Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-10-23T08:21:00

(BPT) – Enticing workers to return to the office after months, or even years, of working from home or in a hybrid model is proving to be tricky for some businesses. Incentives to return to the office have been met with mixed reviews, but there’s one perk that may prove to be very worthwhile — allowing employees to bring their pets to the office.

Research sponsored by Purina has shed light on the many benefits that dogs can bring to the workplace. The University of Lincoln study, which surveyed nearly 750 employees, found that bringing dogs to work can have positive impacts on employee well-being, job satisfaction, and workplace culture. The study reported that employees who often take their dog to work report 22% higher satisfaction with their working conditions, revealing four key reasons to include Fido (or Fluffy) in the office culture:

Better Work Engagement

Contrary to the belief that taking dogs to the office could be distracting, the study found that individuals who often or sometimes brought their dogs to work were more engaged with their work than those who never did. Specifically, those who often brought their dogs to work showed higher levels of dedication, absorption, and total work engagement.

Reduced Turnover

The study found that individuals who often brought their dogs to work had significantly lower intentions to leave than those who sometimes or never brought their dog to the office. This suggests that having dogs at work could increase employees’ loyalty to their organization and reduce the risk of turnover.

Stronger Relationships

The study also found that bringing dogs to work could increase employees’ friendship acuity. Individuals who often brought their dogs to work reported significantly higher friendship acuity than those who never did. This means that having dogs at work could help employees build stronger relationships with their colleagues.

Higher Quality of Work Life

Finally, the study found that bringing dogs to work could significantly improve employees’ work-related quality of life. Individuals who often brought their dogs to work reported higher levels of general well-being and a better home-work interface than those who sometimes or never did.

While the research provides solid evidence that bringing dogs to work can have significant benefits for both employees and organizations, there are also benefits to the dogs. Dogs left alone for long periods of time can suffer from separation anxiety and lack physical and mental stimulation. By having the dogs in the office, it can release stress for both the owner and the pet, strengthening their bond.

It is important to note that the benefits of having dogs at work may vary depending on the organizational culture, the type of work, and the specific needs of employees. Therefore, organizations should carefully consider the pros and cons of having dogs at work and implement policies that are in the best interest of their employees and the organization.

The pet experts at Purina, which has welcomed dogs and cats to its St. Louis headquarters for more than two decades, has put together a free toolkit to help create pet-friendly workplaces.

2023-10-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – With the holiday season approaching, the days get shorter, the air feels crisper, and our focus shifts to joyful gift-giving and get-togethers. Whether it’s hosting a festive feast for friends and family, finding that perfect gift for a coworker, or decking the halls, the season features plenty of special memory-making moments.

But with economic uncertainty and steep costs of living impacting the average American, prioritizing these moments can be easier said than done. According to a September 2023 CNBC survey, more than half (55%) of households earning $50,000 or less said they’re feeling the impact of the economy on their personal finances. That number jumped to 61% for households earning between $50,000 and $100,000, according to the survey, but one thing is clear – Americans are looking for ways to make their money go further.

This holiday season, you don’t have to miss out on shopping for the moments that matter most. These tips will help you become the ultimate holiday smart shopper and stretch your budget further:

Make your list and check it twice.

With major retailers rolling out deals earlier each year, having a ready list and checking it twice means you’re able to jump on some of the best prices of the season.

Once you decide who you want to give a gift to this year, set a firm limit for how much you’d like to spend on holiday gifts, décor, and experiences. The earlier this is in place, the more time you give yourself to shop sales, compare prices, find coupons, and eliminate costly last-minute impulse buys or paying a dreaded rush-shipping fee in late December.

To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your holiday buck, start price watching the items on your list to determine the best time to buy. PayPal Honey’s Droplist feature allows you to add items you’re interested in to a watchlist and get automatically notified if their price drops, so you can buy at a lower price.

Regardless of when you check out, you can almost always find ways to save. PayPal Honey’s desktop and mobile browser extensions automatically search for and apply available coupon codes and cash back¹ offers at checkout, helping you find some of the best deals on your holiday purchases.

Spread out your budget with flexible payments.

Managing your holiday shopping budget requires a well-executed plan, which not only includes who’s on your list, but also how you’re paying for everything. Flexible payment solutions like PayPal Pay Later offer a smart, simple, and secure way to spread payments out over time so you can make space and budget for the moments and memories that will endure well beyond the season.

