ResidentialBusiness

US president says he is considering ‘something to help car companies’ View the full article

With Tax Day 2025 finally here, many of us are pressed for time to file our returns. You might be wondering, "Hey, what if I just... don't pay my taxes at all?" And you're not alone in this line of thinking. But even if you can't pay right now, you absolutely want to file before the deadline. Fortunately, the IRS offers taxpayers an easy way to get more time: by filing for an extension. Let's take a look at how to properly request an extension, what it means for your tax obligations, and important considerations to avoid penalties. What a tax extension actually gives youLet's start with a critical point: A tax extension grants you additional time to file your tax return, not additional time to pay any taxes you owe. More specifically: You get six more months to complete and submit your tax forms (until Oct. 15, 2025). You still must estimate and pay any taxes due by April 15, 2025. An extension helps you avoid the failure-to-file penalty, which is much more severe than the failure-to-pay penalty. Anyone can request an extension for any reason—whether you're missing documentation, traveling, or simply need more time to organize your finances. You don't need a "good reason" or to submit any explanation. Plus, filing an extension does not increase your chances of being audited. The IRS treats extended returns the same as timely filed returns. How to file for an extensionYou have a few options to secure that six-month extension. Option 1: File Form 4868The official way to request an extension is by submitting IRS Form 4868, "Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Download Form 4868 from the IRS website. Complete the form with your personal information. Estimate your total tax liability for 2024. Determine if you owe any remaining tax. Submit the form by April 15, 2025, along with payment for any estimated taxes due. The form is relatively straightforward and requires basic information like your name, address, Social Security number, and estimated tax figures. Option 2: Electronic filingYou can also file for an extension electronically. The IRS Free File program offers an extension here. Commercial tax softwares, like TurboTax and H&R Block, should also have "File an extension” options on their sites. Electronic filing offers confirmation that your extension request was received and processed. Option 3: Payment method as extension requestIf you'll be making a payment, you can get an extension without filing Form 4868. Let's say you make a payment through the IRS Direct Pay system, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or using your credit/debit card through an approved payment processor. When using these methods, indicate the payment is for an extension, and the IRS will automatically process an extension for your filing. Estimating your tax liabilityThe challenging part of filing an extension is estimating your tax liability when you don't have all your documentation ready. To tackle this, some strategies include: Use last year's return as a baseline, adjusting for major changes in income or deductions. Gather whatever documents you do have (W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements) and make a best-effort calculation. When in doubt, overestimate rather than underestimate (you'll get any overpayment back as a refund). And going forward, I recommend you start using a spreadsheet to track all your tax-related information throughout the year. I've created a basic template to get you started here. The purpose is to create a handy archive of all your tax records in one spot, making it much easier to file on time next year. State tax extensionsMost states grant automatic extensions if you've received a federal extension, but rules vary widely. Key points: Some states require their own extension forms Many states have different deadlines than the federal extension Some states require payment of estimated taxes with the extension request Check with your state's tax agency for specific requirements. Special situationsFiling for an extension typically means an automatic Oct. 15 deadline, except in some specific circumstances. Americans living abroadU.S. citizens living abroad automatically receive a two-month extension until June 15 without filing a formal request. (Filing Form 4868 extends this deadline to Oct. 15.) Military personnel in combat zonesIf you're serving in a combat zone, you receive an automatic extension for both filing and paying for the duration of your service plus 180 days. Disaster victimsThe IRS often provides special extensions for taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters. Check the IRS website for announcements if you've been impacted. What happens if you still miss the extended deadlineIf you obtain an extension but still fail to file by Oct. 15, you're in a tough spot. From here, the failure-to-file penalty starts accruing. That means 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%. You may lose the ability to make certain elections on your tax return, and you risk losing any unclaimed refund if you wait more than three years to file. The bottom lineFiling an extension is a straightforward process that can save you from significant penalties if you need more time. Remember these key points: File Form 4868 or make an extension-related payment by April 15. Pay your estimated tax liability by April 15 to avoid failure-to-pay penalties. Complete your actual tax return by Oct. 15. An extension gives you breathing room to file an accurate tax return rather than rushing and potentially making costly errors. If you're not ready to file by Tax Day, taking a few minutes now to request an extension is a smart financial move that can save you from much larger penalties down the road. View the full article

The 2025 spring housing market is off to a slower than normal start for homebuilders. That’s what KB Home—a giant homebuilder ranked No. 545 on the Fortune 1000—told investors last month, echoing a similar sentiment shared by the even larger homebuilder Lennar earlier in the month. “Demand at the start of this spring’s selling season was more muted than what we have seen historically, despite a healthy level of traffic in our communities,” wrote Jeffrey Mezger, CEO of KB Home, in their earnings report. “Demand at the start of this spring’s selling season was more muted than what we have seen historically, despite a healthy level of traffic in our communities. In mid-February, we took steps to reposition our communities to offer the most compelling value, and buyers responded favorably to these adjustments.” Below are six big takeaways from KB Home’s earnings. 1. KB Home made bigger affordability adjustments in some Sun Belt markets heading into spring 2025 When and where needed, giant publicly-traded homebuilders are making affordability adjustments to maintain home sales pace. Sometimes that means bigger incentives like mortgage rate buydowns. And other times it means outright price cuts. Given market softness, KB Home had to do just that over the past quarter in some markets. “We thoughtfully and selectively adjusted pricing as needed on a community by community basis to stimulate demand and achieve a higher selling pace,” KB Home Chief Operating Officer Rob McGibney told investors on the company’s recent earnings call. “While base price is the main motivator for our customers, we also provided mortgage related support to our buyers as needed.” McGibney added that: “Consumers responded to these adjustments. We believe we have found the market.” In Q1 2025, KB Home reported an average sales price of $500,700. For the full 2025 fiscal year, the homebuilder told investors it expected its average sales price to fall between $480,000 and $495,000. 2. KB Home is seeing the greatest weakness in Florida On KB Home’s latest earnings call, COO McGibney pointed to Florida as the homebuilder’s softest-performing state in the first quarter—prompting the company to cut net effective home prices to better align with local market conditions. “In broad terms, Florida was our softest state in terms of sales demand in the first quarter,” McGibney said. “Because of that, we took the most pricing action there to find the market.” He noted that most affordability adjustments or price cuts KB Home had to do range from $5,000 to $30,000 per home. However, it “had to do more in Florida to find that market.” Jacksonville, in particular, has been a focal point. McGibney said the metro is sitting at about seven months of housing supply—above the historical norm—driving the builder to make deeper price adjustments. “One positive that we see in that [Jacksonville] market is it [inventory] is [now] getting absorbed. So you’ve got days on market actually down year-over-year despite that higher supply, but it’s likely because pricing has moved [down]. So we’re seeing that [Jacksonville] market react,” McGibney said. McGibney added that the company has also seen weakness in its Orlando and Tampa communities. 3. Las Vegas is KB Home’s “strongest” performer “Our Las Vegas business is one of our largest and strongest performers, having consistently generated the highest gross margins and profitability in the company,” CEO Mezger told investors. 4. Homebuilder profit margin compression continues During the pandemic housing boom, publicly-traded homebuilders achieved record profit margins as home prices soared and buyer demand ran red hot. Once the national housing demand boom fizzled out in the summer of 2022, many large homebuilders made affordability adjustments where and when needed to maintain their sales pace. That created margin compression. In recent quarters, margin compression has continued as homebuilders have turned again to affordability adjustments to move unsold completed inventory, which is on the rise. “Excluding inventory related charges, our housing gross profit margin was 20.3%, above the midpoint of our guidance for Q1 2025,” Bill Hollinger, KB Home Chief Accounting Officer, told investors. “For the year earlier quarter, it was 21.6%. We are forecasting housing gross profit margin for the 2025 Q2 in the range of 19.1% to 19.5% and for the full year [of 2025] in the range of 19.2% to 20%, assuming no inventory related charges.” Hollinger added that: “Our gross margin outlook for both periods reflects lower selling prices than we anticipated in January, reduced operating leverage on lower delivery volume, and the challenging operating environment.” 5. No impact from immigration policy changes—yet So far, neither Lennar or KB Home have seen “immigration policy changes” impact their businesses. “On the labor, I’d say outside of the normal things that we would deal with, outside of any kind of regulatory change or ICE or immigration policy changes, it’s really just been the same,” KB Home COO McGibney told investors. “We’ve seen nothing at all related to immigration. I mean, any kind of normal type labor shortage we might see on a day to day basis in a typical year may still be there, but nothing at all related to immigration policy [changes].” 6. KB Home is keeping an eye on tariffs Both Lennar and KB Home told investors in late March that they weren’t yet seeing impacts from tariffs. “I haven’t seen [impact from tariffs] . . . That may be something that’s coming down the road. We haven’t seen that yet. As to the lumber, we try to diversify on how we lock [in orders]. And we’ll have ninety days, maybe 100 and 120 on the long-term end,” COO McGibney told investors. Note: Since KB Home made these comments, additional tariffs have been announced. ResiClub will continue to monitor homebuilder earnings calls to see if their tune changes this quarter. View the full article

Cross 2025-H3 has moderate leverage, according to KBRA, with a weighted average (WA) loan-to-value ratio of 72.3%, and a debt-to-income ratio of 33.5%. View the full article

