Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2018-10-24T14:15:00

(BPT) – Navigating the United States’ immigration process is not without its challenges, especially for those who are learning to speak English. From the anxiety of trying to decide whether you qualify for a green card or another visa, to navigating the various information sources and the lingering fear that something was missed, there’s always something to consider.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone, and while you’re doing your best to make sure your immigration materials are handled effectively, you must also watch out for would-be scammers.

Spotting the scams

An immigration scam can take many forms. In some cases you may receive a phone call from an individual who claims to be an immigration official. This person will then notify you that there is a problem with your immigration record — and expect you to pay to solve the issue. In another case a scam artist may arrive at your door purporting to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They will tell you they are here to serve you a warrant and threaten to deport you. Scams can be found on the web as well. In one case you may receive an email notifying you that you have won a diversity visa lottery and asking you to pay a fee to collect your winnings. In another you may mistakenly try to file your immigration paperwork through a scam website that has been set up to look like a legitimate resource but is in fact a fraud.

While the scam can look very different, the goal is always to play on the fear of losing your immigration status and use that fear to steal your money or personal information. To protect yourself and your family, Western Union offers the following tips to help you spot a scam.

Always question cash

While cash remains a viable payment option for many transactions, you should always be wary of any individual that states you must pay cash. A legitimate government agency will accept other forms of payment as well and you should always remember that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) never accepts cash.

Don’t wait to double-check

Whether you encounter a person on the phone or at your door, you should always verify the things they say. Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials and to double-check them. Contacting the Better Business Bureau (if the scammer was posing as a lawyer or another private service) or the government agency itself can help you verify if the individual who contacted you really is who they say they are.

Never pay for immigration forms

Any scenario that states you must pay for such forms is a scam. The real forms you need can be found for free on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Keep everything

Sure, it can be difficult sometimes to manage all of the paperwork, but you should make a habit of keeping copies of every single document you have related to your immigration status, especially copies of documents that have been filed or show correspondence with the government. These copies could be invaluable if a question arises later, and having them will give you peace of mind.

Extra fees do not exist

If a proposed fee seems questionable to you, it’s because it probably is. ICE will never offer to look the other way on supposed immigration violations if you pay a hefty fee. Likewise, the U.S. Department of State will not ask you for lottery fees via email.

Always alert authorities

If you feel you’ve been the victim of an immigration scam, or you’re afraid you sent money to a scam via Western Union, call the company’s hotline at 800-448-1492 to report it. Western Union may be able to stop the transaction, if the transfer has not been paid, and refund your money.

Learn more about immigration and other common scams and find ways to protect yourself by visiting the Western Union Consumer Protection Center at www.wu.com/fraudawareness.

2018-10-24T08:30:00

(BPT) – Americans will have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion.

We all get caught up in the spirit of giving, yet the most wonderful time of year is also one of the most stressful financially. But holiday spending doesn’t have to break the bank — a little planning can let you enjoy and be merry.

Here’s a checklist to get started:

Budget for big purchases

* Credit cards: Divide up the big-ticket items. Buy them across several off-season months and pay your balance in full.

* Free shipping: Some online retailers offer free shipping with orders over a certain amount. In late December, some retailers have been known to offer free shipping days with guaranteed delivery by Christmas.

* Delayed financing: Look for store credit card promotions that offer low interest rates or delayed financing on large purchases. Pay it down over time without incurring interest.

* Online tools: Struggling to budget alone? Explore online services like Nummo, which can help you consolidate your accounts and keep track of your finances.

Save with coupons and deals

* Save: There’s always the old-fashioned way of saving a little money each month throughout the year, and then spending what you’ve saved. Or save in advance for the more expensive items.

* Credit cards: Redeem credit card points for gift cards you can use for your holiday shopping; alternatively, offer up specific store gift cards as a present.

* Delayed offers: Retailers are tracking what you do online, and often if you leave something in your shopping cart, the retailer will come back with a reminder followed by a discounted offer.

* In-store shopping days: Black Friday has always been a big shopping day, so you might want to ask your favorite retailers what they have planned ahead of time. Some big-box retailers begin their Black Friday promotions on the Wednesday before, with extended store hours, and might even be open on Thanksgiving. Also, don’t forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday — your favorites stores may have the best bargains yet.

* Online shopping days: Online retailers offer significant discounts on days like Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday.

Buy now, pay later

* Credit card rates: If you are going to apply for a new card, check introductory offers for rates, balance transfer opportunities and delayed financing options.

