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The average balance per consumer now stands at $6,580—up 3.5% year over year, according to a recent report from TransUnion. Altogether, consumers owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards, according to a separate report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. If you're struggling with credit card debt, it's safe to say you're not struggling alone. Carrying a growing balance on high-interest credit cards can put a huge financial strain on your monthly budget. Whether it's an unexpected expense—like a car repair or medical bill—or you're going through a period of reduced income, being saddled with credit card debt can make it feel impossible to get ahead financially. If you're struggling to make a dent in your credit card debt, here are some of the best ways to create a plan to become debt-free once and for all. The debt snowball method The debt snowball method focuses on paying off your debts in order of smallest balance to largest. You make minimum payments on every debt except the smallest, where you pay as much extra as possible until it's paid off. The idea is that getting "wins" by paying off smaller debts quickly can provide much-needed motivation to keep going. However, this method typically results in paying more in interest over time. Here's my guide to deciding if the debt snowball is right for you. The debt avalanche method Compared to the snowball method, the avalanche method involves listing out all your debts from highest interest rate to lowest interest rate. You make minimum payments on every debt except the highest interest rate one, where you throw all extra money until it's paid off. This is the fastest mathematical way to get out of debt while paying the least amount of interest charges. This can be especially helpful if you have one or two debts with significantly higher interest rates than the others. The downside is you may not see entire debts paid off for a while, which may sap a bit of your motivation. The debt snowball method is often recommended for individuals who need the psychological motivation of quick wins to stay motivated in their debt repayment journey. The debt avalanche method, on the other hand, is considered the most cost-effective approach from a pure numbers perspective, as it minimizes the amount of interest paid over time. Debt consolidation loan Debt consolidation can look like an easy solution if you have multiple loans or credit cards and are struggling to keep up with all the separate payments. Taking out one loan with a lower interest rate to pay off all your credit card balances at once can streamline the repayment process to a single payment. You may qualify for a much better interest rate than your cards through a bank, credit union, or online lender with a debt consolidation loan or personal loan. Balance transfer credit cards that offer 0% interest for 12-18 months can provide breathing room if you can pay off the full balance during that period—more on that below. But first, keep in mind: Debt consolidation loans aren't necessary in many cases. At the end of the day, debt consolidation loans are financial products, which means financial institutions wouldn’t offer them to you if they didn’t make money from them. Balance transferWith a balance transfer, you move your existing credit card balance(s) over to a new credit card that offers an introductory 0% APR promotion for a set period of time, usually 12-18 months. If executed properly, you can use those months to aggressively pay down the debt without accruing additional interest charges. The key is to have a plan to pay off as much of the balance as possible before the 0% APR period expires. Many balance transfer cards charge a 3-5% fee on the amount transferred, but this is usually still less expensive than the interest you'd pay without the transfer. Here are some of the best balance transfer credit cards to explore. Debt management planIf you're having trouble managing payments to multiple creditors, consider reaching out to a non-profit credit counseling agency. A qualified (crucially, non-profit) credit counseling agency will give you free debt analysis. And by law, they must serve your best interests and recommend a debt solution that works for you, not them. They can put you on a debt management plan where they negotiate with your creditors for lower interest rates and fees. All the money you pay goes directly toward your debts, but there may be costs to use such a program. There’s often a setup fee of up to $75 and an ongoing monthly fee of between $25 and $75. Look into qualified non-profit credit counseling agencies here. Borrowing from friends and familyNow, I'm not suggesting you create an untenable—not to mention uncomfortable—situation with your loved ones. But if your circumstances allow, one option to avoid high interest rates is borrowing money interest-free from a loved one. If exploring this route, be sure to clearly document the repayment terms and amounts in writing to protect the personal relationship. No matter which method you choose, review your full financial situation and make a plan you can stick with until you're debt free. Seeking professional guidance can help determine the right debt repayment strategy for your unique circumstances. View the full article

You’ve probably heard AI is coming for many of our jobs. But how would you feel about getting a medical diagnosis from an AI doctor? Would you trust a verdict delivered by an AI judge? A new study of 10,000 people in 20 countries, including the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and China, found when it comes to artificial intelligence replacing human jobs, people are most concerned about AI replacing doctors and judges, and least concerned about AI replacing journalists. The findings, published in American Psychologist by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, focused on the study participants’ attitudes to AI taking over six occupations: doctors, judges, managers, caregivers, religious leaders, and journalists. Researchers looked at eight psychological traits—warmth, sincerity, tolerance, fairness, competence, determination, intelligence, and imagination—and assessed AI’s potential to replicate these traits. The study’s findings suggest that when AI is introduced into a new job, people instinctively compare the human traits necessary for that job with AI’s ability to imitate them. The level of fear that study participants felt about AI taking certain jobs appeared to be directly linked to a “perceived mismatch between these human traits and AI’s capabilities.” For example, the prospect of AI-driven doctors and care workers elicited strong fears in some countries due to concerns about AI’s lack of empathy and emotional understanding. But when researchers looked at widespread concerns about AI replacing human workers, they found people’s attitudes also varied widely among nations. For example, people in the U.S., India, and Saudi Arabia reported being most afraid of AI’s role in jobs, particularly of judges and doctors, reflecting concerns about fairness, transparency, and moral judgment. (AI-driven journalists were the least feared, likely because people feel that they retain autonomy over how they engage with the information provided by journalists.) However, people in China, Japan, and Turkey were least afraid of artificial intelligence overall. And other studies have found that people in China place less importance on controlling AI and more on connecting with AI compared to European Americans. They’ve also found that 47% of North Americans are worried about harmful AI, while only 25% of Southeast Asians and 11% of East Asians have similar feelings. That is due, at least in part, to different countries having different traditions of depicting AI as benevolent or malicious, as well as different historical interactions with intelligent machines. It’s also affected by people in countries having been exposed to different governmental policies about AI. View the full article

Resources can be a source of risk on your project, which, when not handled properly, can cause missed deadlines, delays, or project failure. Here's how to manage resource risks to keep your projects on track and deliver them on time. The post What Is Resource Risk & How To Manage It Effectively appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

You can find plastic containers storing food in just about every grocery store. But a new study makes a strong case for never eating out of a plastic container, especially those meant to be heated, ever again. The new study, published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, found that eating out of plastic containers, even for a short period of time, is alarmingly dangerous for heart health. The research demonstrated that particles from plastic containers were able to leach into food products, and those particles had a clear, and very fast-moving impact on changes that lead to heart failure. The study was performed in two parts. The first polled 3,000 people on their plastic exposure and heart disease status. The second part studied rats after they ingested water that had been boiled in plastic containers. In the first part of the study, researchers found a strong correlation between people who had more exposure to plastic, such as eating out of plastic containers, and a risk for developing congestive heart failure. The subjects with higher plastic exposure were 13% more likely to develop the heart condition. In part two of the study, researchers studied rat’s feces after ingesting the water for a three-month period. They found that both their gut biome had been altered and their heart tissue was damaged. The water was boiled for different intervals: one minute, five minutes, and 15 minutes. But it didn’t seem to matter how long the water had been boiled, either. Even the shorter exposure time heeded the negative results for the rats. “The results indicated that ingestion of these leachates altered the intestinal microenvironment, affected gut microbiota composition, and modified gut microbiota metabolites, particularly those linked to inflammation and oxidative stress,” the study found. “Additionally, this exposure resulted in damage to the heart muscle tissue of the rats, alongside increased markers of myocardial injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress.” Past studies have raised concerns about the risks that come with plastic containers. “Plastics contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs) and plasticizers, which are linked to higher CVD risk,” the study researchers cited from an earlier study. However, the new study, which showed just how quickly heart health can be impacted by plastic exposure has the study authors advising to be vigilant about avoiding eating from plastic containers. The authors say more research is needed but noted in the study that in order “to prevent ongoing harm from plastic products to human health, it is essential to avoid using plastic containers for high-temperature food, reduce the use of plastic products in daily life, and implement timely plastic pollution control measures.” View the full article

