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When considering franchising a business, it’s essential to understand the costs involved, which can range from $48,500 to $160,000 in the first year. This figure varies based on your industry and the level of support you receive. You’ll encounter initial franchise fees, ongoing royalty fees, and several other expenses, including legal documentation and marketing costs. As you explore these financial elements, you’ll want to guarantee you’re fully prepared for the investment ahead. Key Takeaways Initial setup costs to franchise a business range from $26,000 to $84,500, depending on various factors. Total estimated first-year investment typically falls between $48,500 and $160,000. Initial franchise fees generally range from $20,000 to $50,000. Ongoing royalty fees usually comprise 3% to 9% of gross sales. Additional legal and documentation costs can range from $15,000 to $45,000 for FDD preparation. Estimated Cost to Franchise Your Business When you’re considering franchising your business, it’s vital to understand the estimated costs involved in the process. Typically, how much does it cost to franchise your business? Initial setup expenses commonly range from $26,000 to $84,500. These costs cover the shift from business owner to franchisor. Moreover, first-year franchise sales costs can add another $22,500 to $75,500. This brings your total estimated first-year investment to about $48,500 to $160,000. Specific costs can vary based on factors like your franchise team, industry, and the level of support you offer to franchisees. It’s important to budget accurately to guarantee a smooth franchising process and set realistic expectations for potential franchisees. Legal Costs: Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Development When you’re franchising your business, developing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is vital, as it lays out fundamental details like fees and obligations for both you and your franchisees. You’ll need an experienced franchise lawyer to guarantee the FDD meets all federal and state regulations, which can cost between $15,000 and $45,000. This document not just complies with legal requirements but additionally guides potential franchisees in comprehending your franchise opportunity. FDD Importance for Franchising The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) plays a pivotal role in the franchising process, as it lays out the vital terms and conditions governing the franchise relationship. It’s legally required to be provided to potential franchisees at least 14 days before signing any agreement. Here’s why the FDD is so important: It provides detailed information about the franchisor’s business background, fees, and obligations. Item 19 particularly offers insights into expected financial performance, helping franchisees make informed decisions. A well-prepared FDD, developed by an experienced franchise lawyer, protects the franchisor from potential legal disputes. Investing in a thorough FDD is fundamental for establishing a solid legal foundation for your franchise system and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Legal Expertise Requirements Comprehension of the legal expertise requirements for developing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is critical, as it directly impacts the success and compliance of your franchise system. The FDD typically costs between $15,000 and $45,000 and must be prepared by an experienced franchise lawyer to guarantee adherence to legal regulations. This document provides significant information for potential franchisees, including fees, obligations, and financial performance representations. Item 19, which covers financial performance, requires legal guidance to maintain accuracy and transparency. Furthermore, trademark registration is part of the FDD development process, necessitating further legal expertise and associated costs. Investing in qualified legal support is fundamental to create a compliant and effective FDD that meets all franchise requirements. Costs Associated With FDD Comprehending the costs associated with developing a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is imperative for anyone looking to shift from a business owner to a franchisor. The estimated cost to create an FDD ranges from $15,000 to $45,000, depending on complexity and the franchise lawyer’s experience. An experienced lawyer is critical to guarantee compliance with legal standards, as the FDD serves as the legal backbone of your franchise system. Key components of the FDD include: Financial performance representations (Item 19) Trademark registration Operational guidelines Getting the FDD right is fundamental, as it outlines the franchisor-franchisee relationship and sets the foundation for your franchise’s success. Investing in legal expertise now can save you from costly issues later. Operations Manual Development When developing an Operations Manual for your franchise, understanding the associated costs is vital, as expenses can range from $0 to $30,000. This manual, provided after signing the franchise agreement, serves as a thorough guide for effectively running your franchise. Although it’s not included in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), it outlines critical operational procedures, training, and best practices. The cost varies greatly based on whether you choose a DIY approach or hire professional consultants. A well-crafted Operations Manual can improve franchisee performance by offering clear instructions and standards for daily operations. Preparation Method Estimated Cost Range Benefits In-House $0 – $5,000 Familiarity with brand Freelance Consultant $5,000 – $15,000 Expertise and experience Professional Firm $15,000 – $30,000 Thorough coverage Financial Statement Preparation Financial statement preparation is a vital step in establishing your franchise, with costs typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. You’ll need a licensed CPA to audit and certify these statements, ensuring compliance with legal standards. These financial statements play a key role in your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which you provide to potential franchisees. Accurate financial statements not only maintain transparency but likewise establish credibility within your franchise system. Remember, they help potential franchisees understand the financial performance and viability of your franchise. Vital for Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Audited by a licensed CPA for legal compliance