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  • Understanding the Federal Government’s Proposal for Opening Up Again

    Posted Date June 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readAfter seeing a peak and then a sustained decline in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths resulting from COVID-19, the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has rolled out a three-tier approach to get the nation back to its pre-coronavirus economic activities. While this program is led by the Federal Government, it is ultimately up to governors how they will reopen states and localities. However, there are some universal criteria that states must follow to gradually reopen the economy. Before transitioning from the stay-at-home orders to the three phases, certain criteria must be... View Article

  • IRS Questions and Answers on COVID-19 IRA and 401(k) Loans & Distributions

    Posted Date June 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readThe CARES Act stimulus package substantially relaxed the rules around certain retirement account loan and distribution requirements, but with much confusion. As a result, the IRS recently put out a FAQ document to address the COVID-19 rule relaxation around IRA and 401(k) loans and distributions. This important information should come as welcome news for the nearly one percent of all retirement plan holders who have already taken a distribution under the new rules, according to Fidelity Investments. Who’s eligible? If you, a spouse or dependent tested positive for COVID-19, you automatically qualify. You also may qualify... View Article

  • How to Stay Productive When Working from Home

    Posted Date June 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readDue to the unprecedented effects of COVID-19, the line between our professional and personal lives has blurred. Trying to take care of job responsibilities from home requires new ways of navigating. Here are a few ideas to help you become more productive while working at home – and stay grounded in these uncertain times. Dress for Work As tempting as it might be to stay in your pajamas, don’t. Act as if you’re going into the office: shower put on your work clothes and head to your desk. You’ll feel more focused and professional. According to... View Article

  • COVID-19 Recovery Responses are Crucial for Companies to Thrive in the Future

    Posted Date May 5, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readWith the coronavirus spreading across the globe, catching individuals and governments off guard, business owners have not fared any better. While the virus is having a grave impact on the health of millions across the globe, businesses have seen an equally serious impact on their bottom line. The virus is projected to hit businesses’ cash-flow and the ability to stay open post-pandemic.   While different parts of the country have been hit harder than others, the nation’s businesses, their owners, and employees are all dependent on the national and global economy. Looking to those who have... View Article

  • More Coronavirus Relief, Plus Beefed-Up Security for Technology, the Elderly, and Children Born to U.S. Citizens Serving Overseas

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readCoronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (HR 748) – This legislation provided $2 trillion of stimulus relief in response to the coronavirus crisis. Provisions of the bill include: $1,200 for each American making up to $75,000 a year Additional $600 a week in unemployment benefits for up to four months $100 billion available for hospitals and health providers; increase Medicare reimbursements for treating COVID-19 $750 million for food banks and food assistance to American Indian reservations, Puerto Rico and other territories $500 billion in loans or investments to businesses, states, and municipalities $32 billion in... View Article

  • Heightened Hacking as Corona Pandemic Worsens; How to Avoid Being a Victim

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readSince the escalation of COVID-19 cases, malicious activity from cybercriminals is also on the rise. Hackers are taking advantage of the coronavirus fear to carry out attacks. This is done by creating websites that claim to have cures for the virus or by spreading emails that contain links to malware. Consider this research by Check Point, where they found an increase in coronavirus domain name registration. Most of these scam websites allege to be selling vaccines against the virus. At the beginning of this year, one of the reported cases was the Emotet malware that was... View Article

  • Understanding the High-Low Method

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readWhen it comes to cost accounting, the high-low method is an approach that’s used to break mixed costs into either a variable or fixed cost. Although it’s straightforward, it’s important to do multiple analyses because outlier costs from the available data can sometimes misconstrue operating costs. This calculation occurs by looking at the periods with the most and least activity, as well as the total costs for both the high and low periods. In order to get results for the high-low method, the variable cost and the fixed cost must be determined first. Once these are... View Article

  • Be Right About Free Money: Potential Legal Risks of the Paycheck Protection Loan Program

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readOne of the most important provisions of the CARES Act for small businesses is called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is a $349 billion program designed to assist small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) facing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic through specifically structured loans. The loan program offers funding to cover payroll for up to eight weeks, with the intent of stemming from unemployment. These loans can be forgiven and essentially become a grant if your business meets certain criteria with no need to repay the money. As the old... View Article

  • Six Industries Hiring During the Shutdown

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readDuring the government shutdown as a result of COVID-19, sadly, millions have lost their jobs. However, there is a silver lining: there are some industries that, because of the shutdown, are actually hiring. Here are a few leads to help those who might have been affected. Shipping and Delivery This industry is hiring at what seems like warp speed. It’s reported that Amazon has created 100,000 jobs, specifically for fulfillment and delivery. UPS is hiring, as are courier services. Search “courier services hiring near me” to find opportunities. You might be surprised by what you find.... View Article

  • Prospects for Investing in the 2020s

    Posted Date May 1, 2020 Posted Time 12:00 am Published in

    🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe third decade of the 21st century started out with a vigorous economy, record low unemployment levels, and benign inflation. But late in the first quarter over the span of two weeks, investors faced the fastest stock market correction in history. With an unpredictable assailant like a global virus, short-term actions by Congress and the Federal Reserve will need time to see if they are effective. Ultimately, the fate of the U.S. and global economies, which in turn will impact the investment markets, is dependent on how long the COVID-19 outbreak continues and if there is... View Article

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