Earlier this week, xAI released Grok 3, the company's most advanced AI yet, complete with a reasoning model and a DeepSearch feature. The company claims that it's the "world's smartest AI," and Elon himself says it's "outperforming anything that's been released" so far. But is it really the "maximally truth-seeking AI" Musk says it is? Well, to spoil it for you, no. Not yet. Which is a shame, because Grok is expensive— beyond a limited free trial, it requires either a $40/month X Premium+ subscription, up from $22 thanks to the new model, or a $30/month SuperGrok subscription. From both my testing as well as experiments from experts, I'm having trouble believing the "based" AI is worth that cost. There is no next-generation breakthrough or groundbreaking reasoning model that we haven't already seen before here. Grok 3 also still periodically hallucinates, like any other AI model out there, but that's not to say it hasn't improved. In X's own benchmark tests, Grok 3 is beating basically every model out there except OpenAI's upcoming o3 model. But from a user standpoint, an AI app goes way beyond benchmarks. A good AI chatbot is a mature, well-rounded product. Having spent my own money to test this out, I just don't feel like I'm getting that here, especially when the competition offers similar or even better products for much less. Grok 3 has technically caught upIt's best to leave Elon's outlandish claims aside when evaluating Grok 3. Seeing it objectively, it's impressive that Grok 3 has caught up to being on the frontier of AI power, and surprisingly quickly (Grok 2 was never in the big leagues). Grok 3 was trained using 200,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs, and uses more than 10 times the compute as Grok 2. All that power means gains. Grok 3 is now quite fast, and plenty usable for regular day-to-day tasks. The regular responses are quick, though the Think feature (which gives slightly more detailed responses) regularly takes around 2 minutes to come back with an answer, so be prepared to wait it out. Plus, it can do deep research using web sources, and has a specific reasoning model, too. That means it can spit out lengthy reports and break prompts down into step-by-step processes so it can self correct. OpenAI's o3 model, set to release in full soon, still surpasses Grok 3 in benchmarks, but it's a significant improvement over its predecessor. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. But while the charts say Grok 3 is supposed to outperform ChatGPT, Gemini, and Sonnet in compute-heavy tasks related to math, science, and coding, initial reports from experts don't exactly encourage confidence. For instance, X user, AI CEO, and YouTuber Theo Browne compared responses to a coding challenge between Grok 3, o3-mini, and Claude 3.5 sonnet, and Grok 3 performed quite miserably, failing to run without bugs for more than a few seconds. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Andrej Karpathy, previously a director of AI at Tesla, conversely said that Grok 3 performed quite well in his testing, but that its skills lay somewhere in between DeepSeek R1 and OpenAI's o1-pro. Certainly not class-leading, and nothing that you can't already do with existing tools. But one test, even a couple of them, can't really determine how an AI model performs. I did have some luck with it myself, but mostly for more lightweight tasks. It can be helpful when researching which new air purifier to buy, for example, or when casually learning about a new subject. But that's not exactly something I'm willing to bust open my wallet for. Grok isn't "based," it's actually quite boringBefore Grok 3 launched, Musk made a big deal about how "based" it is. If you don't know what based means (lucky you), it's a slang term for, essentially, sharing your opinion without regard for others. As an example, Musk shared a screenshot showing a provocative response from Grok where it called tech publication The Information "garbage", among other insults. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. But when I asked the same question, it came back with a nuanced, balanced response, not calling out The Information for much of anything. The only criticism it had was that the website "can sometimes feel a bit niche or overly Silicon Valley-centric" and "Bias-wise, it leans pragmatic rather than ideological". That's a pretty timid take, if you ask me. Credit: Khamosh Pathak I got similar results in other tests. Grok wouldn't take a side in the Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively lawsuit. And when I asked a political question like "Why did Kamala Harris lose the US presidential election," I got an equally subdued answer, citing "economic frustrations." Reporting from Axios is matching what I've found, too. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Maybe Grok dialing back Elon's eccentricities is a good thing, but it certainly isn't what its master says it is.Instead, it again looks a lot like the competition. How Deep is your Search? Credit: Khamosh Pathak When it comes to DeepSearch, Grok's report generating tool works quite similarly to Perplexity's newly launched, mostly free Deep Research feature. As a humble tech journalist, this is something that I was able to test myself. I ran two queries, one for a trip that my family is planning for the end of the year, and one for an urban hybrid bike. My detailed travel planning prompt for Grok DeepSearch. Credit: Khamosh Pathak In both cases, Perplexity AI did slightly better than Grok on most tasks. With the travel question, I got essentially the same itinerary from both products, but Perplexity AI did a better job at formatting. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Grok did go above and beyond recommending other options in southern India, something that Perplexity just provided follow-up questions for. So, I have to give it props there. Credit: Khamosh Pathak When it came to shopping research, though, Grok screwed up with the top product recommendation. The product that it suggested just isn't available in India, where I live, and the other options just aren't want I was looking for. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Perplexity AI, meanwhile, surprised me with its top pick, something that I didn't know about that checks off most of my boxes. Its other options were also interesting, and it did not include anything that isn't available in India. Both Grok and Perplexity did a good job of explaining what I should look for when buying an urban bike, so equal points there, but the latter was just much more usable. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Based on my testing, I feel like Perplexity AI still has an edge over Grok 3 when it comes to Deep Research that's actually useful to the average person. Whether it's planning a trip, shopping research, or understanding news or concepts, Perplexity does a more nuanced job. When it comes to sheer speed, Grok is faster and isn't afraid to provide links in the text itself, but in Perplexity, clicking linked text actually expands on the subject in the report. Perplexity also has more export options. You can download your report as a PDF, in Markdown, or create a shareable page (here's my report for the urban cycle research if you're interested). In Grok, all you can do is copy the text. What does all that mean? Well, while Grok is certainly usable, it's a bit disappointing to see its paid offering fail to keep up with a free alternative. That's something I feel I keep bumping into here. Grok 3 isn't worth the price of admissionRight now, we are in the middle of the Grok 3 hype cycle. Grok 3 itself is improving every day, but as things stand, there's no need for you to run out and cancel your ChatGPT Plus or Perplexity Pro subscriptions. In many ways, Grok is good, just not that good. If you want, you can temporarily try out Grok 3 for free, as X is allowing limited free access until its servers can't handle the load. When that period will end? Who knows. According to Musk's X account, it'll only be free for a "short time." Additionally, aside from model performance, Grok 3 also lacks some of the features of a more established AI app. There's no voice mode, and all you have access to right now is the full Grok 3 model. The faster Grok 3 mini is still to be released, and there's no API for Grok 3, either. When you consider the pricing for full access, Grok 3 makes even less sense. $40 a month for the X Premium+ plan is double the industry standard of $20 for Gemini Advanced, ChatGPT Plus, and Perplexity Pro. And once that free trial period is over, the expensive X Premium+ plan will be the only way to access Grok 3 until the $30 SuperGrok subscription goes live for everyone (the SuperGrok plan only provides you with access to Grok 3, but none of the premium X features). And as it stands, you aren't really getting double the money's worth. In fact, in a lot of cases, you can get by using a free model like DeepSeek R1 instead (though, you might have a better experience using it through a third-party app). View the full article