Improves credibility and transparency in your franchise system State Filing and Registration Fees Grasping state filing and registration fees is vital for anyone looking to franchise a business. These fees typically range from $1,000 to $4,500, depending on your state and its specific requirements. Incorporation fees average around $300, whereas trademark filings with the USPTO cost about $250 per class. Furthermore, the registration fees for your Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) can vary from $250 to $750 per state. Remember, costs associated with state filings can fluctuate based on how many registrations and filings you need for compliance. Comprehending these fees is important for accurately estimating the total initial investment required to franchise your business, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the financial commitments ahead. Costs for First Year of Franchise Sales Grasping the costs associated with the first year of franchise sales is crucial for prospective franchisors. Your total investment can range from about $48,500 to $160,000, influenced by your industry and the level of support you provide. Key expenses include: Initial setup costs, typically between $26,000 and $84,500 Additional costs for the first year, ranging from $22,500 to $75,500 Legal fees for creating a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which can add $15,000 to $45,000 Don’t forget state filing and registration fees, which can cost around $1,000 to $4,500. Comprehending these figures helps you plan better and guarantee your franchise’s successful launch in the competitive market. The Myth of Million-Dollar Franchise Costs Many people think franchising costs millions, but that’s not the case. In reality, low-cost franchise opportunities can start as low as $15,000, with average initial investments ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, excluding real estate. This variability means you can find accessible options without needing a million-dollar budget, allowing more aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the market. Understanding Franchise Investment Variability Even though it’s easy to assume that franchising a business requires a hefty investment of a million dollars or more, the reality is much more nuanced. Franchise startup costs can vary considerably, with options starting as low as $15,000, whereas major brands might demand $250,000 or more. Key factors influencing investment include: Initial franchise fees, typically ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The type of franchise, such as home-based franchises like Dream Vacations, which can reduce costs by eliminating real estate expenses. Ongoing royalty fees, usually between 3% to 9% of gross sales, plus additional expenses like marketing and insurance. Understanding these variables helps clarify the overall financial commitment involved in franchising a business. Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities Available Franchising doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank; in fact, low-cost franchise opportunities are abundant and accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs. You can find franchises that start at under $15,000, such as Dream Vacations and Image One, which offer significant revenue potential. For instance, Image One franchisees might earn up to $1 million by year-end. During the average franchise investment hovers around $250,000, low-cost options provide high ROI and often feature lower royalty fees. Other popular choices include Complete Weddings + Events, Showhomes Home Staging, and TSS Photography, all with startup costs below $15,000. The myth that franchising requires million-dollar investments is misleading; many successful franchises thrive on modest budgets, appealing to a diverse range of entrepreneurs. Typical Franchise Startup Costs Starting a franchise can require a significant financial commitment, with typical startup costs for a single unit franchise ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, not including real estate expenses. The initial franchise fee typically falls between $20,000 and $50,000, which gives you rights to the franchise name and business model. Real estate costs can further inflate your budget, especially for physical locations. Moreover, you’ll need to take into account ongoing expenses. Key startup costs include: Inventory necessary for operations Professional fees for legal and accounting services Marketing expenses and insurance coverage Remember that franchise royalty fees, usually 5% to 9% of gross sales, should likewise be factored into your long-term budget. How to Finance the Cost of Starting a Franchise When you’re looking to finance the cost of starting a franchise, it’s crucial to explore various options. Traditional bank loans are a common choice, but you’ll need a strong business plan and good credit to secure one. Furthermore, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers loans with favorable terms, whereas alternative financing options can provide more flexibility, though they may come with higher interest rates. Traditional Bank Loans Securing financing is a crucial step in launching a franchise, and traditional bank loans are a common avenue for aspiring franchisees. These loans typically cover 50% to 80% of your total startup costs, which can range from $10,000 to $5 million, depending on the franchise. To obtain a loan, you’ll need a solid business plan and a good credit score. Here are some key points to reflect on: Interest rates usually fall between 5% and 10%, depending on market conditions. Your financial history plays a significant role in the lender’s assessment. Franchisors may have established relationships with JPMorgan Chase, which can streamline your loan application process. Understanding these factors can help you secure the necessary funds for your franchise. SBA Loan Programs Steering through the financial terrain of franchise ownership often leads aspiring entrepreneurs to evaluate SBA loan programs, which offer a range of benefits customized to help you start your business. These loans provide favorable terms, including lower interest rates because of partial repayment guarantees. The SBA 7(a) loan program is especially popular, allowing you to access up to $5 million for various startup costs, such as real estate and equipment. To qualify, you’ll typically need a good credit score, a solid business plan, and adequate collateral. Importantly, if your chosen franchise is listed in the SBA’s Franchise Directory, the loan application