Most people have shopped in a dollar store. They are very prevalent and often in places that lack other types of businesses. Even though these stores appear to serve needs for those with little access to retail, a veil of crime and violence hangs over many of the locations in urban areas. With low cost operating plans, these stores may staff only two employees at a time and lack hired security.
Teach Music Lessons Online
Over the last few months we’ve all adjusted to utilizing Zoom and other online meeting platforms on a daily basis. From business meetings to book clubs, an array of groups have successfully moved their work and socializing online. What about teaching private lessons? Kathy Kristof for the Los Angeles Times reviews Lessonface, an Ap aimed at music teachers of all instruments. Registration is free and commissions/fees are low, 4% for your current students or 15% if they recruit them for you. Check out more about Lessonface here: Review: There’s money to be made teaching music or acting on an app.
Midwest Retirement Plans
There are many large companies that brag of their attraction to America’s elite and how the states offer great places for families to live and raise their children. Some even boast of more women as part of the workforce than many other states but do any of these reasons explain why, as retirement plans everywhere have been reduced, Iowa and Minnesota remain on top? Andrew Van Dam for the Washington Post considers these questions and more in, The surprising reasons these Midwest states are the last bastion of retirement plans.
How Are Businesses Helping Employees During This Time?
During this unprecedented time, Just Capital has created a Tracker of America’s 100 largest public employers to offer a snapshot of what’s “happening on the ground.” Visit their site, https://bit.ly/36dx5A4 or one of these links to read more.
- Interviews, issue analysis, and daily policy blog to elevate best practices.
- Ongoing insights into the latest findings from our Tracker.
- Bi-weekly polling insights to share what the public wants from corporate America today.
- Five just principles to help guide corporate leaders through the coronavirus crisis.
- JUST Report newsletter, featuring a weekly roundup of “must read” content.
Living Off Your 401K?
Recently unemployed? Considering dipping into your 401K to stay afloat? Here are some options to consider. Fees are waived for withdrawals made from 401K accounts. Taxes must be paid but can be spread over three years. These are some of the most lenient restrictions ever imposed. Even if you decide not take money out of your account, you may want to consider moving your 401K into an IRA. Mark Miller for the New York Times in his article, Lost Your Job but Still Have a 401(k)? Here’s What to Do With It, offers advice and tips on best managing your retirement funds and money for daily living during this turbulent time.
Employees vs Shareholders
Many workers have been laid off or furloughed since the beginning of the Corona virus pandemic. As companies close stores, curtail production and shed employees, some are continuing to pay shareholders. Even though this may be a “bigger” picture issue, the optics of these business practices is not likely to win support. The Washington Post reports that Caterpillar, Levi Strauss, and Stanley Black and Decker have all chosen shareholders over employees. Deciding who will bear the brunt of the current economic climate is tough, but should it be the workers?
U.S. companies cut thousands of workers while continuing to reward shareholders during pandemic
Honesty in Spending
Financial Infidelity…
Have you ever been guilty of making a purchase and not telling your partner? What about buying something and then altering the actual cost when forced to admit your indiscretion?
Many couples fall prey to these kinds of buying practices says Jancee Dunn for the New York Times in her article, Your Cheatin’ Wallet. Read more to see how important it is to move towards total financial transparency with your partner and what pitfalls may arise if you don’t.
Who’s Laughing Now
Remember when cameras began to appear everywhere in public? Much like the sentiment from Orwell’s novel 1984, “Big brother is watching you,” our daily routines were recorded and occasionally even private moments were caught on film.
Now the world is listening. If this worries you, Stuart A. Thompson and Freaked Out? 3 Steps to Protect Your Phone. From simply turning off location services in ap to using the Privacy ProVPN ap, you can greatly reduce what companies and trackers are able to see and hear.
The More You Buy, the More You Save?
Credit cards come with all types of rewards currently, but do these programs actually help those with more money? Aaron Klein for the Los Angeles Times explains that since luxury, high-end credit cards come with higher swipe fees (the money charged to merchants every time a card is used), those with more money to spend with these types of credit see a much higher benefits and cost merchants more. He goes as far as suggesting that Congress consider legislation for rewards cards or make these perks taxable income.
Opinion: How credit card companies reward the rich and punish the rest of us
Make the Best of Black Friday
Want to get the best deals and save the most money on Black Friday? Elissa Sanci for Smarter Living, The New York Times offers tips and shopping best practices in her article: 5 Things to Avoid on Black Friday
Black Friday is a money- and time-sucking vortex. Here’s what not to do this year. She highlights her list with entertaining anecdotes of those who fell victim to the seemingly needed purchases and makes recommendations for how to avoid these pitfalls.