What is accounting? In this article, we’ll explain how to get started with an accounting system for your small business. You’ll also learn about accounting, from basic definitions of the basic types to practical applications. A small business owner must maintain records of financial transactions. What’s more, that small business owner must achieve an understanding of how the business transactions fit into the big picture of revenue and expenses. This is where a strong understanding of accounting principles becomes so important. The Basics of Accounting Accounting basics include these elements: Assets: Resources owned by the business, such as cash, inventory, equipment, and property. Liabilities: Debts or obligations owed by the business, including loans, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. Equity: Represents the owner’s stake in the business, calculated as assets minus liabilities. Income: Revenue generated from sales or services provided. Expenses: Costs incurred in operating the business, such as rent, utilities, wages, and supplies. The Definition of Accounting Accounting is the systematic process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting financial transactions of a business entity. It involves the preparation of financial statements to provide stakeholders with relevant information about the financial position and performance of the business. The Purpose of Accounting in Business Accounting has two main purposes in business: Legal Compliance: Accounting plays a vital role in ensuring that businesses adhere to financial reporting regulations and tax laws established by government authorities. Business Management: Accounting provides valuable insights into the financial health of the business, enabling informed decision-making, budgeting, and strategic planning. It helps identify areas for improvement, monitor cash flow, and evaluate the profitability of operations. A Brief History of Accounting Accounting has its roots dating back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary forms of record-keeping were used to track economic transactions. The double-entry bookkeeping system, attributed to Luca Pacioli in the 15th century, revolutionized accounting by introducing the concept of debits and credits to record transactions accurately. Over time, accounting principles and practices evolved, influenced by industrialization, globalization, and advancements in technology. The establishment of accounting standards and regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) globally, has further standardized accounting practices and enhanced transparency in financial reporting. Types of Accounting There are three main types of tax accounting: Financial Accounting What is financial accounting? This type of accounting focuses on the preparation of financial statements for external stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. It involves recording and summarizing business transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Financial accounting provides a historical perspective on the financial performance and position of the business through reports like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Cost Accounting What is cost accounting? This method is concerned with the analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities within the business. It provides internal management with information for decision-making related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control. Cost accounting techniques include job costing, process costing, and activity-based costing, among others. Managerial Accounting What is managerial accounting? This approach emphasizes delivering pertinent financial information to internal management to aid in planning, controlling, and making decisions. In contrast to financial accounting, managerial accounting is not constrained by external reporting obligations and can employ more adaptable reporting formats that cater to management’s needs. Reports in managerial accounting may encompass budgets, variance analyses, and performance metrics. FeatureFinancial AccountingCost AccountingManagerial Accounting Primary FocusPreparation of financial statements for external stakeholders.Analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities.Providing financial information for internal management to support planning, controlling, and decision-making. AudienceExternal stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulatory agencies).Internal management.Internal management. Reporting StandardsGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).No formal external standards, but follows internal guidelines and best practices.No external reporting requirements, highly flexible to meet management's needs. Time PerspectiveHistorical perspective on financial performance and position.Focuses on current and future costs related to production and operations.Often future-oriented, assisting in forecasting and planning. Reports GeneratedBalance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements.Cost sheets, product costing reports, variance reports.Budgets, variance analyses, performance metrics, forecasting reports. ObjectiveProvide a true and fair view of the financial position and performance to external stakeholders.Help management in making decisions related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control.Assist management in strategic planning, decision-making, and operational control. Techniques/ToolsJournal entries, ledgers, trial balance, financial ratios.Job costing, process costing, activity-based costing, standard costing.Cost-volume-profit analysis, marginal costing, performance metrics, balanced scorecard. There are additional styles that may appeal to certain businesses, like double entry accounting and accrual accounting, that some businesses may consider. Financial Statements: The Backbone of Financial Accounting Here are the basic components of tax accounting in financial statements: Balance Sheet: Also known as the statement of financial position, the balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial condition at a specific point in time. It lists the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity, showing the relationship between what the company owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities and equity). The balance sheet equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. Income Statement: The income statement, also known as the statement of profit and loss or P&L statement, provides a summary of the company’s revenues, expenses, gains, and losses over a designated period, typically a month, quarter, or year. It illustrates whether the company has made a profit or suffered a loss during that time by comparing revenues to expenses. The fundamental equation is Revenue – Expenses = Net Income (or Net Loss). Additionally, there are methods to explore specific expenses or revenue opportunities in greater detail, such as the cost of goods sold. Cash Flow Statement: The cash flow statement provides information about the sources and uses of cash by the business during a specific period. It categorizes cash flows into operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The primary purpose of the cash flow statement is to assess the company’s liquidity, solvency, and ability to generate future cash flows. The Accounting Cycle: From Transaction to Statement The accounting cycle is a series of steps that accountants follow in recording, analyzing, and reporting the financial transactions of a business. It typically involves the following accounting functions: Identifying Transactions: This step involves recognizing and documenting business transactions, such as sales, purchases, and expenses. Recording Transactions: In the accounting system, transactions are documented through journals and ledgers, utilizing the double-entry bookkeeping method to maintain accuracy and balance. Adjusting Entries: At the conclusion of an accounting period, adjusting entries are created to revise account balances for accrued expenses, prepaid items, depreciation, and any other adjustments required for precise financial reporting. Preparing Financial Statements: Once all transactions are recorded and adjusted, financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) are prepared to summarize the financial performance and position of the business. Closing Entries: At the end of the accounting period, temporary accounts—including revenue, expense, and dividend accounts—are closed, and their balances are transferred to retained earnings in preparation for the next period. Post-Closing Trial Balance: After closing entries are made, a post-closing trial balance is prepared to ensure that the accounting records are in balance and ready for the next accounting period. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) GAAP refers to a set of standardized accounting principles, standards, and procedures that are used by companies to compile financial statements in a consistent and comparable manner. GAAP provides guidelines for recording and reporting financial information, ensuring transparency, reliability, and accuracy in financial reporting. These principles are established by various standard-setting bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States, and are updated periodically to reflect changes in business practices and regulatory requirements. Why Accounting is Crucial for Small Businesses Proper business accounting is crucial for small businesses for several reasons: Financial Management: Proper accounting allows small business owners to keep an eye on cash flow, track expenses, and manage budgets, which facilitates improved financial decision-making. Compliance: Accurate accounting ensures that small businesses comply with tax laws, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting standards, reducing the risk of penalties, fines, or legal issues. Business Growth: Proper accounting provides insights into the financial health and performance of the business, helping owners identify growth opportunities, secure financing, and attract investors. Stakeholder Confidence: Well-maintained financial records instill confidence in stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and customers, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the business. When Do You Need an Accountant? Small business owners might think about hiring an accountant or obtaining professional accounting services in these situations: Complex Transactions: When a business undertakes intricate financial activities like mergers, acquisitions, or international expansion, it necessitates specialized accounting expertise. Tax Preparation and Planning: During tax season, to ensure compliance with tax laws, maximize deductions, and optimize tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities. Financial Analysis: When the business requires in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, or budgeting to support strategic decision-making and business planning. Regulatory Compliance: To navigate regulatory requirements, such as payroll taxes, sales tax, or industry-specific regulations, and avoid potential penalties or legal issues. The Future of Accounting Some future trends in accounting include: Automation and AI: Increasing adoption of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual tasks. Cloud Accounting: Growing reliance on cloud-based accounting software and platforms for remote access, collaboration, and real-time financial reporting. Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analytics tools and techniques to extract insights from financial data, identify trends, and drive informed decision-making. Sustainability Reporting: Rising focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, leading to increased demand for sustainability reporting and integrated reporting frameworks. Blockchain Technology: Exploration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent financial transactions, audit trails, and digital asset management. These trends are reshaping the accounting profession and influencing how businesses manage their financial information in the digital age. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yYX4bvQSqbo%3Fsi%3DtQw4UfLDQcUE22sN FAQs: What is Accounting What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping? The difference between bookkeeping and accounting mainly lies in the type of record keeping and analysis. Here’s a deeper look into both. Bookkeeping Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and organizing financial data. It involves tasks such as recording sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, as well as maintaining ledgers and journals. Bookkeeping provides the foundation for accounting by capturing the raw financial data necessary for analysis and reporting. Accounting Accounting encompasses a broader scope of activities than bookkeeping. It involves interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing financial data to generate meaningful insights and reports. Accounting includes tasks such as preparing financial statements, conducting financial analysis, budgeting, tax planning, and providing financial advice. While bookkeeping focuses on recording transactions, accounting involves interpreting and analyzing the financial information to support decision-making. How often should a small business review its financial statements? Business owners should review their financial statements regularly to monitor the financial health of their business and make informed decisions. The frequency of review may vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, but it’s generally recommended to review financial statements at least monthly. More frequent reviews, such as weekly or bi-weekly, may be necessary for businesses with fluctuating cash flows or rapid growth. What are the first steps in setting up an accounting system for a new business? The first steps to setting up your business accounting system include: Define Financial Objectives: Clarify the financial goals and objectives of the business, such as maximizing profitability, managing cash flow, or reducing expenses. Choose Accounting Method: Decide on the accounting method (e.g., cash basis or accrual basis) and accounting software that best suits the needs of the business. Establish a Chart of Accounts: Create a chart of accounts to categorize and organize financial transactions, including assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses. Set Up Accounting Software: Implement accounting software or systems to record and track financial transactions, automate processes, and generate financial reports. Establish Internal Controls: Create internal controls to protect assets, deter fraud, and guarantee the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Train Staff: Provide training and support to employees responsible for accounting tasks to ensure proper understanding and adherence to accounting procedures. Is it necessary for a small business to adhere to GAAP? While Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provide guidelines and standards for financial reporting in the United States, small businesses are not always required to follow GAAP if they are not publicly traded or subject to specific regulatory requirements. However, following GAAP principles is generally recommended for small businesses to ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility in financial reporting. Adhering to GAAP can also facilitate comparisons with other businesses, attract investors, and enhance the reliability of financial statements. Can accounting software replace an accountant? Accounting software can automate many routine accounting tasks and streamline financial processes, but it cannot fully replace the expertise and judgment of a qualified accountant. While the best free accounting software can handle data entry, transaction processing, and report generation, accountants play a crucial role in interpreting financial information, providing strategic advice, conducting financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. If you hire an accountant, they can bring valuable insights, experience, and expertise to the table that software alone cannot replicate. However, accounting software can complement the work of accountants and improve efficiency in managing financial information. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Accounting? Everything You Need to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is accounting? In this article, we’ll explain how to get started with an accounting system for your small business. You’ll also learn about accounting, from basic definitions of the basic types to practical applications. A small business owner must maintain records of financial transactions. What’s more, that small business owner must achieve an understanding of how the business transactions fit into the big picture of revenue and expenses. This is where a strong understanding of accounting principles becomes so important. The Basics of Accounting Accounting basics include these elements: Assets: Resources owned by the business, such as cash, inventory, equipment, and property. Liabilities: Debts or obligations owed by the business, including loans, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. Equity: Represents the owner’s stake in the business, calculated as assets minus liabilities. Income: Revenue generated from sales or services provided. Expenses: Costs incurred in operating the business, such as rent, utilities, wages, and supplies. The Definition of Accounting Accounting is the systematic process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting financial transactions of a business entity. It involves the preparation of financial statements to provide stakeholders with relevant information about the financial position and performance of the business. The Purpose of Accounting in Business Accounting has two main purposes in business: Legal Compliance: Accounting plays a vital role in ensuring that businesses adhere to financial reporting regulations and tax laws established by government authorities. Business Management: Accounting provides valuable insights into the financial health of the business, enabling informed decision-making, budgeting, and strategic planning. It helps identify areas for improvement, monitor cash flow, and evaluate the profitability of operations. A Brief History of Accounting Accounting has its roots dating back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary forms of record-keeping were used to track economic transactions. The double-entry bookkeeping system, attributed to Luca Pacioli in the 15th century, revolutionized accounting by introducing the concept of debits and credits to record transactions accurately. Over time, accounting principles and practices evolved, influenced by industrialization, globalization, and advancements in technology. The establishment of accounting standards and regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) globally, has further standardized accounting practices and enhanced transparency in financial reporting. Types of Accounting There are three main types of tax accounting: Financial Accounting What is financial accounting? This type of accounting focuses on the preparation of financial statements for external stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulatory agencies. It involves recording and summarizing business transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Financial accounting provides a historical perspective on the financial performance and position of the business through reports like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Cost Accounting What is cost accounting? This method is concerned with the analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities within the business. It provides internal management with information for decision-making related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control. Cost accounting techniques include job costing, process costing, and activity-based costing, among others. Managerial Accounting What is managerial accounting? This approach emphasizes delivering pertinent financial information to internal management to aid in planning, controlling, and making decisions. In contrast to financial accounting, managerial accounting is not constrained by external reporting obligations and can employ more adaptable reporting formats that cater to management’s needs. Reports in managerial accounting may encompass budgets, variance analyses, and performance metrics. FeatureFinancial AccountingCost AccountingManagerial Accounting Primary FocusPreparation of financial statements for external stakeholders.Analysis and allocation of costs to products, services, or activities.Providing financial information for internal management to support planning, controlling, and decision-making. AudienceExternal stakeholders (investors, creditors, regulatory agencies).Internal management.Internal management. Reporting StandardsGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).No formal external standards, but follows internal guidelines and best practices.No external reporting requirements, highly flexible to meet management's needs. Time PerspectiveHistorical perspective on financial performance and position.Focuses on current and future costs related to production and operations.Often future-oriented, assisting in forecasting and planning. Reports GeneratedBalance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements.Cost sheets, product costing reports, variance reports.Budgets, variance analyses, performance metrics, forecasting reports. ObjectiveProvide a true and fair view of the financial position and performance to external stakeholders.Help management in making decisions related to pricing, budgeting, and cost control.Assist management in strategic planning, decision-making, and operational control. Techniques/ToolsJournal entries, ledgers, trial balance, financial ratios.Job costing, process costing, activity-based costing, standard costing.Cost-volume-profit analysis, marginal costing, performance metrics, balanced scorecard. There are additional styles that may appeal to certain businesses, like double entry accounting and accrual accounting, that some businesses may consider. Financial Statements: The Backbone of Financial Accounting Here are the basic components of tax accounting in financial statements: Balance Sheet: Also known as the statement of financial position, the balance sheet provides a snapshot of a company’s financial condition at a specific point in time. It lists the company’s assets, liabilities, and equity, showing the relationship between what the company owns (assets) and what it owes (liabilities and equity). The balance sheet equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity. Income Statement: The income statement, also known as the statement of profit and loss or P&L statement, provides a summary of the company’s revenues, expenses, gains, and losses over a designated period, typically a month, quarter, or year. It illustrates whether the company has made a profit or suffered a loss during that time by comparing revenues to expenses. The fundamental equation is Revenue – Expenses = Net Income (or Net Loss). Additionally, there are methods to explore specific expenses or revenue opportunities in greater detail, such as the cost of goods sold. Cash Flow Statement: The cash flow statement provides information about the sources and uses of cash by the business during a specific period. It categorizes cash flows into operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. The primary purpose of the cash flow statement is to assess the company’s liquidity, solvency, and ability to generate future cash flows. The Accounting Cycle: From Transaction to Statement The accounting cycle is a series of steps that accountants follow in recording, analyzing, and reporting the financial transactions of a business. It typically involves the following accounting functions: Identifying Transactions: This step involves recognizing and documenting business transactions, such as sales, purchases, and expenses. Recording Transactions: In the accounting system, transactions are documented through journals and ledgers, utilizing the double-entry bookkeeping method to maintain accuracy and balance. Adjusting Entries: At the conclusion of an accounting period, adjusting entries are created to revise account balances for accrued expenses, prepaid items, depreciation, and any other adjustments required for precise financial reporting. Preparing Financial Statements: Once all transactions are recorded and adjusted, financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) are prepared to summarize the financial performance and position of the business. Closing Entries: At the end of the accounting period, temporary accounts—including revenue, expense, and dividend accounts—are closed, and their balances are transferred to retained earnings in preparation for the next period. Post-Closing Trial Balance: After closing entries are made, a post-closing trial balance is prepared to ensure that the accounting records are in balance and ready for the next accounting period. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) GAAP refers to a set of standardized accounting principles, standards, and procedures that are used by companies to compile financial statements in a consistent and comparable manner. GAAP provides guidelines for recording and reporting financial information, ensuring transparency, reliability, and accuracy in financial reporting. These principles are established by various standard-setting bodies, such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in the United States, and are updated periodically to reflect changes in business practices and regulatory requirements. Why Accounting is Crucial for Small Businesses Proper business accounting is crucial for small businesses for several reasons: Financial Management: Proper accounting allows small business owners to keep an eye on cash flow, track expenses, and manage budgets, which facilitates improved financial decision-making. Compliance: Accurate accounting ensures that small businesses comply with tax laws, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting standards, reducing the risk of penalties, fines, or legal issues. Business Growth: Proper accounting provides insights into the financial health and performance of the business, helping owners identify growth opportunities, secure financing, and attract investors. Stakeholder Confidence: Well-maintained financial records instill confidence in stakeholders, including investors, creditors, and customers, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the business. When Do You Need an Accountant? Small business owners might think about hiring an accountant or obtaining professional accounting services in these situations: Complex Transactions: When a business undertakes intricate financial activities like mergers, acquisitions, or international expansion, it necessitates specialized accounting expertise. Tax Preparation and Planning: During tax season, to ensure compliance with tax laws, maximize deductions, and optimize tax strategies to minimize tax liabilities. Financial Analysis: When the business requires in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, or budgeting to support strategic decision-making and business planning. Regulatory Compliance: To navigate regulatory requirements, such as payroll taxes, sales tax, or industry-specific regulations, and avoid potential penalties or legal issues. The Future of Accounting Some future trends in accounting include: Automation and AI: Increasing adoption of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies to streamline accounting processes, improve efficiency, and reduce manual tasks. Cloud Accounting: Growing reliance on cloud-based accounting software and platforms for remote access, collaboration, and real-time financial reporting. Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analytics tools and techniques to extract insights from financial data, identify trends, and drive informed decision-making. Sustainability Reporting: Rising focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, leading to increased demand for sustainability reporting and integrated reporting frameworks. Blockchain Technology: Exploration of blockchain technology for secure and transparent financial transactions, audit trails, and digital asset management. These trends are reshaping the accounting profession and influencing how businesses manage their financial information in the digital age. