Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2018-08-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Technology has rapidly changed the way we live over the past 30 years. Where people once turned strictly to their televisions to watch their favorite shows or play video games, people can now access their favorite entertainment, anytime and anywhere — thanks to smart devices and a WiFi connection.

This new level of connectivity goes well beyond easier access to entertainment. For example, can you log onto a computer and get a real-time look at your energy use through your utility? If so, your home has a smart-meter — a powerful tool to help you better understand this newly connected world.

Smart meters are part of an emerging set of smart grid technologies that are transforming how electricity use is viewed and managed. Previously, an analog meter on your home measured your electricity use and, at the end of the month, a bill came in the mail. Now, smart meters communicate with the utility in real time. For you, this means easy, more immediate access to your energy-usage information, as well as the ability to take part in energy saving programs.

“Children today have the benefit of knowing that connectivity is just there whenever they want it,” said Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promote interactive learning experiences. “We can help our youth understand how this newly connected environment works for them, so that they learn to use it responsibly and have the foundational knowledge to one day lead and innovate future technology breakthroughs.”

Parents can lay the foundation in their own homes, and smart meters and their connection to the smart grid make an excellent launching point for some fun science and technology lessons.

Make the connection: For decades, parents reminded children to turn off the lights and shut the front door to save energy. Children possibly ignored those reminders, perhaps because it was too difficult to prove these things made a difference. With a smart meter and a smart thermostat installed in your home, you have an unprecedented opportunity to show the cause and effect almost instantly. With a simple login, children can now see how much energy your house uses and discover what happens when the lights are turned off and the door is closed.

Take a spin with renewable energy: One neat benefit of the smart grid is how it makes it easier for utilities to use those renewable energy options, like solar and wind, and help them become increasingly available to customers. Help children understand how sun and wind can make renewable energy with backyard experiments that are safe, easy and practically free. For example, a cardboard box, aluminum foil and sunny day are all you need to create a solar oven that cooks a pizza right in your backyard.

Get a behind-the-scenes peek: Talk to your child’s teacher or scout leader and volunteer to help organize a field trip to your local utility or have a utility representative speak in your child’s classroom. Some utilities have developed engaging teaching tools that help children understand where their electricity comes from.

One prime example is ComEd’s Smart Energy Hub Program in Northern Illinois. Thanks to a partnership with Field Trip Factory, the electricity provider has designed and developed an engaging, interactive program for students — one that cannot be duplicated in the classroom — that explains how the new smart grid system works, and how it helps everyone save energy almost effortlessly. So far, the Smart Energy Hub program has reached 6,000 families and students.

Many of the youth return from the Smart Energy Hub feeling inspired and motivated to reduce energy use at home. Be sure and use that momentum and come up with a plan the whole family can use to save energy and keep more money on hand for the fun stuff!

To learn more about ComEd’s Smart Energy Hub Program, and other engaging programs that might be in your area, explore FieldTripFactory.com.

2018-08-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – With the final days of summer upon us, now is the time to spend a few extra minutes performing a tire safety check. Here are three easy steps to ensure your tires will be ready to handle the season change and keep you and your family safe year-round.

Stay on top of your tire pressure.

Tire blowout season runs from early summer through October and both under-inflation and over-inflation can cause a tire to blow out. High outside temperatures cause the air inside tires to expand quickly and can cause over-inflation, leading to premature wear and tear or blowouts. It’s also important to not let air out of your tires while they are hot, as this could leave you with an equally dangerous problem: under-inflation.

Checking tire pressure regularly by hand or taking it to a dealership for monitoring can help prevent a tire blowout. Looking at your vehicle’s manufacturers sticker inside the driver’s side of the door or console will tell you the recommended pressure for your vehicle, and some vehicles will alert you of a change in pressure through its tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). TPMS symbols do not specify which tire needs attention, so if you’re driving when this happens, be sure to pull over to check the pressure of each tire.

Not only does checking your tire pressure prevent blowouts, it can also extend the average life of a tire by 4,700 miles and save you as much as 11 cents per gallon on gas, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Check your tire tread depth.