Key Takeaways Change as a Catalyst: Embracing change opens up opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, allowing you to step outside your comfort zone. Recognizing Opportunities: Each shift in your environment can reveal potential for improvement, whether through new strategies, technologies, or operational adjustments. Enhancing Adaptability: Organizational adaptability is crucial for small businesses; recognizing changes leads to improved workflows, management practices, and overall operational efficiency. Successful Real-Life Examples: Case studies show that businesses can thrive by adopting new strategies and technologies, leading to significant growth in sales and customer engagement. Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Encouraging a positive attitude towards change among your team can foster innovation and collaboration, enhancing overall productivity. Effective Change Management: Establishing a clear change management plan and maintaining transparent communication helps navigate transitions smoothly, aligning team efforts towards common goals. Change can feel daunting, but it’s often the catalyst for growth and new opportunities. When faced with change, you have a unique chance to step outside your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. Embracing change isn’t just about adapting; it’s about recognizing the potential that lies within every shift in your life. Every transition, whether personal or professional, opens doors you might never have considered. By shifting your perspective, you can transform challenges into stepping stones for success. Instead of fearing the unknown, you can harness the power of change to create a brighter future. Let’s dive into how you can turn change into a powerful ally on your journey. Understanding Change Means Opportunity Change brings new possibilities for small businesses. By embracing transformation, you can enhance workflows, optimize management, and improve overall operations. Definition of Change Change refers to any shift within your business environment that affects operations, employee dynamics, or market conditions. This can include altering business strategies, adapting to new technologies, or pivoting service offerings. Recognizing these changes allows you to identify areas requiring adaptation and fosters readiness to embrace innovation. The Concept of Opportunity Opportunity arises within change. When you face a challenge, it often reveals potential for growth. For example, adjusting your marketing strategy may enhance customer acquisition efforts. Adopting new technology solutions can streamline your project management and improve productivity. Viewing change through this lens fosters an agile mindset, enabling effective decision-making and the pursuit of new ventures. The Importance of Embracing Change Embracing change is vital for both personal and organizational growth, unlocking opportunities and enhancing your small business. Personal Growth and Development Change acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement and personal growth. You can develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve goals that once seemed unattainable. This aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, emphasizing self-actualization and motivation to reach your full potential. Accepting change enables adaptability. This resilience is crucial for navigating life’s ups and downs, especially when striving for personal and professional growth. Organizational Adaptability Organizational adaptability sets the foundation for success in your small business. Recognizing changes in your business environment allows for enhanced workflow and improved management practices. Implementing technology solutions streamlines business operations, making decision-making more efficient. Fostering an agile mindset empowers your team to view challenges as opportunities. By prioritizing employee development and performance reviews, you strengthen team management and operational efficiency. Ultimately, embracing change cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation, positioning your business for future growth and success. Real-Life Examples Change presents opportunities for growth, especially for small businesses. By embracing change, you can enhance your business operations, adapt your strategies, and ultimately improve productivity. Case Studies of Successful Change Consider a small retail business that faced declining sales. The owner implemented a new marketing strategy, focusing on social media and online customer engagement. This shift not only improved brand visibility but also increased customer acquisition by 30% within six months. By leveraging technology solutions to streamline inventory management, they reduced excess stock and improved cash flow. Another example involves a local restaurant that adopted a technology solution for online ordering and delivery. This decision led to a 25% increase in sales during peak times, proving that adapting to consumer behavior directly influences business growth. Lessons Learned from Change Key lessons arise from these change initiatives. Prioritizing effective communication fosters teamwork and ensures everyone is aligned with business goals. An agile approach to decision-making allows for quick adaptations when challenges arise, enhancing your ability to manage risks. Indeed, investing in employee training boosts productivity and empowers your team to embrace new processes. Collaborating with your staff during transitions not only mitigates resistance but also enhances performance reviews and overall job satisfaction. By treating change as an opportunity, you cultivate a culture of innovation that drives your business forward. Strategies to Leverage Change for Opportunity Embracing change offers small businesses a pathway to enhanced operations and new possibilities. Implementing strategic methods makes it easier to navigate shifts and capture the benefits of transformation. Developing a Positive Mindset Cultivating a positive mindset toward change can significantly impact your small business. Recognize that change often leads to improved workflows, more robust business models, and enhanced customer service. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for problem-solving and innovation. Share success stories of businesses that have thrived post-change to inspire your staff and promote a culture of adaptability. Focus on employee development by providing training that aligns with new objectives. This approach empowers your workforce, enhances productivity, and ensures alignment with business goals. Implementing Effective Change Management Establishing effective change management practices is essential for small business success during transitions. Begin with a clear change management plan that specifies tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Engage in transparent communication to explain the reasons for change and expected benefits, ensuring all team members understand how their roles contribute to overall success. Utilize technology solutions to facilitate project management and enhance collaboration among staff. Regular performance reviews can help identify areas for improvement, enabling better delegation and more efficient operations. Address employee concerns promptly to reduce resistance and foster an environment of open dialogue, enhancing the potential for business growth. Conclusion Embracing change opens the door to endless possibilities. By shifting your mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities, you can unlock your potential and drive both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re navigating transitions in your career or adapting your business strategies, remember that change is a powerful ally. It encourages innovation and equips you with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic environment. Take the leap and explore the opportunities that change presents. You’ll find that every challenge can lead to a brighter, more successful future. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of embracing change? Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth, opening up new opportunities. It helps individuals develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve goals. For businesses, change enhances workflows, improves management, and fosters innovation, positioning them for future success. How can I shift my perspective on change? To shift your perspective on change, focus on the potential benefits rather than the challenges. View transitions as opportunities for growth and learning. Surround yourself with supportive people and share success stories to inspire a positive mindset towards change. How does change impact small businesses specifically? Change in small businesses can improve operations by optimizing workflows and management practices. Adopting new technologies, such as online ordering and social media marketing, can significantly enhance performance and lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction. What strategies can help in managing change effectively? Effective change management includes establishing clear plans, maintaining transparent communication, and engaging employees during transitions. Investing in training and regular performance reviews can help reduce resistance and promote a collaborative culture conducive to growth. Can you provide examples of successful change in small businesses? Yes, examples include a retail business that increased sales by 30% through a social media marketing strategy and a restaurant that boosted sales by 25% after implementing online ordering. These cases highlight the importance of agile decision-making and effective team communication. Image Via Envato This article, "Embracing Change Means Opportunity: Unlocking Potential for Growth and Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Change as a Catalyst: Embracing change opens up opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally, allowing you to step outside your comfort zone. Recognizing Opportunities: Each shift in your environment can reveal potential for improvement, whether through new strategies, technologies, or operational adjustments. Enhancing Adaptability: Organizational adaptability is crucial for small businesses; recognizing changes leads to improved workflows, management practices, and overall operational efficiency. Successful Real-Life Examples: Case studies show that businesses can thrive by adopting new strategies and technologies, leading to significant growth in sales and customer engagement. Cultivating a Positive Mindset: Encouraging a positive attitude towards change among your team can foster innovation and collaboration, enhancing overall productivity. Effective Change Management: Establishing a clear change management plan and maintaining transparent communication helps navigate transitions smoothly, aligning team efforts towards common goals. Change can feel daunting, but it’s often the catalyst for growth and new opportunities. When faced with change, you have a unique chance to step outside your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. Embracing change isn’t just about adapting; it’s about recognizing the potential that lies within every shift in your life. Every transition, whether personal or professional, opens doors you might never have considered. By shifting your perspective, you can transform challenges into stepping stones for success. Instead of fearing the unknown, you can harness the power of change to create a brighter future. Let’s dive into how you can turn change into a powerful ally on your journey. Understanding Change Means Opportunity Change brings new possibilities for small businesses. By embracing transformation, you can enhance workflows, optimize management, and improve overall operations. Definition of Change Change refers to any shift within your business environment that affects operations, employee dynamics, or market conditions. This can include altering business strategies, adapting to new technologies, or pivoting service offerings. Recognizing these changes allows you to identify areas requiring adaptation and fosters readiness to embrace innovation. The Concept of Opportunity Opportunity arises within change. When you face a challenge, it often reveals potential for growth. For example, adjusting your marketing strategy may enhance customer acquisition efforts. Adopting new technology solutions can streamline your project management and improve productivity. Viewing change through this lens fosters an agile mindset, enabling effective decision-making and the pursuit of new ventures. The Importance of Embracing Change Embracing change is vital for both personal and organizational growth, unlocking opportunities and enhancing your small business. Personal Growth and Development Change acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement and personal growth. You can develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve goals that once seemed unattainable. This aligns with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, emphasizing self-actualization and motivation to reach your full potential. Accepting change enables adaptability. This resilience is crucial for navigating life’s ups and downs, especially when striving for personal and professional growth. Organizational Adaptability Organizational adaptability sets the foundation for success in your small business. Recognizing changes in your business environment allows for enhanced workflow and improved management practices. Implementing technology solutions streamlines business operations, making decision-making more efficient. Fostering an agile mindset empowers your team to view challenges as opportunities. By prioritizing employee development and performance reviews, you strengthen team management and operational efficiency. Ultimately, embracing change cultivates a culture of collaboration and innovation, positioning your business for future growth and success. Real-Life Examples Change presents opportunities for growth, especially for small businesses. By embracing change, you can enhance your business operations, adapt your strategies, and ultimately improve productivity. Case Studies of Successful Change Consider a small retail business that faced declining sales. The owner implemented a new marketing strategy, focusing on social media and online customer engagement. This shift not only improved brand visibility but also increased customer acquisition by 30% within six months. By leveraging technology solutions to streamline inventory management, they reduced excess stock and improved cash flow. Another example involves a local restaurant that adopted a technology solution for online ordering and delivery. This decision led to a 25% increase in sales during peak times, proving that adapting to consumer behavior directly influences business growth. Lessons Learned from Change Key lessons arise from these change initiatives. Prioritizing effective communication fosters teamwork and ensures everyone is aligned with business goals. An agile approach to decision-making allows for quick adaptations when challenges arise, enhancing your ability to manage risks. Indeed, investing in employee training boosts productivity and empowers your team to embrace new processes. Collaborating with your staff during transitions not only mitigates resistance but also enhances performance reviews and overall job satisfaction. By treating change as an opportunity, you cultivate a culture of innovation that drives your business forward. Strategies to Leverage Change for Opportunity Embracing change offers small businesses a pathway to enhanced operations and new possibilities. Implementing strategic methods makes it easier to navigate shifts and capture the benefits of transformation. Developing a Positive Mindset Cultivating a positive mindset toward change can significantly impact your small business. Recognize that change often leads to improved workflows, more robust business models, and enhanced customer service. Encourage your team to view challenges as opportunities for problem-solving and innovation. Share success stories of businesses that have thrived post-change to inspire your staff and promote a culture of adaptability. Focus on employee development by providing training that aligns with new objectives. This approach empowers your workforce, enhances productivity, and ensures alignment with business goals. Implementing Effective Change Management Establishing effective change management practices is essential for small business success during transitions. Begin with a clear change management plan that specifies tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. Engage in transparent communication to explain the reasons for change and expected benefits, ensuring all team members understand how their roles contribute to overall success. Utilize technology solutions to facilitate project management and enhance collaboration among staff. Regular performance reviews can help identify areas for improvement, enabling better delegation and more efficient operations. Address employee concerns promptly to reduce resistance and foster an environment of open dialogue, enhancing the potential for business growth. Conclusion Embracing change opens the door to endless possibilities. By shifting your mindset and viewing challenges as opportunities, you can unlock your potential and drive both personal and professional growth. Whether you’re navigating transitions in your career or adapting your business strategies, remember that change is a powerful ally. It encourages innovation and equips you with the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic environment. Take the leap and explore the opportunities that change presents. You’ll find that every challenge can lead to a brighter, more successful future. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of embracing change? Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth, opening up new opportunities. It helps individuals develop new skills, overcome challenges, and achieve goals. For businesses, change enhances workflows, improves management, and fosters innovation, positioning them for future success. How can I shift my perspective on change? To shift your perspective on change, focus on the potential benefits rather than the challenges. View transitions as opportunities for growth and learning. Surround yourself with supportive people and share success stories to inspire a positive mindset towards change. How does change impact small businesses specifically? Change in small businesses can improve operations by optimizing workflows and management practices. Adopting new technologies, such as online ordering and social media marketing, can significantly enhance performance and lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction. What strategies can help in managing change effectively? Effective change management includes establishing clear plans, maintaining transparent communication, and engaging employees during transitions. Investing in training and regular performance reviews can help reduce resistance and promote a collaborative culture conducive to growth. Can you provide examples of successful change in small businesses? Yes, examples include a retail business that increased sales by 30% through a social media marketing strategy and a restaurant that boosted sales by 25% after implementing online ordering. These cases highlight the importance of agile decision-making and effective team communication. Image Via Envato This article, "Embracing Change Means Opportunity: Unlocking Potential for Growth and Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. It's amazing how many problems can be solved with good sleep hygiene. If you often feel low on energy, one of the first things you should ask yourself is how much sleep you're getting. Good sleep also helps our overall health, our recovery from exercise, our ability to focus, and more. And while there are plenty of gadgets and biohacks that claim to help, the fundamentals of sleep hygiene are basic and simple. How to know if you need more sleepMost adults need seven to nine hours of sleep, on average, each night. This varies: Uou might be a seven-hour person or a nine-hour person. (Young people usually need even more; older adults may be okay with less.) So if you’re feeling tired all the time, an easy gut check is to note how much time you spend in bed, on average. If it's fewer than seven hours, it's probably not enough. And even if it's within that seven- to nine-hour window, try getting an extra hour or two of sleep for a few days in a row. If you feel a lot better, you have your answer. If you have trouble waking up on time but easily fall asleep when you’re sitting quietly (like watching a movie), that's another sign you're probably not getting enough sleep. If you sleep in when you get the chance, your wake-up time is another hint. If you sleep in two hours or more past your normal time, that's your body applying a short-term fix (getting enough sleep now) to a long-term problem (chronically getting too little sleep). If you know you should sleep more, but you can’t seem to figure out how, below are the basics of sleep hygiene you need to master. Stick to a sleep scheduleSet a wake-up time that you can stick to every day. Consistency is important here: don’t set the alarm for 6 a.m. on weekdays and sleep until noon on weekends. If you can’t be perfectly consistent—for example, if you work different shifts—adjust as needed, but try to do your best. Next comes setting a bedtime. Figure out what time you need to hit the hay to get enough sleep before your alarm goes off. Then work backward from that to figure out when to start changing into jammies and whatever else your nighttime routine involves. (More on that routine below.) Crucial to both steps is prioritizing sleep so you can actually get yourself on schedule. If you’ve been having trouble getting enough sleep lately, give yourself a week or two to make your bedtime and wake-up time (and nine or so hours in between) the highest priority appointments in your calendar. Don’t go out too late, and don’t stay up revenge procrastinating. There will be time for occasional indulgences once your everyday schedule is more consistent. Include these four things in your bedtime routineOkay, so what goes into that routine? Feel free to personalize the specific, but sleep experts recommend that you include the following as basic building blocks: At least 30 minutes dedicated to winding down. Don’t expect to switch off the lights and instantly be able to zonk out. No screens right before bedtime. No, not even with blue-blocking glasses. Those glasses don’t actually block very much blue light anyway. Videos and social media keep your brain awake and unrelaxed, so they don’t really have a place in your wind-down time anyway. Dim the lights. A cool, dark bedroom makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Do something relaxing. Read a chill book. Take a luxurious bath. Do some breathing exercises. Whatever works for you. Sticking to this routine not only helps you get into a relaxed mood for sleeping, it also helps you stick to that sleep schedule you set in the first step. After all, you can't be halfway through a movie at 10 p.m. if you refrained from starting it at 9 p.m. Set your body clock during the daySleep and darkness aren't the only things that set your body's circadian rhythms. Daytime activities help to keep your internal clock on track, and these can help your overall health as well. Get plenty of sunlight in the morning. (In the winter, a light box may help.) Exercise during the day. You can combine this with sunlight by going for a morning or lunchtime walk. But any type of exercise will help you to sleep better. Eat meals during the day. We sleep best when we eat during the daytime; if a nice early breakfast fits your schedule, consider making it a regular thing. But at the very least, don’t eat right before bed. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the eveningsCaffeine keeps you up, and its effects linger longer than you may realize. Caffeine has a half-life of five hours, with some of us processing it a little faster or a little slower. To put this another way, If the average person has a 250-milligram cup of coffee at noon (such as a Starbucks Tall sized brewed coffee), they'll still have about 125 milligrams in their system at 5 p.m. and 63 milligrams at 10 p.m. The speed with which we break down caffeine varies from person to person, but in general: It’s affecting you more than you realize. If you think of yourself as a person who “can have an energy drink and then fall right to sleep” you are probably (a) in denial—hey, you’re the one who clicked on an article about getting better sleep—and/or (b) you have built up a massive caffeine tolerance because you drink so much of the stuff to stay awake, which in turn is because you don’t get enough sleep so you’re tired all the time. Do yourself a favor and break the cycle. An easy way to back off is to give yourself a cutoff time. No caffeine after 5 p.m., let’s say. Once that’s part of your routine, walk it back to 2 p.m. or noon. Alcohol is another chemical that affects our sleep. A nightcap before bed may make you feel sleepy, but it tends to disrupt the quality of your sleep. If you aren’t convinced, just start keeping a sleep diary—on paper is fine if you don’t have a sleep-tracking gadget—and see if you don’t get more and better sleep on the nights you don’t drink. Make your bedroom a dark little caveA welcoming, cozy bed will help you get to sleep faster. Make it dark, with blackout curtains or an eye mask, if needed. Make it quiet, with a white noise machine or earplugs if you can’t completely silence your surroundings. And make it a comfortable temperature. Most people prefer a cool environment—usually around 66 degrees—but again, this varies from person to person. Comfortable sheets and pillows can help. If you’re always tossing and turning, try to figure out if there’s something that physically bothers you. A new mattress might not be in the budget, but a mattress topper or a different pillow is an easy fix. ExperimentWhile the tips here are the basic things you should at least try, you may not need every single aspect to be textbook. I freeze if my room is set to 66 degrees, for example, so I keep the thermostat a tick warmer and I make sure I always have a warm duvet, even in summertime. You may find that you can bend certain rules but not others. I always have a crappy night’s sleep if I’ve been drinking, but late meals don’t bother me much. Once you’re getting a solid night’s sleep on the regular, you can start playing with the routine. And if you’re doing everything you can for good sleep hygiene and you still feel tired all the time, consider seeking medical help in case you have sleep apnea or another condition that could be affecting your sleep or energy levels. View the full article