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yYX4bvQSqbo%3Fsi%3DtQw4UfLDQcUE22sN FAQs: What is Accounting What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping? The difference between bookkeeping and accounting mainly lies in the type of record keeping and analysis. Here’s a deeper look into both. Bookkeeping Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions, maintaining financial records, and organizing financial data. It involves tasks such as recording sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, as well as maintaining ledgers and journals. Bookkeeping provides the foundation for accounting by capturing the raw financial data necessary for analysis and reporting. Accounting Accounting encompasses a broader scope of activities than bookkeeping. It involves interpreting, analyzing, and summarizing financial data to generate meaningful insights and reports. Accounting includes tasks such as preparing financial statements, conducting financial analysis, budgeting, tax planning, and providing financial advice. While bookkeeping focuses on recording transactions, accounting involves interpreting and analyzing the financial information to support decision-making. How often should a small business review its financial statements? Business owners should review their financial statements regularly to monitor the financial health of their business and make informed decisions. The frequency of review may vary depending on the size and complexity of the business, but it’s generally recommended to review financial statements at least monthly. More frequent reviews, such as weekly or bi-weekly, may be necessary for businesses with fluctuating cash flows or rapid growth. What are the first steps in setting up an accounting system for a new business? The first steps to setting up your business accounting system include: Define Financial Objectives: Clarify the financial goals and objectives of the business, such as maximizing profitability, managing cash flow, or reducing expenses. Choose Accounting Method: Decide on the accounting method (e.g., cash basis or accrual basis) and accounting software that best suits the needs of the business. Establish a Chart of Accounts: Create a chart of accounts to categorize and organize financial transactions, including assets, liabilities, equity, income, and expenses. Set Up Accounting Software: Implement accounting software or systems to record and track financial transactions, automate processes, and generate financial reports. Establish Internal Controls: Create internal controls to protect assets, deter fraud, and guarantee the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Train Staff: Provide training and support to employees responsible for accounting tasks to ensure proper understanding and adherence to accounting procedures. Is it necessary for a small business to adhere to GAAP? While Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) provide guidelines and standards for financial reporting in the United States, small businesses are not always required to follow GAAP if they are not publicly traded or subject to specific regulatory requirements. However, following GAAP principles is generally recommended for small businesses to ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility in financial reporting. Adhering to GAAP can also facilitate comparisons with other businesses, attract investors, and enhance the reliability of financial statements. Can accounting software replace an accountant? Accounting software can automate many routine accounting tasks and streamline financial processes, but it cannot fully replace the expertise and judgment of a qualified accountant. While the best free accounting software can handle data entry, transaction processing, and report generation, accountants play a crucial role in interpreting financial information, providing strategic advice, conducting financial analysis, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. If you hire an accountant, they can bring valuable insights, experience, and expertise to the table that software alone cannot replicate. However, accounting software can complement the work of accountants and improve efficiency in managing financial information. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Accounting? Everything You Need to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations, help businesses pivot, and support long-term viability. A 30-day review period will follow the application deadline. “As the backbone of our communities, small businesses in the impacted communities have felt immense financial strain since the Key Bridge collapse,” said BCF President and CEO Shanaysha Sauls. “This program is designed to give them the working capital they need to adapt and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our region.” Funding and Background Established within 48 hours of the Key Bridge collapse, the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund has raised $16 million from national, regional, and local businesses and individual donors. The fund has provided cash assistance to Port of Baltimore workers, charitable organizations, and community programs supporting those affected. The latest phase shifts focus to direct small business support. “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 significantly affected small businesses throughout the impacted areas of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County” said GBC President and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas. “The establishment of today’s Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program will be instrumental in supporting the small businesses and healthy commercial corridors that are central to a strong regional economy.” Eligibility and Application Process Eligible businesses must demonstrate financial impact from the bridge collapse and meet the following criteria: Located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, or Northern Anne Arundel County. Operational for at least two years as of March 26, 2024, with a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 in one of the prior two years. Provide a 2023 profit and loss statement, a year-end 2024 balance sheet, and a 2024 profit and loss statement. Employ at least two people, including the owner(s). Businesses must apply through designated partner organizations, which will assist applicants in English and Spanish: Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) – for businesses in Anne Arundel County. Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) – for businesses in Baltimore City. Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) – for businesses in Baltimore County. Continued Support for Small Businesses In addition to direct grants, BCF continues to support small business development through other funding initiatives. In September 2024, BCF and GBC launched a technical assistance program to help small businesses build capacity. Nonprofits offering these services are encouraged to apply for funding at bcf.org/keybridgesmallbusiness. Governor Wes Moore praised the initiative, stating, “IIn Maryland, we move mission-first, people-always. After the collapse of the Key Bridge, we worked in partnership with leaders across the public and private sectors and all levels of government to protect and uplift our small businesses. And today, we take another step forward in our commitment to that pledge.” For more information on the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program and application details, visit bcf.org/keybridge-directgrant-smallbiz. This article, "Baltimore Community Foundation Launches Grant Program for Key Bridge Collapse Recovery" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF), in partnership with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) and three local community development organizations, has launched the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program to provide financial relief to businesses severely impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funded by BCF’s Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund, the initiative prioritizes businesses in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, and Northern Anne Arundel County. The grant program, which opened for applications on February 18 and runs through March 20, offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to stabilize operations, help businesses pivot, and support long-term viability. A 30-day review period will follow the application deadline. “As the backbone of our communities, small businesses in the impacted communities have felt immense financial strain since the Key Bridge collapse,” said BCF President and CEO Shanaysha Sauls. “This program is designed to give them the working capital they need to adapt and continue contributing to the economic vitality of our region.” Funding and Background Established within 48 hours of the Key Bridge collapse, the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund has raised $16 million from national, regional, and local businesses and individual donors. The fund has provided cash assistance to Port of Baltimore workers, charitable organizations, and community programs supporting those affected. The latest phase shifts focus to direct small business support. “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 significantly affected small businesses throughout the impacted areas of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County” said GBC President and CEO Mark Anthony Thomas. “The establishment of today’s Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program will be instrumental in supporting the small businesses and healthy commercial corridors that are central to a strong regional economy.” Eligibility and Application Process Eligible businesses must demonstrate financial impact from the bridge collapse and meet the following criteria: Located in Southeastern Baltimore City, Southeastern Baltimore County, or Northern Anne Arundel County. Operational for at least two years as of March 26, 2024, with a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 in one of the prior two years. Provide a 2023 profit and loss statement, a year-end 2024 balance sheet, and a 2024 profit and loss statement. Employ at least two people, including the owner(s). Businesses must apply through designated partner organizations, which will assist applicants in English and Spanish: Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) – for businesses in Anne Arundel County. Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) – for businesses in Baltimore City. Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) – for businesses in Baltimore County. Continued Support for Small Businesses In addition to direct grants, BCF continues to support small business development through other funding initiatives. In September 2024, BCF and GBC launched a technical assistance program to help small businesses build capacity. Nonprofits offering these services are encouraged to apply for funding at bcf.org/keybridgesmallbusiness. Governor Wes Moore praised the initiative, stating, “IIn Maryland, we move mission-first, people-always. After the collapse of the Key Bridge, we worked in partnership with leaders across the public and private sectors and all levels of government to protect and uplift our small businesses. And today, we take another step forward in our commitment to that pledge.” For more information on the Key Bridge Small Business Direct Grant Program and application details, visit bcf.org/keybridge-directgrant-smallbiz. This article, "Baltimore Community Foundation Launches Grant Program for Key Bridge Collapse Recovery" 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. Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch Ultra last summer—it was marketed as competition for the Apple Watch Ultra, with an emphasis on outdoor and exercise features. Fast forward half a year after its release, and now you can get the Galaxy Watch Ultra starting at $409.06 (originally $649.99), the lowest price it has been, according to price-checking tools. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $409.06 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $240.93 Get Deal Get Deal $409.06 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $240.93 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $417.99 at Amazon $649.99 Save $232.00 Get Deal Get Deal $417.99 at Amazon $649.99 Save $232.00 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE $419.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $230.00 Get Deal Get Deal $419.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $649.99 Save $230.00 SEE 0 MORE The Galaxy Watch Ultra excels at one aspect over other watches: outdoorsy features. If you're an avid hiker or an athlete who spends long hours outdoors, this smartwatch is a great choice. The biggest downside is that it only comes in one size, 47mm, and the screen is a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display (it is brighter than previous Samsung AMOLED smartwatches). Like a good rugged watch, this one is tough, made out of Grade 4 titanium, and has an IP68 water- and dust-resistant rating. You can also take it up high altitudes (up to 9,000 meters) and it can withstand up to 10ATM of pressure (about 330 feet underwater). You also get a built-in siren in case of emergencies. Since this is the LTE version, you don't rely on wifi or Bluetooth for satellite signal (and yes, you can take calls on it). The watch uses Wear OS from Samsung and comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The 590mAh battery is one of the best for its price point, making it very competitive and perfect for outdoor use. If you don't use any power-saving modes, it'll last 60 hours, but it can go up to 100 hours if you're conservative. One of the new features this watch brings is AI-based health metrics and advanced sleep tracking, which you can read more about on PCMag's "excellent" review. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly and smaller option for more general use, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 at $239 (originally $299.99) is a great option. View the full article

