors, or clean up alleyways by replacing weeds and garbage with a wildflower alley. In a downtown Cincinnati neighborhood, local businesses and neighbors came together to paint street murals to literally connect a local elementary school to the community garden across the street.

“H&R Block has the unique ability to help our neighbors since our associates live and work in these communities across the country. Right now is a critical time to help since so many people are feeling isolated,” said Jeff Jones, president and CEO of H&R Block. “I’m incredibly proud that our first year of this effort helped more than 3.4 million people and 50 small businesses in 10 cities, and look forward to another successful year.”

Involving small businesses helps the fabric of communities

Small business owners are an integral part of any community, and this year nominators are asked to include in their submission the small businesses they’d like to invite to help with the project. The effort is aligned with H&R Block’s goal to positively impact both 500 communities and 500,000 small businesses by 2025.

Nominate a community improvement project

Do you have an idea for a project that would connect and uplift your neighborhood?

You can find a simple nomination form online, which includes idea-starters like:

• What type of project are you considering? Options include neighborhood beautification, neighborhood cleanups, park renewals and community gardens
• What are some small businesses you’d like to invite to be part of the project?
• Why would this project be meaningful to your neighborhood? Include any pictures or other documents to support your nomination

Visit hrbnextdoor.com to learn more about the 2020 projects and to nominate a new project in your neighborhood.

2021-03-03T09:19:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the small business game awhile, right now, you’re likely filled with questions. Like, “Is this the right time to turn my passion into a business?” Or, “How am I going to survive if the economy doesn’t bounce back?” Without a doubt, both are important questions, regardless of the pandemic.

Another question small business owners might have is, “What’s the best business entity structure for my small business?” Your business structure influences everything from your day-to-day operations to your taxes and personal liability. Different structures can affect legal protection and tax responsibility. Most small businesses start as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC).

Sole proprietorship

The simplest business structure is the sole proprietorship, which you own completely, with no distinction between yourself and the business. That also makes you responsible for all the debts and liabilities of your company. So, if you’re sued or your business goes under, your personal assets are fair game for creditors and you assume all legal liability. While that may sound scary, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a sole proprietorship and decide what’s right for you.

Advantages: Sole proprietors have complete control over their business and all decisions made on its behalf. Also, the costs of forming a sole proprietorship are minimal. If you eventually want to sell your business, you can do so without having to consult with other business partners. Plus, there are no corporate tax payments.

Disadvantages: Remember, you can be held personally liable for the debts and legal obligations of your business. And being responsible for all business decisions can be a daunting proposition. The buck stops with you. Also, if you’re hoping to eventually expand, investors don’t typically invest in sole proprietorships without taking an ownership interest.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Many small businesses are structured as LLCs because they offer some of the advantages of a sole proprietorship without its obvious disadvantages. The real benefit is that LLCs are not taxed as a separate entity (as long as the LLC has not elected to be taxed as a C corporation) — all profits and losses are attributed to each owner-member of the company, and you’ll report all business income on your personal tax return. Also, as a single member LLC, you’re in charge — you own, manage and run your business, but without the same liability issues of a sole proprietor.

To get set up, you’ll register your LLC’s existence by filing articles of organization and paying a fee to your relevant state office, normally the secretary of state. While this involves more paperwork and hassle than establishing a sole proprietorship, it’s still relatively easy and can usually be done online. The key advantages of an LLC include:

Limited personal liability: An LLC is viewed as a legal entity separate from its individual members or owners. Generally, that means you won’t be held personally liable for your LLC’s debts or legal liabilities, and your personal assets — like your home or personal bank account — aren’t at risk. However, be careful. Under certain circumstances, such as if you personally guarantee a business debt, you’re still on the hook for it personally.

Pass-through tax treatment: LLCs receive what’s called ‘pass through’ treatment, allowing allocated profits to be taxed only once on each member’s individual income tax return. LLCs that also qualify as partnerships or S corporations may also receive ‘pass through’ treatment from the IRS. Note, this is not the case if you decide to have the LLC taxed as a C corporation for federal income tax purposes.

