ReportWire

Tag: money

  • 5 Reasons Managers Need to Learn to Delegate

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    One of the most important skills any manager can develop is the ability to delegate effectively. Delegation isn’t about handing off unwanted tasks; it’s about empowering others, building trust, and focusing your time on what truly drives business growth. Managers who struggle to delegate often find themselves overworked, overwhelmed, and holding their teams back from reaching their full potential.

    Here are five key reasons why learning to delegate can make you a more effective leader.

    1. It Boosts Productivity Across the Team

    When managers try to handle everything themselves, productivity suffers. Delegation ensures that tasks are spread across capable team members, allowing work to be completed faster and more efficiently. It also helps employees develop new skills and take ownership of their roles.

    Effective delegation starts with identifying who is best suited for each task. By matching responsibilities to your team’s strengths, you not only improve outcomes but also foster a sense of trust and accountability. Over time, this creates a more capable, confident, and productive team.

    2. It Opens the Door to Expert Support and Outsourcing

    Some responsibilities require specialised skills that may not exist within your current team. In these cases, smart managers delegate externally by outsourcing to trusted experts. For example, IT management and digital infrastructure are critical areas that demand professional oversight. Partnering with Cisilion, an IT company in Surrey, allows businesses to offload technical challenges to experienced professionals. From cloud solutions and cybersecurity to network management and IT support, outsourcing these tasks ensures your systems stay secure, efficient, and up to date, without draining internal resources.

    By delegating IT responsibilities to experts, you free your team to focus on what they do best, while gaining peace of mind knowing your technology is in safe hands.

    3. It Allows Managers to Focus on Strategic Goals

    A manager’s job is to lead, plan, and make strategic decisions, not to get bogged down by day-to-day details. Learning to delegate frees up valuable time to focus on big-picture initiatives, such as business development, innovation, and long-term planning.

    Delegation ensures you’re working on the business rather than constantly working in it. By empowering your team to handle routine operations, you can direct your energy toward activities that have the greatest impact on growth and success.

    4. It Builds Trust and Employee Engagement

    Delegating isn’t just about assigning work; it’s about showing confidence in your team’s abilities. When employees are trusted with meaningful responsibilities, they feel more valued and motivated to perform at their best.

    A culture of trust leads to better communication, stronger collaboration, and higher retention rates. Employees who feel empowered are more likely to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and contribute to continuous improvement within the organisation.

    5. It Reduces Burnout and Prevents Micromanagement

    Managers who try to do everything themselves often end up overwhelmed and burned out. Constantly juggling multiple tasks leaves little room for rest or perspective, which can affect performance and morale.

    Delegation helps balance workloads and prevents micromanagement. It gives team members room to grow while allowing managers to maintain focus and clarity. When everyone understands their responsibilities, projects run more smoothly and stress levels decrease across the board.

    Delegation is more than a management skill; it’s a leadership mindset. It empowers teams, strengthens trust, and creates space for innovation. When you delegate wisely, you gain the power to lead more strategically and sustainably.

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    Robert

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  • Hundreds line up for Thanksgiving meal provided by Tacoma, WA community

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    Hundreds of families packed the Tacoma Dome parking lot Thursday for a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway that organizers say grows bigger every year — and so does the need.

    The event is a partnership between Coordinated Care, Tacoma Police, nonprofits and local volunteers who come together to make sure families can still afford a holiday meal.

    The line started before sunrise, stretching across the lot as police officers, volunteers and even Seahawks legends loaded turkeys, canned goods and sides into cars.

    Why you should care:

    For many, this drive-thru giveaway is the only way Thanksgiving is happening this year.

    The sound of gratitude echoes through the makeshift drive-thru, “Happy Thanksgiving” is heard from volunteers as cars rolled forward.

    Stu DeWitt was first in line — arriving just before 4:00 a.m.

    “I thought I had the wrong day! I got here and I looked, and there was nobody here,” Dewitt said.

    DeWitt said he heard about the giveaway online and rushed out to make sure his family had a meal. He wasted no time getting in his van and heading down to the Tacoma Dome.

    What they’re saying:

    “I’m like, ‘Oh jeez, that would be great, that would really be a big answer to my problems,’” Dewitt said. 

    Organizers say the need has jumped significantly.

    “The price of a turkey is, what, $20 bucks? So think about the $20 impact that had on a family that doesn’t had very much income coming in,” said Martha Davis with the Toy Rescue Mission in Tacoma. “That $20 can be a tank of gas to get to work, it can be a bus pass, it can be cereal and milk for the children — that’s a lot they can do with that money that they would’ve spent on the turkey and the sides were giving out here today.”

    Coordinated Care, one of the main sponsors, said a total of 730 turkeys, sides and canned goods were given out. They say another round of 400 turkeys are ready to go Thursday, with another 700 expected Saturday.

    “Just the smiles on faces as we’re able to help so many,” said Andrea Davis, vice president of external affairs. “We know times are tough, the shutdown is over, but many families are still making very difficult decisions… we’ve seen the need is even higher this year.”

    Tacoma police officers worked alongside volunteers to move the line as quickly as possible.

    “We’re giving back. This is the community that supports us day-to-day,” said Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Shelby Boyd.

    Even Seahawks legends Marcus Trufant and Blitz showed up to help hand out meals.

    “I’m excited to be here,” Trufant said. “People are struggling all the way around mentally, physically and it’s really tough if you don’t have those bare essentials food, shelter  this is just a little bit to help.”

    Local perspective:

    Tacoma Police Chief Patti Jackson said events like this help rebuild trust and connection.

    “They want to get to know their police agency, and we’re responding to that,” Jackson said. “We’re here to show up, and to help all these incredible individuals. It just warms my heart.”

    Cars continued rolling through for about an hour and a half — no red carpet, just cold pavement and a long line of volunteers doing what they could to make the holiday brighter.

    “I’m very grateful,” DeWitt said. “Now this grandfather can have time with his grandkids on Thanksgiving and not be ashamed.”

    There are two more drive-thru turkey giveaways in Tacoma this weekend:

    • Saturday, Nov. 22: Eastside Community Center (1721 E 56th St), starting at 10:00 a.m.
    • Monday, Nov. 24: People’s Community Center (1602 Martin Luther King Jr. Way), starting at 6:00 p.m.

    MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

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    Lenny Wilkens, legendary Seattle SuperSonics player and coach, dies at 88

    Seattle to update street parking rates again — see what’s going up

    Rad Power Bikes faces permanent closure at Seattle site

    Seattle’s SODO housing ordinance blocked after Port of Seattle wins lawsuit

    To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

    Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news. 

    The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Alejandra Guzman.

    TacomaMoneyNews

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    Alejandra.Guzman@fox.com (Alejandra Guzman)

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  • How to Build B2B Trust in the Age of AI

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    91% of buyers don’t trust marketing today*.

    AI hasn’t just changed how we create content — it has completely reshaped how people judge credibility, authenticity, and intent.

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    LIBN Staff

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  • The Manufacturing IT Expenses Your CFO Thinks Are Fixed Costs But Should Actually Be Variable

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    Your CFO’s spreadsheet shows IT expenses as a consistent monthly line item. Software licenses: $8,400. Hardware amortization: $2,100. Support contract: $3,500. Same numbers month after month, regardless of whether you’re running three shifts or down for maintenance, whether you shipped 5,000 units or 12,000 units, whether production is at your main facility or distributed across multiple locations.

    This seems normal. IT is infrastructure, and infrastructure costs are fixed, right? Except manufacturing companies that think this way are overpaying during slow periods and underserving their operations during growth periods. The fixed-cost model for IT made sense twenty years ago. Today, it’s leaving money on the table.

    The Legacy Model That Doesn’t Make Sense Anymore

    Traditional manufacturing IT was built on ownership and fixed capacity:

    • Buy servers upfront and depreciate them over five years
    • Purchase perpetual software licenses for a set number of users
    • Pay an annual maintenance contract regardless of usage
    • Staff internal IT for peak capacity needs, even during valleys

    This model treated IT like you’d treat a building or production equipment—capital investments with predictable ongoing costs.