After a long summer of family road trips, you will need to determine if your summer tires have worn out. While obvious signs of damage such as cracks, splits and punctures can help drivers identify a problem, it’s also important to check tire tread depth on a monthly basis. If your tires are already worn down or fall below the recommended tread depth level, they may not provide the traction needed to make quick stops or could cause you to hydroplane while driving.

An easy way to check your tire pressure is to insert the edge of a penny in each large groove of a tire, with Lincoln diving in headfirst. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible (not covered by tread), it is time to replace your tire. If his head is only slightly covered, you should still strongly consider purchasing new tires. Remember that tires depend on their treads to grip, so the deeper the tread, the better the tire will be in both rain and snow as fall approaches.

Know what questions to ask when buying new tires.

Once you decide it is in fact time to invest in new tires, you should know the right questions to ask. The answers will vary depending on the region you live in and the type of weather it has. In many places driving on summer tires into the fall and winter will be unsafe. All-season tires are created to handle a wide variety of road conditions, while winter tires are better geared toward deep snows. If you are interested in the ability to drive both on- and off-road regularly, all-terrain tires may be the best option.

Additionally, asking how the tires are rated and what that rating means will tell you how long the tire tread is expected to last. The traction grade communicates the ability of the tire to halt within a shorter distance and the temperature grade lets you know how the tire will resist heat.

No matter what type of tire you choose, changing weather and road conditions means your tires need to be at their top performance to keep you and your family safe. Now is the time to inspect your tires and invest in new ones before challenging weather strikes and tire inventories start to dwindle. For those willing to beat the rush, USAA is partnering with Goodyear to offer its members a discount on a new set of tires now through Oct. 30. The 25 percent discount applies to any USAA member purchasing tires on Goodyear.com, and can only be accessed from the “My Vehicles” section on USAA.com or the USAA mobile app.

2018-08-13T07:01:02

(BPT) – No one ever said that college was cheap. In fact, many of the largest expenses have nothing to do with tuition — and no, we’re not talking about pizza.

Everything is expensive and the financial choices students make during these years will impact the rest of their lives. That’s why it pays to have a plan for the upcoming year and thereafter, both academically and financially.

Before you or your student heads off to college this semester, keep these tips from VantageScore Solutions in mind.

1. Be smart with loan applications

Student loans are a college mainstay but if they are handled improperly, that could hinder your financial future. In most cases, your applications for student loans will have only a limited impact on your credit score, but to be safe, learn all you can about any loan before applying for it. And once you do apply, consolidate your applications in the same two-week time frame to minimize any negative impact. Consolidating your applications is important because the algorithms that calculate your credit score will view that additional activity favorably as an indication that you were shopping for the best rate and account.

2. Your textbook choices could make a difference

Does buying or renting your textbooks really matter to your credit score? In short, it can. Failure to return a rented textbook or even returning it late can lead the lender to send the account to collections. If your credit report shows an account sent to collections, that item could have a negative impact on your credit score. To prevent this, either buy your books if you can or if you choose to rent, be sure to return the books on time. The ramifications of a late return could be much more severe than you would expect.

3. Build your credit history smartly

If you’re 18 and over, every college transaction is a chance to build and enhance your credit history and you should treat them as such. Pay your bills on time, especially those with your name on them, such as utilities. Limit yourself to a single credit card, don’t miss payments and avoid maxing it out. You should also try to pay off the entire balance each month to make sure your money goes to good use and you don’t waste it on interest payments.

4. Save money wherever you can

Paying those bills off will be a lot easier to do if you have the money. Making sure that you have sufficient funds starts with you setting a budget and making smart financial decisions around campus. When you set a budget for yourself make sure this budget is based on your net income (what you bring home after taxes) rather than your gross income (what you earn before taxes). This will give you a more accurate understanding of the money you have to spend. To support this budget you can also serve as a resident adviser (RA) to earn extra money and/or free room and board. And if you’re not an RA, don’t be afraid to have a roommate and to buy used books or furniture. Finally, cut down on unnecessary dining experiences by eating at home when you can. It may not be as exciting, but you’ll be thankful for the extra money.