Six steps to take. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

Six steps to take. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

ORGANIZATIONAL teams determine overall performance, shape culture, drive growth, and deliver results — or not. Today’s teams face a new reality. Never before have they encountered the changes and challenges brought on them by remote, hybrid, and in-person work environments. Add in the emergence of AI and countless other workforce and societal trends, and it’s apparent that yesterday’s approaches no longer apply to today’s realities. This time of disruption demands that organizational leaders take an honest look at their teams and how they function and then apply accurate data to inform new ideas, explore strategies, and pursue professional development to position themselves for success. A recent study of 1,000 working Americans revealed essential actions needed for navigating today’s evolving work environments and team dynamics. The findings point to seven key behaviors, practices, and mindsets that describe high-achieving teams. Together, these qualities will enable leaders to reshape culture and drive high performance. As leaders realize the importance of getting it right to survive this new environment, they can draw from the study’s data-driven guidance and take action to redirect the trajectory of today’s teams. These key insights will inform leaders on where and how to take immediate action that will have impact and add immediate value to their teams: 1. Ensuring accountability. The study found that some 4 out of 10 people on a team at work are not experiencing the accountability that is so often requisite for trust, collaboration, teamwork, and results. Further, 54 percent have mentally checked out because a member wasn’t stepping up or was ineffective. In contrast, great teams are accountable to their leader and to each other — whether or not the leader is around. 2. Addressing distractions. The number and magnitude of distractions confronting workers has greatly increased through new technology, social and global events, and changes in the workforce and work environment — think hybrid and work-from-home settings. The findings showed that 1 in 3 workers were on teams without established standards to address distractions. In contrast, high-achieving teams have clear, agreed-upon, and proven standards to increase the likelihood of alignment, efficiency, and positive outcomes. 3. Elevating direct communication. A majority (57%) of workers said their teams do not freely share issues and ideas without being prompted — often referred to as “reactive honesty.” More alarming, 1 in 8 (12%) remain silent even when prompted to speak up. In contrast, high-achieving teams share issues and ideas without being prompted. Teams that embrace “straight-line communications” — addressing challenges directly through clear, direct communication — promote faster resolutions, better collaboration, and greater success. 4. Systemizing communication. The study explored communication on teams from a variety of angles and found that 39 percent of workers feel out of the loop on their teams. In contrast, a clear communication strategy and framework creates a foundation for effective, consistent communication across teams at all levels. Holding regular informative meetings, engaging in active listening, and instilling trust were among the top strategies for systemizing effective communication. 5. Understanding the influence of power. Close to half (44%) of workers said they felt only conditional power — or even powerless — on their teams. For leaders at every level, it’s important to understand the mindset, role, and influence of power on teams. Those who do so help to better engage and unlock the high achievement of different team members. 6. Optimizing differing work environments. Study findings highlighted the difficulty of addressing differences in workplace preferences. More than two-thirds (69%) reported that they found working in person at the office to be the most effective type of team interaction — followed by email (45%), online video conferencing (44%), and instant messaging (43%). High-achieving teams continually examine the interactions that allow them to most effectively move forward. 7. Promoting consistent high achievement. A great majority (75%) of workers said that being on a consistently high-achieving team would be a significant improvement to their work experience. In this time of workplace complexity, creating highly effective teams is a key solution to overcoming intrusive organizational challenges and to creating great cultures that drive results. * * * Steven Gaffney is the CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company. He is a leading expert on creating Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT).TM With 30 years of experience working with top leaders and executive teams from Fortune 500 companies, associations, and government agencies, he is an authority on issues from team achievement and thriving cultures to leading change and daily innovation. He is the author of UnConditional Power: Thriving In Any Situation, No Matter How Frustrating or Complex, and the forthcoming Scaling Culture: The Non-Negotiables of Success. Learn more at stevengaffney.com. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

Consumers expect prices will climb at an annual rate of 3.5% over the next five to 10 years, according to the final February reading from the University of Michigan. View the full article

Frontrunner for chancellor expresses doubts over US Nato commitments, with the far-right AfD set for its best resultView the full article

Google Ads is making a major change to its Search Partner Network by automatically opting all accounts out of serving ads on parked domains, websites that are registered but not actively developed, starting March 19. Details: Google will automatically opt out all advertiser accounts from showing ads on parked domains. The change will roll out gradually over several months. Advertisers can still manually opt in through their account’s Content suitability settings. Why we care. The change will affect all advertisers using Google’s Search Partner Network, potentially reducing ad reach but improving quality of ad placements. Between the lines. While Google hasn’t explicitly stated why they’re making this change, it likely stems from concerns about ad quality and effectiveness, as parked domains typically generate lower-quality traffic. Before this. Google announced in September that ads would no longer appear on parked domains for new accounts by default, starting in October. First seen. We first noted this update when Founder of Zato Marketing Kirk Williams, shared the email he received from Google, on LinkedIn: What’s next. Advertisers will need to actively choose to show ads on parked domains, marking a reversal from the previous default opt-in approach. Go deeper. Parked domains are part of Google’s Search Partner Network, which extends advertisers’ reach beyond Google’s own search results pages. View the full article

UnitedHealth Group, America’s largest insurer, is facing yet another crisis. The company’s stock price (NYSE: UNH) plummeted in early trading this morning after a new report alleged that the private insurance provider is facing a probe from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over its Medicare billing practices, a claim UnitedHealth Group denies. Here’s what to know: UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices Shares in UnitedHealth Group fell this morning after the Wall Street Journal published a report stating that the $400 billion company was under investigation by the DOJ over its Medicare billing practices. The report states that the investigation is a civil fraud case and not a criminal one. At the heart of the investigation are DOJ concerns that UnitedHealth is recording patient diagnoses that generate additional payments to its Medicare Advantage plans. As the WSJ notes, UnitedHealth Group (aka UHG) and other insurers get lump sum payments from the federal government via the Medicare Advantage system. If patients have certain conditions, those lump sum payments can increase, generating more profit for insurers. Fast Company reached out to the DOJ for comment. The alleged investigation follows a December report from the WSJ in which the publication looked at billions of Medicare records. Those records allegedly showed that patients who joined Medicare Advantage plans saw “huge increases” in diagnoses that were more lucrative to UnitedHealth. “Doctors said UnitedHealth . . . trained them to document revenue-generating diagnoses, including some they felt were obscure or irrelevant,” the Journal reported. “The company also used software to suggest conditions and paid bonuses for considering the suggestions, among other tactics, according to the doctors.” In short, the DOJ may be concerned that UHG is trying to pad its bottom line by assigning unneeded diagnoses to patients in order to increase their taxpayer-fueled payments from the federal government. Reached for comment by Fast Company, a UnitedHealth Group spokesperson sent the following statement: “The Wall Street Journal continues to report misinformation on the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The government regularly reviews all MA plans to ensure compliance and we consistently perform at the industry’s highest levels on those reviews. We are not aware of the “launch” of any “new” activity as reported by the Journal. We are aware, however, that the Journal has engaged in a year-long campaign to defend a legacy system that rewards volume over keeping patients healthy and addressing their underlying conditions. Any suggestion that our practices are fraudulent is outrageous and false.” Yet another crisis for UHG The alleged DOJ civil fraud investigation is the second major recent crisis for UnitedHealth Group. On December 4, a gunman fatally shot Brian Thompson, CEO of UHG’s UnitedHealthcare unit, as he arrived for an early-morning investors conference in midtown Manhattan. Yet the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO did not generate an outpouring of support for the company, as might be expected. Instead, it generated widespread glee on social media from Americans increasingly angry about the state of the country’s private healthcare industry, which many find unfair and unaffordable. That glee saw UnitedHealthcare and many other health insurers remove photos of their executives from their websites. UnitedHealth received further scorn after UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty published an ill-received op-ed in the New York Times, which generated an outpouring of new responses from Americans conveying the challenges they’ve faced trying to get needed treatment—or getting UnitedHealth to pay for the treatment. In the aftermath of Thompson’s killing and the public outcry from Americans about the struggles they’ve faced with UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s stock fell and hasn’t recovered since. UNH shares fall again Before the public outcry against UnitedHealthcare began in early December, the UnitedHealth Group’s stock price was trading at over $600 per share. By mid-December, it had fallen to below $500 per share. Today, the company’s stock is even lower. As of the time of this writing, UNH shares are down nearly 9% on news of the alleged DOJ probe. Shares are currently trading below $460 each. As of today’s fall, UNH shares are now down over 9.4% year-to-date. Over the past 12 months, UNH shares have fallen over 12%. View the full article