    But here’s the problem: your production equipment scales with production volume. Raw material costs scale. Labor scales (at least partially). Energy costs scale. Nearly every other aspect of manufacturing operations flexes with business activity.

    Your IT costs? They stay exactly the same whether you’re at 40% capacity or 110% capacity. That’s a mismatch that’s costing manufacturers money in ways that never show up clearly in financial statements.

    Where Manufacturing IT Should Be Variable But Isn’t

    Let’s look at the expenses that manufacturers treat as fixed but could and should vary with business needs:

    Computing Infrastructure

    You sized your servers for peak production capacity. During slow periods, you’re paying for and maintaining infrastructure you’re not fully using. During unexpectedly high production periods, you’re constrained by capacity you can’t quickly expand.

    Cloud infrastructure (whether public or hybrid) can scale with actual usage. You pay for what you need this month, not what you might need at some theoretical peak.

    Software Licensing

    Your ERP system has licenses for 75 users. During seasonal slowdowns, maybe 50 people are actually working. During peak production with temporary labor, you’re scrambling to share licenses or paying rush fees for additional seats.

    Modern subscription-based licensing can flex with actual user counts. Add users when you need them, reduce licenses when you don’t.

    Storage Capacity

    You bought storage arrays based on projections of data growth. Those projections are always either too conservative (forcing expensive emergency expansions) or too generous (wasting money on unused capacity).

    Cloud storage or consumption-based storage solutions charge you for what you’re actually using, scaling automatically as needs change.

    Support and Maintenance

    Your IT support contract covers all your locations whether they’re operating or not. When you temporarily idle a facility, you’re still paying for comprehensive support coverage you’re not using. When you open a new location, you’re either uncovered or paying for a contract amendment.

    The right manufacturing IT solutions provide support models that can flex with operational changes—adding or reducing coverage as facilities open, close, or change activity levels.

    Disaster Recovery and Backup

    You’re paying for backup infrastructure and disaster recovery capabilities sized for your entire operation, whether you’re running one shift or three, whether seasonal production is high or low.

    Modern backup and DR solutions can scale with actual data volumes and recovery needs, reducing costs during periods when less comprehensive coverage is acceptable.

    The Hidden Costs of the Fixed Model

    Beyond paying for unused capacity during slow periods, the fixed-cost IT model creates other problems:

    Delayed Response to Growth

    When business expands faster than planned, your fixed IT infrastructure becomes a bottleneck. You can’t quickly add capacity because everything requires capital approval, procurement, installation, and configuration.

    By the time you’ve expanded IT capacity, you may have already lost production efficiency, turned away orders, or frustrated customers with delayed deliveries—all because your IT couldn’t scale with demand.

    Reluctance to Experiment

    New production lines, pilot programs, market tests, temporary facilities—all of these require IT infrastructure. When every IT expense is a fixed capital commitment, there’s institutional resistance to trying new things.

    Variable IT costs make experimentation less risky. If the pilot program doesn’t work out, you’re not stuck with infrastructure you can’t use.

    Overbuying or Underbuying

    You either overbuy capacity (wasting money on unused infrastructure) or underbuy (constraining operations and requiring emergency expansions). It’s nearly impossible to size fixed IT infrastructure perfectly because business needs change faster than IT replacement cycles.

    Misaligned Incentives

    Your CFO is trying to minimize fixed costs, which creates pressure to underbuy IT capacity. Your operations team needs adequate infrastructure to meet production requirements. These conflicting goals lead to compromises that satisfy nobody.

    What Variable IT Costs Look Like in Practice

    Manufacturers moving toward variable IT models aren’t abandoning infrastructure—they’re structuring it differently:

    Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure

    Core systems still run on-premise for production floor requirements and data sovereignty. But capacity can burst to cloud resources during peak periods, and non-critical systems can run entirely in cloud with costs scaling to actual usage.

    This isn’t all-or-nothing. It’s strategic use of cloud resources where they provide flexibility while maintaining on-premise infrastructure where it’s necessary.

    Subscription-Based Software

    Moving from perpetual licenses to subscription models where user counts can flex monthly or quarterly. Yes, you might pay more per user annually, but you’re only paying for users you actually need right now.

    For seasonal manufacturers, this can reduce software costs by 30-40% compared to maintaining peak capacity licenses year-round.

    Consumption-Based Services

    Storage, backup, DR, and specialized computing resources billed based on actual consumption rather than fixed capacity. You’re not pre-paying for capacity you might need—you’re paying for capacity you’re actually using.

    Flexible Support Models

    Manufacturing IT solutions providers who can scale support coverage with your operational needs. Full support during production periods, reduced coverage during planned downtime, rapid scaling when you bring new facilities online.

    The CFO Conversation That Needs to Happen

    Here’s the discussion most manufacturing companies should be having but aren’t:

    Current State Analysis:

    “Our IT costs are $52,000 monthly regardless of production volume. During our slow season when production is down 35%, we’re still paying full IT costs. During peak season when we’re running overtime and weekend shifts, we’re sometimes constrained by IT capacity we can’t quickly expand.”

    Variable Cost Opportunity:

    “If we restructured 40% of our IT costs to variable models—cloud bursting, flexible licensing, consumption-based services—we could reduce IT spending by $15,000 monthly during slow periods while having better capacity to handle unexpected peaks.”

    Annual Impact:

    “Over a year, that’s $90,000 in reduced costs during slow periods, plus improved operational flexibility during peaks. We’d probably spend slightly more during peak periods, but net savings would be $60,000+ annually with significantly better operational agility.”

    Most CFOs would approve this immediately if the analysis were presented clearly. The problem is that IT expenses are rarely examined from this angle—they’re just accepted as fixed overhead.

    The Obstacles That Keep Manufacturers Locked Into Fixed Costs

    If variable IT costs are so obviously beneficial, why aren’t more manufacturers adopting them?

    Inertia and Familiarity

    “This is how we’ve always done IT” is a powerful force. The capital expenditure model is familiar, budgeted, and doesn’t require changing anything.

    Misunderstanding of Cloud Economics

    Some manufacturers tried cloud solutions, saw that per-unit costs were higher than owned infrastructure, and concluded cloud was more expensive. They didn’t account for the flexibility value or avoided costs of unused capacity.

    Control Concerns

    There’s comfort in owning infrastructure. Moving to consumption-based or cloud models feels like losing control, even when it actually provides better operational flexibility.

    Incomplete Analysis

    Most financial analysis compares total annual costs under different models but doesn’t account for the business value of flexibility, faster scaling, or avoided costs of overcapacity during slow periods.

    IT Department Resistance

    Internal IT staff sometimes resist variable cost models because they reduce the empire and change job responsibilities. This isn’t universal, but it’s a real factor in some organizations.

    What Actually Makes Sense for Manufacturing

    Not every IT expense should be variable. The right approach for most manufacturers is hybrid:

    Keep Fixed:

    • Core production floor infrastructure that must be reliable and low-latency
    • Specialized manufacturing systems where cloud isn’t viable
    • Security and compliance infrastructure that needs to be constant
    • Base capacity for minimal operations

    Make Variable:

    • Excess capacity beyond base requirements
    • Non-production systems (email, file storage, business applications)
    • Development and test environments
    • Disaster recovery and backup above minimum requirements
    • Support coverage during temporary shutdowns or seasonal fluctuations

    This approach maintains reliability for critical operations while gaining flexibility where it provides value.

    The Questions to Ask Your IT Provider

    If you’re working with manufacturing IT solutions providers, ask them:

    • Which of our current fixed IT costs could be restructured as variable expenses?
    • How would our costs change during different production scenarios (seasonal low, normal operations, peak demand)?
    • What’s the total cost comparison including flexibility value, not just direct expense?
    • What infrastructure needs to stay fixed, and what could flex with business needs?
    • How quickly can we scale capacity up or down in response to demand changes?

    If they can’t answer these questions thoughtfully, they’re probably locked into traditional fixed-cost thinking themselves.

    The Competitive Advantage Hidden in IT Flexibility

    Manufacturers who’ve moved toward variable IT costs describe benefits beyond direct cost savings:

    Faster Response to Opportunities

    When a large unexpected order comes in, IT doesn’t become the constraint preventing you from accepting it. Capacity can scale quickly to support increased production.