5. Realize the decisions you make will impact your future

In most cases, the student loans you had taken out will start payments when you leave college. You needed those loans to pay your tuition bills, but they can now quickly damage your credit score if you miss a payment. Be mindful of your expenses — current and ongoing — and pay every bill in full and as quickly as you can. The sooner your loans are paid off, the sooner you can put that money toward the other things that the world after college has to offer.

2018-08-13T07:01:02

(BPT) – It’s never too late to feed your passion and discover a new career. Take, for example, Julia Child, who left OSS, the forerunner of the CIA, to become a chef; Sara Blakely, a door-to-door sales woman who went on to create Spanx; and Andrea Bocelli, a former attorney who left the courtroom for the stage to become a world-renowned singer.

While most of us might not go from spy to famed chef, there are endless opportunities to switch gears and find success. Focusing on one career in a lifetime is a concept of the past. According to several reports, Gen Xers and millennials tend to change jobs and careers more often than prior generations. Additionally, 2015 and 2016 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 6.2 million workers changed occupation groups.

New technology and flexible educational options make a career shift easier than ever, even in the legal field. Online law schools can help facilitate one’s desire to change careers, especially while working. Two attorneys who earned Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from Concord Law School at Purdue University Global, the nation’s first fully online law school, share their stories, their decisions to go back to school and what inspired them to make a career change.*

Entrepreneur With A License To Practice

Jeanilou Grace Maschhoff, a 2009 graduate, owned a talent management and entertainment consulting firm before making the switch to law. To fuel her company’s growth, she wanted to gain more business and legal knowledge; however, as a full-time working mom with few geographically accessible brick-and-mortar law schools, she had to get creative with her legal education.

“If a legal career calls to you or seems like something you want to follow, think outside the traditional path,” said Maschhoff. “I initially thought I had to do things the conventional way, but with technology and flexibility, there’s a whole new frontier to pursue law.”

Maschhoff’s creative thinking led her to an online law school. After completing her Juris Doctor degree online at Concord Law School, Maschhoff leveraged her knowledge in entertainment and worked with mentors through Concord’s incubator program to launch her own virtual law firm.

Today, her practice focuses on the beauty, fashion and fitness industries, helping those in her hometown of Southern California while living an ocean away. She’s dedicated to helping small-business owners and “mompreneurs” like her make their business ideas a reality. Using her expertise to help what she calls “CEOs of companies and households,” she counsels on an array of business and family matters.

“We’re seeing many law school graduates, like Jeanilou, move toward virtual law firms, blending their work experience with distance learning and technology to serve clients in innovative ways,” said Martin Pritikin, dean of Concord Law School at Purdue University Global. “Concord’s incubator program is designed to help people like Jeanilou break barriers and open new doors.”

Making the decision to pursue a new career later in life is the first step; but once complete, opening a business or law firm is another challenge that can seem daunting at first.“Don’t think that you have to have everything done and in place to get started,” said Maschhoff. “It’s OK to start simple. People used to spend so much time and capital getting a physical space, but today there are so many options. Just do one small thing to bring your passion to life, and it will happen.”

Process Engineer Turned Legal Consumer Guardian

In Michigan, attorney Keith Altman (JD ‘08) is recognized for taking on social media giants Twitter, Facebook and YouTube on behalf of people killed in terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, Dallas, Orlando, Barcelona, Paris, Istanbul and Nice. His expertise in complex litigation started with a degree in astrophysics and a job as a process engineer, where he honed his ability to manage and assess enormous amounts of data and documents.

Altman’s legal path started when he managed document libraries and databases for tobacco and pharmaceutical litigation specialists. His extensive knowledge and experience shifted his career path to become a testifying expert in pharmaceutical safety issues. With an overwhelming passion to protect consumers, Altman knew he wanted to take the next step and become a lawyer. However, his job kept him on the road 120 days each year.

“Concord Law School’s top-notch professors, reasonable cost and flexibility to take time off made it the only option for me,” said Altman. “I continued working while at law school, allowing me to closely link my expertise with the law — a powerful combination and differentiator for new lawyers.”

Altman encourages newly minted lawyers to find their niche and leverage it to fast-track their success. He explained, “Take advantage of your business experience and maturity, and use that in conjunction with a law degree to bring something unique and valuable that will jumpstart the next chapter of your career.”