When checking out with PayPal, shoppers can choose to break up the cost of the purchases – either dividing the cost into four interest-free payments with Pay in 4² or for larger purchases ($199 to $10,000), selecting Pay Monthly³ and breaking the total cost into monthly payments over a longer period of time.

Earn rewards, maximize cashback, and level up your shopping.

One of the best ways to become a savvy holiday shopper is by earning (and maximizing) your rewards and not leaving any cashback on the table. A great starting point? Simply opening the PayPal app.

With PayPal Rewards¹, you can discover cashback and rewards in the PayPal app that can help you stretch your budget for all your holiday purchases. Even better, you can also stack credit card points on top of existing deals you find in the PayPal app. For example, if you shop with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®, you’ll earn 3% cashback⁴ when checking out with PayPal in addition to any other rewards you earn while shopping in the PayPal app.

Reward stacking indicates you’ve leveled up, so welcome to holiday shopping expert status! But there’s one more tip that can help you save big this holiday season.

Find fellow gift-givers to go big!

Have a friend or family member eyeing an expensive gift? You don’t have to blow your budget to make their holiday wishes come true. For gifts that cost a little more, consider coming together with other gift givers to purchase. For example, you can divide the cost of higher priced electronics with your parents for your sibling’s gift or ask your friends to chip in on elegant new holiday tableware that can rotate with each year’s Friendsgiving dinner host.

You can use PayPal or Venmo to go in on larger gifts with friends and loved ones. It’s easy and free to set up an account on PayPal or Venmo, and they both offer a simple, secure way to send or receive money.

Don’t let budgeting woes or long shopping lists dampen your cheer this holiday season. These tips will transform you into a holiday power shopper, enabling you to stretch your budget and find the perfect gifts. With careful planning and strategic decision-making, you can focus on what matters most: spending time with loved ones, sharing gifts, and creating one-of-a-kind holiday memories.

1. Eligible items only. Redeem points for cash and other rewards. Terms and exclusions apply.

2. Pay in 4 is subject to approval. Eligibility varies by state. CA: Loans made or arranged pursuant to a CA Financing Law License. GA: Installment Lender Licensee, NMLS #910457. RI: Small Loan Lender Licensee. NM residents: Find more disclosures related to Pay in 4. Learn more at paypal.com/payin4.

3. Pay Monthly is subject to credit approval. Fixed APR is 9.99-35.99% based on your credit. Rates as low as 4.99% from time to time. Terms may vary based on the purchase amount. Offer availability varies by state, merchant, and purchase amount. The lender for Pay Monthly is WebBank. PayPal, Inc. (NMLS #910457): CT Small Loan Licensee. RI Loan Broker Licensee. VT Loan Solicitation Licensee. Learn more at paypal.com/buynowpaylater.

4. Applications are subject to credit approval. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Purchases are subject to credit approval, and the PayPal Cashback Mastercard must be used for payment. See Rewards Program Terms for details and restrictions.

2023-10-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re just beginning your financial journey, it might feel overwhelming. Finances are one topic many are unwilling to talk about, leaving you on your own to figure out basics like budgeting, building your credit score or negotiating your first salary.

To help young women develop skills so they won’t have to sweat the stress, Secret Deodorant has gathered resources and partnered with financial experts to provide young women the tools they need not just to survive, but thrive. Through their “No More Financial Secrets” initiative, Secret Deodorant is offering free resources, and tips from a diverse group of financial experts at Secret.com/MoneyMoves.

One of these experts is Carmen Perez, creator of the MUCH budgeting app, which helps individuals manage their money and paychecks.

“While finances may seem intimidating when you’re just starting out, remind yourself how far you’ve come,” said Perez. “Don’t be afraid to face finances head on, talk to trusted people and use resources available to you.”

Here are some tips to help empower you on your journey to financial wellness.

Get a clear picture of your finances

While the word “budget” can sound scary, it just means making a plan for how to best use your money. You need to understand your financial picture before planning where you want to go. It begins with two steps: know how much money is coming in (what you earn) and how much is going out (tracking all your spending). Budgeting apps can help you get started.