    Lower Risk in Market Testing

    Testing new products or markets requires less upfront IT investment, reducing risk and enabling more experimentation.

    Better Cash Flow Management

    IT costs flex with business activity, improving cash flow during slow periods when you need it most.

    Easier Facility Changes

    Opening, closing, or consolidating facilities doesn’t require major IT capital projects with long lead times.

    Your competitors operating with fully fixed IT costs don’t have these advantages. That’s worth something beyond just the direct cost comparison.

    The conversation with your CFO shouldn’t be about whether IT is expensive. It should be about whether your IT cost structure aligns with how your manufacturing business actually operates. Fixed costs made sense when IT was all about owned infrastructure. Today, manufacturers have options that create flexibility and better align IT spending with business activity.

    The question is whether you’re taking advantage of those options or still operating like it’s 2005.

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    Robert

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  • Understanding Taxes and Deductions: Quick Guide for First-Time Property Buyers

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    Buying a property is a massive accomplishment and a huge step in building personal wealth. But the financial journey doesn’t just stop once you get the keys. Your new property has a major relationship with your taxes, and knowing the rules of the game can save you a serious amount of money.

    The Big Kahunas of Homeowner Deductions

    For most people who buy a home to live in, a few key deductions are the stars of the show. These are the benefits specifically created to make homeownership more financially accessible.

    First up is the mortgage interest deduction. This is a big deal. For many homeowners, this deduction is the single largest tax benefit they receive, significantly lowering their taxable income each year. In the initial years of your loan, a huge chunk of your monthly payment goes directly to interest, and the government lets you deduct that amount from your income. It’s a powerful incentive.

    Next, you have the property tax deduction. Your local government charges property taxes to fund public services like schools, roads, and fire departments. You can deduct the amount you pay in these state and local taxes, which are often called SALT. There is a catch, though; the total SALT deduction, which includes property, state, and local income taxes, is currently capped at $10,000 per household per year. Still, every bit helps.

    Finally, don’t forget about mortgage points. If you paid “points” to your lender to secure a lower interest rate on your loan, those points are generally fully deductible in the year you paid them. Check your closing documents for the details.

    Turning Your Property into a Money-Maker

    What if your new property isn’t just a place to live? Perhaps you plan to rent it out, or maybe you’ll use a room exclusively as a home office for your business. This is where things get even more interesting from a tax perspective. Once your property starts generating income, you unlock a whole new set of deductions, primarily through a concept called depreciation.

    Depreciation allows you to deduct the cost of the property over its useful life, accounting for wear and tear. But here’s a pro tip: the IRS treats different parts of your property differently. The building itself (the real property) is depreciated over a long period, like 27.5 years for a residential rental. To really max out your deductions, you need to understand what tangible personal property is, because these items have different, often better, tax rules.

    Tangible personal property includes physical assets you can touch and move that are used for business purposes. This is separate from the land and the building structure. For a rental property or business space, this could include:

    • Appliances: Refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and laundry machines.
    • Furniture and Fixtures: Items like desks, chairs, and certain light fixtures.
    • Specialized Systems: Specific plumbing or electrical systems whose sole purpose is to serve business functions, not the general upkeep of the building.
    • Removable Items: Things like shelving units, signage, or AV equipment.

    Keep Flawless Records

    The IRS requires proof. If you want to claim these deductions, you have to maintain meticulous records. This is non-negotiable. From the moment you close on the property, create a system for organizing all relevant financial documents.

    Keep everything. Your closing statement is critical. You’ll also want to save all receipts and invoices for any improvements you make to the property, from a new roof down to new cabinet hardware. If it’s a rental, you need detailed records of all income received and every expense paid, including repairs, insurance, and property management fees. A simple spreadsheet or a dedicated software can make this process painless. Don’t be the person scrambling for crumpled receipts in a shoebox come tax time.

    Making Smart Financial Moves

    This might seem like a lot, but getting a handle on your property’s tax implications is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. You’ve already made the investment; now it’s time to make it work for you.

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    Robert

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  • Key Integrations That Make The Best Contract Management Tools Work Seamlessly

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    In the case of modern organizational operations, a complex and confusing web of contracts is the norm. The job of navigating these agreements, and ensuring that all involved departments are on the same page, is extremely demanding.

    This is especially when still using traditional methods that lead to lost documents, misaligned work flows and missed deadlines.

    The answer lies in contract management solutions – systems that centralize, automate, and refine the entire life cycle of these agreements. Yet the true power of the best contract management tools comes not just from their built-in capabilities but from the integrations that connect them to the broader business ecosystem.

    When a contract management system is able to communicate seamlessly with CRM systems, procurement platforms, e-signature tools, document storage services, it becomes a unified hub, providing one single location where the company is able to coordinate, execute, and boost efficiency. It is also responsible for eradicating laborious manual inputs, speeding up ratifications, and confirming that all teams operate off the same, accurate plan.

    CRM Integrations for Better Client and Vendor Alignment

    CRM systems generate leads, manage clients and track the relationships with their vendors. Pairing a contract management tool with a CRM cuts down the number of handoffs that slow down the sales or procurement processes. With the data automatically passing between platforms, sales teams can create contracts right from the CRM database. This makes shifting between systems and retyping information a thing of the past.

    All the essential terms, pricing details, and customer info get filled into the contract templates, reducing the chances of errors and speeding up the process of finalizing deals. For procurement teams, the CRM integration is also a way to sync vendor performance stats with the milestones of their contracts.

    Automated reminders ensure that the contracts get renewed or re-negotiated when the time comes, based on real-time data about the vendors’ relationships. This gives management and leadership a bird’s eye view of the entire contract pipeline, so they can make more accurate forecasts and get the necessary approvals in motion.

    E-Signature Tools that Accelerate Approvals

    E-signature tools make the approval process a much smoother affair. Signatories are automatically notified and every action is recorded in a secure audit trail, removing bottlenecks and the hassle of printing and scanning. When the contract is signed, it sends brand-new versions of the document to all parties involved.

    ERP and Procurement Integrations for Higher Efficiency

    ERP and procurement systems play a massive part in managing company budgets, purchasing, stock, and supplier relationships. And when these systems are connected to the best contract management tools, they turn the entire financial and operational process into a smoother and more accurate task.

    For procurement teams, the integration ensures that the terms and details of contracts, pricing, and compliance are linked to the purchasing process so that mistakes are avoided, invoices are accurate and suppliers stick to the rules. With procurement tools that monitor the countdown to contract renewals, you’ll stay on top of the process and can nip any problems in the bud.

    For finance teams, the link-up to ERPs gives them instant visibility into the financial implications of contracts, spending limits, payment terms and impending obligations. Companies can get a complete understanding of how their contracts are performing financially, and where they are headed, when combining contract data with financial systems.

    Collaboration Platform Integrations for Faster Communication

    Common web-based communication tools and email platforms can be linked to contract management software so that all parties get the real-time updates they need without having to juggle multiple applications. Contract notifications can be sent out automatically when a contract changes status, is up for approval or is rapidly approaching a deadline.

    Teams can also have direct discussions about the contract within the communication channel, killing off the kind of delays that happen when messages get scattered across the organization. Through this integration, we see a marked increase in transparency, speed of decision making and visibility of what’s going on in the contract space.

    This benefit is especially useful for fast-moving organizations that need to get everyone on the same page, whether it’s legal, procurement, finance and sales.

    API Integrations that Enable Full Customization

    APIs give us the ability to take these integrations to the next level and let you customize how your contracts interact with any other systems you use, sending data back and forth between them so that you can do more advanced analysis, set up one-off workflows, and use industry-specific tools.

    What this means is that contract management systems can grow with your company, adapting to any new processes, developing technologies, and expanding departments.

    The Best Contract Management Tools Use Seamless Integrations to Create Stronger Workflows

    Effective contract management tools should be more than just document repositories or approval trackers, but a command center for all the goings-on related to the contract. They need to be able to communicate with CRM systems, e-signature platforms, document storage, ERP software, and other digital tools seamlessly, providing faster and smoother workflows.