process is streamlined. SBA loans can cover significant portions of initial fees, inventory, equipment, and working capital, making them attractive for franchisees. Alternative Financing Options Exploring alternative financing options can be crucial for aspiring franchise owners looking to cover startup costs. Here are some viable avenues to examine: Franchisor Financing: Some franchisors partner with lenders to provide customized financing programs, easing your funding process. Commercial Bank Loans: These typically require a solid business plan and good credit history, with terms varying based on your financial profile. Crowdfunding and Personal Loans: Tapping into personal networks through crowdfunding or loans from family and friends can offer initial capital. The Small Business Administration (SBA) furthermore provides favorable loan terms, enhancing your chances of securing funding. Whereas alternative lenders can offer quick access to cash, be cautious of their higher interest rates compared to traditional options. Other Common Opening Franchise Fees When considering the costs associated with franchising a business, it’s vital to understand that the initial franchise fee is just one part of the overall investment. You’ll also need to factor in real estate acquisition costs, which include renting or purchasing a location and any renovations required to meet franchise standards. Initial inventory costs can vary greatly, depending on your franchise type; for example, deli franchises need specific food items, whereas janitorial services require cleaning supplies. Furthermore, don’t overlook expenses for general office supplies, industry-specific equipment, and signage. Finally, marketing expenses are important, as they often involve contributions to an advertising fund and local initiatives, typically calculated as a percentage of your gross sales. Ongoing Costs Associated With Operating a Franchise After addressing the various initial investments needed to launch a franchise, it’s important to shift focus to the ongoing costs that come with operating one. These costs can greatly affect your profitability and include: Royalty fees, usually between 5% to 9% of your gross sales, which you’ll pay to the franchisor. Recurring operating expenses, such as employee salaries, utilities, and maintenance, that need careful management. Marketing contributions, often a percentage of your sales, for national or regional advertising, plus local marketing costs for your franchise. Additionally, having adequate working capital is crucial to cover unexpected expenses and to guarantee smooth operations, especially during your early days in business. Comprehending these costs will help you plan for long-term success. Knowledge & Support Offered by Franchises Franchises consistently offer a wealth of knowledge and support that can be invaluable for new business owners. They provide a proven business model, reducing risks associated with starting from scratch. Ongoing support often includes thorough training in operational procedures, marketing strategies, and customer service practices. As a franchisee, you gain access to established marketing strategies and brand recognition, attracting customers more effectively. Furthermore, many franchises maintain a support network for ongoing coaching, improving your performance over time. Here’s a quick look at the support offered: Type of Support Description Benefit Training Programs Detailed training on operations and marketing Reduces startup risks Marketing Strategies Access to established marketing techniques Attracts customers faster Coaching Network Ongoing support and performance improvement Improves operational success Industry Insights Shared resources and knowledge Achieves operational efficiency Frequently Asked Questions How Much Does It Cost to Franchise a Small Business? Franchising a small business can cost between $26,000 and $84,500 for initial setup, with additional first-year sales costs ranging from $22,500 to $75,500. This means your total first-year investment could be around $48,500 to $160,000. Key expenses include developing a Franchise Disclosure Document, which may cost $15,000 to $45,000, and creating operating manuals, which can range from free to $30,000, plus state fees of $1,000 to $4,500. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? You’ll find that Chick-fil-A’s initial franchise fee is only $10,000 since the company covers most startup costs, like real estate and equipment. This support allows you to concentrate on managing operations rather than financial burdens. Furthermore, Chick-fil-A emphasizes community involvement and customer satisfaction, which can lead to higher profits. The franchisee selection process is rigorous, ensuring that you align with the company’s values, setting you up for success in the business. How Much Money Should I Have to Start a Franchise? To start a franchise, you should have a minimum of $10,000 to $50,000 in liquid cash. Initial investment costs typically range from $10,000 to $300,000, depending on the franchise brand. The franchise fee usually falls between $20,000 and $50,000, allowing you to use the franchise name and model. Don’t forget to evaluate additional first-year costs, which can add $22,500 to $75,500 to your total investment. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document for detailed financial insights. What Is the Cheapest Franchise to Own? The cheapest franchises typically have startup costs of $15,000 or less. For example, Dream Vacations requires just $9,800, whereas Image One costs $15,000 and can generate up to $1 million in revenue. Complete Weddings + Events and TSS Photography both start around $10,000, offering diverse opportunities. These low-cost options allow you to enter various industries, making them ideal if you’re looking to start a business or supplement your income effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, franchising a business involves a range of costs that can greatly impact your initial investment. From franchise fees to legal documentation and ongoing royalties, it’s essential to budget accurately. Comprehending these expenses, alongside potential financing options, will help you make informed decisions. Furthermore, consider the support and resources provided by franchisors, as they can heavily influence your success. Being well-prepared can lead to a more favorable franchising experience. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "How Much Does It Cost to Franchise a Business?" 