“Always make sure your needs are being met before spending on wants,” Perez recommended. “If you spend more than you earn, you’ll need to make some changes, or you could end up in debt.” If you find yourself in a situation where you have more bills than income, your first focus should be on increasing your income. Increasing your income could look like taking on a side hustle temporarily, learning a new in-demand skill, asking for a raise, or changing jobs to get a bump in pay.

After tracking your spending for a few weeks, you’ll see areas where you could cut back. Some costs are essential (like rent and utilities, food and debt repayment), but other areas may be possible to trim, like going out to eat and non-essential purchases.

How to build your credit score

Having a good credit score makes it possible to open new credit cards or get loans, to buy a car or home — and can even impact your ability to rent an apartment. From a lender’s point of view, a good credit score means you’ll be reliable when paying your bills.

To build a good credit history, you need to use credit (make occasional purchases on a credit card), then pay your bills on time every month (preferably in full). You shouldn’t use over 30% of your available credit, so if a card is maxed out, it’s time to pay down debt more aggressively.

“Building a good credit score takes time,” advised Perez. “But the habits you need to get a good credit score, like paying bills on time and not over-using credit, are financial habits that will benefit you throughout your lifetime.”

Use your digital calendar or a bill payment app to help you monitor due dates so you don’t miss payments, because even one late payment on a credit card can negatively impact your credit score for years.

Negotiating your first salary

Negotiating your first salary can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a crucial part of the job process. Start by researching the typical salary range for your position in your area. Understanding your own value is key; think about what skills and experiences you bring to the table.

Be prepared to describe the skills, knowledge and experience that make you a valuable employee and do your research! Understanding the salary range for the role and what types of salary packages are common for someone with your level of experience will help you during the negotiation period. If the offer seems low, ask about other benefits, which can be part of your overall compensation package. If your skills meet or exceed the requirements of the position, it’s reasonable to ask for 10-20% more than the initial offer.

Remember, they are expecting you to negotiate and you don’t have to accept the job offer immediately. Tell them you’d like to take a day or two to consider it, then take time to weigh the pros and cons, and consult trusted friends or family members.

“Talking about salaries and money can seem uncomfortable, even with good friends or relatives,” added Perez. “But discussing your offer with others who’ve been through similar situations is very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you’re dealing with new circumstances.”

Developing the ability to achieve your financial goals is within your reach. Visit Secret.com/MoneyMoves to access free educational resources and tips to help you on your financial journey.

2023-10-23T07:31:00

(BPT) – You might not realize it, but just about everyone you meet is a gamer, no matter their age. According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), 65% of Americans play video games regularly, and the number of people over 45 who play them is about the same as those under 18.

Mobile games of skill that bring the fun anytime, anywhere are a large factor in that growth. While you may not have heard of skill games, chances are you’ve played a few; games like Chess, Solitaire, Atari Breakout and others that rely on the player’s skills as opposed to chance, all fall into the category. The genre’s popularity is only expected to continue: according to Forbes Business Insights, the skill-based gaming market is expected to grow from $35.61 billion in 2023 to $85.34 billion by 2030.

A major player in the category is WorldWinner. A pioneer in the category with over two decades of experience with skill gaming, WorldWinner is a recognizable and trusted brand in the space. The platform’s parent company, Game Taco, recently announced they are taking on WorldWinner as their consumer brand name. Recently recognized as one of the top players in the skill gaming category by Fortune Business Insights, the company is likely to keep dominating the competition under the WorldWinner name and the leadership of newly appointed CEO Nancy MacIntyre.

Proven results from a driven entrepreneur

Named to the position of CEO in May, MacIntyre has been with the company since 2021. During her time as General Manager, MacIntyre changed the way the company went to market to drive user engagement. Improvements driven by MacIntyre include a major revamp to WorldWinner’s tournament programming, the creation of innovative new games and a new “Rookie Rewards” program for new players. These efforts, among others, helped double WorldWinner’s userbase and triple its amount of entry fees.

MacIntyre was also part of the team who helped execute a partnership with FanDuel, a first-of-its-kind industry collaboration between a skill-gaming and sportsbook/daily fantasy sports company. Together, the companies developed and launched FanDuel Faceoff. The mobile-based skill gaming platform allows players to use their existing FanDuel accounts and wallets to jump right into the action with a whole new portfolio of skill-based games.