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    Robert

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  • Your Employees’ Health Insurance is in Jeopardy. Here’s What to Do About It

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    The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is finally over after President Donald Trump signed a stopgap spending bill narrowly approved by the House last week, but your employees’ healthcare is still in trouble.

    Tax credits that give entrepreneurs and their employees — and even solopreneurs — access to affordable healthcare through the ACA marketplace are set to expire at the end of this year. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates costs will soar by 26 percent — a combination of the projected loss of federal subsidies and the general increase of healthcare costs.

    Democrats, and even some Republicans, are working to extend the benefit before rates skyrocket in January, but the House won’t vote on it until mid-December. Open enrollment began on Nov. 1 and ends in mid- to late January, depending on the state. The timing is less than ideal, but states are reassuring consumers that the plans they choose now are not “final.” They’ll have the option to change plans once the House votes in December. Anyone who doesn’t want to pay higher rates or choose a plan with less coverage has the option to wait until January to sign up for a new plan, but that means their insurance won’t kick in until February, Politico reported.

    “We are hearing folks who simply cannot believe what they are looking at,” said Audrey Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, told the publication. “Folks who have surgery scheduled in the new year [say those plans are] in question now because they are not sure if they can stay covered.”

    If the subsidies are approved without changes, ACA plans will be updated with the new rates. However, things could get complicated if Republicans successfully impose income caps and “fraud guardrails” on people’s eligibility for the subsidy. President Donald Trump has also floated the idea of issuing the subsidies as a “direct payment” to consumers, bypassing the insurers — a move policy experts told Politico would “lead to the collapse of the exchanges.”

    Some state exchanges now require insurers to generate two rates — with and without the subsidies — to show consumers what they could be paying. These states say they’re working to get pricing information out to consumers as soon as possible.  

    “State marketplaces will all do whatever needs to be done to get those tax credits out to our consumers,” Michele Eberle, executive director of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, told Politico. “We are ready to do it and poised to do it. We will make it happen.”

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    Kayla Webster

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  • U.S. Trade Tribunal to Consider New Apple Watch Import Ban

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    The U.S. International Trade Commission decided on Friday to hold a new proceeding to determine whether imports of Apple’s updated Apple Watches should be banned as part of a patent dispute with medical monitoring technology company Masimo.

    The ITC said in an order that it would investigate whether Apple Watches that were redesigned to circumvent a previous import ban issued by the commission still infringe Masimo patents covering blood-oxygen measurement technology.

    The commission set a target to finish the investigation within six months.

    Apple said the case was a meritless attempt to block its smartwatches’ blood oxygen feature and that Masimo had copied its watch design in order to bring the complaint.

    Apple, Masimo fighting on multiple fronts

    The case is part of a contentious, multi-front patent fight between Apple and Masimo, an Irvine, California-based medical monitoring technology company that has accused the tech company of hiring away its employees to steal its pulse-oximetry innovations.

    The commission blocked imports of Apple’s Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in 2023 after finding that Masimo’s patents were infringed. Apple removed blood-oxygen reading technology from its watches to avoid the ban, but reintroduced an updated version of the technology in August with approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Masimo has sued Customs over the approval, while Apple has separately challenged the ITC’s ban at a federal appeals court.

    Masimo has also sued Apple in California federal court for patent infringement and trade-secret theft. A jury in Santa Ana determined separately on Friday that Apple owes $634 million in damages for infringing a Masimo patent.

    A California judge declared a mistrial in Masimo’s trade-secret case against Apple in 2023 after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple won a minimal $250 verdict against Masimo in Delaware last year in a countersuit over allegations that Masimo’s smartwatches infringe two Apple design patents.

    Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Additional reporting by Dheeraj Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Rod Nickel and Shri Navaratnam

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    Reuters

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  • The Uplift: The greatest place in the world

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    Visit one of “the world’s greatest places,” according to Time Magazine. Plus, meet a little girl using jokes to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

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  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

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    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says. “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality. The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery. The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared. There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002. Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23. There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing. Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law. Sometimes gambling can become addictive. The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.” It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The single winning ticket was purchased at a Publix supermarket in Newnan, which is roughly 40 miles from Atlanta, a news release from the lottery says.

    “We are thrilled to congratulate the largest winner in our state’s history,” Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin said in the news release.

    Georgia state law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous if they win a prize of $250,000 or more and provides a written statement asking for confidentiality.

    The win also earned the store a $50,000 retailer bonus from the Georgia Lottery.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

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  • Winning ticket for $980 million jackpot sold in Georgia, Mega Millions says

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    A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday, overcoming abysmal odds to win the huge prize.

    The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7.


    What You Need To Know

    • A Mega Millions player in Georgia won the $980 million jackpot on Friday
    • The numbers selected were 1, 8, 11, 12 and 57 with the gold Mega Ball 7
    • The next drawing will be on Tuesday

    The winner overcame Mega Millions’ astronomical odds of 1 in 290.5 million by matching all six numbers. The next drawing will be on Tuesday.

    A winner can choose an annuity or the cash option — a one-time, lump-sum payment of $452.2 million before taxes. If there are multiple jackpot winners, the prize is shared.

    There were four Mega Millions jackpot wins earlier this year, but Friday’s drawing was the 40th since the last win on June 27, a game record, officials said.

    In September, two Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot, one of the largest in the U.S. The current Mega Millions jackpot isn’t among the top 10 U.S. lottery jackpots but would be the eighth-largest for Mega Millions since the game began in 2002.

    Other prizes

    Mega Millions offers lesser prizes in addition to the jackpot. The odds of winning any of these is 1 in 23.

    There were more than 800,000 winners of non-jackpot prizes from the Nov. 11 drawing.

    Tickets are $5 each and are sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Half the proceeds from each Mega Millions ticket remains in the jurisdiction where the ticket was sold. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and how profits are spent is dictated by law.

    Gambling addictions

    Sometimes gambling can become addictive.

    The National Council on Problem Gambling defines problem gambling as “gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.”

    It is sometimes called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, a recognized mental health diagnosis. The group says anyone who gambles can be at risk.

    Its National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700, connects anyone seeking assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.

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    Associated Press

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  • How to Choose the Best Manali Tour Package for a Family-Friendly Vacation?

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    Image by Pixabay

    Mountain breaks appeal to all ages, yet family groups often have different routines, comfort levels and interests. Picking the right Manali tour package is therefore less about chasing the longest list of inclusions and more about matching pace, facilities and support to the travellers involved. A clear method avoids confusion and helps families book with confidence.

    This guide explains a practical approach to shortlisting, evaluating and finalising a package that supports a relaxed, family-centred holiday.

    Start With a Clear Family Brief

    Begin by writing a simple one-page brief before viewing any quotations. Note the number of travellers, age ranges, mobility considerations, dietary needs and the preferred level of activity.

    Add budget boundaries and the degree of flexibility with dates. When this information is stated upfront, sales conversations remain objective and comparable, which reduces the risk of last-minute compromises.

    Choose a Comfortable Pace

    Journeys in the hills can feel longer than the distance suggests. Families typically benefit from shorter daily travel, generous breaks and early finishes. Design the rhythm around the slowest member of the group rather than the keenest.

    Children rest better if mornings are not rushed and if evenings allow calm time at the hotel. Seniors appreciate fewer staircases and lift access where possible. A plan that acknowledges these realities tends to feel effortless.

    A balanced Manali tour package usually spaces out the headline experiences and reserves time for unstructured moments. The aim is not to “cover everything” but to make room for shared memories without fatigue.

    Prioritise Accommodation That Works for Families

    Accommodation influences comfort more than any other decision. Look for room categories that genuinely sleep the stated occupancy without adding makeshift bedding. Heating, hot water and power backup should be reliable.

    If travelling with infants or seniors, check lift access and proximity to reception and dining areas. A quiet setting can matter as much as a central location because uninterrupted rest sets the tone for the following day. Confirm these details in writing, not only over a call.

    Review Inclusions With Care

    Package descriptions can appear similar, yet the real value sits in the fine print. Study the vehicle type, the number of hours available each day and what happens if the schedule runs over. Confirm whether parking, driver allowances and road charges are included.