Over the weekend, crypto traders were likely anything but zen, as the price of OM—the native token to the Mantra blockchain—crashed more than 90%. On Sunday, OM prices fell from around $6.30 to less than $0.50 within a couple of hours, shaking up the crypto markets and likely leaving many people with crypto holdings wondering if they were witnessing another catastrophe like the FTX collapse. But that doesn’t appear to be the case so far. Here’s a rundown of the important facts to know, as we understand them on Monday morning. What happened with Mantra? As noted, OM values plummeted sharply on Sunday, April 14 by more than 90%. It was unclear what exactly was happening at the time, so many crypto traders and investors were justifiably spooked. In all, OM’s crash resulted in roughly $72 million in liquidations, and its market capitalization fell from around $6 billion to around $683 million. Again, this all happened within a matter of hours, creating a good amount of confusion and worry. What caused the Mantra crypto crash? While initial fears centered around a rug-pull scheme—a common crypto scam similar to a pump-and-dump typically seen in the traditional stock markets—Mantra’s co-founder JP Mullin posted on X that his team was sorting things out in an effort to calm investors. In that post, Mullin said: “We have determined that the OM market movements were triggered by reckless forced closures initiated by centralized exchanges on OM account holders. The timing and depth of the crash suggest that a very sudden closure of account positions was initiated without sufficient warning or notice.” He continued: “That this happened during low-liquidity hours on a Sunday evening UTC (early morning Asia time) points to a degree of negligence at best, or possibly intentional market positioning taken by centralized exchanges.” Some back-and-forth on X also highlighted some prior concerns about Mantra and its founding team, including that some of its members had been involved in online gambling platforms. In response to the OM crash, one large crypto exchange, OKX, released a statement noting that its team “conducted investigations and identified major changes to the MANTRA token’s tokenomics model since Oct 2024, based on both publicly available on-chain data and internal exchange data. Our investigation also uncovered that several on-chain addresses have been executing potentially coordinated large-scale deposits and withdrawals across various centralized exchanges since Mar 2025.” The exchange also noted that it had added warnings to the OM token page on its website, and taken additional measures to control risks related to the token. Where things stand with the Mantra crypto crash It appears that things are still being sorted out as of midday Monday. Prices for Mantra’s coin OM have yet to rebound as of midday Monday, and the token is trading at around $0.68. Again, that’s down significantly from where it was a week ago, trading at more than $6.50. As it stands, some reporting indicates that OM’s crash could be the next Terra-Luna crypto scandal, which resulted in the destruction of roughly $60 billion in investor funds and sparked a “crypto winter” a few years ago. That also led to the arrest of Do Kwon, the founder of both Terra and Luna. Some crypto traders are even speculating that this marks the end of the current crypto bull market. However, Mullin continues to reassure the crypto community that his team has things under control for now. View the full article