The disadvantages of LLCs include the additional administrative requirements when compared to a sole proprietorship, and the costs involved. Also, as an LLC owner, you may have to pay unemployment compensation for yourself (if you elect to have the LLC taxed as a C or S corporation), which you wouldn’t have to pay as a sole proprietor.

This is just a primer on business entity structures — there are many more options to consider for your small business. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. If you’re confused, you don’t have to go it alone. H&R Block’s Block Advisors can help.

“As part of our personalized tax service, Block Advisors will conduct a business entity structure analysis to see how different structures could impact your taxes,” said Ian Hardman, General Manager and Vice President of Small Business at H&R Block.

Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com.

Disclaimer: Taxes are only some of many factors to consider when selecting an entity. We recommend that you seek the advice of an attorney about other implications of entity selection.

2021-03-02T11:53:00

(BPT) – by Jennifer Roberts, CEO, Chase Business Banking and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Founder, Our Fair Share, entrepreneur and media mogul

In just four months last year, more than 5 million U.S. businesses received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. That helped them pay their workers, their mortgage or rent, and their utility bills. Unfortunately, many small businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans didn’t get PPP loans last year. We want to make sure you know how to apply for the funding your business really needs.

But you need to act quickly. PPP ends March 31, but many lenders may stop accepting applications sooner so they have time to process. That means you need to get started on an application quickly for PPP funds to help with your payroll costs and other bills, to get your fair share. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and participating lenders are working hard to make these loans available to more businesses in low- and moderate-income communities. And to smaller businesses, like barbershops, restaurants, nail salons, clothing brands, bars, bodegas and independent contractors.

Here are eight facts you should know about PPP that may encourage you to apply:

1) Congress funded it with $284 billion for 2021. That’s enough for millions of more loans.

2) It’s for first-time borrowers. The SBA has already approved more than 704,000 loans for borrowers who didn’t get one last year. The SBA also has approved loans for second-time borrowers.

3) A PPP loan may be forgiven. Up to 100% of your loan could be forgiven if you qualify and meet the SBA’s requirements. That means you wouldn’t have to pay back the forgiven amount.

4) Businesses with few employees get special attention. Through March 9, the SBA is accepting applications only from businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

5) Most loans are relatively small. The average loan to first-time PPP borrowers this year is $22,000, the SBA says.

6) Smaller businesses are getting approved. 90% of Chase’s approved PPP loans in 2021 are to businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

7) Help is available to understand PPP. chase.com/ppp has a webinar, checklists and FAQs to walk you through the application process. You can also check out sba.gov/ppp.

8) It’s easy to find participating lenders. The SBA’s website — sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match — has a “Lender Match” link to help you connect to a lender near you.

The 2021 PPP is scheduled to expire March 31, but to get your application to the SBA by then, you need to act now. If you believe you are eligible, we urge you to find a lender, prepare your information and apply.

Get started now. Don’t miss out!

To learn more, or to access helpful tools and resources, please visit chase.com/ppp or ourfairshare.com.

2021-03-01T08:01:01

(BPT) – Wireless providers would love for you to believe that your lifestyle requires an unlimited stream of data. At first glance, there’s probably nothing wrong with this assumption: After all, think about how much of your day is spent on data-dependent activities like streaming video or music, or searching the internet.

But the fact is, all of these things can actually be done while using far less, and sometimes even none, of the data from your cellular plan. If your data needs aren’t really unlimited, you could save considerable money on your wireless plan with these simple tips.

Tame the video beast

Watching video on your smartphone is convenient, but it’s a data glutton. A full-length Netflix movie consumes about 1GB of data per hour in standard definition video, and up to 3GB per hour in high definition. At that rate, you’ll burn through even the most robust data package in no time.

Try connecting to Wi-Fi instead. It’s widely available, and lets you stream without using any cellular data at all, often with a faster connection. While connected to Wi-Fi, you can also download videos, TV shows or movies to your phone or SD card to watch anytime at your convenience, with no data required.

In addition, when you’re streaming video on a small screen, such as a cellphone, you really don’t need high resolution. Many apps give you the ability to change video quality settings, and therefore consume less data. For Netflix, log into your account and switch to one of three settings: low (using 0.3GB per hour), medium (which uses 0.7GB per hour) or high (using up to 3GB per hour). In the YouTube app, just tap the three-dots menu and click “Quality” to lower it.