    Understand the meal plan clearly, including serving times, early breakfasts and child-friendly options. If any activities are listed, ask whether tickets are prepaid or payable locally. Clarity here prevents uncomfortable conversations on the ground.

    Consider Season and Weather

    Conditions change across the year. Some days call for layered clothing and warm accessories; other days suit lighter wear with a sun cap. Build the plan around daylight and expected temperatures rather than a fixed sightseeing list.

    Families with toddlers and seniors usually prefer later starts in cool conditions and earlier returns when evenings turn cold. Keep one buffer slot in the schedule to absorb a weather-led change without stress.

    Focus on Safety and Health

    Safety is not a single item but a set of habits. Choose operators who maintain vehicles consistently and who assign experienced drivers for hilly terrain and variable surfaces. Keep hydration easy, carry basic medication after medical advice and ensure emergency contacts are saved on at least two phones.

    Young travellers benefit from simple rules about staying close during photo stops and wearing appropriate footwear with grip. Small steps raise confidence and reduce risk.

    Plan Age-Appropriate Activities

    Families rarely enjoy the same thing at the same speed. The most successful plans blend gentle walks, relaxed shopping time and light recreation rather than continuous exertion.

    Indoor options at the hotel help on days when the weather shifts. Keep one open afternoon for rest or spontaneous plans.

    Understand Dining and Dietary Needs

    Food choices can be decisive with children and seniors. Request sample menus before booking, check if the kitchen can simplify dishes on request and confirm the availability of early dinners when needed.

    Vegetarian diners and travellers with allergies should ask about preparation areas to minimise cross-contact. A consistent breakfast time also helps families leave on schedule without skipping meals.

    Compare Pricing Transparently

    When quotations arrive, split each price into hotels, transport, meals, entrance fees and service charges. This reveals where offers differ and why a lower rate might come with trade-offs. Ask how the rate changes over weekends, holiday peaks or school breaks.

    Confirm whether heater charges or festive supplements apply. If the itinerary changes due to weather or maintenance, seek clarity on how refunds or replacements are handled.

    Verify the Operator

    Reliability comes from process. Prefer firms that share complete vouchers, driver details and escalation contacts in advance. Document conversations by email so that inclusions, room categories and vehicle types are traceable.

    A professional operator will welcome this structure because it protects both sides from misunderstandings. Families travel better when promises are written, not implied.

    Manage Documents and Communication

    Keep all confirmations in a single shared folder accessible to at least two adults. Store identification proofs and vouchers both as printouts and on phones.

    Share the daily meeting time with everyone the evening before rather than in the morning. Small coordination steps reduce friction, which is especially useful when travelling with varied age groups.

    Balance Expectations Within the Group

    Alignment inside the family is as important as the contract with the operator. Discuss the pace honestly, agree on a quiet time and decide the level of activity appropriate for the youngest and oldest travellers.

    When expectations are aligned early, the group handles small changes with patience. A package that looks simple on paper often delivers more satisfaction because it leaves space for rest and conversation.

    Read the Terms Before Payment

    Terms and conditions are not an afterthought. Understand cancellation windows, amendment rules and refund timelines. Ask how the operator treats partial utilisation if a service cannot run for reasons outside anyone’s control.

    Confirm the acceptable payment modes and the schedule for instalments. Responsible planning means knowing both the enjoyable parts and the obligations.

    Final Checklist

    Before making the transfer, confirm the following:

    • Names, dates, hotel categories and meal plans match the quotation.
    • Vehicle type, driver duty limits and inclusions such as parking and tolls are clearly stated.
    • Contact numbers for assistance are shared and active.
    • Any medical or dietary notes are recorded on the booking.
    • A light buffer exists in the schedule for rest or weather-led changes.

    Conclusion

    For families, the most suitable Manali tour package is the one that respects energy levels, keeps logistics simple, and supports clear communication. By starting with a thoughtful brief, checking inclusions carefully and verifying that the operator, parents and seniors can travel together with ease. Use the steps above to compare options on equal terms.

    Travel planners often notice that a modest-looking itinerary brings the happiest outcomes because it allows room for genuine connection. When decisions are structured and expectations are aligned, a Manali tour package becomes less of a checklist and more of a comfortable framework for shared time.

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    Robert

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  • Top Benefits of Rental Loans for Home Seekers and Property Investors

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    Photo by Pixabay

    Buying or investing in a property is easier with the right financing. Rental loans help people own homes or start in real estate with less stress. They offer flexible terms and support both new buyers and experienced investors.

    These loans make it possible to buy, improve, or rent out properties for steady income. They also help manage costs while keeping future plans open. Many choose them to build long-term financial growth.

    Learn how rental loans can help achieve your goals in real estate today.

    Flexible Financing Options

    Rental loans give borrowers flexibility in how they finance properties. These loans can cover single units, multi-family homes, or even vacation rentals. They allow buyers to choose loan terms that match their budget and long-term plans. This helps keep financial goals realistic and easy to manage.

    Investors can also use them to expand their portfolio without tying up too much cash. With clear lending terms and lower barriers to approval, they are more accessible than traditional home loans.

    Easier Entry into Real Estate Investment

    For new investors, starting in real estate can seem overwhelming. Rental loans make it easier by offering funding tailored for income-generating properties. These loans simplify the process of buying and managing rental homes. They also help reduce upfront costs that usually block beginners from entering the market.

    Over time, this makes property ownership more achievable. With access to https://www.ablfunding.com/loan-programs/rental-loans/, potential investors can explore flexible financing programs suited for different property types. It helps open more doors for those ready to take their first step in real estate.

    Long-Term Cash Flow Potential

    A major advantage of rental loans is their ability to create lasting income. When managed well, rental properties can produce monthly returns that grow over time. These earnings can help cover loan payments while still providing profit.

    The steady cash flow can also serve as a financial cushion for other projects. It’s a reliable way to build wealth while securing assets. With proper budgeting, the returns can increase as property values rise.

    Property Value Appreciation

    Rental properties often gain value over the years. By using rental loans, investors can benefit from both rental income and appreciation. This means that as the property’s worth increases, so does the owner’s equity.

    It’s an effective way to grow financial strength while maintaining a steady income. Many borrowers reinvest profits into improving their properties, which further raises their value. Over time, this strategy can result in higher market returns. It offers a balanced mix of income generation and asset growth.

    Tax Advantages and Deductions

    Rental loans can also come with several tax benefits. Property owners may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and repair costs. These deductions help reduce overall expenses and increase profit margins. It’s important for borrowers to consult professionals to make sure they claim the right benefits.

    By managing finances carefully, these savings can improve long-term investment performance. Rental loans also allow easier record-keeping since loan statements show clear expense details. This makes it simpler to track deductions during tax season.

    There Are Rental Loans for Home Seekers and Property Investors

    Rental loans make owning or investing in property easier and more flexible. They help buyers manage costs while building steady income. With the right plan, these loans can lead to long-term growth and financial stability.

    They also give investors more options to expand their portfolios. For anyone looking to start or grow in real estate, rental loans are a practical choice for reaching property goals.

    For more topics, check our blog!

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    Robert

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  • MPeM: What Triggers This Rare Cancer?

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    Image by Pixabay

    Many people hear about abdominal mesothelioma but do not understand how the tumor starts forming. It often begins when troublesome particles reach the thin layer covering the inner abdominal zone and start interrupting how the cells normally behave. The reaction is slow, so early issues are often missed. Because of this delay, knowing what might lead to this condition gives people a better chance.

    How Asbestos Exposure Contributes

    Most people who are diagnosed with this abdominal tumor have some kind of past interaction with older building materials. It is also important to think about how people run into these fibers in daily life. Many work sites, ships, and factories still have materials containing this mineral.

    When these structures are drilled, broken, or repaired without proper safety steps, tiny fragments can float into the air. Anyone nearby might breathe them in by accident. Knowing this information helps workers and families stay cautious. In addition, fragments can even settle on clothes, food, or surfaces and then enter the body little by little. Even small amounts over many years may influence future health.