The measles outbreak in West Texas didn’t happen just by chance. The easily preventable disease, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ripped through communities sprawling across more than 20 Texas counties in part because health departments were starved of the funding needed to run vaccine programs, officials say. “We haven’t had a strong immunization program that can really do a lot of boots-on-the-ground work for years,” said Katherine Wells, the health director in Lubbock, a 90-minute drive from the outbreak’s epicenter. Immunization programs nationwide have been left brittle by years of stagnant funding by federal, state and local governments. In Texas and elsewhere, this helped set the stage for the measles outbreak and fueled its spread. Now, cuts to federal funding threaten efforts to prevent more cases and outbreaks. Health departments got an influx of cash to deal with COVID-19, but it wasn’t enough to make up for years of neglect. On top of that, trust in vaccines has eroded. Health officials warn the situation is primed to get worse. Recent cuts by the The President administration have pulled billions of dollars in COVID-19 related funding — $2 billion of it slated for immunization programs for various diseases. Overseeing the cuts is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who rose to prominence leading an anti-vaccine movement. While Kennedy has said he wants his agency to prevent future outbreaks, he’s also declined to deliver a consistent and forceful message that would help do so — encouraging people to vaccinate their children against measles while reminding them it is safe. At the same time, lawmakers in Texas and about two-thirds of states have introduced legislation this year that would make it easier to opt out of vaccines or otherwise put up barriers to ensuring more people get shots, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. That further undercuts efforts to keep infectious diseases at bay, health officials said. The more than 700 measles cases reported this year in the U.S. have already surpassed last year’s total. The vast majority — more than 540 — are in Texas, but cases have popped up in 23 other states. Two Texas children have died. A 6-year-old girl from Gaines County, the center of the outbreak, died in February, the first measles death in the U.S. in a decade. An 8-year-old girl from the same town, Seminole, died earlier this month. Children in the U.S. are generally required to be vaccinated to go to school, which in the past ensured vaccination rates stayed high enough to prevent infectious diseases like measles from spreading. But a growing number of parents have been skipping the shots for their kids. The share of children exempted from vaccine requirements has reached an all-time high, and just 92.7% of kindergartners got their required shots in 2023. That’s well below the 95% coverage level that keeps diseases at bay. Keeping vaccination rates high requires vigilance, commitment and money. Though the outbreak in Texas started in Mennonite communities that have been resistant to vaccines and distrustful of government intervention, it quickly jumped to other places with low vaccination rates. There are similar under-vaccinated pockets across the country that could provide the tinder that sparks another outbreak. “It’s like a hurricane over warm water in the Caribbean,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston. “As long as there’s warm water, the hurricane will continue to accelerate. In this case, the warm water is the unvaccinated kids.” Flatlined vaccine funding in Texas Lubbock receives a $254,000 immunization grant from the state annually that can be used for staff, outreach, advertising, education and other elements of a vaccine program. That hasn’t increased in at least 15 years as the population grew. It used to be enough for three nurses, an administrative assistant, advertising and even goodies to give out at health fairs, Wells said. “Now it covers a nurse, a quarter of a nurse, a little bit of an admin assistant, and basically nothing else.” Texas has among the lowest per capita state funding for public health in the nation, just $17 per person in 2023, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Vaccines are among the most successful tools in public health’s arsenal, preventing debilitating illnesses and lowering the need for expensive medical care. Childhood vaccines prevent 4 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says the measles vaccine will save some 19 million lives by 2030. U.S. immunization programs are funded by a variable mix of federal, state and local money. Federal money is sent to every state, which then decides how much to send to local health departments. The stagnant immunization grant funding in Texas has made it harder for local health departments to keep their programs going. Lubbock’s health department, for example, doesn’t have the money to pay for targeted Facebook ads to encourage vaccinations or do robust community outreach to build trust. In Andrews County, which borders Gaines County, the biggest cost of its immunization program is personnel. But while everything has gotten more expensive, the grant hasn’t changed, Health Director Gordon Mattimoe said. That shifts the burden to county governments. Some kick in more money, some don’t. His did. The problem: keeping people safe from outbreaks requires high vaccination rates across a broad region, and germs don’t stop at county borders. Andrews County, population 18,000, offers a walk-in vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, but other West Texas communities don’t. More than half the people who come to the clinic travel from other counties, Mattimoe said, including much larger places and Gaines County. Some had to drive an hour or more. They did so because they had trouble getting shots in their home county due to long waits, lack of providers and other issues, Mattimoe said. “They’re unable to obtain it in the place that they live. … People are overflowing, over to here,” Mattimoe said. “There’s an access issue.” That makes it more likely people won’t get their shots. In Gaines County just 82% of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. Even in Andrews County, where, at 97%, the vaccination rate is above the 95% threshold for preventing outbreaks, it has slipped two percentage points since 2020. Vaccine funding crises aren’t only in Texas The health departments millions of Americans depend on for their shots largely rely on two federal programs: Vaccines for Children and Section 317 of the Public Health Services Act. Vaccines for Children mostly provides the actual vaccines. Section 317 provides grants for vaccines but also to run programs and get shots into arms. About half of kids qualify for Vaccines for Children, a safety-net program created in response to a 1989-1991 measles epidemic that sickened 55,000 people and killed 123. Section 317 money sent to state and local health departments pays for vaccines as well as nurses, outreach and advertising. Health departments generally use the programs in tandem, and since the pandemic they’ve often been allowed to supplement it with COVID-19 funds. The 317 funds have been flat for years, even as costs of everything from salaries to vaccines went up. A 2023 CDC report to Congress estimated $1.6 billion was needed to fully fund a comprehensive 317 vaccine program. Last year, Congress approved less than half that: $682 million. This, along with insufficient state and local funding, forces hard choices. Dr. Kelly Moore, a preventive medicine specialist, said she faced this dilemma when directing Tennessee’s immunization program from 2004 to 2018. “What diseases can we afford to prevent and how many people can we afford to protect? Those decisions have to be made every year by every state,” said Moore, who now runs the advocacy group Immunize.org. A rural clinic may have to be closed, or evening and weekend hours eliminated, she said. “It becomes difficult for them to staff the clinics they have and difficult for the people in those communities to access them, especially if they’re the working poor.” At the same time, health officials say more funding is needed to fight misinformation and mistrust about vaccines. In a 2023 survey by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, 80% of local health departments reported vaccine hesitancy among patients or their parents in the previous year, up from 56% in 2017. “If we don’t invest in education, it becomes even more difficult to get these diseases under control,” Moore said. An unclear future given continuing cuts and hesitancy Facing these headwinds, things got much worse in March when Kennedy’s health department canceled billions of dollars in state and local funding. After 23 states sued, a judge put a hold on the cuts for now in those states but not in Texas or other states that didn’t join the lawsuit. But local health departments are not taking chances and are moving to cut services. HHS said the money, allocated through COVID-19 initiatives, was cut because the pandemic was over. But CDC had allowed the money to be used to shore up public health infrastructure generally, including immunization programs. Before he was confirmed as health secretary, Kennedy vowed not to take vaccines away. But in Texas, his department’s cuts mean state and local health departments are losing $125 million in immunization-related federal funding as they deal with the measles outbreak. A spokesperson for the federal health department did not respond to an AP request for comment. Dallas County, 350 miles from where the outbreak began, had to cancel more than 50 immunization clinics, including at schools with low measles vaccination rates, said Dr. Philip Huang, the county’s health director. Near the center of the outbreak, Lubbock’s health department said seven jobs are on the line because they were paid by those grants. Included in the affected work are immunizations. Across the border in New Mexico, where the outbreak has spread, the state lost grants that funded vaccine education. Kennedy’s cuts also hit vaccination programs in other states It’s still unclear how the recently announced $2 billion in cuts will affect immunization programs across the country, but details are starting to trickle out from some states. Washington state, for example, would lose about $20 million in vaccination-related funding. Officials were forced to pause mobile vaccine efforts on their “Care-A-Van,” which has administered more than 6,800 COVID-19 vaccines, 3,900 flu vaccines and 5,700 childhood vaccines since July. The state also had to cancel more than 100 vaccine clinics scheduled through June, including more than 35 at schools. Connecticut health officials estimate if the cuts stand, they will lose $26 million for immunization. Among other reductions, this means canceling 43 contracts with local health departments to increase vaccination rates and raise confidence in vaccines, losing vaccination clinics and mobile outreach in underserved neighborhoods, and stopping the distribution of vaccine-related educational materials. Several of the 23 states suing the federal government, including Minnesota, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, cite losses to vaccine programs. As the cuts further cripple already struggling health departments, alongside increasingly prominent and powerful anti-vaccine voices, doctors worry that vaccine hesitancy will keep spreading. And measles and other viruses will too. “My whole life’s purpose is to keep people from suffering. And vaccines are a tremendous way to do that,” Moore said. “But if we don’t invest in them to get them in arms, then we don’t see their benefits.” ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Laura Ungar, Michelle R. Smith, and Devi Shastri, Associated Press View the full article

The U.S. Postal Service announced that it has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of proposed mailing services price changes scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2025. The proposed changes include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 73 cents to 78 cents. According to the Postal Service, the proposed adjustments were approved by its Board of Governors and would raise mailing services product prices by approximately 7.4 percent. The PRC must review and approve the proposed rates before they go into effect. Summary of Proposed Price Changes The Postal Service provided the following breakdown of key planned rate increases: Letters (1 ounce): from 73 cents to 78 cents Metered letters (1 ounce): from 69 cents to 74 cents Domestic postcards: from 56 cents to 62 cents International postcards: from $1.65 to $1.70 International letters (1 ounce): from $1.65 to $1.70 Additional-ounce price for single-piece letters: from 28 cents to 29 cents The Postal Service also proposed price adjustments for Special Services products, including a 12 percent reduction in the cost of postal insurance when mailing an item. Part of Delivering for America Plan The Postal Service cited continued changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace as the rationale for the price adjustments. It stated that these changes are necessary to achieve the financial stability outlined in the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year strategic plan. The Postal Service emphasized that its rates remain among the most affordable globally. Marketing Mail and Package Services Pricing In response to a directive from the PRC, the Postal Service is filing two sets of prices for Marketing Mail and Package Services products. While only one set will go into effect on July 13, the dual pricing structure is intended to address a pending proposal to eliminate Bound Printed Matter and expand Marketing Mail, pending PRC approval. Additional communications regarding price changes in these categories are expected as the commission continues its review. Next Steps and Additional Information The PRC will now review the proposed changes filed under Docket No. R2025-1. Customers can find the full price filing and additional details on the PRC’s website under the Daily Listings section, and also on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index. Customers may continue purchasing stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by phone at 844-737-7826, by mail via USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. Officially licensed stamp products are also available through the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Image: Envato This article, "USPS Proposes Rate Hike for Forever Stamp in July" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Postal Service announced that it has filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of proposed mailing services price changes scheduled to take effect on July 13, 2025. The proposed changes include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, from 73 cents to 78 cents. According to the Postal Service, the proposed adjustments were approved by its Board of Governors and would raise mailing services product prices by approximately 7.4 percent. The PRC must review and approve the proposed rates before they go into effect. Summary of Proposed Price Changes The Postal Service provided the following breakdown of key planned rate increases: Letters (1 ounce): from 73 cents to 78 cents Metered letters (1 ounce): from 69 cents to 74 cents Domestic postcards: from 56 cents to 62 cents International postcards: from $1.65 to $1.70 International letters (1 ounce): from $1.65 to $1.70 Additional-ounce price for single-piece letters: from 28 cents to 29 cents The Postal Service also proposed price adjustments for Special Services products, including a 12 percent reduction in the cost of postal insurance when mailing an item. Part of Delivering for America Plan The Postal Service cited continued changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace as the rationale for the price adjustments. It stated that these changes are necessary to achieve the financial stability outlined in the organization’s Delivering for America 10-year strategic plan. The Postal Service emphasized that its rates remain among the most affordable globally. Marketing Mail and Package Services Pricing In response to a directive from the PRC, the Postal Service is filing two sets of prices for Marketing Mail and Package Services products. While only one set will go into effect on July 13, the dual pricing structure is intended to address a pending proposal to eliminate Bound Printed Matter and expand Marketing Mail, pending PRC approval. Additional communications regarding price changes in these categories are expected as the commission continues its review. Next Steps and Additional Information The PRC will now review the proposed changes filed under Docket No. R2025-1. Customers can find the full price filing and additional details on the PRC’s website under the Daily Listings section, and also on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index. Customers may continue purchasing stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by phone at 844-737-7826, by mail via USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. Officially licensed stamp products are also available through the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Image: Envato This article, "USPS Proposes Rate Hike for Forever Stamp in July" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

2024 was the hottest summer ever recorded, and there’s a good chance that future summers will be even warmer. For most people, planning for those future summers involves upgrading their air-conditioning systems and taking other steps to turn the interior of their homes into cool, dark caves. But what happens if you want to get outside for some fresh air? If your yard is too hot to enjoy during the summer, you might as well not have a yard at all. You can’t air condition the outdoors—but you can lower the temperature with some thoughtful landscaping decisions. If you hesitate to throw a cookout in your outdoor space because you feel like you’re on a grill when you’re out there, consider implementing some of these simple suggestions for how your landscaping is designed. Plant shade treesStep one for making your outdoor areas cooler is to remove all that pesky solar energy that makes every moment in your yard feel like a trip to Mercury. Trees are the most attractive, natural, and effective way to shade your yard. Shade can lower the air temperature of your outdoor space by 15 to 20 degrees, which is a significant drop. Concentrate on deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves annually), as these will shade your yard and house in the summer but let the warming sun through in the winter. Fast-growing choices include sycamores, which have varieties that thrive in a wide range of climates, as well as maple, oak, and honey locust trees. Ditch hardscapesIf you’ve ever walked out onto your patio in bare feet in the summer, you know that pavement and hardscaping absorb the sun’s heat. While a grass yard has an average temperature of about 78° in full sun, concrete can reach temperatures as high as 135°. Eliminating as much hardscaping as possible in your outdoor areas will not only spare your feet, it will help tamp down the ambient temperature because less heat will be radiating from the ground. For the hardscaping you want or need to keep, consider using a lighter color scheme, as lighter colors reflect more heat. When installing pavers or other hardscape materials, check the light reflectance value (LRV), which is a measurement of how much light the color reflects. The higher the number, the cooler the surface will be—an LRV above 50 percent is a good starting point. Finally, consider using permeable pavers or pavements. These materials allow water to pass through, soaking the ground, which can help cool off your outdoor space. Grow ground coverYou can lower the temperature of the ground or hard surfaces by planting ground cover plants like creeping thyme or vinca. These low-growing plants will spread out and block the sun, lowering the overall temperature of the area and avoiding surfaces that are like skillets against your feet. You can also use a reflective mulch in your plant beds; these include aluminum or other reflective materials to bounce the sun’s light away from the ground, resulting in a small but appreciable decrease in temperature. Use layersOne strategy for cooling down your outdoor area is to trap and hold onto cool, shaded air. You can accomplish this by creating a layered effect, with plants of different heights helping to hold cooler air in and warmer air out. Trees would obviously be your tallest layer, but planting shrubs and other medium-height plants along with a robust ground cover can insulate your outdoor space naturally, moderating the temperature (and enhancing privacy). Encourage vinesWhile tree canopies can keep the sun off your outdoor space when it’s high in the sky, when it starts to sink those punishing rays can still bake your space. Vines and other climbing plants can provide shade horizontally, creeping up fences, trellises, or other vertical surfaces and blocking the sunlight while allowing air movement. Just don’t let them grow on your house—that can lead to serious damage. Channel the airEven on hot summer days, a cool breeze can make an incredible difference in your comfort levels. Designing your landscaping to guide those breezes to the areas where you utilize your outdoor space can help tremendously. Planting a line of tall shrubs or evergreen trees on the opposite side of a fence or wall can create a “wind tunnel” effect that drives refreshing breezes toward you, and pruning your shade trees low will facilitate air movement. On the other hand, if your outdoor space is baked by hot winds, you can plant shrubs or trees to block those winds. Even tall grasses can be effective windbreaks, absorbing and breaking up oven-like breezes before they invade your patio area. Install a rain gardenRain gardens are typically used to control water runoff, but they can also be effective in lowering the surrounding temperature of an outdoor space. Rain gardens are located in depressions where deep-rooted native plants are planted, allowing rainwater to drain into the garden instead of pooling elsewhere (on hardscapes, for example). The cooling effect of the rainwater on the ground can impact what’s known as the Urban Heat Island Effect, lowering the overall temperature of the space. Add water featuresYou can also add water features like fountains or ponds to help with the temperature of an outdoor space—especially when used in conjunction with layered plantings of trees, shrubs, and grasses. The impact of a small water feature might not be huge, but every little bit will help, and water features also bring beauty and a sense of tranquility to any space—which might make the heat more tolerable. View the full article