“FanDuel partnered with Game Taco (now WorldWinner) over two years ago to extend FanDuel’s offerings to include skill gaming and give our customers an entirely new experience,” said Aaron Champagne, General Manager and Vice President of DFS, Faceoff and Free to Play at FanDuel. “We appreciate our partners at Game Taco’s deep experience in delivering meaningful, innovative game experiences to all segments of consumers; it has been essential to making FanDuel Faceoff a success. The WorldWinner team understands the skill gaming customer and has helped us grow engagement and give our customers even more to enjoy.”

A creative leader for a creative company

MacIntyre is no stranger to innovation or the spotlight, having worked as an executive at globally recognized companies including Hasbro Interactive, Lucasfilm and LeapFrog. She also founded and led Fingerprint, an entertainment company for kids that was eventually acquired by Sandbox Kids. During her tenure, MacIntyre grew the company through inventive, new practices that have since become mainstream.

MacIntyre faced and solved many challenges at Fingerprint, which was initially launched into a crowded app marketplace. To stand out, she created a product experience for children that would deliver games, books and music all in one application that was sold direct-to-consumer through mobile carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile and hardware leaders like Samsung and Gateway. Fingerprint was designed as a completely safe, walled-garden experience that parents could trust and kids would love.

Much like MacIntyre, WorldWinner has always been committed to understanding and growing with its userbase. Founded in 1999, the company pioneered cross-platform skill-gaming and now boasts a loyal user base that has spanned 20-plus years. Since its inception, WorldWinner has had over 34 million users who have played over 4 billion games and competed in more than 1.6 billion cash tournaments, with an average of 5 million tournaments played monthly. To date, WorldWinner has awarded users over $2 billion in cash prizes.

The rise and future of mobile-based skill games

MacIntyre credits her ongoing success to understanding the customer and what motivates players, especially on mobile. Much like the skill gaming market, the mobile app market is set to grow significantly through 2025 and is projected to reach $270 billion. According to YouGov, 42% of American adults play at least one hour of mobile games per week.

Mobile games also attract a more diverse user base. Mobile game users don’t necessarily identify as gamers in the traditional sense but enjoy “killing time” with mobile games. These casual players will be key in growing the mobile game market.

“Mobile is an integral part of our lives and what we do for entertainment; everyone has a device putting everything right at their fingertips all the time,” said MacIntyre. “In the mobile space, we’re competing not just with other games but also music, videos, social media, you name it. As a result, you can no longer succeed just by creating a great app — the mobile experience also must give consumers what they want and that’s connection.”

2023-10-20T16:33:00

(BPT) – Physical fitness is important as you age, improving strength, flexibility and balance. Research shows that your morning stretch, daily walk or weekly fitness class is doing more than just helping your body feel its best; it’s supporting your brain health, too.

Staying physically active can help older adults maintain — and even improve — mental function, while lowering the risk of developing chronic illness. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, regular exercise can reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia by approximately 30%, and for Alzheimer’s specifically, that risk can be reduced by 45%.

In addition to risk reduction, exercise can be beneficial for seniors who are currently experiencing cognitive issues. Physical activity is a common part of treatment plans for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and can help dementia patients manage and potentially reduce symptoms.

One exercise program with something for every ability is SilverSneakers, a fitness program available at no cost to Medicare Advantage members in participating health plans to stay physically active, socially engaged and mentally sharp. The program has been serving people aged 65 and older for more than 30 years.

It is never too late to start exercising

Even if you start a workout routine later in life, the benefits to your brain and body are abundant. Talk with your doctor about beginning physical fitness and consider options of interest that are available to you. Exercising with friends or joining a fitness class designed for older adults can help you feel comfortable while trying something new.

Sims Corbett is a SilverSneakers instructor who is passionate about senior fitness. One of her favorite things about her job is helping older adults discover a passion for exercise and physical activity, even if they’ve never set foot in a gym before.

“Members have access to thousands of gyms, in-person and virtual classes, and platforms designed to foster social interaction and mental well-being, which becomes even more important with age. As an instructor, I see how regular exercise can benefit everyone, at every age,” said Corbett.