    Innate Factors

    Certain individuals have immune systems that do not fix damage as strongly as others. This means long-term irritation can cause bigger changes. Family traits can also play a part. Some have patterns that make the body more reactive to asbestos strands. When both issues appear together, a person might need earlier checkups or closer monitoring.

    People who have repeated infections or several surgeries may end up with a weakened layer. Once harmful particles reach stressed spots, the cells may react more strongly. People who deal with repeated bloating or discomfort in the belly area should always pay close attention. Talking to a doctor can further help catch bigger concerns earlier.

    Routine Elements

    When someone eats poorly or deals with ongoing stress, their defense system may not work as well. A weaker response makes it harder for the body to handle minor damage. Over many years, this can promote unusual cell activity. Light activity, regular meals, and enough water help the body handle irritation better. These habits do not remove danger completely, but they support stronger overall function.

    When Multiple Triggers Work Together

    In several cases, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma does not stem from one simple cause. Instead, different smaller influences build up across many years. Someone might live near busy industrial areas, work in dusty environments, and also have a body type with slower repair responses. As time passes, the body tries hard to maintain balance.

    However, repeated irritation can slowly overwhelm the system. Looking at all parts of someone’s history helps create a clearer picture. Thinking about living space, job roles, family traits, past medical issues, and daily patterns together helps patients understand their overall situation better.

    Endnote

    Staying alert to abdominal discomfort and asking questions can help protect overall health. No one can control every part of their surroundings. However, people can be taught to stay cautious. This guarantees they reach out when something feels unusual.

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    Robert

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  • What Digital Tools Boost Productivity and Business Efficiency Today?

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    There are thousands of productivity tools available in the market.

    Identifying the best one out of them can be a “tough nut to crack.”

    If you’re feeling the same, you’re not alone!

    On average, over 50% of business leaders struggle to choose the right productivity tools. These tools must add value to their technology stack.

    Productivity tools and software are crucial for businesses to stay ahead in this extremely competitive landscape.

    With the rise of AI productivity software, companies are in a “tight spot.” They must integrate the right one to accomplish a faster and more efficient workflow.

    Are you from one of these companies battling to select the suitable tools for your business? Then this blog provides exactly what you are looking for.

    In this article, we’ll cover the top digital tools for 2025. These tools boost your team’s productivity and business efficiency.

    Without a further delay, let’s dive in!

    Top Digital Tools to Boost Productivity and Business Efficiency in 2025

    Based on the key features, pricing plans, and beneficial aspects. We’ve listed the top 5 digital tools that optimize productivity and workflow, such as:

    1. Trello
    2. Microsoft Teams
    3. Zapier
    4. Notion
    5. Hootsuite

    Digital Tool #1: Trello

    Trello is a project management tool with flexible and intuitive drag-and-drop features to manage projects of all sizes. This platform provides visual dashboards, slides, and cards to break down complex projects into simple and manageable tasks.

    Trello tracks the minute details of the project and task progress, making it transparent and easily accessible to everyone in your team.

    Additionally, you can easily integrate your preferred web applications into the platform without any technical expertise.

    It provides a free plan for personal use and small teams. However, the standard plan starts from $5 per user per month.

    Digital Tool #2: Microsoft Teams

    Microsoft Teams is a well-known communication software used by notable companies, including Accenture, Toyota, Ernst & Young, and more.

    The platform unifies business communications, projects, tasks, and file storage all in one place. Your team members don’t have to spend more time switching between the applications or finding task-related information.

    As a result, you can witness a significant surge in your team’s productivity, collaboration, and business outcomes.

    It provides various pricing plans, including a free version. However, the standard plan is priced at $4 per user per month when billed annually, and $4.80 per user per month if paid monthly.

    Digital Tool #3: Zapier

    Zapier is an AI-driven, low-code/no-code automation software.

    The platform improves your team’s productivity & workflow by performing valuable tasks, such as:

    • Integrating your favorite web applications
    • Automating complex and repetitive tasks
    • Transferring data & files within the system

    The software automates the workflow, including assigning tasks, triggering notifications, and synchronizing the data across the team.

    As a result, you can expect a faster task completion, minimized delays and miscommunication within your team, improved decision-making process, increased response times, and much more.

    Zapier provides 100 free tasks per month. The paid plan for a team starts at $69 per user per month (billed annually).

    Digital Tool #4: Notion

    Notion ranks #4 in our list of top digital tools. Notion is a task management software that manages both simple and complex tasks.

    The platform integrates task management, note-taking, data management, and database functionalities into unified systems.

    Small-sized enterprises extensively use Notion to manage complex tasks and workflows.

    Notion is known for its versatility, facilitating users to build customizable dashboards, templates, and documents that align with their specific requirements.

    By centralizing data and tools into a single system, Notion helps companies save time and effort involved in managing operations across multiple platforms. As a result, businesses that use Notion can achieve a faster, productive, and efficient workflow.

    Notion offers a free plan for personal use. However, the paid plan begins at $10 per user per month (billed annually) and $12 per user per month (billed monthly).

    Digital Tool #5: Hootsuite

    Hootsuite is a social media management software specifically built to manage social media accounts through a unified dashboard.

    Hootsuite is a popular choice for both B2C and B2B brands for supervising social media marketing campaigns.

    The platform allows users to schedule posts, track performance, and analyze metrics across various social media platforms. This eliminates the need to log into each application separately, saving significant time and effort for other productive tasks.

    Hootsuite offers a 30-day free trial for its paid plans, which are: professional, team, and business.

    • Professional Plan: $99 / month (paid annually) & $149 / month (paid monthly)
    • Team Plan: $249 / month (paid annually) & $339 / month (paid monthly)
    • Business Plan: Custom-priced according to the user’s requirement.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, digital tools benefit businesses in many ways. From simplifying and managing complex operations to enhancing teams’ productivity and outcomes.

    The top digital tools outlined in this article are among the best of the many platforms present in the market.

    Therefore, make sure the tools, which you are looking to integrate into your system, align with your business requirements, financial capabilities, and productivity goals.

    Additionally, it is crucial to ensure your team is highly benefiting from these tools and platforms to achieve better results in the future.

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    Kiara C

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  • Stores brace for price rounding and cash register chaos as the U.S. Mint shuts down penny production

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    Whether they are being pinched, paying for your thoughts, going towards two cents, time may be running out for pennies.

    What they’re saying:

     “Some people do pay with pennies, especially the older customers,” Autumn King, the manager of The Floridian sandwich shop on Kennedy Boulevard said. “They like to have their exact change.”

     People hunting for exact change leaves storeowners with the prospect of rounding up or down to hit the nickel on the head.

     “We’ll probably take the loss,” King said. “But you have to think, a year of doing that, you know, it accumulates, so it will be a lot of money.”

    Dig deeper:

    The National Association of Convenience Stores is worried because half of their transactions are in cash.

    Despite there being an estimated 250 billion pennies out there — somewhere — there is a shortage of them in circulation.

    Half of pennies are under couches or in jars, so storeowners either seldom have enough to give change, or must follow rules over how prices are set.

    “We’re not asking for the penny to come back,” Jeff Lenard of the NACS said. “What we’re asking for is federal clarity so that retailers can round up and round down.”

    For their part, coin collectors are not about to find their pot of gold.

    “We all have to be willing to embrace change,” Steve Howard of Coinacopia Coin Shop said. “No pun intended, but that worked pretty well, didn’t it?”

    While the makeup of the penny has changed over the years, anything minted after 1982 will be worth the price printed on the back.

    “It’s just going to be a trash coin,” Howard said.

    The other side:

    So what do we all lose?

    Historians say coins are the most reliable way to preserve a society’s history.

    Who was important? What ideals are passed down?

    “When Mount Rushmore is ground to dust,” Professor Emeritus Frank Holt of the University of Houston said, “when the Lincoln Memorial has completely fallen away, coins will survive, pennies will survive in large numbers and be the only means we might have to preserve images of, of that extraordinary president.”

    The Source: Information for this story was gathered from the The National Association of Convenience Stores, local store workers, and a university professor.