Taking The Leap

Like many students at Concord Law School, Altman and Maschhoff have unique backgrounds, a wealth of knowledge and a distinct outlook for their future. The online school’s non-traditional path provided the flexibility, thought-provoking curriculum, and career support they needed to take the leap and shift their careers. They both see endless possibilities ahead and encourage others to follow their paths to find fulfilling new professions.

For those considering a new career in the legal industry, please head to www.concordlawschool.edu for more information on their online law degree programs.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit www.ConcordLawSchool.edu/About-Concord-Law-School/Accreditation. Concord Law School cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. These testimonials were obtained by Concord Law School. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

* Note that JD program graduates do not qualify to take the bar exam or to be admitted to practice law in jurisdictions outside of California without additional experience, education, or petition.

2018-08-03T07:01:01

(BPT) – Now more than ever, women are speaking out on a variety of issues, from social inequality to inadequate representation to harassment, but there is one thing that’s still taboo: money.

In order to get a better understanding of how millennial and Gen X women think, feel and act when it comes to money, Visa commissioned LRW to conduct a national survey to learn about the attitudes and behaviors regarding money in today’s world, spanning the subjects of family, work, friendship, relationships and self. What they found might surprise you:

* Millennial women are nearly 3x more likely to talk about their sex lives than their salaries.

* Millennial women are 2x more likely than previous generation to prioritize getting ahead in their career.

* Only 34 percent of millennial women have negotiated for a raise or higher salary.

* 89 percent of millennial women think it’s more expensive to be a woman (and 63 percent of men agree).

* Only 43 percent of millennial women expect men to pay on the first date while 60 percent of millennial men do.

Here’s a deeper dive:

Millennial women’s values and feelings about money are evolving.

The majority of women say that to them, money means security. However, millennial women are more likely than their Gen X predecessors to also have more empowered perceptions of money. Millennial women look beyond security and perceive that money represents success, happiness, power and independence. This suggests that women’s relationship with money is changing.

Millennial women feel more financial pressure and stress than millennial men.

When asked to agree or disagree with the statement: “Currently, I am living paycheck to paycheck,” the majority of millennials, both men and women, agreed. But even when women are at the same income level as men, they are more likely to feel like they’re just getting by. They also experience more negative feelings about their relationship with money than do millennial men.

* 58 percent feel guilty spending on themselves.

* 54 percent feel judged when talking about large purchases.

* 75 percent of women are worried they don’t make enough money.

Millennial women put more emphasis on financial success.

While women often rank spending time with family as their top life value, financial and professional success are becoming increasingly important factors for younger women. Millennial females are more likely to value making money and career advancement than female Gen Xers, and their values are moving closer to the mix of priorities shared by millennial men.

* 62 percent say they would never quit their job, no matter how much money their partner earned.

* 61 percent say they are focused on reaching the top in their careers.

* 52 percent of millennial women have been putting off kids to save more money.

The top barrier to women asking for a raise or promotion is being uncomfortable asking.

Some things have yet to change, from one the generation to the next. It was true of boomer women and it’s still true today: millennial women are asking for raises and promotions more than Gen X women, however they are still less likely to ask than men because they’re uncomfortable doing it.

* 55 percent of women vs. 29 percent of men feel anxious when asking for a raise.

* Only 10 percent of millennial women have told their salary to a coworker but 48 percent want to know what their coworkers make and 36 percent believe salary should be completely transparent.

* While 2 in 3 women believe there is a gender pay gap in society, only 1 in 3 believe there is a pay gap at their workplace.

But when millennial women do ask for a raise, they come prepared. They research average pay, read advice online, prepare a list of accomplishments, and consult with coworkers, friends and family.

Millennial women talk about everything with friends, but money seems to be the last taboo.

They are more likely to talk to their friends about weight, relationship issues or their sex lives than they are to discuss money. Only 27 percent talk to their friends about salaries, as opposed to the 84 percent who talk about their kids. Furthermore, women’s payment etiquette with friends is to be generous and avoid awkwardness.

* 74 percent of millennial women don’t mind treating friends without expecting anything in return.

* 60 percent of millennial women feel uncomfortable asking their friends to pay them back.