SilverSneakers offers our members access to more than 22,000 participating locations with 100+ weekly live virtual classes and 45,000 virtual programs focusing on balance, fall prevention, strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health and much more.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is underway through Dec. 7 so now is a perfect time for seniors to choose a plan that offers benefits like fitness. For more information and to check eligibility, visit getsilversneakers.com.

Senior workout inspiration

If you want to start exercising, Corbett recommends choosing activities you will enjoy. “Fitness should be fun. I encourage seniors to take a moment to think about what they have enjoyed doing in the past and what has piqued their interest over the years. Did you take dance classes growing up? Love to swim? Have you always been curious about yoga? We’re all more likely to continue doing something that we enjoy.”

Some SilverSneakers classes that are good for the body and mind include aerobic classes like Cardio Interval, Walk Strong and Line Dancing. These classes can help patients manage and reduce symptoms related to cognitive functioning.

When you start, you might decide to exercise with a partner or in a group, which can add a fun social element while keeping each other accountable. However, this is not essential, and even if you exercise alone at home as your schedule allows, you’ll reap many benefits.

While fitness classes are great for guided exercise and making new friends, remember that activities like walking, biking or even household chores like gardening, vacuuming or playing with the dog are all good options for moving the body. All movement — even standing more — can be beneficial for physical and mental wellness.

2023-10-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every season comes with its pros and cons. Fall and winter are no exception — with the cozy sweaters, trick-or-treating, and Sunday football, we also get clunky jackets, icy roads, and fall and winter viruses. And while there are many things about fall and winter that we love, one thing is for sure: we want to avoid severe illness from viruses like flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). CDC anticipates a rise in these viruses this fall and winter, which can put a strain on our healthcare system.

But there’s good news: This year we’re in our strongest position yet to protect ourselves from the most severe complications from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Fortunately, there are safe and effective immunizations, proven treatments, and common-sense precautions we can take that will help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

While you might not be able to prevent your favorite football team from losing or your favorite sweaters from shrinking in the wash, you can protect yourself from catching a respiratory virus that will stop you from enjoying all the fall fun. Below are the top three steps you can take to protect yourself and others this fall and winter virus season.

1. Vaccinate: Make sure you and your loved ones are up-to-date on recommended vaccines (flu vaccine, the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccine or immunization).
2. Prevent: In addition to vaccination, you can take other CDC-recommended preventive actions like covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and staying home when you are sick to help protect you and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV. (Depending on your risk, you might consider wearing a high-quality well-fitting mask and opening windows to keep air moving when possible as part of these everyday preventive actions.)
3. Treat: There are treatments for some respiratory illnesses including flu and COVID-19. If you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, RSV, or COVID-19, talk to a healthcare provider about what to do if you get sick and follow their treatment advice.

Stay protected against viruses to make the most of this fall and winter season. Learn more about which vaccines are right for you and additional details on how to stay safe this season by visiting cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses.

2023-10-19T08:31:00

(BPT) – Cyber security risks are higher than ever before. The latest IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report¹ shows that the global average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high in 2023, increasing 15% over the last three years.

No business is immune to this growing threat, and many business owners don’t know where to start to protect their business from cyberattacks.

Unfortunately, even when business owners do their due diligence to protect their assets and livelihood by choosing commercial business insurance, cyber coverage isn’t always part of the equation. “Numbers vary, but most sources agree that around a quarter or less of small businesses have cyber insurance.^2,3 Considering cyberattacks are a risk to all business types and sizes, that’s a concerningly low percentage,” says Brittney Passini, director of Product Development at Acuity Insurance.

Serious impacts of cyberattacks

The truth is, most businesses aren’t proactively avoiding cyberattacks. According to Security Magazine, a cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds,⁴ and when they occur, they can have devastating consequences.

Business impacts include:

• Unplanned expenses. Cleaning up a cyberattack requires a lot of people. Paying for IT, public relations and legal support can be costly. Companies often spend up to $100,000 to cover all costs associated with a data breach.⁵
• Operational disruptions. Repairing cyberattacks can require temporary shutdowns and shifting resources — slowing progress in other areas of the business.
• Reputational damage. Businesses may struggle to regain customer trust following a cyber incident.