The second The President administration has launched the next stage in the half-century-long battle between commerce and conservation over Alaskan oil and gas development. But its moves are delivering a mixed message to the petroleum industry. The administration has opened – or reopened – large swaths of government land in Alaska to oil and gas drilling, though only some of those opportunities have drawn much commercial interest in recent years. And an 800-mile pipeline across Alaska that the administration says it supports is not yet funded, and other administration policies risk turning off prospective partners. President Donald The President says he wants to grow oil and gas production and advance the goal of what he calls U.S. “energy dominance.” The White House says that term means both reducing the amount of energy imported from other countries and increasing the amount of energy exported from the U.S., especially to allies. The U.S. is already the world’s largest producer and exporter of natural gas as well as the largest producer of crude oil. And the nation’s oil industry boomed under the Biden administration. However, the U.S. does import an average of over 6 million barrels per day of crude oil, most of it from Canada. The President’s efforts seek to boost U.S. production to still greater heights by expanding access to areas for drilling and building related infrastructure. But as a former petroleum geoscientist and industry observer, I would suggest his various actions, taken as a whole, may have more limited effects than he seems to hope. Returned to leasing In one of his first executive orders after retaking office on Jan. 20, 2025, The President declared that the U.S. would develop Alaska’s petroleum resources “to the fullest extent possible.” The Biden administration had banned oil leasing in three areas of Alaska. One was all but 400,000 acres in the coastal plain portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Another was a 13-million-acre swath of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, a massive parcel of federal land west of the refuge. The third area was 44 million acres of the offshore coastal portion of the northern Bering Sea, based on concerns for tribal rights and the migration routes of marine mammals. The President moved quickly to reverse all these bans, describing them as an “assault on Alaska’s sovereignty and its ability to responsibly develop (its) resources for the benefit of the Nation.” And The President went farther, expanding the available land by an additional 6 million acres in the petroleum reserve and another 1.1 million acres of the wildlife refuge. All those areas are home to many different types of wildlife, as well as Indigenous groups. The view of industry For the petroleum industry, I expect these actions are both welcome and irrelevant. Reopening the northeastern portion of the petroleum reserve creates a real opportunity: Exploration has found a significant amount of oil and gas in that area, and indications are that there may be more yet to discover. But prospects on the land in the wildlife refuge and the shallow waters of the Bering Sea are not likely of much interest to drilling companies unless oil prices rise significantly from their levels in early 2025. There is no established production in either area at present. And, though the refuge has oil and gas potential, there are no roads or pipelines, and Arctic drilling is especially expensive. In fact, the last two attempts by the government to lease oil development rights in the wildlife refuge drew very little interest. In 2020, the first The President administration teamed with Republicans in Congress to overcome long-standing legal and political opposition to leasing in the refuge. But the 2021 lease sale was a bust, with none of the top oil producers in the state participating. A second round of bidding, in January 2025, received no interest at all from oil companies. Pipe dreams that could come true A strong gain for the petroleum industry would be a major new pipeline to carry natural gas more than 800 miles south from the Prudhoe Bay area on the Arctic coast to a port near Anchorage on south-central Alaska’s Cook Inlet. The idea has its own decades-long history, and has been both pushed forward and set back over the years by changing economics, government plans, and tribal interest and opposition. The main challenge is that there is no way to transport natural gas off the North Slope. Since drilling began in the late 1970s, some has been used locally for heating and running equipment, with the vast majority being reinjected into oil reservoir rock to help maintain oil production. Rising demand and elevated prices in Asia, however, suggest the project could be profitable, despite the current cost estimate of US$44 billion. Project plans indicate most of it would go to build a liquefied natural gas export terminal near Anchorage, with the rest spent to construct an 807-mile pipeline paralleling the existing Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and a plant at Prudhoe Bay that would capture carbon from the atmosphere, compress it and inject it into oil-producing reservoirs to boost production. The pipeline is designed to carry 3.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day, which would make it one of the largest pipelines in North America. The export terminal, to be built near the town of Nikiski on Cook Inlet, would have a capacity of roughly 1 trillion cubic feet per year, enough to heat about 15 million homes for a year. The pipeline could take as little as two to three years to build, but the terminal and carbon-capture plant would take longer – five years or so. The exports from Alaska could go to other ports in the U.S., but they could also fetch higher prices in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and possibly China. Gasline Development Corporation A wrench in the works Most of the permits needed for the pipeline-and-export-terminal project have been secured by the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, a company created by the state of Alaska to build the project. However, no company or foreign government has yet agreed to foot the bill, and despite the support of the The President White House, there’s no indication the federal government will do so either. The The President administration has also created a new barrier to the project. Its sweeping tariffs and the resulting trade war crashed prices in the global oil and gas market in early April 2025. In addition, uncertainty about the permanence of tariffs or other restrictions on international trade are now widespread and directly affect the oil industry. Lower gas and oil prices and less stability make any project less attractive. It’s true that The President exempted oil and gas from his most recent tariffs. But that matters less than the broader effect the trade war is already having, with analysts projecting it is driving the global economy toward recession. Less economic activity means less demand for oil and gas, and therefore less incentive for companies to drill new wells and build new pipelines. To top everything off, the White House slapped heavy tariffs on Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, the very countries that might be inclined to help fund the pipeline project. Even before the trade war, they were hesitant about supporting it. The potential suspension, or reinstatement, or adjustment of tariffs is not likely to help them view the situation as more stable. Those who favor oil and gas development in Alaska may be wondering whether the president is truly on their side. It remains to be seen whether their hopes might end up a casualty of White House economic policy. Scott L. Montgomery is a lecturer in international studies at the University of Washington. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

Omeed Malik, who runs a merchant bank and a hedge fund, is a Republican donor and works with Republican-linked businessmen including Donald The President Jr. View the full article

Daters: It might be time to spring clean your dating app profile. More than 50% of young Americans have gone on a date with someone who looked different from their profile photos, according to a new survey from dating app Hily. That’s led 54% of Gen Z and 62% of millennial daters to either end a date early or decline a second one, Hily found after surveying 3,700 dating app users earlier this month. “For a variety of reasons, quite a few people don’t regularly update their profile pics, some not even when their looks change,” the company wrote in an accompanying blog post. “Women tend to be afraid of being judged for their appearance, while men feel like the content of their profile doesn’t make a difference. A lot of women and men just don’t know what to put in their profiles.” About 10% of daters admitted they’re “unlikely to change their profile pics, even if their appearance changes.” But that’s a small share overall: Hily said 84% of women and 83% of men have updated their profiles within the past six months. Still, many young daters will say their pictures may not be 100% true to reality. The survey found that around 45% of Gen Z and 33% of millennials view their own profile pictures as close to their actual looks, but not quite there. This likely fits into the broader public sentiment of users being dismayed with dating apps. According to a 2023 Pew survey, online daters are relatively divided over whether their experiences on the apps have been either positive or negative. If you go on enough dates with people you weren’t expecting to go on dates with (a.k.a.: you were catfished), you’ll likely become a bit jaded with the experience. Take this as your sign to double-check your profile—and maybe swap out a few photos while you’re at it. View the full article

Acting Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Russell Vought also directed that future guidance not use the words "shall," "must," "required" or "requirement" to direct parties outside the federal government, except when restating clear legal mandates. View the full article