* Store credit cards: Often when you open a card at checkout, you receive a discount on your entire purchase. Store cards also offer coupons and deals throughout the holiday season if you use your store credit card. That said, make sure not to keep a balance for long, as store credit cards can have higher interest rates.

Holiday spending still causing you stress? The experts at Nummo can help you manage, maintain and improve your financial health for the holidays and beyond.

2018-10-11T13:01:01

(BPT) – The age-old question — to own or to rent — still looms for many, and renters acknowledge that finances remain one of the top barriers to homeownership. Common homebuying myths about down payments, private mortgage insurance and credit scores are also holding renters back. Learn more about current trends among renters in this infographic.

2018-10-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Mobile, social and e-commerce platforms as well as augmented reality have infinitely changed the way consumers research and shop for the things they need. Even with all of that information, buying beauty products online can be tricky.

Whether you are shopping for something you haven’t tried before or attempting to get the best bang for your buck, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options. And unlike less personalized items, beauty products need to look and feel right for your own skin, hair and nails.

So how can you efficiently dig through the clutter to identify the products that will work best for you? Here are five tips to consider when shopping for beauty products online:

See what it looks like out of the tube: Lower prices and loyalty points are great but finding the right product online can seem intimidating when you can’t see or feel it in real life. If you can’t test a color in-store, try to find the swatch online or identify third-party tutorials showcasing application to get a more realistic view of how the product will look and perform on your skin. Some of the best tips can also be found on Pinterest or private Facebook groups specifically for beauty lovers.

Test it out (virtually): Brands using the latest technology have made it possible to try out looks without having to navigate beauty aisles. Amway’s Artistry Virtual Beauty App uses smart facial detection to guide true-to-life makeup application in real-time or on selfie photos. Android and iOS app users can test, discover and purchase products like the new Artistry Studio NYC Edition that channels inspiration from cities around the globe. The first edition captures the hustle, heart and unapologetic style of NYC with six products, from all-in-one palettes to double-duty sticks for eyes and lips, that make glam-on-the-go effortless.

Raise your hand for updates: Sign up with your favorite beauty brands and their reps to receive information and alerts on new products, sales and limited-edition collections. This way, you won’t have to worry about missing out on the latest launches or having to deal with the disappointment of finding the perfect product only to realize it’s no longer available!

Steer clear of unauthorized e-tailers: When buying beauty products, make sure to shop only from official brand channels — like brand reps, websites and apps. This will guarantee that the product you receive is new, undamaged and in good quality.

Do your research: Compare e-shops and brand sites so that you can identify a standard price. Once you determine the value, it becomes possible to eliminate stores that are unreasonably expensive. The key to finding the best deals? Purchase products you trust, and spend extra time sourcing the best price.

The options may seem limitless when it comes to searching for the ultimate beauty products online. These tips will help to make your next experience more seamless and successful.

2018-10-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – The good old-fashioned flip phone is enjoying a quiet resurgence, with sales having increased by 5 percent in 2017. While they’re not exactly poised to overtake the popularity of the iPhone, these venerable devices retain a timeless appeal for those who prefer the simple convenience of using a cellphone primarily for making and receiving calls, and with older users who find smartphones unnecessarily complex for their needs.

In fact, in a “Back to the Future” twist, most of the major smartphone makers are now working on foldable devices as the next big thing in cellphone design evolution. Having seemingly reached the limits when it comes to expanding the traditional rectangular smartphone handset, a device using two or more bendable panels to form a large touchscreen when unfolded is reportedly on the drawing boards of several tech giants, and could be on the market as soon as next year.

A practical choice

While fancy, foldable smartphones may be the future, the rugged and classic 12-key flip phone soldiers on in the present, gaining new fans for more than just its compact clamshell design. After more than a decade of smartphones integrating themselves into every aspect of our daily lives, many users are making a conscious decision to dial back their screen time and let their cellphone be what it was meant to be in the first place: a simple phone.

Then there’s the affordability. In addition to a full range of smartphones, Consumer Cellular, a leading no-contract wireless provider with a special focus on the needs of users over 50, offers flip phones for as little as $30, and wireless plans to go with them starting as low as $15 per month. If you’re on a limited budget, the savings of using a flip phone are huge, especially when compared to the cost of connecting with a flagship smartphone where the latest top-of-the-line releases come with price tags around $1,000 for the device alone.

An easy way to stay connected

As an added benefit, most flip phones today offer important features that make them surprisingly versatile. Some models can connect to the internet, though usually with limited functionality. Most include photo and video capabilities. And you can’t beat the battery life: a fully charged Doro PhoneEasy 626 from Consumer Cellular provides 16 days of power. By contrast, heavily used smartphone batteries will be drained after just 10-16 hours.