Everything you need to know about the parties, policies and voting in Sunday’s pollsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart doorbell, and don't mind going the pre-owned route, this (Like New) Blink Video Doorbell is now $27.99 (down from $44.99)—its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. Prime members get free shipping, while non-Prime shoppers need to hit the $35 minimum threshold for free delivery. Like-New Blink Video Doorbell $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $44.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Get Deal $27.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $44.99 Save $17.00 That "Like New" tag means this device has been refurbished, tested, and certified to work like a fresh-out-of-the-box unit. And to back that up, it comes with the same one-year limited warranty as a brand-new one (so you're not rolling the dice on reliability). Available in black or white, the video doorbell connects via 2.4 GHz wifi and offers wired (16-24 VAC) and wireless (AA battery-powered) setups, with Blink claiming up to two years of battery life—though real-world performance varies depending on settings and use. Its 135° horizontal and 80° vertical field of view gives decent coverage (although it’s not the widest out there) with 1080p HD video quality and infrared night vision for after-dark monitoring. It also integrates well with Echo Show devices for live feeds, lets you chat with visitors via two-way audio, and supports custom Alexa routines. That said, it doesn’t work with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, or IFTTT, which could feel limiting, notes this PCMag review. Like most budget smart doorbells, cloud storage requires subscriptions. You get a free 30-day trial, but after that, a $3 per month Basic plan is required to save and share motion-triggered recordings and keep video history (up to 60 days) for a single camera. If you have multiple cameras, the Plus plan ($10/month) covers unlimited devices. If you don’t want to deal with subscriptions, there’s an option for local storage, but you’ll need the Sync Module 2 and a USB drive (up to 256GB), which are sold separately. Without a subscription or the hub, you can still use live view and two-way audio, but only in response to a doorbell press or motion event—no on-demand access to saved footage (so if you miss an event there’s no way to check what happened). At $28, this is an easy buy—but if you want full functionality, you might end up spending more down the line. A new Blink Video Doorbell + Sync Module 2 bundle costs $69.99. View the full article

The prospect of banning the sale of so-called lab-grown meat might seem like a no-brainer in Nebraska, where beef is king, but some of the proposal’s staunchest opposition has come from ranchers and farming groups who say they can compete without the government’s help. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen — one of the largest pork producers in the country — is behind the push to ban cultivated meat, saying he wants to protect ranchers and meat producers. The Republican governor signed an executive order last August to keep state agencies and contractors from procuring lab-created meat, even though it could be years before such products are on store shelves. A number of ranchers and meat industry groups are pushing back on the governor’s plan. Dan Morgan is a fourth-generation cattle rancher from central Nebraska who supplies high-end beef to all 50 states and six countries. He welcomes companies seeking to produce lab-grown meat to “jump into the pool” and try to compete with his Waygu beef. Stifling competition in a free market should be anathema in a Republican-dominated state like Nebraska, he said. “It sounds like a bunch of right-wing Republicans echoing a bunch of left-wing Democrats,” he said, adding that the government should be limited to regulating the new product’s labels and inspecting its facilities to ensure food safety. “After that, it’s up to the consumer to make the decision about what they buy and eat.” Nebraska is among about a dozen states that have introduced measures to ban the manufacture, sale or distribution of lab-grown products. Two states — Florida and Alabama — have already enacted such bans. The target of the bills is “cell-cultivated” or “cell-cultured” meat, which is grown from the cells of animals in bioreactor steel tanks. The cells are bathed for weeks in nutrients, prompting them to grow and divide, turning them into skeletal muscle, fat and connective tissues. The push to ban cultivated meat comes well before the innovation could be considered an industry. While more than two dozen companies are working to develop such meat products, only two — Upside Foods and Good Meat, both based in California — have been approved by the federal government to sell cultivated chicken in the U.S. Even then, none of the companies are close to mass producing and selling the products on store shelves. In recent weeks, supporters of the Nebraska bill have shifted their arguments from industry protection to questions of safety surrounding cell-cultured meat. That includes its sponsor, state Sen. Barry DeKay, a Nebraska rancher, and Sherry Vinton, the director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Both testified in support of the bill at a committee hearing earlier this week, calling cultured meat “synthetic food” and voicing concern about possible health implications from eating it. But it’s been no secret that the push for a ban is rooted in shielding Nebraska’s traditional meat industry. Nebraska tops all other states for beef production and beef exports, according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Pillen named the ban among his top priorities during his State of the State address last month. “The backers of these products are cut from the same cloth as the anti-farmer activists who want to put our agriculture producers out of business, and we need to recognize them as such,” he said. The Association for Meat, Poultry and Seafood Innovation, the lobbying group for the emerging cultured meat industry, disputes Pillen’s insistence that it’s a threat to the traditional meat industry, noting studies that show global demand for meat-based protein will double by 2050. “We’re really a complementary component here,” said Suzi Gerber, executive director of the association. “So it’s a little bit mystifying to me why any individual stakeholder would see this as a threat.” Several farm organizations, including Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Cattlemen and the Nebraska Pork Producers, agree they’re not worried about competition from the emerging industry. Those groups prefer a sister bill that would only require they be clearly labeled as lab-grown products to separate them from traditional meat. More than a dozen states have also issued similar labeling bills, and some — like Colorado — have seen ban efforts abandoned in favor of labeling measures. Paul Sherman is an attorney with the Institute for Justice, which is representing Upside Foods in its lawsuit challenging the Florida ban. He said it’s no surprise most of the proposed bans are being pushed by those with connections to traditional agriculture. “I think it certainly shows that the purpose of these laws isn’t about protecting public health and safety,” he said. “It’s about protecting traditional agriculture from economic competition. And that is not a legitimate use of government power.” —Maregery A. Beck, Associated Press View the full article

Officials had been studying hard limit as way to reduce numbers View the full article

