Debra Watkins – Page 14 – Debra Newby Watkins CPA

Helping Yourself and Others After A Natural Disaster

Last week Hurricane Harvey swept through Texas and Louisiana leaving destruction in its wake. Now the Atlantic hurricane, Irma is causing great damage to the Leeward Islands with its eye set on Florida.

In the aftermath of a disaster, what are the best ways to help others and if you are affected by the storm, what should you do to expedite recovery?

The Federal Trade Commission offers a good overview of natural disaster best practices along with tips, advice and links to other agencies on their page, FTC Advice for Helping Hurricane Harvey Victims.

More Women In Tech

Companies often say they desire a more diverse workplace without really understanding how to achieve this goal. Katherine Zaleski, in Opinions for the New York Times highlights the fact that small changes in the interview process can make a huge difference. From making sure the panel includes one woman, to perks that are mentioned, such as maternal leave and child care subsidy.

The Maddeningly Simple Way Tech Companies Can Employ More Women

Phone Protection?

There are a multitude of smart phone protection products on the market today. Deciding exactly what you need can be hard. The Wirecutter, the product recommendations site owned by The New York Times has narrowed the field with their top choices. Reality Check: What Does, and Doesn’t, Protect Your Smartphone. Currently debating a screen cover versus a case or possibly a protection plan versus a warranty? They have research backed answers that may help with your decision.

Calling All Creatives

Work conferences sound like a boring proposition? Then check out the latest one coming to Austin, Texas. The Creatives Meet Business Experiences (CMBXP) will combine creatives from many fields with their business minded counterparts in an effort to foster new partnerships and offer affordable access to content. Want to be part of this innovative, new concept? More details in this article from Culture Map Austin, Austin’s newest conference connects creatives in a whole new way.

Repair or Improvement?

What is the difference between a home repair and a home improvement? As defined by the IRS, an improvement lasts for more than one year and adds value to your home. There are exceptions, such as when the upgrade is no longer part of your residence. (Ex. You installed wall-to-wall carpet years earlier and then replaced it with wood flooring.). In cases of fire damage and natural disasters, all work applies, from the smallest repair to the largest addition. Knowing these details is especially important when you plan to sell your home because it may help reduce the taxes you owe on profit.

Tax differences between home repairs & home improvements

Health Care Free Market?

Exactly what does it mean to have a health care free market? According to Farzon A. Nahvi for the New York Times, it would involve an adjustment in our sensibilities about life and death. He based this assessment on the patients sent to his ER by well meaning bystanders who called EMS when they found people unconscious on the street. As a community are we prepared to look the other way and not try to help?

Don’t Leave Health Care to a Free Market

Talk, Talk

Every been tempted to confide in one of your team members about a work issue, or felt it necessary to share the personal problems of another employee with the group? According to Liz Ryan for Forbes, this is never a good idea. Ten Things to Never, Ever Tell Your Employees offers a straightforward look at best practices for management and communication in the workplace. Everyone is human, but when functioning as a manager, it’s important to remember that guarding yourself and your employees should be your first priority.

Why The Back Story Matters

It’s no secret that companies spend millions on branding and advertising, but having an actual story of the entrepreneur’s ‘climb to success’ may boost sales even when people don’t initially like the product. According to Charles Duhigg for the New York Times, Yoplait Learns to Manufacture Authenticity to Go With Its Yogurt. Yoplait yogurt, a subsidiary of General Mills, continues their journey in an effort to produce a sense of authenticity for their new product Oui. Single-serve yogurt, created in the French style served in a glass jar.

Will these changes finally give the company the historical connection they’ve been seeking?

Have you tried Oui? Leave your impressions in the comments section.

Money Managers In Your Best Interest

Are you in the market for a financial planner? Turns out that there are numerous kinds to choose from and even with current laws stating that they must do what is in your best interest, that’s not always what happens. Before you sign on the line, read this detailed article from the New York Times. Before You Pay for Financial Advice, Read This Guide. It offers links to further information and even a fiduciary pledge.

Networking How-To

Want to make the most out of your next networking event? From researching your targets ahead of time to the three point stance, Bill Rader for Forbes offers a succinct list of tips and tricks that will help you gain new connections and see them through to your benefit. Effective Networking Requires Work. How To Make The Most Of Every Event