For seniors, or those with limited vision, the benefits are even greater. The flip phone’s tactile keys make it easy to find the right buttons when dialing. Many include an emergency alert button, an added safety feature which allows a user to connect with emergency contacts at the push of a single button. Flip phones even work with Bluetooth functionality, so calls can be made hands-free.

Fewer frills, fewer worries

A flip phone won’t fit the bill for everyone, especially if you’re a fan of using your phone for things like streaming movies, playing games or posting to social media. Photo resolution is less sharp on flip phone cameras than on most smartphones, and while you can send text messages, the typing process can be slow and cumbersome.

But viewed through another lens, many of these perceived shortcomings are precisely the charm for those who no longer feel the need to be plugged into their phone 24 hours a day, or have limited mobility or technical savvy. Add in the fact that flip phones are a great choice for anyone who likes having extra money in their pocket, and you can understand why they remain a popular and viable choice, even in today’s smartphone-dominated wireless world.

2018-10-05T14:09:00

(BPT) – Many options exist when it comes to investing, and the variety of choices can be overwhelming. Whether it’s stocks, capital investments or the latest investment tool, each seems to come with its own set of rules and specialized terms. But one tool stands out as simple, safe and accessible to the average consumer without a lot of bells and whistles: the Certificate of Deposit.

The relative straightforwardness of Certificates of Deposit is what distinguishes them from other investment tools. While CDs may be offered in a wide range of terms, the basic framework is the same across all CDs: An investor commits money over a certain period of time and the bank pays out a pre-determined interest rate at the end of the term.

Top benefits of CDs include:

1. FDIC insured. Regardless of market fluctuations, the principal of your deposit is guaranteed, up to federal maximums (typically $250,000 for individuals).
2. Stable interest rates over the term of the deposit. Most CDs come in the fixed-rate variety, but banks can offer variable-rate CDs, where interest is tied to the market, and adjustable-rate CDs that allow the consumer to adjust the rate of interest on the CD to match market trends.
3. Low or no fees for the investment, although there is usually an interest penalty for early withdrawal of the deposit — in general, some percentage of the already accrued interest.

In general, the returns are higher on longer-term CDs, but banks often see the value in offering short-term CDs with moderately high interest rates to educate consumers and increase participation in these valuable savings programs. Once the value of including CDs in investment portfolios is demonstrated, it’s clear why so many people choose to put a portion of their money into these types of savings accounts.

Looking for a safe place to put your money? Get more tips, and the latest rates and terms, at American State Bank, or contact your financial institution.

2018-10-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – While many believe only the wealthy need financial professionals, the truth is that hiring such key advisors may help pay for itself financially and bring you peace of mind — regardless of your economic status.

Whether you’re just starting out in your professional life or nearing retirement, an experienced financial professional can act as an important source of information, explaining options and helping steer you toward smart decisions.

Consider how these five life stages can be important times to seek professional guidance and advice about your financial future.

You’re saving for college tuition

It’s no secret today’s college costs can be astronomical, but of course most parents want to provide their children as many advantages as possible. The earlier in your kids’ lives you begin investing, the faster their college fund(s) can accrue. A professional can help decipher the best methods for helping make that happen.

You’re getting ready to retire: Now what?

Only 50 percent of Americans have socked away more than $10,000 for retirement so far, reports the American Payroll Association. But even if you’re nearing 50 and have a minimal amount in your retirement fund, it’s not too late to start building wealth for your future and preparing for how to make it last. Whether you plan for lifetime income via an annuity or opt for another savings vehicle as part of your retirement strategy, a professional can assess your situation and develop a strategy with the goal of a comfortable retirement in mind.

Your parents are aging or ill

Caring for an aging or ill parent is tough emotionally, and ambiguity or strife around finances only makes it worse. Elder care is an expensive business, and planning how to use your folks’ money to ensure they get the best possible care can be complex — especially if siblings are at odds about what to do. Talking to a financial professional can be a great way to sort that out, since their focus will be on the most appropriate use of available funds.

You’re undergoing a life transition

Marrying, divorcing, starting a family or dealing with the death of a loved one can impact your finances as well as your emotions. But in times of great change or strife, budgets and bills may be an added burden you’re not prepared to address. That’s when a session with a financial professional may ease your mind and even be a preemptive strike against future money troubles.