Key Takeaways Community Engagement Matters: Hosting events and participating in local activities strengthen relationships and build brand loyalty within your community.Leverage Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase local involvement, engage with customers, and promote your business effectively.Optimize for Local SEO: Ensure your website and business listings are optimized for local searches to attract nearby customers actively looking for your services.Collaborate with Local Businesses: Form partnerships for joint promotions to expand your reach and enhance visibility within the local market.Value Customer Feedback: Regularly gather and analyze feedback to improve your offerings, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.Create Targeted Promotions: Tailor promotions and events to local interests, driving foot traffic and increasing sales during key seasons. In today’s competitive landscape, local marketing is more crucial than ever. You want to connect with your community and stand out from the crowd, and that’s where innovative local marketing ideas come into play. By tapping into the unique characteristics of your area, you can create campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive foot traffic to your business. From hosting community events to leveraging social media, there are countless ways to engage with your local market. These strategies not only boost brand awareness but also foster loyalty among customers who appreciate your commitment to the community. Let’s explore some creative and effective local marketing ideas that can elevate your business and help you thrive in your neighborhood. Understanding Local Marketing Ideas Local marketing focuses on promoting your small business within its community. Engaging with local customers strengthens brand loyalty and drives traffic to your establishment. Knowing how to leverage local marketing can significantly impact your business growth and community presence. Importance of Local Marketing Local marketing is essential for small businesses competing with larger organizations. It helps you connect with your audience through personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with local needs. By understanding and addressing community-specific requirements, you can enhance customer service and retention rates. Statistics indicate that 78% of consumers prefer purchasing from a local business when possible, emphasizing the need to adopt a strong local marketing strategy. Key Components of Local Marketing Community Engagement Engaging with your community fosters strong relationships. Host events or sponsor local activities to increase visibility and demonstrate commitment. Social Media Presence Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase local events, highlight community involvement, and share customer feedback. This approach improves brand management and customer acquisition. Local SEO Optimize your website for local search terms. Implementing effective SEO techniques can drive organic traffic from potential customers near your business. Networking Establish collaborations with other local businesses, forming partnerships that can lead to joint marketing campaigns and enhanced visibility in the community. Customer Feedback Value customer feedback to improve your services and offerings. Gathering and analyzing data can highlight areas for enhancement, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Targeted Promotions Create location-specific promotions tailored to your target market. Seasonal events or holiday sales can drive foot traffic and increase sales during peak seasons. By incorporating these components into your local marketing strategy, you can build a robust presence within your community, boost productivity, and drive business success. Creative Local Marketing Ideas Engaging your local community through effective marketing strategies enhances your small business’s visibility and customer loyalty. Here are some actionable ideas to boost your local marketing efforts. Community Engagement Strategies Organize Local Workshops: Host workshops that showcase your expertise. These events provide value while fostering community relationships. Utilize Customer Feedback: Implement a process for gathering customer feedback to improve products and services. This approach shows customers you value their opinions and is a strong element of customer service. Establish Collaborations: Partner with other small businesses to offer joint promotions or events. This collaboration can expand your reach and attract new customers. Create Community Events: Plan events centered around local interests or holidays. Engaging local residents in these gatherings builds brand awareness and strengthens community ties. Leveraging Local Events Participate in Local Markets: Join farmers’ markets or street fairs. These venues allow you to showcase your products while connecting with potential customers directly. Sponsor Neighborhood Events: Support local sports teams or charity events. Sponsoring community happenings raises your profile and showcases your commitment to local development. Promote Your Presence: Use social media to promote your participation in local events. Share updates and highlights to generate buzz and attract attendees to your booth or establishment. Offer Exclusive Deals: Create promotions tied to local events, enticing attendees to visit your business. These marketing campaigns enhance customer acquisition and drive foot traffic. By implementing these local marketing ideas, your small business can enhance its community presence while effectively connecting with potential customers. Digital Marketing for Local Businesses Digital marketing serves as a critical strategy for small businesses aiming to enhance visibility and foster community connections. By implementing tailored tactics, you can significantly drive customer engagement and conversions. Utilizing Social Media Platforms Social media platforms offer tremendous opportunities for small businesses to engage with the local community. You can: Engage with the Local Community: Join local Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities relevant to your industry. Share valuable insights, respond to questions, and contribute to discussions to build trust and authority. Attend and Engage with Local Events: Participate in community activities like festivals and charity fundraisers. Create live updates, share photos, and use event-specific hashtags to boost your visibility among potential customers. By actively managing your social media presence, you can enhance brand engagement and customer retention. Search Engine Optimization for Local Reach Search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on improving your visibility in local search results. For effective local reach, consider these strategies: Optimize Business Listings: Ensure your business is listed accurately on platforms such as Google My Business and Yelp. Correct information increases your chances of being featured in local searches. Utilize Local Keywords: Incorporate relevant local keywords into your website content and metadata. Phrases like “small business near me” or “[Your City] bakery” help connect you with local customers searching for your products or services. Encourage Customer Reviews: Foster customer feedback by encouraging reviews on Google and social media channels. Positive reviews enhance your online reputation and ranking in search results. Incorporating effective SEO practices can enhance your search visibility, attract targeted customers, and support your business growth. Traditional Marketing Tactics Traditional marketing tactics remain crucial for small businesses aiming to connect locally. These strategies foster community relationships and enhance brand visibility. Print Advertising Strategies Utilizing print advertising effectively boosts local awareness. Distributing handouts like flyers, brochures, and business cards at key locations increases exposure. Ensure your materials highlight your services and contact information clearly. Direct mail marketing excels in building personal connections with potential customers. Sending letters or postcards to targeted areas encourages recipients to engage with your business. This approach not only promotes your business but nurtures community ties. Networking with Local Businesses Networking with local businesses enhances visibility and fosters collaboration. Attend local events or join community groups to meet potential partners. Building partnerships with other small businesses can lead to joint promotions that leverage each other’s customer bases. Collaboration often leads to increased customer acquisition, allowing all parties to benefit from shared resources. Communication skills play an essential role in establishing these connections, which can significantly impact your business growth. Measuring the Success of Local Marketing Measuring success in local marketing is essential for small businesses. You can use various metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Analyzing Data and Metrics Track key metrics to assess your local marketing strategies. Focus on the following: Local Business Reputation: Monitor the volume of reviews, trending sentiment, owner response rates, and average star ratings. This data reveals customer satisfaction and highlights areas for improvement. Net Promoter Score (NPS): Utilize survey questions to measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. NPS often predicts the longevity of your small business. Engagement Metrics: Analyze clicks for actions such as call-to-call, website visits, driving directions, and appointment bookings. Understanding these interactions provides insights into customer intent. Traffic and Rankings: Employ tools like Google Analytics to assess website traffic sources and search rankings. This data helps measure your local SEO success and overall online visibility. Adjusting Strategies Based on Feedback Adjust your marketing strategies based on customer feedback and the metrics you gather. Consider the following approaches: Customer Feedback: Regularly collect and analyze customer feedback. Implement changes as needed to improve customer service and satisfaction. Performance Reviews: Conduct performance reviews of your marketing campaigns. Identify which tactics yield the best results and refine those that don’t meet expectations. Adapt Your Marketing Strategy: Adapt marketing campaigns based on data analysis. Flexibility in strategy enhances your ability to connect with local audiences and drive customer retention. Collaboration with Local Partners: Collaborate with other small businesses to expand your reach. Share insights and feedback from your combined customer base for better decision-making. Applying a data-driven approach to your local marketing strategy enhances operational efficiency and supports sustainable business growth. Conclusion Embracing local marketing ideas can transform your business and strengthen your community ties. By connecting with local audiences through personalized campaigns and engaging events, you’ll foster loyalty and increase visibility. Utilizing digital strategies like social media and local SEO is essential in today’s market. Don’t underestimate the power of traditional marketing methods either—they still hold value in building relationships. Remember to measure your efforts and adapt based on feedback. This data-driven approach will ensure your strategies remain effective and relevant. With dedication and creativity, you can make a lasting impact in your local market. Frequently Asked Questions What is local marketing? Local marketing focuses on promoting small businesses within their communities. It aims to build brand loyalty, enhance customer connections, and drive foot traffic by utilizing the unique aspects of the local area. Why is local marketing important? Local marketing is vital because it helps businesses connect with their communities. By tailoring campaigns to local needs, businesses can resonate with their audience, leading to increased customer loyalty and sales. How can businesses engage with their community? Businesses can engage with their community by hosting local events, participating in community markets, and collaborating with other local businesses. These activities create brand awareness and foster connections with potential customers. What role does social media play in local marketing? Social media is essential for local marketing as it enables businesses to interact with the community, share local events, and promote targeted offers. A strong presence on social platforms can significantly enhance visibility. How can businesses optimize for local SEO? To optimize for local SEO, businesses should maintain accurate listings on directories, use local keywords in their content, and encourage customer reviews. These practices enhance online visibility and attract local customers. What are some creative local marketing ideas? Creative local marketing ideas include organizing workshops, offering exclusive deals during local events, and collaborating with neighboring businesses for joint promotions. These strategies help increase visibility and customer engagement. How can traditional marketing complement local efforts? Traditional marketing, such as print ads and direct mail, can amplify local marketing by reaching audiences who may not engage online. Distributing flyers and brochures fosters personal connections and increases awareness in the community. What metrics should businesses track for local marketing? Key metrics for evaluating local marketing success include local reputation, Net Promoter Score (NPS), customer engagement levels, website traffic, and rankings. Tracking these helps businesses adjust strategies for better performance. How important is customer feedback in local marketing? Customer feedback is crucial as it informs businesses about community preferences, helping them tailor marketing strategies. Regularly soliciting and analyzing feedback can lead to improvements and increased customer satisfaction. How can businesses build partnerships with local firms? Businesses can build partnerships by attending local events, joining community groups, and networking with other local businesses. Collaborations can lead to joint promotions and expanded customer bases, enhancing overall visibility. Image Via Envato This article, "Creative Local Marketing Ideas to Boost Community Engagement and Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Community Engagement Matters: Hosting events and participating in local activities strengthen relationships and build brand loyalty within your community.Leverage Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase local involvement, engage with customers, and promote your business effectively.Optimize for Local SEO: Ensure your website and business listings are optimized for local searches to attract nearby customers actively looking for your services.Collaborate with Local Businesses: Form partnerships for joint promotions to expand your reach and enhance visibility within the local market.Value Customer Feedback: Regularly gather and analyze feedback to improve your offerings, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.Create Targeted Promotions: Tailor promotions and events to local interests, driving foot traffic and increasing sales during key seasons. In today’s competitive landscape, local marketing is more crucial than ever. You want to connect with your community and stand out from the crowd, and that’s where innovative local marketing ideas come into play. By tapping into the unique characteristics of your area, you can create campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive foot traffic to your business. From hosting community events to leveraging social media, there are countless ways to engage with your local market. These strategies not only boost brand awareness but also foster loyalty among customers who appreciate your commitment to the community. Let’s explore some creative and effective local marketing ideas that can elevate your business and help you thrive in your neighborhood. Understanding Local Marketing Ideas Local marketing focuses on promoting your small business within its community. Engaging with local customers strengthens brand loyalty and drives traffic to your establishment. Knowing how to leverage local marketing can significantly impact your business growth and community presence. Importance of Local Marketing Local marketing is essential for small businesses competing with larger organizations. It helps you connect with your audience through personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with local needs. By understanding and addressing community-specific requirements, you can enhance customer service and retention rates. Statistics indicate that 78% of consumers prefer purchasing from a local business when possible, emphasizing the need to adopt a strong local marketing strategy. Key Components of Local Marketing Community Engagement Engaging with your community fosters strong relationships. Host events or sponsor local activities to increase visibility and demonstrate commitment. Social Media Presence Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase local events, highlight community involvement, and share customer feedback. This approach improves brand management and customer acquisition. Local SEO Optimize your website for local search terms. Implementing effective SEO techniques can drive organic traffic from potential customers near your business. Networking Establish collaborations with other local businesses, forming partnerships that can lead to joint marketing campaigns and enhanced visibility in the community. Customer Feedback Value customer feedback to improve your services and offerings. Gathering and analyzing data can highlight areas for enhancement, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Targeted Promotions Create location-specific promotions tailored to your target market. Seasonal events or holiday sales can drive foot traffic and increase sales during peak seasons. By incorporating these components into your local marketing strategy, you can build a robust presence within your community, boost productivity, and drive business success. Creative Local Marketing Ideas Engaging your local community through effective marketing strategies enhances your small business’s visibility and customer loyalty. Here are some actionable ideas to boost your local marketing efforts. Community Engagement Strategies Organize Local Workshops: Host workshops that showcase your expertise. These events provide value while fostering community relationships. Utilize Customer Feedback: Implement a process for gathering customer feedback to improve products and services. This approach shows customers you value their opinions and is a strong element of customer service. Establish Collaborations: Partner with other small businesses to offer joint promotions or events. This collaboration can expand your reach and attract new customers. Create Community Events: Plan events centered around local interests or holidays. Engaging local residents in these gatherings builds brand awareness and strengthens community ties. Leveraging Local Events Participate in Local Markets: Join farmers’ markets or street fairs. These venues allow you to showcase your products while connecting with potential customers directly. Sponsor Neighborhood Events: Support local sports teams or charity events. Sponsoring community happenings raises your profile and showcases your commitment to local development. Promote Your Presence: Use social media to promote your participation in local events. Share updates and highlights to generate buzz and attract attendees to your booth or establishment. Offer Exclusive Deals: Create promotions tied to local events, enticing attendees to visit your business. These marketing campaigns enhance customer acquisition and drive foot traffic. By implementing these local marketing ideas, your small business can enhance its community presence while effectively connecting with potential customers. Digital Marketing for Local Businesses Digital marketing serves as a critical strategy for small businesses aiming to enhance visibility and foster community connections. By implementing tailored tactics, you can significantly drive customer engagement and conversions. Utilizing Social Media Platforms Social media platforms offer tremendous opportunities for small businesses to engage with the local community. You can: Engage with the Local Community: Join local Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities relevant to your industry. Share valuable insights, respond to questions, and contribute to discussions to build trust and authority. Attend and Engage with Local Events: Participate in community activities like festivals and charity fundraisers. Create live updates, share photos, and use event-specific hashtags to boost your visibility among potential customers. By actively managing your social media presence, you can enhance brand engagement and customer retention. Search Engine Optimization for Local Reach Search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on improving your visibility in local search results. For effective local reach, consider these strategies: Optimize Business Listings: Ensure your business is listed accurately on platforms such as Google My Business and Yelp. Correct information increases your chances of being featured in local searches. Utilize Local Keywords: Incorporate relevant local keywords into your website content and metadata. Phrases like “small business near me” or “[Your City] bakery” help connect you with local customers searching for your products or services. Encourage Customer Reviews: Foster customer feedback by encouraging reviews on Google and social media channels. Positive reviews enhance your online reputation and ranking in search results. Incorporating effective SEO practices can enhance your search visibility, attract targeted customers, and support your business growth. Traditional Marketing Tactics Traditional marketing tactics remain crucial for small businesses aiming to connect locally. These strategies foster community relationships and enhance brand visibility. Print Advertising Strategies Utilizing print advertising effectively boosts local awareness. Distributing handouts like flyers, brochures, and business cards at key locations increases exposure. Ensure your materials highlight your services and contact information clearly. Direct mail marketing excels in building personal connections with potential customers. Sending letters or postcards to targeted areas encourages recipients to engage with your business. This approach not only promotes your business but nurtures community ties. Networking with Local Businesses Networking with local businesses enhances visibility and fosters collaboration. Attend local events or join community groups to meet potential partners. Building partnerships with other small businesses can lead to joint promotions that leverage each other’s customer bases. Collaboration often leads to increased customer acquisition, allowing all parties to benefit from shared resources. Communication skills play an essential role in establishing these connections, which can significantly impact your business growth. Measuring the Success of Local Marketing Measuring success in local marketing is essential for small businesses. You can use various metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. Analyzing Data and Metrics Track key metrics to assess your local marketing strategies. Focus on the following: Local Business Reputation: Monitor the volume of reviews, trending sentiment, owner response rates, and average star ratings. This data reveals customer satisfaction and highlights areas for improvement. Net Promoter Score (NPS): Utilize survey questions to measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. NPS often predicts the longevity of your small business. Engagement Metrics: Analyze clicks for actions such as call-to-call, website visits, driving directions, and appointment bookings. Understanding these interactions provides insights into customer intent. Traffic and Rankings: Employ tools like Google Analytics to assess website traffic sources and search rankings. This data helps measure your local SEO success and overall online visibility. Adjusting Strategies Based on Feedback Adjust your marketing strategies based on customer feedback and the metrics you gather. Consider the following approaches: Customer Feedback: Regularly collect and analyze customer feedback. Implement changes as needed to improve customer service and satisfaction. Performance Reviews: Conduct performance reviews of your marketing campaigns. Identify which tactics yield the best results and refine those that don’t meet expectations. Adapt Your Marketing Strategy: Adapt marketing campaigns based on data analysis. Flexibility in strategy enhances your ability to connect with local audiences and drive customer retention. Collaboration with Local Partners: Collaborate with other small businesses to expand your reach. Share insights and feedback from your combined customer base for better decision-making. Applying a data-driven approach to your local marketing strategy enhances operational efficiency and supports sustainable business growth. Conclusion Embracing local marketing ideas can transform your business and strengthen your community ties. By connecting with local audiences through personalized campaigns and engaging events, you’ll foster loyalty and increase visibility. Utilizing digital strategies like social media and local SEO is essential in today’s market. Don’t underestimate the power of traditional marketing methods either—they still hold value in building relationships. Remember to measure your efforts and adapt based on feedback. This data-driven approach will ensure your strategies remain effective and relevant. With dedication and creativity, you can make a lasting impact in your local market. Frequently Asked Questions What is local marketing? Local marketing focuses on promoting small businesses within their communities. It aims to build brand loyalty, enhance customer connections, and drive foot traffic by utilizing the unique aspects of the local area. Why is local marketing important? Local marketing is vital because it helps businesses connect with their communities. By tailoring campaigns to local needs, businesses can resonate with their audience, leading to increased customer loyalty and sales. How can businesses engage with their community? Businesses can engage with their community by hosting local events, participating in community markets, and collaborating with other local businesses. These activities create brand awareness and foster connections with potential customers. What role does social media play in local marketing? Social media is essential for local marketing as it enables businesses to interact with the community, share local events, and promote targeted offers. A strong presence on social platforms can significantly enhance visibility. How can businesses optimize for local SEO? To optimize for local SEO, businesses should maintain accurate listings on directories, use local keywords in their content, and encourage customer reviews. These practices enhance online visibility and attract local customers. What are some creative local marketing ideas? Creative local marketing ideas include organizing workshops, offering exclusive deals during local events, and collaborating with neighboring businesses for joint promotions. These strategies help increase visibility and customer engagement. How can traditional marketing complement local efforts? Traditional marketing, such as print ads and direct mail, can amplify local marketing by reaching audiences who may not engage online. Distributing flyers and brochures fosters personal connections and increases awareness in the community. What metrics should businesses track for local marketing? Key metrics for evaluating local marketing success include local reputation, Net Promoter Score (NPS), customer engagement levels, website traffic, and rankings. Tracking these helps businesses adjust strategies for better performance. How important is customer feedback in local marketing? Customer feedback is crucial as it informs businesses about community preferences, helping them tailor marketing strategies. Regularly soliciting and analyzing feedback can lead to improvements and increased customer satisfaction. How can businesses build partnerships with local firms? Businesses can build partnerships by attending local events, joining community groups, and networking with other local businesses. Collaborations can lead to joint promotions and expanded customer bases, enhancing overall visibility. Image Via Envato This article, "Creative Local Marketing Ideas to Boost Community Engagement and Sales" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. I've used earbuds to help me sleep for a while now, but I never expected a company to actually make earbuds specifically for sleeping. Anker's Soundcore Sleep A20 are exactly that: earbuds designed to block out excess noise without pressing uncomfortably against your ear. I've been using them for a year and can't recommend them enough. Right now, these sleep earbuds are on sale for $119.99 (originally $149.99)—that is the lowest price they've been, according to price tracking tools. Soundcore Sleep A20 $119.99 at Amazon $149.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $119.99 at Amazon $149.99 Save $30.00 The Sleep A20 are not active noise canceling earbuds, which is how they're able to have such a small, unobtrusive form factor. Instead, they use the in-ear seal to create a natural noise blocker, which, in my opinion, works well enough to block out sounds. They fit quite comfortably and don't press against your ear when you sleep on your side. Very rarely do I wake up with one of them lost in the covers after falling off during the night, but it does happen occasionally (you can use the Find Device feature, which emits a loud sound through the earbuds). The battery life is 14 hours on sleep mode, which includes sounds from the Soundcore app (think like white noise or relaxing sounds). If you have it in Bluetooth mode, where you can listen to Spotify or whatever you want, it's eight hours, but the charging case gives it a total life of up to 80 hours between plug-ins. The companion app is great, with many useful features for sleeping. You can turn your earbuds off after a set amount of time, have a sleep tracker that records your sleep data, a smart volume feature that increases or decreases in volume depending on the sound in your room, full EQ, and other features. View the full article