Small businesses are not immune to the threat. In fact, according to a 2021 Verizon report, 46% of cyber breaches affected businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees. Even worse, of the small businesses hacked, 60% were out of business within a year of the event, according to the U.S. National Cybersecurity Alliance.² Thankfully, there are a few things you can do today to prevent future damage to your business.

How to boost your business’s cyber security

• Develop a cyber security strategy.

Your cyber security measures will be unique to your business, data and needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. To start, consider updating and patching your systems, always use secure passwords and set up multistep authentication, back up data outside of your network, and train your staff on cyber security best practices.

• Get covered.

There’s no foolproof approach to cyber security. Even businesses with well-thought-out cyber security programs can fall victim. Cyber insurance, such as Acuity Cyber Suite, includes options for identity fraud, computer fraud and attacks. Having cyber coverage can be the difference between incurring huge losses — including the entire business — and getting back on your feet if a loss occurs.

Ultimately, Passini recommends business owners combine cyber security best practices with cyber insurance to prevent incidents from happening and for protection just in case.

“Businesses can manage growing cyber-risks by having effective technology controls, sound business practices and appropriate insurance coverage,” Passini says. “Work with an independent insurance agent who understands your business and can help ensure your business is protected, now and in the future.”

1 https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach

2 https://www.fundera.com/resources/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

3 https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics#:~:text=18.,it%20until%20after%20an%20attack

4 https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/87787-hackers-attack-every-39-seconds

5 https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2019/02/28/is-your-data-in-the-cloud-its-still-at-risk-of-cyberattack/

2023-10-19T11:47:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is quickly approaching and there’s much to do! Making memories your loved ones can cherish forever involves lots of time, energy and planning. According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, gift-giving is an important factor in cultivating relationships. When researchers compared material and experiential gifts, experiences were the clear winner in improving relationships between the gifter and the giftee.

Now Walmart+ is making it simple to give your family an experience that can strengthen your bonds well beyond the season, with a new travel benefit. Walmart+ Travel allows you to book all the details of your trip in one convenient spot and get Walmart Cash. Members can use Walmart Cash toward future Walmart purchases or cash out in-store.

You can access the user-friendly travel hub, powered by Expedia, through WalmartPlusTravel.com to search travel options such as flights, hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, packages and activities. Through Walmart+ Travel, you’ll have access to more than 900,000 properties, 500+ airlines, 100+ car rental companies and thousands of activities around the world. Once your booking is confirmed, the Walmart Cash you earn will be available to use or cash out 30 days after you’ve come back from your trip. That includes:

• 5% Walmart Cash on all non-air travel like hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals and activities.
• 2% Walmart Cash on air travel.
• A blended rate for vacation packages that includes 2% for air travel and 5% for hotel, car rentals and activities.

To learn more, visit Walmart.com/Plus/Travel-Expedia.

When travel and convenience collide

Just in time for the holidays, Walmart+ members can book hotel stays through WalmartPlusTravel.com and receive double the Walmart Cash for a limited time. That’s 10% back in Walmart Cash on any hotel bookings you make between Oct. 19 and Nov. 3, for stays through the end of 2024!

Convenience and sales during the holidays and beyond

Remember, your Walmart+ membership isn’t just useful for holiday travel. During the holidays, you can use your membership to have groceries, decorations and presents delivered straight to your home or pick your items up on the way to Grandma’s house for a holiday get-together. Whether you have loved ones near or far, you can have their presents delivered to their doorstep without loading down your car or suitcase.

You can also enjoy unlimited free delivery from stores, free shipping on Walmart.com purchases, returns from home, member savings on fuel at more than 14,000 Exxon, Mobil, Walmart and Murphy stations across the U.S., use of mobile Scan & Go, a Paramount+ Essential subscription, select ad-free streaming with Pluto TV, early access to deals and other seasonal limited-time offers.

These membership benefits create moments of convenience and joy during the holidays and beyond. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the spirit of the season you’ve created.

2023-10-19T12:39:00

(BPT) – By Martha Weaver, Retail Gift Card Association Fraud Committee Chair

It’s unfortunate, but criminals are smart and getting more sophisticated every day. With so much technology and artificial intelligence (AI) readily available, they constantly find cunning ways to prey on honest, hard-working people. Criminals use different scams to steal money in clever ways, and many use methods that involve debit and credit cards, bank accounts and gift cards.