You want to start investing

Finding a financial professional who understands your situation and can design solutions for your day-to-day financial concerns can go a long way toward financial peace of mind, says Salene Hitchcock-Gear, president, Prudential Individual Life Insurance and Prudential Advisors. You might be tempted to DIY, but a financial professional can see the big picture and work with you to create a strategy based on your timeline, risk tolerance and goals.

Bottom line? You don’t need to be a millionaire to benefit from the services of a financial professional. But working with one just might put you on the road to setting and achieving your financial goals. For more information about building a financial future for yourself and your family, visit Prudential at www.prudentialadvisors.com.

“Prudential Advisors” is a brand name of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries located in Newark, New Jersey. Securities products and services are offered through Pruco Securities, LLC (Member SIPC).

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2018-10-02T09:11:00

(BPT) – The fall season brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. Held each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, this is the ideal time to explore health care plans so you can choose the right one to help you maintain your benefits for better health all year long.

By combining Medicare benefits for people with financial need (or on Medicaid), some applicants may be eligible to enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan — or dual plan for short — that offers additional benefits and features such as dental, hearing and vision coverage. With a dual plan, beneficiaries may also receive transportation to health care appointments and help to purchase approved health items. Most importantly, they will have someone to help them manage and coordinate their care. All of these additional benefits and features may be available at no additional cost.

However, about 80 percent of people who qualify for dual plans are unaware of this option, according to Karyne Jones, president and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging. “It’s important that everyone knows what they qualify for so they can maximize benefits to help save money and improve their health, which can help for a more secure and active future as a person ages,” she said.

DSNP basics

A Dual Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides health benefits for people with income limitations who may need extra help because of disabilities, health conditions or age. Dual plans encourage everyone involved in caring for a patient — including primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and care managers — to work together. This can help improve the patient’s health as well as their experience with the health care system.

It’s important that people who qualify know that they may be missing out on additional benefits that a dual plan can offer. Navigating health plan offerings can be challenging, so it’s important for people to understand their choices and whether they qualify for more benefits. Although requirements vary from state to state and by circumstances, an individual making less than $16,000 a year or a family of two making less than $21,000 a year may qualify.

How are DSNPs unique?

In addition to helping manage and coordinate care, dual plans offer additional benefits including:

* dental care, such as exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns and extractions;

* credits to purchase over-the-counter health products such as vitamins and first-aid supplies;

* hearing exams and access to hearing aids at a reduced cost;

* an annual eye exam and a credit for eye wear; and

* transportation to health care visits and the pharmacy.

Beyond the benefits, dual plans are designed to be budget-friendly. People who are eligible for a dual plan can usually enroll for no monthly premium.

When to enroll?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time for people to consider their health plan options and see if they qualify for a dual plan. However, people who qualify for a dual plan can enroll or switch to a new plan at certain times throughout the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare’s dual health plans, call 1-855-799-3199, TTY 711, or visit www.getdual.com. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, including DSNPs.

“More than 2 million people were enrolled in a dual plan in 2017, which represents 3 percent of all people enrolled in Medicare,” said Jones. “By spreading the word about these plans the hope is more people will enroll and take advantage of important health care benefits in 2018 and beyond.”

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

“Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.“

2018-10-01T07:15:00

(BPT) – We all know about health and dental insurance, but did you know there is a workplace benefit for everyday legal matters that occur throughout life? Choosing to see an attorney when you buy a home and need someone to represent you at the closing or when you need to handle an issue with a landlord can be a costly endeavor. Rather than trying to wade through complicated legalese on your own, or paying thousands of dollars in attorney fees, you may have access to a benefit at work that allows you to see attorneys for common legal issues.

Legal plans are offered at companies across the U.S. as a voluntary benefit you can enroll in during your company’s open enrollment period. Typically, a legal plan costs around $20 a month and is paid via payroll deductions. Once you enroll you have access to attorneys, as if on retainer, for legal advice and representation for a wide range of issues, from estate planning and real estate issues, to dealing with identity theft or elder care matters.

Here are five reasons a legal plan is a valuable employee benefit.

* 54 percent of working adults experience a legal event over the course of a year, according to MetLife research. Many people may think they don’t have legal issues, but in reality, legal issues happen every day. From getting married and needing to change your name or update your will, to buying a home, contesting a traffic ticket or settling a matter with a neighbor, a legal plan provides a wide range of assistance for many common life issues.