If you’re unfamiliar with What is Canva, it’s an excellent tool for producing professional-quality designs. Many individuals are curious about whether they can sell products made with images created with Canva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Canva personal or commercial use policy to help you understand what you can and cannot do with your creations. Can You Use Canva for Commercial Use? Canva is an excellent tool for creating stunning designs on your personal computer or mobile device, even if you aren’t a professional graphic designer. According to the license agreement, all free photos, music, and video files available on the Canva platform can be used for both commercial and noncommercial purposes. Even though Canva provides a royalty-free license, be sure to check the image source if you’re using any photos, music, or videos that contain identifiable people, places, logos, or trademarks. These may have additional restrictions. Can You Use Canva Design for Client Work? Yes, you can use Canva for client work. Canva users can use a free account or upgrade to a paid account for more features and options. For example, with a paid account, you can remove the Canva watermark from your designs. You can also use Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise if you need more design features and options, such as branded templates, team collaboration, and more. Can You Use Canva for a Social Media Post? Yes, you can use Canva to create social media posts for personal or promotional purposes. You can choose from a variety of free images and any stock photo on Canva, or you can upload your own. Canva provides a diverse selection of templates and tools that assist you in creating visually appealing, professional designs. Canva Commercial Use Guidelines Canva is a great resource for anyone looking for high-quality stock media. You can use all of the photos, videos, and music files on Canva for free for commercial purposes. If an image, music, or video file features an identifiable person, place, logo, or trademark, it is advisable to verify the source of the media or reach out to Canva support if you have any uncertainties. Nonetheless, Canva cannot assure that all free stock media available on its site includes the necessary commercial use releases. When it comes to what you can’t do with Canva’s stock media photos, music, and videos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you can’t sell unaltered copies as stock media. This means no selling the files as-is on stock photo platforms or as prints, posters, or other physical products. You also can’t redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. Lastly, you can’t use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in a way that implies endorsement by people or brands featured in the files. So no using shots of people using your product to suggest they’re fans of it, for example. Ways You Can Get Creative Using Canva With Canva you can create professional-looking graphics for yourself or clients using their simple drag-and-drop interface. Here are five examples of products that can be created using Canva. Business Cards – Every business needs business cards! With Canva, you can create custom cards for yourself or your client’s business. With the easy-to-use Canva design tools, you can create a card that’s perfect for any occasion. Flyers – Designing an attractive flyer can be simple and quick. Using Canva’s free flyer maker, you can produce a beautiful design in just minutes, regardless of your prior design experience. With an extensive selection of templates available, you can craft professional-quality designs effortlessly. Social Media Graphics – When it comes to creating amazing graphics for social media, there’s no tool more versatile or user-friendly than Canva. With a wide range of stock media, templates, and tools available, anyone can create stunning visuals for their social media accounts – no design experience is necessary! Infographics – Canva’s free online infographic maker helps you easily create your own unique and professional infographics in minutes using stock media, even for non-designers. Ebooks – Whether you’re creating a design for online or electronic publications, Canva design makes it simple to achieve the results you want. Where to Sell Your Canva Designs and Templates If you’re a designer, Canva is a great way to create professional-looking designs and templates. But what do you do when you’re finished with them? Here are six places to sell your Canva designs and templates. Etsy Etsy is a popular marketplace for selling handmade and vintage items. You can also sell digital products, like Canva templates. To sell on Etsy, you’ll need to create an account and set up a shop. Then, you can upload your designs and set your own prices. Design Bundles On Design Bundles, you can sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and Canva template designs. You can create an account for free and upload your designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Market Creative Market is an additional platform for selling design resources. To start selling on Creative Market, you must create an account and submit your designs for approval. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Bundles The Design Bundles marketplace allows you to sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and templates, and set your own prices. You can also choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Fabrica Creative Fabrica is another platform where you can sell design resources. To start selling on Creative Fabrica, you must create an account and submit your designs for evaluation. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Cuts Design Cuts lets you sell design resources as well. You can create an account for free and upload your fonts, graphics, and template designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Can You Use Canva Pro Images for Commercial Use? Yes, you can use Canva images for personal and commercial use, like marketing and advertising. Canva Pro’s monthly fee covers unlimited licenses for the images. This indicates that you only need to pay for them a single time, after which you can use them indefinitely. However, please remember that you cannot redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. You also cannot use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in any manner that suggests endorsement by the individuals or brands depicted in those files. What is Stock Media on Canva? Stock media is a library of royalty-free videos, stock images, and audio files that you can use in your designs on Canva. You can search for specific Canva images or browse by subject matter, and all the files in the library are licensed for commercial use. This means you can use them in your designs without worrying about copyright infringement. Are the Images on Canva Copyrighted? Yes, the images on Canva are copyrighted and licensed to you. This includes photos, templates, videos, and elements. You can use these images for commercial, promotional, and other business purposes. However, you cannot sell or redistribute unaltered media as your own. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Can You Sell Products Made with Canva?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re unfamiliar with What is Canva, it’s an excellent tool for producing professional-quality designs. Many individuals are curious about whether they can sell products made with images created with Canva. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Canva personal or commercial use policy to help you understand what you can and cannot do with your creations. Can You Use Canva for Commercial Use? Canva is an excellent tool for creating stunning designs on your personal computer or mobile device, even if you aren’t a professional graphic designer. According to the license agreement, all free photos, music, and video files available on the Canva platform can be used for both commercial and noncommercial purposes. Even though Canva provides a royalty-free license, be sure to check the image source if you’re using any photos, music, or videos that contain identifiable people, places, logos, or trademarks. These may have additional restrictions. Can You Use Canva Design for Client Work? Yes, you can use Canva for client work. Canva users can use a free account or upgrade to a paid account for more features and options. For example, with a paid account, you can remove the Canva watermark from your designs. You can also use Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise if you need more design features and options, such as branded templates, team collaboration, and more. Can You Use Canva for a Social Media Post? Yes, you can use Canva to create social media posts for personal or promotional purposes. You can choose from a variety of free images and any stock photo on Canva, or you can upload your own. Canva provides a diverse selection of templates and tools that assist you in creating visually appealing, professional designs. Canva Commercial Use Guidelines Canva is a great resource for anyone looking for high-quality stock media. You can use all of the photos, videos, and music files on Canva for free for commercial purposes. If an image, music, or video file features an identifiable person, place, logo, or trademark, it is advisable to verify the source of the media or reach out to Canva support if you have any uncertainties. Nonetheless, Canva cannot assure that all free stock media available on its site includes the necessary commercial use releases. When it comes to what you can’t do with Canva’s stock media photos, music, and videos, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you can’t sell unaltered copies as stock media. This means no selling the files as-is on stock photo platforms or as prints, posters, or other physical products. You also can’t redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. Lastly, you can’t use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in a way that implies endorsement by people or brands featured in the files. So no using shots of people using your product to suggest they’re fans of it, for example. Ways You Can Get Creative Using Canva With Canva you can create professional-looking graphics for yourself or clients using their simple drag-and-drop interface. Here are five examples of products that can be created using Canva. Business Cards – Every business needs business cards! With Canva, you can create custom cards for yourself or your client’s business. With the easy-to-use Canva design tools, you can create a card that’s perfect for any occasion. Flyers – Designing an attractive flyer can be simple and quick. Using Canva’s free flyer maker, you can produce a beautiful design in just minutes, regardless of your prior design experience. With an extensive selection of templates available, you can craft professional-quality designs effortlessly. Social Media Graphics – When it comes to creating amazing graphics for social media, there’s no tool more versatile or user-friendly than Canva. With a wide range of stock media, templates, and tools available, anyone can create stunning visuals for their social media accounts – no design experience is necessary! Infographics – Canva’s free online infographic maker helps you easily create your own unique and professional infographics in minutes using stock media, even for non-designers. Ebooks – Whether you’re creating a design for online or electronic publications, Canva design makes it simple to achieve the results you want. Where to Sell Your Canva Designs and Templates If you’re a designer, Canva is a great way to create professional-looking designs and templates. But what do you do when you’re finished with them? Here are six places to sell your Canva designs and templates. Etsy Etsy is a popular marketplace for selling handmade and vintage items. You can also sell digital products, like Canva templates. To sell on Etsy, you’ll need to create an account and set up a shop. Then, you can upload your designs and set your own prices. Design Bundles On Design Bundles, you can sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and Canva template designs. You can create an account for free and upload your designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Market Creative Market is an additional platform for selling design resources. To start selling on Creative Market, you must create an account and submit your designs for approval. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Bundles The Design Bundles marketplace allows you to sell design resources, like fonts, graphics, and templates, and set your own prices. You can also choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Creative Fabrica Creative Fabrica is another platform where you can sell design resources. To start selling on Creative Fabrica, you must create an account and submit your designs for evaluation. Once your designs receive approval, you can set your own prices. Design Cuts Design Cuts lets you sell design resources as well. You can create an account for free and upload your fonts, graphics, and template designs. Then, you can set your own prices or choose to have your designs included in bundle deals. Can You Use Canva Pro Images for Commercial Use? Yes, you can use Canva images for personal and commercial use, like marketing and advertising. Canva Pro’s monthly fee covers unlimited licenses for the images. This indicates that you only need to pay for them a single time, after which you can use them indefinitely. However, please remember that you cannot redistribute the files on other stock media platforms. You also cannot use Canva’s photos, music, or videos in any manner that suggests endorsement by the individuals or brands depicted in those files. What is Stock Media on Canva? Stock media is a library of royalty-free videos, stock images, and audio files that you can use in your designs on Canva. You can search for specific Canva images or browse by subject matter, and all the files in the library are licensed for commercial use. This means you can use them in your designs without worrying about copyright infringement. Are the Images on Canva Copyrighted? Yes, the images on Canva are copyrighted and licensed to you. This includes photos, templates, videos, and elements. You can use these images for commercial, promotional, and other business purposes. However, you cannot sell or redistribute unaltered media as your own. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Can You Sell Products Made with Canva?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

National security adviser Mike Waltz tells conference that ‘economic partnership’ will be ‘good’ for KyivView the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. View the full article