    NewsMoney

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    Evan.Axelbank@fox.com (Evan Axelbank)

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  • Credit card tier discrimination may be coming: New Visa-Mastercard swipe settlement could reshape rewards—and surcharges | Fortune

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    Premium credit card users and small merchants could soon feel the effect of a decades-long battle over swipe fees.

    A newly proposed settlement between Visa and Mastercard could reshape how much merchants—and ultimately, consumers—pay to use their payment networks, while giving stores more flexibility to treat high-end and mid-tier cards differently.

    If approved by the court, the payment giants would reduce interchange fees by 0.1% over the next five years and cap standard consumer credit rates at 1.25% for eight years. It would also scrap a rule requiring merchants to accept all cards from a given network. That change could open the door for stores to reject credit card tiers—such as higher-fee, high-reward cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X—or further pass fees directly to consumers.

    The current system has long frustrated merchants, especially small businesses, who must decide whether to absorb rising swipe fees or pass costs to customers. Visa and Mastercard collected $111.2 billion in credit card swipe fees in 2024—up 10% from the year prior and quadruple the level from 2009, according to the National Retail Federation

    With the new move, merchants could more easily add surcharges selectively who are less price-sensitive, John Cabell, managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power, told Fortune. Premium cardholders, with annual fees above $500, spend an average of $2,736 a month, nearly three times as much as those with cheaper cards. Only 22% of those cardholders report they select alternate payment methods when faced with a surcharge, according to J.D. Power data. That’s compared to 33% of holders of no-fee cards.

    But while some merchants might be tempted to trim costs by limiting which cards they accept, doing so could alienate big spenders and disrupt the lucrative rewards ecosystem that fuels consumer spending.

    “Over time, if premium cards become even more expensive to use at the point of sale, this type of change might reign in the upward spiral of rewards and benefits that consumers have grown to appreciate,” Cabell added. “Even relatively modest cards might see a reduction in offerings as well if surcharges become generally more prevalent with mid-tier and premium card groupings.”

    But others argue merchants will think twice before turning away big spenders. Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, told Fortune he didn’t expect the deal’s potential results to be dramatic because if businesses refuse top-tier rewards cards, they’d likely lose more revenue than they save on interchange fees.

    “If this settlement proceeds, merchants may continue adding small fees for credit card transactions, which they’re already allowed to do today,” Kelly added.

    In a statement, Mastercard said they believe the settlement is the best solution for all parties.

    “Smaller merchants will gain in this settlement – more acceptance choices, reduced costs and simplified rules,” the company said in a statement. Even more, it allows us to focus our energies on continuing to give consumers, small businesses and larger merchants what they expect from Mastercard – a better payments experience, strong value and peace of mind.”

    Visa told Fortune the deal would “provide meaningful relief, more flexibility and options to control how they accept payments from their customers.”

    Trade group argue the deal fails to protect merchants

    Many trade groups criticized the settlement, arguing it doesn’t go far enough to protect merchants.

    “Once again, this proposal is all window dressing and no substance,” National Retail Federation Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Stephanie Martz said in a statement. “The reduction in swipe fees doesn’t begin to go far enough, and the change in the honor-all-cards rule would accomplish nothing. If the courts can’t fix this, it’s time for Congress to take action.”

    The National Grocers Association added that the proposed settlement does not address the “anticompetitive price-setting in the credit card industry.”

    “Independent grocers, operating on net margins of less than 2%, have been hit hardest by rising swipe fees, which grow faster than inflation and cost consumers and businesses over $100 billion annually,” wrote Chris Jones, NGA chief government relations officer and counsel.

    A previous Visa-Mastercard agreement was denied earlier this year, so it remains to be seen if this new proposal will ultimately be approved.

    Lawmakers have also floated reform through the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act, which would reduce swipe fees and target the “Visa-Mastercard duopoly” by requiring secondary networks on credit cards. The measure, which was first introduced in 2023 and backed by then-U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, could put additional pressure on payment giants if the settlement doesn’t satisfy regulators—or merchants. 

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    Preston Fore

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  • U.S. Mint presses last penny after 232 years

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    So long, penny! The U.S. Mint pressed its final one-cent coin in Philadelphia on Wednesday. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O’Grady takes a look at what this could mean for prices.

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  • Stimulus payment November 2025, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check

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    Don’t spend that money just yet! Rumors are circulating online that the federal government will issue new stimulus checks before the end of the year.

    But Congress has not passed any legislation authorizing payments, and the IRS has not confirmed that any new stimulus checks are scheduled in the coming weeks.

    Here’s a look at the facts:

    Federal stimulus payments for November 2025?

    What we know:

    The last round of economic impact payments came in 2021. Any future payments would require new legislation from Congress.

    In 2024, the Internal Revenue Service announced that they would issue automatic payments to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The maximum payment was $1,400 per individual.

    No action was needed for eligible taxpayers to receive those payments, which went out automatically from December 2024 to January 2025. The payments were automatically direct deposited or sent by check. Eligible taxpayers received letters notifying them of the payment.

    The final chance to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit was by filing a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. That deadline has passed, with no extensions available.

    READ MORE: IRS direct deposit relief payment in November? Here’s what we know

    Trump $2000 tariff dividend proposals?

    What we know:

    President Trump has floated the idea of using tariff revenue for tariff dividends.

    “A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday.

    In the post he defended tariffs, saying the U.S. is the richest and most respected nation, with low inflation, a record stock market and strong 401(k) gains. Trump also pledged to begin paying down the country’s $37 trillion national debt, adding that leftover funds from dividend payments would go toward the balance.

    Currently, the tariff revenue payments remain proposals. No payments have been approved.

    During an interview on FOX 5 Thursday, NOTUS reporter Violet Jira was asked about the chances of a tariff dividend payment actually happening. She said it was difficult to say.

    “I will say yesterday at the White House press briefing, Karoline Leavitt was asked, is the Trump administration committed to sending these checks to the American people? And their answer was yes,” Jira said.

    “Since that truth social post from Trump, we’ve gotten more details. For example, he said that the checks would be going to middle to low income people. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that would be individuals or families who make $100,000 or less,” Jira added. “So we’re getting more details about the plan, but as for whether or not this actually comes to fruition, it’s a bit difficult to tell. There’s a couple of factors at play that have made some people skeptical.”

    READ MORE: $2000 tariff dividend? Here’s what President Trump said about the payments

    Stimulus scams and rumors

    Recurring online claims of $1,702 payments or $1,390 checks can often be traced back to state-level programs, such as Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend, or are scam posts.

    READ MORE: $1702 stimulus payment? Here’s what we know

    IRS stimulus warnings 

    What you can do:

    The IRS continues to caution taxpayers about fake stimulus payment messages designed to trick people into sharing personal information.

    Here are some ways to tell if the IRS is reaching out or if it’s a scammer:

    • The IRS never makes contact through email, texts, or social media; scammers often use fake accounts or links.
    • The IRS begins communication with an official letter or notice, which can be verified through a secure IRS Online Account or customer service.
    • Agents may call after sending a notice, but they will not leave threatening, pre-recorded messages or demand payment.
    • Private agencies may contact taxpayers only after written notice, and all legitimate collection notices include a matching Taxpayer Authentication Number.
    • The IRS has ended most unannounced visits by revenue officers to improve safety for taxpayers and employees.
    • More info from the IRS online.

    The Source: Information in this article comes from the Associated Press, the IRS and previous FOX 5 reporting.

    NewsPoliticsPersonal FinanceConsumerMoneyWashington, D.C.

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    Sam.Kosmas@fox.com (Sam Kosmas)

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  • What Is a Dedicated Server in Gaming: Benefits, Performance, and Setup

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    A dedicated server in gaming is a separate machine (physical or virtual) that runs the game server and is not used by a player to play the game. All computing power and network bandwidth in dedicated game servers are reserved exclusively for the server process, ensuring predictable performance and stable multiplayer sessions.

    How it differs from P2P and “listen” servers

    • P2P/Listen: One of the players acts as the host while also playing. Resources are shared between the client and the server, so stability depends on the host’s hardware and internet connection. If the host leaves, the session may end or a new host must be selected.
    • Dedicated server: The host is an independent node located in a data center or on a separate machine. It’s not tied to any player’s presence, making it easier to maintain uptime, scale player slots, and perform administrative tasks.
    • Virtual vs. bare metal: A dedicated server can run either on bare metal hardware or a VPS/VM. The key aspect is resource isolation and guaranteed performance for the game process, regardless of the underlying infrastructure type.