Manage social media and streaming music

Videos have also become a standard part of the social media experience. Adjusting your settings to prevent videos from playing automatically will prevent them from eating up your data. The steps to change this setting can vary between applications. On most platforms, like Facebook, you’ll go to your Account Settings and either disable the “Autoplay” feature, or change it so that videos will only play automatically when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

All of the popular audio streaming apps offer ways to listen to your music without having to use a network connection, or even Wi-Fi. Spotify lets you download your albums and playlists right to your device. If you use Apple Music, you can add songs, albums and playlists to your library.

Try a smaller plan for bigger savings

While an “unlimited” plan may seem like an easy answer to your data needs, they can be more enticing than practical. Read the fine print: Most actually limit your high-speed data to a certain number of gigabytes per month. Once you use up that allotment, you’ll still have unlimited access, but at much slower speeds. This makes it more difficult to load pages quickly, or to stream video, even though you’re paying a premium for “unlimited” access.

Instead, take a look at a carrier like Consumer Cellular, which a offers a range of affordable choices from a talk-only 250-minute plan to 3GB, 10GB, 15GB or unlimited data options each month. Plans are also completely flexible: You can switch right up to the last day of a billing cycle with no extra fees, and you’re also automatically upgraded if you go over your data usage. That means you get the best rate for what you actually use, rather than having to carry an unlimited plan just to prevent an overage.

Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy streaming movies, listening to music and so much more while also keeping money in your pocket for things other than a colossal data plan. You can have it all, without needing an unlimited budget to do it.

2021-02-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Jeannie Finkel, Cetera Financial Group

Before the pandemic, many industries resisted the idea that work could be done primarily from home. They hadn’t fully suited up for extensive remote work. That left many scrambling last spring, and employees had to quickly figure out how to stay connected, collaborate with co-workers and show they could be productive despite working from the kitchen table or spare bedroom. This put a strain on both employers and employees alike as they struggled to adapt to a new normal.

One year later, many challenges remain, but a much greater number of companies and workers have found their stride in the remote workplace.

We at Cetera have learned a thing or two about how to help employees navigate these circumstances while continuing to do good work.

• Leaders need to be honest about challenges and keep the lines of communication open. When we increased the frequency of our all-hands meetings and set aside part of the time for open discussion, participation hit an all-time high. Employees needed an outlet for their questions and to express their concerns.
• Being flexible is crucial. There’s a need to adapt to the new rhythms of the workday, without working around the clock. If you’re a morning bird, you shouldn’t expect your colleague who works later in the day to respond quickly to the email you sent at 5:15 a.m. And she shouldn’t expect a quick response from you at 9:30 at night, knowing that is close to your bedtime.
• Managers must encourage and enable self-care. It is important to acknowledge the mental health challenges employees face under these circumstances. Remind your reports to take breaks, just as they would if they were in the office. It’s OK to run errands mid-day or go for a walk on a beautiful day. That’s also a good reminder for managers like me, who don’t always model the best work-life balance.
• Trust is the foundation. Most employees will do their job well without constant monitoring. Being clear about the expectations and building strong relationships are effective motivators for most employees and are the foundation of any accountability system.
• Digital innovation is helpful, if used correctly. Technology is a lifeline for businesses to connect with their employees, but training and support are needed to ensure effective use of digital tools for collaboration and data tracking. Digital competencies are as important going forward as industry knowledge, and making best use of the technologies at our disposal can help us to be efficient and, ultimately, find greater work-life balance.
• Hiring, recruiting and onboarding may never be the same. Now that remote work has become the norm, a job’s physical location may become less important as more candidates expect employers to accommodate a desired work environment. Nearly every “office” job will require digital proficiency and comfort with working remotely. Gauging those competencies in the recruitment process will help you find the right person for the role. Embracing remote work could even help companies broaden the pool of candidates, draw talent from other parts of the country and diversify their workforce.