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. The JBL PartyBox 720 is down to $799.95 on Woot, a drop from its $1,099.95 list price and below its current $899.95 listing on Amazon. That almost lines up with the lowest price recorded so far, which was $798, according to price-trackers. Also, shipping is free for Amazon Prime members, while everyone else pays a $6 fee. This deal is set to run for about five days, though it could end sooner if stock runs out. JBL PartyBox 720 IPX4-Rated Portable Party Speaker $799.95 at Woot $1,099.95 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.95 at Woot $1,099.95 Save $300.00 This is the larger and more powerful sibling to the JBL PartyBox Stage 320, which Lifehacker writer Daniel Oropeza covered in detail in this review. In use, the difference shows up in how much sound it can push. The 720 gets loud enough for outdoor setups or crowded rooms without sounding thin. Bass hits hard, mids stay clear, and highs don’t get lost even as you turn it up. There is some compression at the top end, especially in the low frequencies, but it still holds together better than smaller models. You can tweak the sound through the EQ in the app or use the Bass Boost when you want more punch. The speaker runs on dual detachable batteries with a claimed 15 hours of playback, and it supports Auracast if you want to link multiple compatible speakers. It also leans into the “party” angle with built-in RGB lighting and karaoke inputs, so you can plug in a mic and use it without extra gear. The downsides come from its size and design. This is a large and heavy speaker, so even though it has wheels, you are not going to move it around as casually as a smaller speaker. It also throws sound forward (having a front-facing design), so where you place it in a room will shape how evenly the music reaches everyone. And while it can handle a few splashes with its IPX4 rating, it is not built for heavy exposure to water or rough conditions. As for its battery life, it holds up for a night, but it does not stretch as far as the JBL PartyBox Stage 320, which can last well over 20 hours. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $224.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $209.99 (List Price $249.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Lean In, the feminist organization founded by Sheryl Sandberg, has a new focus: fighting the gender gap in AI adoption. The nonprofit has put out new research that digs into how women use AI in the workplace relative to their male counterparts, which captures an adoption gap that has surfaced in previous surveys. In a survey of over 1,000 adults, Lean In found that 78% of men had used AI in the workplace, when compared to 73% of women. Men also reported using AI more regularly: About a third of men used AI daily, while only 27% of women did the same. This might not seem like a major difference at the moment. But Sandberg argues that this gap is likely to grow over time if it goes unaddressed. “These differences—which are not that small, but are smallish now—will compound over time, which is why we think it’s so important for people to understand them and acknowledge them,” she told Fast Company. Part of the reason for this gap, according to Lean In’s findings, is that many women are more cautious about the ethical implications of using AI at work. Women were 32% more likely to feel concerned that they would be perceived as cheating by using AI—and they also tended to steer clear of AI over concerns about accuracy and ethics. Some of them were also worried about the disproportionate impact that AI-related layoffs could have on women. “Don’t get us wrong. It is great that women have ethical concerns and care about cheating,” says Bridget Griswold, Lean In’s recently appointed CEO. “But we really worry that’s going to inadvertently cause women to use AI less.” Lean In’s research suggests that this is already happening—in part because the very gender biases that have impacted career progression for many women are now influencing how AI is being adopted in the workplace. “We also found that women feel differently about AI because they are treated differently in regards to AI, and [are] spoken to differently,” Griswold says. Women are encouraged to use AI less than their male colleagues, for example: Only 30% of women surveyed by Lean In said that their managers urged them to use AI, as compared to 37% of men. And when women do use AI at work, they are not nearly as likely to be recognized for it or get credit for doing so; men were 27% more likely to be praised for using AI on the job. “The biases exist, and then they will get internalized,” Sandberg says. “I bet a lot of the people doing this—and it’s got to be both male and female managers—don’t even know they’re doing it, which is why we think research like this is so critically important.” Previous research has signaled a broader gender gap in AI adoption. A recent analysis conducted by researchers at Harvard, Stanford, and the University of California, Berkeley, drew on 18 studies that surveyed over 140,000 people globally and found that women were 20% less likely overall to use generative AI. In the workplace, however, women face particular challenges as it relates to AI. While women tend to be more skeptical of AI on the whole, the slower rate of adoption in the workplace seems driven more by gender dynamics. Women are also both overrepresented in some of the industries most vulnerable to AI disruption—clerical work, for example—while also being underrepresented in some of the roles across engineering that are being augmented by AI. While there are signs that the AI adoption gap is narrowing, Lean In’s research indicates that it’s not happening fast enough—and that employers have a crucial role to play in bridging that gap. “I think we’re in a place where we’ve got new technology [and] old patterns, and they are old patterns that we at Lean In are committed to overcoming,” Sandberg says. “We are worried—and we should be worried—that in a world of the revolution of AI, women shouldn’t get left behind.” View the full article