* Attorneys charge by the hour, and it’s not cheap. Considering the average hourly rate to see an attorney can range upwards of $300 an hour, according to a National Law Journal and ALM Legal Intelligence survey, it is unaffordable for many people to see an attorney. By enrolling in a legal plan through work, you have access to attorneys for common legal issues with no copays, deductibles or waiting periods. As long as the matter is covered under your plan, you can have an attorney represent you, review or draft documents, or just give you advice.

* You can choose from a network of experienced attorneys. As anyone who has tried to find an attorney can tell you, it’s not always that easy to find a qualified attorney for your legal matter. When you’re enrolled in a legal plan, you have access to customer service representatives who can help you find a qualified attorney to help with your legal matter. And, you have assistance throughout the process to ensure that your matter is handled and you get the help you need.

* Your whole family is covered. Similar to health or dental plans, when you enroll in a legal plan your whole family is covered. But unlike a health plan, with most legal plans you don’t pay extra to cover a spouse or your dependent children. You can use the legal plan to create wills for yourself and your spouse, or help your teenage son or daughter contest a traffic ticket or deal with a landlord issue.

* Identity theft coverage is provided at a much lower rate than most services. Most legal plans provide assistance for identity theft issues, giving you access to specialists or attorneys that can resolve ID theft issues for you. Enrolling in a legal plan that has identity theft coverage provides you with one resource for resolving matters you face, and at a much lower rate than most standalone ID theft solutions.

For more information about how legal plans work, visit www.legalplans.com/member/reviews.

2018-10-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – While office managers are often the biggest champions for keeping their offices environmentally friendly, many may not be aware that being eco-friendly now goes far beyond recycling bins and reusable water bottles.

But building a greener office is something we all have a stake in — and you can help your office manager become an even better eco-warrior. Here are five questions, courtesy of Jake Swenson, director of sustainability at Staples Business Advantage, you can ask your office manager to help encourage him or her to stay up-to-date on the latest environmentally conscious policies and products — from breakroom to bathroom.

What are we doing to reduce office waste?

Waste reduction is the cornerstone of any office’s green policy initiatives. One key way to minimize waste is to reduce the use of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, straws and cups. Instead, your office manager should consider investing in more permanent products, like real silverware and ceramic mugs. If workplaces are serious about being more environmentally friendly, office managers should also implement comprehensive recycling programs that go well beyond paper and plastic. For example, many basic components of an old computer can be reused once it is broken beyond repair, and batteries can be recycled to avoid releasing hazardous chemicals into the environment.

What types of cleaning products are we using?

It’s not just about using fewer products, but also about the products you’re using. Biodegradable, non-toxic products and cleaners have been extensively researched and many perform as well, if not better than, their less-green counterparts. And the impact of using these eco-friendly cleaners extends beyond their immediate ability to disinfect a surface — cleaning products that are free from alcohol, ammonia and phosphates are friendlier for the environment and are often much less harsh on people. If offices are not thoughtful about the kinds of cleaning products they are using, they could be using products that negatively affect the office air quality and create odor pollution.

Are we purchasing sustainably sourced, healthy snacks and beverages?

Being green can apply to office snacks, as well. For example, ethically sourced fresh produce can provide both a healthy and sustainable option, and fair-trade coffee and teas can support the environment without requiring workers to give up their morning caffeine fix. And while purchasing these kinds of products may not directly impact your office’s waste generation, eating and drinking them benefits the environment at a more macro level and may be encouraging your colleagues to shop green and healthy outside of the office.

What are we doing to conserve energy?

Reducing energy usage is one of the easiest ways that offices can become greener, and small changes in behavior can add up to big changes for the environment. By simply having the last person in the office turn off the lights each night, companies can significantly reduce energy consumption. During the day, offices should also take advantage of natural light, as this can have a real impact on your organization’s monthly power bill. Another easy way for an office to conserve energy is to remind employees to turn off their computers before they leave for the day or switch them to standby mode.

How are we encouraging employees to be green outside of the office?

Office managers have the ability to help implement environmentally focused policies that extend far beyond the walls of your office. You can work with your office manager to organize events encouraging your colleagues to participate in volunteer work centered on the environment, such as an outing to clean up local parks and green spaces. These types of volunteer-focused events are not only good for the environment; they are also morale boosting. Your office manager can also help you champion donation matching initiatives for an eco-friendly cause.

Building a more eco-conscious office doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple changes can make a big difference — now and further down the line. Opening an ongoing dialogue with your office manager regarding your company’s sustainability efforts will get you well on your way to helping your office turn over a new “green” leaf.

For more information on eco-friendly products, visit StaplesBusinessAdvantage.com.