By re-imagining the office — with more progressive work-from-home policies and employee well-being programs that support a better work-life balance — companies are more likely to find, and keep, employees that go the extra mile to deliver results.

We are still adapting our approach to remote work as we respond to employees’ feedback. And when our offices open up again, many of the lessons learned will continue to shape our policies and processes. It will take continued effort to provide the support and communicate the vision for what is likely to be a permanent hybrid work situation. To achieve the right work-life balance for our employees, managers and leadership will need additional training and must take time to unplug themselves.

The past year has certainly tested us, in good ways and bad. We will all need to stay resilient and continue to adapt to the new normal. One thing that won’t change in the year ahead is the need we all have for balance in our lives and the importance of self-care. Let’s get off to a good start and go for a walk today!

Jeanne Finkel is Chief Human Resources Officer for Cetera Financial Group in El Segundo, CA.

2021-02-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – Audrey is a 12-year-old girl from Arizona with a passion for fashion. She spends her free time flipping through style magazines and listening to her favorite songs. She dreams of having her photo professionally taken in a long, whimsical dress that covers the leg braces that help her stay steady.

While Audrey’s interests are not uncommon for girls her age, her life is very different due to a nervous system disorder. She is not a stranger to hospitals and is homeschooled by her family. Although her childhood has been challenging, she tries to do many of the things typical preteens like to do, including crafting, reading and dressing up in her favorite clothing.

Audrey’s wish comes true

For Audrey, being a model is the ultimate dream. She imagined getting her hair and makeup done by professionals, dressing up in a lengthy blue gown inspired by her favorite princess, and having her picture taken by photographers, just like the models in the fashion magazines she loves so much.

That’s why Audrey was overwhelmed with excitement when she learned she would be able to experience all of this in real life. In celebration of BuzzRx’s 500th wish with Make-A-Wish^® America, the company partnered with Make-A-Wish^® Arizona to grant Audrey’s wish to have a magazine-like fashion shoot in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The BuzzRx team feels lucky to be able to grant this wish,” says Shane Power, BuzzRx^® chief revenue and impact officer. “Wishes are not just nice, they’re necessary. Wishes have proven to give a child hope, joy and strength to fight against their illness.”

For her photo shoot, Audrey wore three different outfits including a beautiful, poufy blue gown, had her hair and makeup done by a team of professionals and had photos taken by a professional photographer.

Save on prescriptions and support Make-A-Wish

Audrey’s wish was possible thanks to generous support from BuzzRx, an organization that offers a free, ready-to-use Prescription Discount Card for anyone to use at more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide, including those who have health insurance. Every time a cardholder saves with the card, the company donates $1 to Make-A-Wish. This is at no cost to the cardholder and has no effect on discounted prescription prices.

To date, the company has donated $5 million to Make-A-Wish, helping to grant 500 life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To get a card, visit www.buzzrx.com/wish, text WISH to phone number 95577, or download the free mobile app. The card can be used to save up to 80% on both generic and brand-name prescriptions.

When you fill a prescription and present the card, you can feel good about saving money and helping make more wishes come true for kids like Audrey. Her wish experience, along with the stunning photographs from her high-fashion photo shoot, will provide joy and hope for her and her family for many years to come.

2021-02-24T07:55:00

(BPT) – The idea of making “extra” money is nothing new, but the ways to make money in the gig economy have evolved. For example, a recent increase in demand for restaurant delivery drivers, grocery shoppers, delivery services and other service positions allows some people to stay at home due to COVID-19. With the tax deadline approaching, those who picked up new gig economy work or took on multiple jobs in 2020 now face questions about how to file their taxes, including deciding which filing option to use.

“The pandemic brought changes to many people’s work. We know they have questions about filing with 1099s, many for the first time,” said Kathy Pickering, chief tax officer at H&R Block. “Knowing that the income reporting paperwork they receive might be different than what they are familiar with is an important component to managing this year’s tax filing. Working with a qualified tax professional can help them understand the new documents and how to navigate filing with their gig income.”

For those filing their own taxes, H&R Block’s DIY options are infused with human expertise. For more help, H&R Block Online Assist provides unlimited, on-demand chat sessions and screen share. Plus, after they complete their return it can be sent to a tax expert for a full review.

