Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Reality check: What’s up with the economy? Most of the economic numbers are actually looking pretty good. Our unemployment rates are near a 50-year low, interest rates have been dropping, and the Federal Reserve says it will drop the prime interest rate even more this month. Wages, disposable income, and… Read more
As a business owner, it’s crucial to understand the power of social media marketing. Social media platforms provide an opportunity for businesses, no matter the size, to reach a larger audience, engage with potential customers, and drive sales. So, you’ve heard that your company needs to be on social media. Although this is true, it doesn’t mean your business is going to go from 0 to 100 overnight. Using social… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. IRS encourages people to do an end-of-summer tax checkup to avoid tax surprises next year The IRS advises taxpayers to conduct a tax checkup before summer’s end to prevent unexpected tax bills and penalties next year. Reviewing withholdings and estimated tax payments can ensure accurate tax returns and avoid… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Fed’s preferred price gauge is set to reinforce rate cuts US inflation figures in the coming week will reinforce that long-awaited interest-rate cuts are coming soon, while a reading on consumer spending is seen indicating that the central bank has been successful at keeping the expansion intact. The massive… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. CPI inflation comes in at 2.9%—better than expectations Inflation was lighter than forecasted last month, according to data released, as Wall Street pays close attention to weakening which should bolster the case for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Rules for buying and selling a home are changing. Here’s… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. IRS relief now available for individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in four states affected by Hurricane Debby. SBA Announces $7 Million in PRIME Grants to Support Micro-entrepreneurs The SBA PRIME grants program offers funding to nonprofits… Read more
You might have a mental image of data breaches happening only at big institutions like banks, password managers, or even government agencies. But the truth is, any website that stores personal information can be vulnerable to a breach. Now, not all breaches are created equal, and the impact on individuals and businesses can vary greatly. But hey, don’t panic just yet! We’re here to lend a helping hand and shed… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Mortgage rates tumble to lowest since April 2023 after weak jobs report Mortgage rates tumbled on Friday to their lowest since April 2023 after a weak jobs report sent bond yields sharply lower and boosted Wall Street’s expectations for an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve at its September meeting.… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. In more than 200 U.S. cities, $1 million only gets you a starter home A typical entry-level home in the U.S. costs roughly $200,000. But in a growing number of cities, that would only cover the down payment. With housing in short supply around the country and the stiffest mortgage rates… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Economy slowing but not in recession territory The U.S. economy is likely to slow in the coming months but is not flashing recession signals as it enters the critical 100-day period to the November presidential election. IRS finalises 10 year rule for retirement withdrawals The Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department have… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The U.S. is winning the inflation fight, setting scene for a long-awaited interest rate cut Price increases slowed more sharply than expected in June, adding to evidence that high inflation has subsided and potentially clearing the way for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates that affect everything from mortgages to credit card payments.… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Inflation hit its lowest level since March 2021 last month A key inflation measure fell to its lowest level in more than three years last month, but there’s still plenty of work remaining to get price increases down to the historically acceptable level. Business owners believe employees with AI… Read more
For a business to thrive and grow, it essentially needs two things: a strategic plan and an ability to continually find new customers and tap into promising markets. Here’s how you can do that. The untapped potential in existing markets Start by re-evaluating your existing customer base. Profiling them will help you to more accurately define who your target consumers are. Explore different distribution channels that could be more effective… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. US economic growth for last quarter is revised up slightly to a 1.4% annual rate The American economy expanded at a 1.4% annual pace from January through March, the slowest quarterly growth since spring 2022, the government said Thursday in a slight upgrade from its previous estimate. Record high… Read more
As a business owner, you’re the architect of your business’s vision and culture. But in the hustle to develop products, chase sales, and keep the lights on, some of the foundation often gets lost in the mix. Core values—those guiding principles that shape your company’s identity—are more than just words on a wall or a statement in a handbook. These aren’t just buzzwords to sprinkle throughout your website – your… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. Why Americans hate inflation — and its cure The main way countries deal with inflation is to increase interest rates, making it more expensive to take out loans and reducing the rate of housing construction, business spending, etc. But if Americans are unusually vulnerable to interest rate hikes because… Read more
Let’s talk about your phone habits. It may not be a pleasant topic to discuss, but it does matter. How you use your phone can have a huge impact on your life and on your business. Sounds dramatic? Not at all. These mini pocket-sized computers are with us all the time and the constant flow of notifications can interrupt our workflow incessantly. Your mobile habits significantly impact your concentration span.… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. IRS options for late filers: payment plans and penalty relief The IRS announced several options to assist taxpayers who missed the April filing deadline for their 2023 federal income tax returns. These include programs to help those struggling with payment and potential penalty relief for first-time offenders. We’re in a new… Read more
In the world of small businesses, positive cash flow is king. It’s the driving force that keeps your business engine running smoothly, covering all your liabilities. But what happens when outflow exceeds inflow? Cash flow problems ensue, threatening the survival and growth of your business. These cash flow problems can originate from a variety of sources including macroeconomic issues like recessions, natural disasters, and wars, as well as microeconomic issues… Read more
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy. The economy is healthy, but inflation is overshadowing growth Despite high interest rates and stubborn inflation, the economy is growing remarkably well. All the major indicators we use to gauge its health—and how families and businesses are faring—are strongly positive. Mortgage closing fees are in the hot seat. Here’s… Read more