Bottom line: Millennial women have a negative relationship with money in comparison to men, feeling guilty or judged for spending, and worse off, for being money savvy. Changing this relationship is no simple task, but tossing out the taboo against discussing money is a great place to start.

To join the conversation, or read additional results from the survey, visit https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/money-is-changing.html.

2018-08-01T08:33:00

(BPT) – Some experts estimate that as many as 80 percent of Medicare beneficiaries choose to stay in a Medicare prescription drug plan (“Part D plan”) that doesn’t match their needs. Studies show that these individuals could benefit from cost savings and better coverage by taking the time to select a different Part D plan. If you decide to evaluate your Part D coverage, here are some common hazards to avoid along the way to finding the plan that’s best for you.

Hazard 1: Getting distracted by premiums

Cost may be the determining factor in many of your purchases. However, when shopping for a Medicare prescription drug plan, cost, or specifically the plan’s monthly premium, should be only one of the factors to consider. If you’re a person who takes only one or two prescription drugs, you may opt for a lower-premium Part D plan. However, if you take three or more medications, you may need more comprehensive coverage, which may result in your considering a higher-premium plan. Always evaluate your overall annual cost for the plans you are considering.

Hazard 2: Failing to check if or how your drugs are covered

Your Medicare Part D plan will include a list of covered drugs called a formulary. Be sure you check if your prescribed drugs are on the list and, if so, how they are being covered by the plan you’re considering. Remember to check the copay for each medication, which will vary from one plan to another.

Hazard 3: Forgetting to look for a plan that offers preferred pharmacies

Plans that provide a preferred pharmacy network offer cost savings to members. Checking the local preferred retail pharmacies within the plan’s network that you’re considering may offer you the greatest retail pharmacy savings. Plans that offer mail delivery in their preferred network for medications you use regularly provide the convenience of having them delivered right to your door. Mail delivery may offer more savings than what you would get at a preferred retail pharmacy.

Hazard 4: Selecting a plan without checking the stars

Remember to check each plan’s Star Ratings before you make your choice. The plans are ranked from one to five stars based on criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, such as customer service and quality of care offered to a plan’s members.

Hazard 5: Detouring from your roadmap

By staying informed and doing your research early, you can prepare and follow a roadmap to help you reach the desired destination: the Medicare Part D plan that’s right for you. Avoiding detours along the road could save you money on next year’s plan, which will help you remain on the medications you use by providing coverage that best meets your needs.

Learn how to prepare for the road ahead before the start of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) by visiting roadmapformedicare.com.

2018-07-20T11:01:01

(BPT) – Many companies, large and small, are now offering work-from-home options. In the past decade, an increasing number of firms are offering the choice, whether it’s a full-time opportunity, or a side benefit employees can use one or more times a week. According to the 2017 State of Telecommuting Report, 3.9 percent of U.S. employees work from home at least half the time. That’s a whopping 115 percent increase since 2005.

Letting employees work from home has many benefits. It can save money on overhead costs. Without commute times and distractions getting in the way, telecommuting lets employees begin the workday earlier and get more focused work done at home.

Surveys show that companies that offer work-from-home options see a positive effect on employee retention, plus they find employees return to work sooner after an illness or surgery, according to Global Workplace Analytics. Both of these things can have a positive effect on a company’s bottom line.

Whether your goal is to let people work remotely all the time, or give employees the option to telecommute a few days a week, it requires thought and planning so you can avoid productivity pitfalls and security breaches. That means offering the right systems and tools that can replicate the systems used in the physical office space. Before you begin planning, here are key considerations.

1. Set and define expectations

Setting expectations is an important first step. For example, define which employee interactions call for a more personal method of communication. Brainstorming sessions and monthly check-ins, for example, may be better suited for video conferencing, while electronic messaging may be fine for updates, quick questions and other day-to-day interactions.

2. Don’t leave security to employee promises

It’s crucial to take steps to guard off-site devices against cyber thieves, so they don’t gain access to sensitive company or client information. Relying on data policies alone has its limitations because the risks of working in an unsecured network are not always understood or fully appreciated. The more reliable remedy is to use a data protection solution. This not only encrypts data on all devices, it lets you stay in control of who can access this information.