Maximizing your tax return this year requires a strategic approach. Start by evaluating your filing status, as it can greatly impact your return. Don’t overlook deductions that you might qualify for, such as state and local taxes, or out-of-pocket charitable contributions. Moreover, tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit can improve your refund. There are several other strategies that can further optimize your tax situation, so it’s worth exploring all available options. Key Takeaways Review your filing status to maximize deductions; consider Head of Household if applicable for additional tax benefits. Claim all eligible deductions, including medical expenses and charitable contributions, to reduce taxable income significantly. Take advantage of tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for substantial refunds. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts and Health Savings Accounts to lower taxable income and enhance savings. Consult a tax professional for personalized strategies and to ensure you’re not missing any potential deductions or credits. Evaluate Your Filing Status When you evaluate your filing status, it’s vital to understand how it can affect your tax rate and the standard deduction amount. You have several options: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Surviving Spouse. For instance, if you’re married, filing jointly often results in lower taxes, whereas filing separately can help if one spouse has considerable medical expenses. The standard deduction for 2025 is $14,600 for Married Filing Jointly and $13,850 for Head of Household, which can greatly impact your tax liability. If you’re single and provide more than half the support for a qualifying dependent, consider Head of Household status for a better deduction. Moreover, knowing the earned income tax credit income limit can help you maximize your benefits. A tax credit example is vital as it directly reduces your tax liability, helping you learn how to get more on your tax return. Take Advantage of Deductions In terms of maximizing your tax return, taking advantage of commonly overlooked deductions can make a significant difference. You mightn’t realize that expenses like state and local sales taxes, medical costs above a certain threshold, or contributions to retirement accounts can all help reduce your taxable income. Furthermore, don’t forget about educational expenses and charitable contributions, as these can likewise reveal valuable tax credits and further improve your return. Commonly Overlooked Deductions Have you ever wondered if you’re maximizing your tax deductions? Many overlook deductions that could greatly impact your return. For instance, if you live in a no-income-tax state, you can deduct state and local sales taxes instead. Furthermore, out-of-pocket expenses for charitable work, like supplies or mileage, can too be claimed. If your unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI, you should consider deducting those as well. Educators can claim up to $300 in classroom expenses, and if you bake goods for charity, the ingredient costs may likewise qualify for a deduction. Comprehending the tax break meaning and knowing how to get more back on taxes can make a difference in your overall tax situation. What’s a tax rebate, after all, if you’re not maximizing your deductions? Maximize Tax Credits How can you guarantee you’re taking full advantage of available tax credits? Start by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can refund up to $8,046 for qualifying low-to-moderate income families. Many eligible individuals miss out on this benefit. Next, utilize the Child Tax Credit, which can provide up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17; use a child tax credit calculator to determine your eligibility. Don’t forget about education credits, like the American Opportunity Credit, offering up to $2,500 per student for college, or the Lifetime Learning Credit for up to $2,000 in education-related expenses. These credits can notably increase your tax refund, making them crucial for maximizing your return. Explore Tax Credits In relation to maximizing your tax return, exploring available tax credits is crucial. These credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, can greatly reduce your tax liability or even increase your refund. Comprehending the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for these credits can help you make the most of your tax situation. Key Tax Credits Available During the process of maneuvering through the intricacies of tax season, comprehending the key tax credits available can greatly improve your tax return. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2025 offers substantial benefits, potentially reaching up to $8,046 based on your income and the number of qualifying children. Moreover, the 2025 Child Tax Credit amount per child can provide up to $2,200 for each child under 17, which may boost your tax refund considerably, even though you owe no tax. Don’t overlook the American Opportunity Credit, which allows up to $2,500 for eligible students, or the Lifetime Learning Credit of $2,000 for education expenses. Finally, the Child and Dependent Care Credit can help offset childcare costs, further reducing your tax liability. Eligibility and Application Guidelines Grasping the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for tax credits is vital for maximizing your tax return. To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must meet specific income thresholds and have qualifying children. If you’re wondering how to calculate earned income credit, bear in mind that your filing status and the number of dependents play a significant role. For instance, if you qualify as low income federal with 3 kids, you could receive up to $8,046 for the 2025 tax year. Keep in mind that accurate records and documentation are necessary for claiming these credits. Furthermore, familiarize yourself with other credits, like the Child Tax Credit and education credits, to further improve your tax refund potential. Maximize Retirement Contributions Maximizing your retirement contributions is an vital strategy for enhancing your financial future and reducing your taxable income. By contributing to a traditional IRA, you can lower your taxable income, with a contribution limit of $7,000 for 2025, plus a $1,000 catch-up option if you’re 50 or older. For 401(k) plans, the limit is $23,500, and catch-up contributions can raise that total to $34,750 for those aged 50 and up. Grasping the earned income definition is important here, as contributions must come from earned income. Although Roth IRAs don’t offer immediate tax deductions, they allow funds to grow tax-free, making them a valuable long-term option. Furthermore, maximizing contributions to employer-sponsored plans, especially those with matching contributions, can greatly boost your retirement savings. This approach aids in maximizing your max tax return and provides various tax benefits, enhancing your overall financial