    Common use cases

    Shooters, survival games, and sandbox projects with large online worlds and mods traditionally rely on dedicated servers. Examples include multiplayer shooters with high tick rates and anti-cheat systems, survival titles with persistent worlds, and MMO or light-MMO games using sharding and long-running sessions.

    How a dedicated server works

    The server acts as the single source of truth for the game world. Clients send input data (movement, actions), which the server validates, processes, updates, and then distributes as snapshots to all players. This model minimizes the risk of cheating and desynchronization between clients.

    Tick rate, netcode, and synchronization

    • Tick rate – the frequency at which the server updates the game state. The higher the tick rate, the smoother and more accurate the gameplay, but the greater the demand on CPU and network bandwidth.
    • Smoothing – clients use interpolation and extrapolation to compensate for latency and jitter.
    • Reliability – UDP is typically used for speed, while reliability mechanisms handle critical packets that must be confirmed.

    Server discovery and connection

    Games use master servers, server browsers, or matchmaking systems. A client receives a list of available servers with details such as region, map, mods, ping, and player slots, then connects via IP and port. Private servers often use passwords or whitelists for controlled access.

    Administration and mods

    • Configuration: mode parameters, maps, slot limits, tick rate, rotation, logging.
    • Mods and plugins: extend gameplay, in-game economy, anti-cheat systems, and automation tools.
    • Monitoring: CPU/RAM metrics, network usage charts, and RCON/API access for remote management.

    Persistence

    In games with progression or in-game economies, the server stores the game state (in databases or local files). Regular backups and data validation are essential to prevent loss, duplication, or corruption.

    Advantages of a dedicated server

    1. Stability and performance

    The key advantage of a dedicated server is resource isolation. All CPU power, RAM, and network bandwidth are reserved exclusively for the game, ensuring consistent FPS and low latency even under heavy load. Unlike P2P models, where connection quality depends on one player’s hardware and internet connection, a dedicated server guarantees stable uptime and smooth performance during simultaneous player actions.

    2. Full control over configuration

    Administrators have complete access to server parameters — including tick rate, response time, player limits, mods, logging, auto-updates, and backups. This allows flexible customization of the server for different purposes: competitive shooters, role-playing sandboxes, or private communities. Many games provide RCON interfaces or web control panels, making administration accessible even without direct console access.

    3. Security and protection against cheaters

    Since the server controls all game logic, players cannot alter the world state or falsify data. Additional protection measures include anti-cheat plugins, packet filtering, suspicious activity monitoring, and IP bans. Dedicated servers often use firewall rules, connection rate limits, and whitelisting systems to defend against DDoS attacks and unauthorized access.

    4. Flexibility and scalability

    A dedicated server can be scaled by adding more resources or deploying multiple instances for different regions or game modes.

    Common scaling methods include:

    • Horizontal scaling – running multiple servers with load balancing;
    • Vertical scaling – increasing the resources of a single node;
    • Sharding – dividing the game world into zones managed by separate servers.

    This is especially important for MMO and survival games, where load fluctuates dynamically.

    5. Support for large player counts

    Dedicated servers can handle dozens or even hundreds of concurrent connections. Performance is not limited by individual players’ hardware. This makes it possible to host large-scale battles, cooperative missions, or persistent worlds with high player density and event activity.

    6. Reliability and uptime

    With a dedicated server — especially one hosted in a data center — uptime of 99.9% or higher can be expected. Providers ensure redundant power, stable connectivity, and network-level protection. If one node fails, players can be seamlessly redirected to a backup server.

    Dedicated Server in Gaming

    Performance and technical parameters

    1. Processor (CPU)

    The performance of a game server directly depends on its processor. Most game engines use one or several main threads to simulate the game world, so high core frequency and low-latency architecture are essential. Modern dedicated gaming servers typically use CPUs with frequencies of 4 GHz or higher and an increased L3 cache — especially important for games that involve heavy physics or network calculations. If the server runs multiple game instances, having a large number of cores (8–16 or more) becomes critical.

    2. Memory (RAM)

    Each connected player consumes memory for storing state data, buffers, and network information. For small servers (up to 20 players), 8–16 GB of RAM is sufficient; large-scale servers may require 32–64 GB or more. It’s important to monitor for memory leaks caused by mods or plugins, as they can degrade performance over time and cause crashes or restarts.

    3. Network and bandwidth

    A game server requires a stable, low-latency connection. Even minor jitter (latency fluctuations) can cause player desynchronization. A 1 Gbps connection or higher is recommended, with optimized routing for game traffic. Data center providers often include DDoS protection and malicious traffic filtering as part of their service.

    4. Storage

    Using SSD or NVMe drives significantly improves loading times for maps, mods, and databases. For persistent-world games, it’s also vital to have a reliable backup system — including regular snapshots, cloud synchronization, or disk mirroring for redundancy.

    5. Latency (ping) and optimization

    Latency depends not only on the network but also on the physical location of the server. The closer the server is to players, the lower the ping. For global projects, geographically distributed nodes — known as edge infrastructure — help minimize latency by placing servers closer to regional audiences. Additionally, network optimization includes using UDP with packet loss correction and reducing overall packet size.

    6. Self-hosted vs. rented servers

    • Self-hosted servers provide full control but require capital investment, maintenance, and data center placement.
    • Rented dedicated servers or VPS are optimal for private communities, esports teams, and small studios. The provider manages the infrastructure, updates, and security, while administrators focus on game configuration.

    A hybrid approach is also possible: using VPS for test or secondary nodes and a physical server with guaranteed resources for the main instance.

    When to use a dedicated server

    1. Large player count

    When more than 10–20 players are connected simultaneously, a dedicated server becomes almost essential. Unlike P2P sessions, where one player’s machine handles all network processing, a dedicated server distributes resources evenly and processes every player’s actions without lag. This is particularly important for games with fast-paced combat or persistent worlds where milliseconds of delay can affect gameplay.

    2. Persistent world and progression

    In games where the world continues to exist even when players are offline (for example, Minecraft, DayZ, Rust), the server must run 24/7. Only a dedicated server can maintain an ongoing economy, player database, progress, and in-game objects independently of any player host. It also enables automated restarts, scheduled backups, and timed events.

    3. Projects with mods

    Mods and plugins often require file system and console access, which isn’t possible in P2P or listen-server setups. A dedicated server allows full freedom to install, test, and manage third-party modifications, create custom builds, and maintain version compatibility.

    4. Professional and esports use

    For tournaments, live streams, and esports team practice, low latency and full match control are essential. Dedicated servers allow administrators to set fixed tick rates, log player actions, and implement anti-cheat systems. They can also host private matches with invitation-only access and record demo files for post-match analysis.

    5. Community servers and custom projects

    Creating your own game environment with specific rules, mods, economy systems, and roles is only possible on a dedicated server. This enables the development of unique communities — such as role-play servers, custom PvP arenas, or educational worlds for learning and simulation.

    6. Testing and development

    Developers and mod creators use dedicated servers to debug network code, test balance, and perform load testing. Servers can be launched in closed environments with test clients to analyze performance and network behavior without impacting the live player base.

    Dedicated servers as the standard of modern gaming

    A dedicated server is the foundation of stable and scalable online gaming. It provides independence from players, predictable performance, and full control over the gameplay environment. Such infrastructure enables the creation of persistent worlds, supports hundreds of simultaneous connections, manages modifications, and maintains balance even under heavy load.

    For private communities, a dedicated server is a way to build a personal space with unique rules, free from the limitations of standard matchmaking. For studios and esports organizations, it’s a tool that ensures fair and consistent gameplay at a professional level.

    With the rise of cloud technologies, setting up dedicated servers has become much easier. Many providers now offer ready-to-deploy solutions with preinstalled images of popular games, control panels, and built-in protection against attacks. This allows servers to be launched within minutes — without compromising on security or connection quality.

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    Robert

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