Ministers urged to review Beijing’s role in critical national infrastructure and supply chainsView the full article

Governor Christopher Waller warns that should The President resume steep duties growth will ‘slow to a crawl’View the full article

Attention! There is now just one day left until the deadline for this year’s tax filing. And the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already reminded taxpayers to “act now” to pay whatever they owe on their 2024 taxes, or request an extension, before April 15. Fewer Americans have filed their federal taxes, and more have requested extensions, compared with the same period last year, according to CNN, which reviewed the IRS data. According to those numbers, as of March 21, the IRS had received nearly one million fewer tax returns, or 1.1% less, than it received in the same point in the filing cycle last year. While experts told CNN this was not a reason for concern, and that in fact, previous years also showed declines over the same period, there is a lot that’s different about this year’s tax season. It comes amid massive IRS staff cuts (with more likely on the way) due to interference from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); and internal conflicts inside the agency, underscored by the recent resignation of the acting IRS chair, stemming from DOGE’s attempts to access millions of taxpayers’ personal and financial data, including that of undocumented immigrants. Tax experts told Kiplinger they have noticed a host of problems this tax season, including delays, a lack of customer service, and audit errors. In addition, DOGE’s mandatory return-to-work policy appears to be wreaking havoc at the agency, resulting in staffers having to work out of cafeterias and conference rooms due to a lack of space, as they navigate hallways littered with boxes of paperwork, according to Business Insider, which spoke with eight IRS employees. IRS: ‘There is still time to file electronically” The agency said there is still time to file federal income tax returns electronically to receive a refund via direct deposit. Filing electronically is usually the fastest way to receive tax refunds. “Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information,” the IRS said in a statement. “Most taxpayers qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, usually receive their refund within 21 days.” Free electronic tax filing options Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 can use IRS Free File, the IRS’s own electronic filing software, from now until October 15. Meanwhile, the IRS’s Direct File is available to eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file their 2024 federal tax returns online directly with the IRS. Go to the Direct File website for more information about Direct File eligibility and the 25 participating states. View the full article

There are two kinds of iPad fans in this world: those who love the tablet just the way it is, and those who desperately wish Apple would make a touchscreen Mac, already. While Apple may never bring macOS to the iPad (at least, not in my lifetime), there's reason to believe Apple's tablet might soon be closing the computing gap between it and the Mac. Could iPadOS 19 finally solve the iPad's multitasking problem? According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a sizable overhaul to its tablets with iPadOS 19. Gurman's sources say the changes this year focus on "productivity, multitasking and app window management." It seems the team wants the iPad to function more like a Mac than it currently does. If true, this is fantastic news—at least, for those of us who find iPadOS a bit lacking. I really do enjoy my iPad for certain tasks, and, in theory, it should be my go-to computing device. (My Mac doesn't have a touchscreen or a stylus, after all.) But more often than not, I find myself returning to my MacBook for most applications that aren't simple web browsing, messaging, or content consumption. Despite 15 years of the iPad, our modern digital world is still optimized for a desktop computing experience. That said, Apple has made meaningful changes to the iPad over the years to mimic that desktop computing experience. Multitasking, for example, has gone through multiple iterations over the years. In fact, right now, you have two choices when it comes to multitasking: You can stick with the basic experience, which lets you lock two apps side-by-side in "Split View," and show or hide another iOS-like window as a "Slide Over." Or, you can use Stage Manager, which Apple introduced with iPadOS 16.1. Stage Manager lets you add up to four floating, resizable windows to the main display at once, or connect an external display to add even more. It definitely acts more like macOS than the traditional multitasking function in iPadOS, but it's far from a comparable replacement—the overall experience is a bit buggy, and the resized app windows aren't nearly as optimized as they would be on macOS. I thought I'd love it when Apple first launched the feature, but the more I used it, the more I just wanted my Mac back. The best way to use an iPad at the moment, in my opinion, is one app at a time. macOS is not coming to the iPadGurman doesn't share many details about Apple's plans to make iPadOS more like macOS, but he does add an important point here: If you're hoping the company will simply bring the Mac's operating system to the iPad, keep dreaming. Your iPad will still be running iPadOS, and your Mac will still be running macOS. While it would be great if Apple configured a version of macOS optimized for its large touchscreen devices, the company won't do it—likely because it would cannibalize Mac sales. In Apple's view, the best-case scenario is to make the iPad good enough for people to buy, while also buying a Mac for the things the iPad can't do. It's kind of like Trader Joe's: You love it for what it's best at, but once you leave, you have to stop at a normal grocery store for the things Trader Joe's doesn't carry. I'm not sure what Apple plans to do here to make the iPad more productive, with improved multitasking and app window management. If macOS itself isn't the goal here, perhaps we can expect more macOS-like windows and behaviors: Maybe it'll still be iPadOS, but resized windows won't feel like glorified iOS apps. Perhaps you could run more windows at once, or have easy app-switching without the windows moving around at random. Any of these idea would be an improvement over what we currently have. While I would love a true Mac tablet, if iPadOS 19 makes my iPad more usable as a computer, that might be good enough for me. View the full article