People love gift cards, which have been the top requested gift in the U.S. for nearly two decades according to the National Retail Federation. And this holiday shopping season, gift cards will be a go-to for millions of people with positive intentions. But just like everyday people love giving, receiving and using gift cards, unfortunately so do criminals.

I am a fraud expert with the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), a nonprofit trade organization that represents the gift card industry. We have more than 100 of the world’s top brands on our roster, and our mission is to promote positive gift card experiences among shoppers — which includes working with law enforcement to go after criminals and providing shoppers like you with tools that help you spot and avoid fraud, protect yourself and report the crimes.

Here are our top gift card safety tips:

1. Gift cards can only be used at the company on the card. If you get asked to send money or pay for another service with a gift card, STOP and contact law enforcement, even if the fraudster tells you not to talk to anyone or a loved one is in trouble. No real government agency or business will ever reach out and ask you to pay them with gift cards — and you can’t pay taxes or bail money with gift cards.
2. Check gift card packaging at the store and make sure the gift card hasn’t been tampered with. Look for things like ripped or torn packaging or missing scratch-off material over the top of the PIN number. If something doesn’t look right, pick another card and show the questionable card to a store associate.
3. When you buy a gift card, keep your activation receipt as proof of your purchase. This will help make sure that, even if a criminal does get ahold of your card or card information, you can get your money back.
4. Only buy gift cards from trusted sources. If you’re offered a deal that’s too good to be true, like a big discount on a gift card, it’s likely a scam or you’re getting a fraudulent card.
5. Store your gift cards securely and don’t share gift card numbers or PINs with people you don’t know.

If you think you have been scammed or see fraud happening, contact your local law enforcement or the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or via this toll-free number: 1-877-FTC-HELP. You can also report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, visit their website or call 800-366-4484.

More information about how to have amazing gift card experiences is available at GiftCardSafety.org. You can learn more about the gift card industry at www.thergca.org.

2023-10-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – By John Clidas, Synovus Trust Company

How would things play out if something happened to you yesterday? With National Estate Planning Awareness Week upon us, it serves as a perfect reminder to ensure your affairs are in order to help you build, manage, protect and transfer wealth in the most tax-efficient way. This is especially important given the mass transfer of wealth that we are currently experiencing; according to some studies, between now and 2045, baby boomers and their parents will pass down $84.4 trillion in assets. Despite this, many Americans still need to catch up when it comes to preparing for their financial posterity. So, where to start?

Planning starts by asking yourself some of the more basic questions. For instance, if you have minor children, do you have a will in place with guardianship provisions outlined? Have you taken inventory of your assets — financial and otherwise? Who do you want to get what?

Estate planning is like airbags. By the time you find out if they work — it’s too late. To ensure control of how your affairs are handled, here are five things to consider:

1. Don’t think it’s only an issue for the wealthy. Estate planning is for everyone. Each plan is specific to the individual. For some, it’s taking inventory and titling assets and using beneficiary designations consistent with one’s wishes (bank and investment accounts, residences and other real estate, retirement plans, life insurance policies and more). For higher net worth business owners, this can take form in liquidity concerns. Is there enough liquidity to pay estate taxes? Will beneficiaries need to sell assets to pay estate taxes? Estate plans are not one size fits all.
2. Save DIYs for home projects, not estate planning. It’s important to leverage the right resources and assemble the best team to help develop your plan. As tempting as it is to grab the reins, with something this consequential it’s important to seek professional advice.
3. Attack procrastination. As much as we all wish one existed, no crystal ball can tell us our future. Start planning now to set yourself and your loved ones up for a successful transition. You need to start somewhere. Why not today?
4. Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress. It’s more important to have a well-executed plan than a perfect plan that was never established. When developing your plan, it’s important to build in flexibility so that it can still achieve your goals under changing laws. For example, in 2017 we saw the amount that each individual can transfer without negative tax consequences. This had dramatic effects on people’s estate plans. Be prepared, not perfect.
5. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Planning for events that will transpire once you’re no longer present can be daunting. By taking action now, you will be empowered to shape the course of your affairs, ensuring that the path you lay out is the road taken.

John Clidas is a Senior Relationship Manager at Synovus Trust Company serving South Florida

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