Who are gig workers, or what qualifies as gig work?

To put it very simply, the gig economy category also includes selling or reselling products and providing professional services. The work is typically done on a freelance or on-demand basis. Gig work isn’t limited to delivery and ride-share employment, which tends to be facilitated by digital platforms (apps). Gig workers may not realize, but when it comes to taxes, they’re self-employed.

What paperwork do gig workers need to file?

If the work is being done as a company employee, gig workers will receive a W-2 detailing how much they were paid, how much was withheld for taxes and any benefits they received. For these gig workers, this could be the only additional paperwork they need to file an accurate return.

If the gig worker is considered an independent contractor, they will receive a Form 1099 listing how much they earned, but not how much was withheld for taxes. Instead, these workers are responsible for paying their taxes directly to the IRS and their state revenue department. They should also make quarterly tax payments during the year to avoid a penalty. When they file their tax return, they may be eligible to deduct some business expenses, including advertising, internet service and mileage. To determine how much they can deduct, they will need to gather their receipts for eligible expenses.

In some instances, no paperwork detailing how much was earned is given to the gig worker. In that case, they are responsible for accurately calculating how much they earned, filing a tax return and paying self-employment tax if they have earnings of $400 or more.

No matter how the income is reported, myBlock app users can upload their receipts and other paperwork year-round for convenient, electronic storage, which can make filing go more smoothly. To get started on your tax return today, explore these H&R Block tax filing options.

2021-02-23T08:07:55

(BPT) – It is an indisputable fact that the COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about Americans’ daily lives, including relationships with vehicles.

While Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index found that 60% of Americans are driving every day, as opposed to only 19% in April 2020, many habits behind the wheel have shifted in light of the pandemic, too.

1) Americans are spending less money at the gas pump.

The COVID-19 pandemic quickly closed many regular driving destinations, including office buildings, schools, restaurants and retail, which in turn gave drivers fewer places to go. While the amount of driving expected over the next few months is still uncertain, the positive impact on wallets is still there: 70% of Americans say that they have spent less money on gas since the start of the pandemic.

And when they do need to fill up the tank, drivers are strategic about it. Since the pandemic, over three-fourths (77%) make a plan to get gas while running errands to limit their time out of the house.

2) There are designated errand runs — and designated runners.

Americans are also strategic with how and when they leave the house for essentials. Many are not comfortable making a quick run to the store to pick up something they forgot for dinner. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say they now save all their errands for one day or do curbside orders to limit potential exposure to the virus. Another half (53%) have a designated errand runner, so only one person must leave the house.

3) Rush hour is less rushed.

With more Americans continuing to work from home and students taking classes online, rush hour is proving less intense. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of drivers recognize that normal traffic patterns have shifted since the start of 2020. Another 65% confirm there is less traffic on their regular routes — though that largely depends on where you live. Hankook found that drivers in the Northeast saw the most significant impact on their regular traffic flow, where 71% of drivers say their daily routes have fewer cars on the road.

4) Comfort levels are shifting gears.

As a result of the pandemic, 75% of Americans are not comfortable using public transportation. However, confidence behind the wheel is down, too — just over a third (36%) say they are less confident driving since the start of the pandemic, perhaps because they aren’t doing so as often. Interestingly enough, men are almost twice as likely to say they’re less confident behind the wheel as women … 44% vs. 28%.

Additionally, people are careful about who they drive with. Two-thirds (66%) are not comfortable getting into a car that belongs to someone outside their household. Another two-thirds (63%) are not comfortable having passengers from outside their household in their own vehicle.

5) Face masks are the new sunglasses.

2020 has not just changed when and where people use their cars, it is also changing what they keep in them. Most Americans (81%) keep a face mask in their car, the Gauge found. More than half (55%) have a designated spot for it in their vehicles — be it in the glove compartment, center console, rearview mirror or the gear shift. And 72% say they have hand sanitizer in their vehicle, too.

Which of these trends will stick around and which are more temporary reactions to a tumultuous year remains to be seen. However, one thing is for certain: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted how Americans view, use and depend on their vehicles.