3. Keep access to files easy and secure

One of the problems with telecommuting is when devices malfunction, break down or are lost or stolen, important files can get lost or damaged. This destroys any productivity gained and, again, risks sensitive information getting into the wrong hands. Cloud-based solutions keep documents off individual devices by giving employees a secure portal to files and software. Because these cloud solutions are web-based, accessing these can be as easy as opening a web browser and entering a user name and password.

4. Make sure employees have the tools they need to get their job done

Depending on the profession, PC setups at home must vary to suit a worker’s needs. Employees such as designers or engineers, who spend their days coding and creating content, need more powerful systems with the appropriate applications, storage and performance, while professionals who travel consistently from their home office to client presentations and coffee shop meetings require a more versatile and mobile device, such as a laptop or 2-in-1.

No matter the role or responsibilities of today’s work-from-home employees, a PC setup is not complete without a full complement of high-quality computer accessories and peripherals. Busy professionals can comfortably multi-task with the addition of dual displays, as well as leverage a mouse, docking station and keyboard, to enable a fully productive and efficient work space.

5. Open the lines of communication

Work-from-home jobs that require time on the phone with colleagues and clients may need a more robust voice communication system than using their personal mobile devices. A voice over internet protocol (VoIP), for example, gives you multiple ways to let remote workers easily establish voice (and video) communications. Whether they need to transfer a call, hold a video conference or have a conference call, VoIP offers a seamless way to bring people together across the miles.

Now that you have the fundamentals of building a good work-from-home system, you’ll be on your way to offering a popular workplace benefit that won’t compromise security or productivity. For more on how you can enable remote work for your business, contact Dell and find out how smart, secure tech can empower your company.

2018-07-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Just as everyone is settling into summer, parents around the country suddenly realize that the start of another school year is right around the corner. The back-to-school season seems to start just as the last school year ends! This year, rather than getting caught off guard, be prepared with some tips to reduce mental and financial stress.

Create a back-to-school budget

Most parents believe that school costs are increasing and 70 percent of them create a budget to better manage these rising costs, according to a Coinstar back-to-school survey. When making a budget, consider required school supplies and clothing as well as additional costs that may be incurred throughout the school year for activities such as a science fair or field trips. If your child participates in music or sports, be sure to add these anticipated costs into the budget, too.

Take a bite out of back-to-school costs

Get creative to reduce stress and the strain on household finances. For example, collect spare change from around your home and bring it to your local Coinstar kiosk to convert it to cash or a no-fee eGift card. You’ll be surprised how quickly this can add up to offset expenses. Then, try shopping at second-hand or discount stores for items like a gently used backpack or discounted coats. Finally, check out community sites like Nextdoor, which can be a great resource to find used items or provide an opportunity to swap musical instruments, sports equipment or clothing with neighbors.

Begin back-to-school shopping early

You don’t want to cut your summer short, but waiting until the last minute to shop can cause unnecessary stress. Make a list of essentials, including school supplies and clothing, and start shopping early to take advantage of better selection and sales. What’s more, you’ll beat the pre-school shopping rush. While most parents report shopping at big-box retailers for back-to-school, consider online shopping as well for price comparisons and added convenience.

Shopping alone may keep you on budget

The majority of parents prefer to shop with their children for back-to-school supplies and clothing. However, about half of parents who responded to a Coinstar survey said that they spend more when shopping with their children compared to only one-third who exceed their budget when shopping without kids in tow. Therefore, consider going it alone and stick to a list to stay within your budget.

Mentally prepare for back-to-school

Summer vacation is a great time for families to relax and take advantage of the long days. Pushing bedtime to a later hour and sleeping in is the summer norm. To prepare yourself and your kids for the new school year, start your evening and morning routines a couple of weeks early so everyone can adjust. You want your kids to be well rested and ready to go on day one. It’s also a good idea to talk with your children about the new school year so that you can understand their mindset and address any potential worries or concerns.

For more information about turning your coins into cash or a no-fee eGift card, visit www.coinstar.com today.

2018-06-28T07:01:01

2018-06-26T14:01:00

(BPT) – LinkedIn reveals what company culture means to employees, and the factors companies must prioritize in order to win the talent war.