Sharp market reversals have wrongfooted many computer-driven traders betting on market trendsView the full article

Key Takeaways Diverse Woodworking Opportunities: There are numerous woodworking projects suitable for all skill levels, including furniture, home decor, toys, and garden planters, that can be turned into profitable ventures. Focus on Customization: Creating custom designs and personalized items increases customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases, making your products more appealing to buyers. Sustainability Matters: Using eco-friendly materials and practices resonates with consumers, making items like upcycled wood products and handcrafted toys desirable in the market. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilize online platforms like Etsy and social media to showcase your craftsmanship, engage with potential customers, and reach a wider audience interested in unique handmade goods. Participate in Local Markets: Attending craft fairs and local artisan markets helps you connect directly with customers, allowing you to present your products in person and gain valuable feedback. Quality Craftsmanship is Key: Focus on producing high-quality, unique items that stand out in the competitive craft industry, highlighting your skills and artistic vision to attract discerning buyers. If you’ve got a passion for woodworking, turning that hobby into a profitable venture could be your next big step. With the right projects, you can create beautiful and functional items that not only showcase your skills but also attract buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there are countless opportunities to craft items that people will love. Best Woodworking Projects to Sell Woodworking offers numerous profitable avenues for small businesses. Choose projects that showcase your craftsmanship and appeal to market demands. Here are some top woodworking projects you can create: Furniture Create handmade furniture like tables, chairs, and shelves. Custom designs cater to individual customer needs. Popular styles include rustic, modern, and minimalist. Home Decor Produce artisan home decor items such as wooden signs, frames, and carvings. Unique items highlight your craftsmanship and add character to any space. Toys Design handcrafted toys that are safe and durable. Focus on eco-friendly materials to attract parents who value sustainable products. Storage Solutions Offer creative storage solutions like wooden organizers, coat racks, and shelves. Customizable options appeal to customers looking for personalized gifts. Kitchen Items Craft unique kitchen products like cutting boards, utensil holders, and serving trays. Upcycled wood can enhance the eco-friendly aspect of these handmade goods. Planters Create stylish wooden planters for indoor and outdoor use. Handmade planters can attract gardening enthusiasts and those seeking to add greenery to their spaces. Outdoor Furniture Build outdoor furniture including benches, picnic tables, and adirondack chairs. Durable designs that withstand weather conditions can attract buyers at local artisan markets or craft fairs. Pet Accessories Craft handmade pet beds, toys, and feeding stations. Custom designs cater to pet owners who appreciate unique and high-quality products. Artwork Produce wooden wall art and sculptures. Artistic pieces can add a distinct touch to homes, appealing to a niche market of art collectors. Custom Requests Foster a relationship with your customers through made-to-order pieces. Personalized items increase customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business. Each of these woodworking projects can become a successful venture for your small business. Leverage platforms like Etsy or craft fairs to reach a wider audience and showcase your handcrafted goods. Focus on quality, sustainability, and unique designs to stand out in the competitive craft industry. Beginner-Friendly Woodworking Projects You can embark on various beginner-friendly woodworking projects that not only enhance your craftsmanship but also serve as profitable handmade goods. These easy-to-create items attract buyers looking for unique, quality products. Simple Birdhouses Building simple birdhouses offers a rewarding opportunity for you to showcase your craftsmanship. These projects require basic materials and tools, making them ideal for beginners. Materials Needed: Gather a 1 x 6 board, 1/4-inch plywood, exterior wood glue, 1 1/4-inch nails, exterior wood filler, paint brush, rope or twine for hanging, sanding sponge, and either wood stain or exterior paint. Tools Required: Use a drill/driver, drill bit, hole saw or paddle bit, miter saw, nail gun, and pliers for efficient assembly. Construction: Pre-cutting the parts simplifies the assembly. Create an entrance hole of about 1 3/4 inches in diameter to attract various bird species. Customize the size of the entrance hole to cater to different birds, enhancing the appeal of your handmade birdhouses in local artisan markets and online platforms like Etsy. Rustic Shelves Crafting rustic shelves represents another profitable woodworking venture that combines functionality with aesthetics. Materials Needed: Utilize reclaimed wood, brackets or support hardware, wood screws, and wood stain or finish, ensuring the use of sustainable materials for eco-conscious products. Tools Required: Get a miter saw, drill/driver, level, and sandpaper for smooth finishes that reflect your commitment to craftsmanship. Construction: Start by cutting the wood to desired sizes for a rustic look. Assemble the shelves using brackets for stability and style. Personalization options for size and finish can attract buyers looking for custom designs in handmade home decor. Promote these rustic shelves at craft fairs or through your small business online, emphasizing their unique, handmade quality. By focusing on simple yet appealing woodworking projects, you can create attractive products that enhance your craft business’s offerings. Intermediate Woodworking Projects Intermediate woodworking projects can help you elevate your craft while creating profitable handmade goods. Two popular options that resonate well in the market are coffee tables and garden planters. Coffee Tables Coffee tables rank among the top-selling handmade furniture items. Their popularity stems from their functionality and the potential for customization to match diverse home decor styles. Building a coffee table demands an intermediate to advanced skill level. You’ll need to make precise cuts, assemble the frame, and often incorporate decorative elements like live edge wood or intricate designs. The cost of materials can vary significantly based on wood type; premium choices can increase your production costs but often lead to higher selling prices. Focusing on unique designs or bespoke items can attract buyers looking for artisan-quality furniture. Garden Planters Garden planters present another lucrative opportunity for woodworking small businesses. They’re increasingly popular as more people invest in eco-friendly, sustainable home products. Crafting planters allows for creativity, enabling you to design custom products that cater to various gardening styles. Depending on the size and type of planters, materials can range from affordable to premium, impacting your profit margins. You can enhance your offerings by incorporating innovative designs, such as tiered or vertical planters. Personalized touches, like hand-painted finishes or unique shapes, further distinguish your products in the artisan market and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Advanced Woodworking Projects Advanced woodworking projects offer you lucrative opportunities to craft unique items that appeal to a diverse market. Focusing on custom designs and quality craftsmanship leads to high-value handmade products. Custom Furniture Custom furniture stands out in the artisan market due to its unique appeal and high demand. Coffee tables and end tables, in particular, command premium prices. They can be tailored to various styles, including mid-century modern and rustic farmhouse. Using quality materials and intricate craftsmanship enhances both aesthetic value and functionality, making these pieces attractive to buyers seeking bespoke items. Consider offering a made-to-order service to provide personalized options that further elevate your small business. Unique Home Decor Items Unique home decor items play a significant role in the craft industry. Handmade wall art, artisan shelves, and hand-painted accents bring character to any space. These one-of-a-kind items resonate well with customers looking for distinctive touches in their homes. Incorporating elements such as eco-friendly finishes and upcycled materials can draw attention to the sustainability aspect of your products. Focusing on innovative designs and quality craftsmanship will position your handmade goods favorably in the local artisan market. Marketing Your Woodworking Projects Marketing your woodworking projects effectively ensures you reach the right audience for your handmade goods. Identifying platforms and strategies that showcase your craftsmanship attracts potential buyers interested in unique items. Online Selling Platforms Utilize online platforms like Etsy to promote your handmade products. Etsy allows you to connect with a global audience looking for artisan goods, and its user-friendly interface simplifies the selling process. Optimize your product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords related to woodworking and custom designs. Consider utilizing social media channels like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your projects visually, driving traffic to your online store. Engaging with your audience through posts about your craftsmanship and the story behind each piece fosters a loyal customer base and increases visibility within the craft industry. Craft Fairs and Local Markets Participating in local craft fairs and markets opens opportunities for showcasing your handmade furniture and home decor. These venues allow you to connect directly with potential customers, presenting your unique items in person. Prepare an eye-catching booth displaying your handcrafted goods, highlighting their quality and craftsmanship. Consider offering demonstrations of your woodworking techniques to engage visitors and establish credibility as a craftsman. Networking with other local artisans can also provide valuable insights into market trends and collaborative opportunities, further enhancing your small business’s reach and reputation in the artisan market. Conclusion Embracing woodworking as a business can be incredibly rewarding. By selecting the right projects and focusing on quality craftsmanship you can create items that resonate with buyers. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced woodworker there’s a market waiting for your unique creations. Remember to leverage online platforms and local markets to showcase your work. Engaging with your audience through social media can also enhance your visibility and attract potential customers. As you refine your skills and explore new designs you’ll find endless opportunities to turn your passion into profit. So get started and let your creativity shine in the woodworking world. Frequently Asked Questions Can I turn my woodworking hobby into a business? Yes, many woodworkers successfully turn their hobby into a profitable business by creating unique and functional items that appeal to buyers. With quality craftsmanship and the right marketing, you can attract a good customer base. What are some profitable woodworking projects I can start with? Some profitable woodworking projects include handmade furniture, artisan home decor, handcrafted toys, and creative storage solutions. Focus on unique items that cater to market trends to increase profitability. What are beginner-friendly woodworking projects? Beginner-friendly woodworking projects include building birdhouses and crafting rustic shelves. These projects enhance your skills while serving as profitable handmade goods for sale. What intermediate woodworking projects should I consider? Intermediate woodworking projects like coffee tables and garden planters can increase your craft’s value. These items are functional and customizable, making them appealing in the market. What are advanced woodworking opportunities? For advanced woodworkers, custom furniture, especially coffee and end tables, can command premium prices. Unique home decor items like handmade wall art also attract buyers looking for distinctive pieces. How can I market my woodworking projects effectively? Utilize online platforms like Etsy, and optimize your product listings with high-quality images and detailed descriptions. Social media, such as Instagram and Pinterest, can visually showcase your work and engage potential customers. Where can I sell my woodworking creations? You can sell your woodworking creations on online platforms like Etsy, at local craft fairs, and markets. These venues allow you to connect directly with customers and establish credibility. What should I focus on to stand out in the woodworking market? Focusing on quality, sustainability, and unique designs will help you stand out. Understand market demands and showcase your craftsmanship to attract more buyers. Image Via Envato This article, "Profitable Woodworking Projects to Sell for Your Creative Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article