strategy. Contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) Building on the importance of maximizing your retirement contributions, another effective way to improve your tax return is by contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA). To qualify for an HSA, you need to be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2025, the contribution limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution available for those aged 55 and older. Your HSA contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income, and the account’s earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are likewise tax-free. Unused funds roll over annually, allowing for long-term savings. If you’re 65 or older, you can use HSA funds for non-medical expenses without penalties, but those withdrawals will be taxed as regular income. This strategy can complement your earned income tax credit and improve your overall tax position. Adjust Your Tax Withholding Adjusting your tax withholding can play a crucial role in managing your finances throughout the year, especially regarding your tax return. By fine-tuning your withholding, you can guarantee you’re not overpaying taxes, which may increase your refund when you file. Here are some tips to reflect on: Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to determine the right allowances based on your expected income and deductions. Increase your withholding to potentially receive a larger refund by having more tax deducted from your paychecks. Decrease your withholding for higher take-home pay, but monitor your tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. Revisit your W-4 after life changes like marriage or having children to align with your current financial situation. These adjustments help you understand how does a tax credit work and can be guided by the earned income table for accuracy. Seek Professional Tax Advice When managing the intricacies of tax season, seeking professional tax advice can be a smart move, especially if you’re unsure about the deductions and credits available to you. Tax professionals, like certified public accountants (CPAs), have a deep comprehension of the latest tax laws, which can help you navigate complex situations effectively. They can offer personalized strategies to maximize your refund, including potentially qualifying for valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Grasping what’s a tax break can additionally be clarified through their expertise. Many tax professionals provide free consultations, allowing you to gauge their services without any upfront cost. If you’re self-employed, keep in mind you can deduct the fees for tax preparation as a business expense, making professional advice more accessible. In the end, investing in a tax professional can lead to significant savings and a better comprehension of your tax situation. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Get the Biggest Refund on My Taxes? To get the biggest refund on your taxes, start by selecting the right filing status, as it can affect your tax liability. Utilize tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can boost your refund. Claim all deductions, including retirement contributions, to reduce taxable income. Moreover, time your income and expenses wisely, and regularly adjust your tax withholding to align with your expected liabilities, maximizing your potential refund. What Is the $75 Rule in the IRS? The $75 rule, additionally known as the de minimis safe harbor, lets you deduct business-related gift expenses up to $75 per recipient without extensive record-keeping. This rule applies to tangible gifts like merchandise or gift cards, not meals or entertainment. For gifts over $75, you’ll need to document the recipient’s name, gift date, and business purpose. Although it streamlines reporting, remember the IRS limits the actual deduction to $25 per person. How Do People Get $10,000 Tax Refunds? You can receive a $10,000 tax refund by maximizing tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). If you have qualifying children, these credits can greatly increase your refund. Furthermore, contributing to retirement accounts reduces taxable income, potentially leading to a larger refund. Timing your income and deductible expenses strategically can likewise improve your refund, making it essential to plan effectively throughout the year. What Is the $600 Rule in the IRS? The $600 rule requires businesses to issue Form 1099-NEC for any independent contractor or freelancer paid $600 or more in a calendar year for services. If you’re a contractor, this form reports your income to the IRS, ensuring you’re compliant. During payments under $600 don’t necessitate a 1099, it’s wise to keep thorough records. Missing the deadline or failing to issue this form can lead to penalties for the business involved. Conclusion By following these seven tips, you can effectively maximize your tax return this year. Start with evaluating your filing status and exploring all available deductions and credits. Make certain to contribute to retirement and Health Savings Accounts, and adjust your tax withholding as needed. Seeking professional tax advice can further improve your savings potential. Staying informed and proactive about your tax situation not just helps you retain more of your earnings but also guarantees compliance with tax regulations. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Tips to Maximize Your Max Tax Return This Year" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Maximizing your tax return this year requires a strategic approach. Start by evaluating your filing status, as it can greatly impact your return. Don’t overlook deductions that you might qualify for, such as state and local taxes, or out-of-pocket charitable contributions. Moreover, tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit can improve your refund. There are several other strategies that can further optimize your tax situation, so it’s worth exploring all available options. Key Takeaways Review your filing status to maximize deductions; consider Head of Household if applicable for additional tax benefits. Claim all eligible deductions, including medical expenses and charitable contributions, to reduce taxable income significantly. Take advantage of tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for substantial refunds. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts and Health Savings Accounts to lower taxable income and enhance savings. Consult a tax professional for personalized strategies and to ensure you’re not missing any potential deductions or credits. Evaluate Your Filing Status When you evaluate your filing status, it’s vital to understand how it can affect your tax rate and the standard deduction amount. You have several options: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Qualifying Surviving Spouse. For instance, if you’re married, filing jointly often results in lower taxes, whereas filing separately can help if one spouse has considerable medical expenses. The standard deduction for 2025 is $14,600 for Married Filing Jointly and $13,850 for Head of Household, which can greatly impact your tax liability. If you’re single and provide more than half the support for a qualifying dependent, consider Head of Household status for a better deduction. Moreover, knowing the earned income tax credit income limit can help you maximize your benefits. A tax credit example is vital as it directly reduces your tax liability, helping you learn how to get more on your tax return. Take Advantage of Deductions In terms of maximizing your tax return, taking advantage of commonly overlooked deductions can make a significant difference. You mightn’t realize that expenses like state and local sales taxes, medical costs above a certain threshold, or contributions to retirement accounts can all help reduce your taxable income. Furthermore, don’t forget about educational expenses and charitable contributions, as these can likewise reveal valuable tax credits and further improve your return. Commonly Overlooked Deductions Have you ever wondered if you’re maximizing your tax deductions? Many overlook deductions that could greatly impact your return. For instance, if you live in a no-income-tax state, you can deduct state and local sales taxes instead. Furthermore, out-of-pocket expenses for charitable work, like supplies or mileage, can too be claimed. If your unreimbursed medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI, you should consider deducting those as well. Educators can claim up to $300 in classroom expenses, and if you bake goods for charity, the ingredient costs may likewise qualify for a deduction. Comprehending the tax break meaning and knowing how to get more back on taxes can make a difference in your overall tax situation. What’s a tax rebate, after all, if you’re not maximizing your deductions? Maximize Tax Credits How can you guarantee you’re taking full advantage of available tax credits? Start by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can refund up to $8,046 for qualifying low-to-moderate income families. Many eligible individuals miss out on this benefit. Next, utilize the Child Tax Credit, which can provide up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17; use a child tax credit calculator to determine your eligibility. Don’t forget about education credits, like the American Opportunity Credit, offering up to $2,500 per student for college, or the Lifetime Learning Credit for up to $2,000 in education-related expenses. These credits can notably increase your tax refund, making them crucial for maximizing your return. Explore Tax Credits In relation to maximizing your tax return, exploring available tax credits is crucial. These credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, can greatly reduce your tax liability or even increase your refund. Comprehending the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for these credits can help you make the most of your tax situation. Key Tax Credits Available During the process of maneuvering through the intricacies of tax season, comprehending the key tax credits available can greatly improve your tax return. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2025 offers substantial benefits, potentially reaching up to $8,046 based on your income and the number of qualifying children. Moreover, the 2025 Child Tax Credit amount per child can provide up to $2,200 for each child under 17, which may boost your tax refund considerably, even though you owe no tax. Don’t overlook the American Opportunity Credit, which allows up to $2,500 for eligible students, or the Lifetime Learning Credit of $2,000 for education expenses. Finally, the Child and Dependent Care Credit can help offset childcare costs, further reducing your tax liability. Eligibility and Application Guidelines Grasping the eligibility requirements and application guidelines for tax credits is vital for maximizing your tax return. To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must meet specific income thresholds and have qualifying children. If you’re wondering how to calculate earned income credit, bear in mind that your filing status and the number of dependents play a significant role. For instance, if you qualify as low income federal with 3 kids, you could receive up to $8,046 for the 2025 tax year. Keep in mind that accurate records and documentation are necessary for claiming these credits. Furthermore, familiarize yourself with other credits, like the Child Tax Credit and education credits, to further improve your tax refund potential. Maximize Retirement Contributions Maximizing your retirement contributions is an vital strategy for enhancing your financial future and reducing your taxable income. By contributing to a traditional IRA, you can lower your taxable income, with a contribution limit of $7,000 for 2025, plus a $1,000 catch-up option if you’re 50 or older. For 401(k) plans, the limit is $23,500, and catch-up contributions can raise that total to $34,750 for those aged 50 and up. Grasping the earned income definition is important here, as contributions must come from earned income. Although Roth IRAs don’t offer immediate tax deductions, they allow funds to grow tax-free, making them a valuable long-term option. Furthermore, maximizing contributions to employer-sponsored plans, especially those with matching contributions, can greatly boost your retirement savings. This approach aids in maximizing your max tax return and provides various tax benefits, enhancing your overall financial strategy. Contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) Building on the importance of maximizing your retirement contributions, another effective way to improve your tax return is by contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA). To qualify for an HSA, you need to be enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2025, the contribution limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution available for those aged 55 and older. Your HSA contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income, and the account’s earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are likewise tax-free. Unused funds roll over annually, allowing for long-term savings. If you’re 65 or older, you can use HSA funds for non-medical expenses without penalties, but those withdrawals will be taxed as regular income. This strategy can complement your earned income tax credit and improve your overall tax position. Adjust Your Tax Withholding Adjusting your tax withholding can play a crucial role in managing your finances throughout the year, especially regarding your tax return. By fine-tuning your withholding, you can guarantee you’re not overpaying taxes, which may increase your refund when you file. Here are some tips to reflect on: Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to determine the right allowances based on your expected income and deductions. Increase your withholding to potentially receive a larger refund by having more tax deducted from your paychecks. Decrease your withholding for higher take-home pay, but monitor your tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties. Revisit your W-4 after life changes like marriage or having children to align with your current financial situation. These adjustments help you understand how does a tax credit work and can be guided by the earned income table for accuracy. Seek Professional Tax Advice When managing the intricacies of tax season, seeking professional tax advice can be a smart move, especially if you’re unsure about the deductions and credits available to you. Tax professionals, like certified public accountants (CPAs), have a deep comprehension of the latest tax laws, which can help you navigate complex situations effectively. They can offer personalized strategies to maximize your refund, including potentially qualifying for valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Grasping what’s a tax break can additionally be clarified through their expertise. Many tax professionals provide free consultations, allowing you to gauge their services without any upfront cost. If you’re self-employed, keep in mind you can deduct the fees for tax preparation as a business expense, making professional advice more accessible. In the end, investing in a tax professional can lead to significant savings and a better comprehension of your tax situation. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Get the Biggest Refund on My Taxes? To get the biggest refund on your taxes, start by selecting the right filing status, as it can affect your tax liability. Utilize tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can boost your refund. Claim all deductions, including retirement contributions, to reduce taxable income. Moreover, time your income and expenses wisely, and regularly adjust your tax withholding to align with your expected liabilities, maximizing your potential refund. What Is the $75 Rule in the IRS? The $75 rule, additionally known as the de minimis safe harbor, lets you deduct business-related gift expenses up to $75 per recipient without extensive record-keeping. This rule applies to tangible gifts like merchandise or gift cards, not meals or entertainment. For gifts over $75, you’ll need to document the recipient’s name, gift date, and business purpose. Although it streamlines reporting, remember the IRS limits the actual deduction to $25 per person. How Do People Get $10,000 Tax Refunds? You can receive a $10,000 tax refund by maximizing tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). If you have qualifying children, these credits can greatly increase your refund. Furthermore, contributing to retirement accounts reduces taxable income, potentially leading to a larger refund. Timing your income and deductible expenses strategically can likewise improve your refund, making it essential to plan effectively throughout the year. What Is the $600 Rule in the IRS? The $600 rule requires businesses to issue Form 1099-NEC for any independent contractor or freelancer paid $600 or more in a calendar year for services. If you’re a contractor, this form reports your income to the IRS, ensuring you’re compliant. During payments under $600 don’t necessitate a 1099, it’s wise to keep thorough records. Missing the deadline or failing to issue this form can lead to penalties for the business involved. Conclusion By following these seven tips, you can effectively maximize your tax return this year. Start with evaluating your filing status and exploring all available deductions and credits. Make certain to contribute to retirement and Health Savings Accounts, and adjust your tax withholding as needed. Seeking professional tax advice can further improve your savings potential. Staying informed and proactive about your tax situation not just helps you retain more of your earnings but also guarantees compliance with tax regulations. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Tips to Maximize Your Max Tax Return This Year" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a significant shift towards modernized citizen support, Salesforce has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to enhance the National Contact Center (DOL NCC). Using Agentforce, a new suite of autonomous AI agents, the DOL aims to deliver personalized and efficient services to U.S. citizens. This alliance holds notable implications for small businesses, particularly those navigating the complexities of workforce management and employee support. At its core, the DOL NCC’s upgrade represents a commitment to streamline operations while improving service delivery. The introduction of DOLA (Department of Labor Agent) promises to automate various inquiries, enhance communication, and connect users with essential resources at any hour. Small business owners can glean valuable insights from this approach, particularly on how to improve their own customer service capabilities. DOLA excels in automating mission execution, adeptly collecting case details and responding to citizen queries autonomously. For small businesses, implementing similar AI-driven solutions could lead to reduced administrative tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex and value-driven endeavors. As Dave Rey, President of Global Public Sector at Salesforce, highlighted, this transition marks a movement from reactive service models to proactive support structures. For small business owners looking to improve client relations, DOLA’s ability to triage inquiries effectively can inspire the adoption of automated systems that provide quick, relevant responses. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but can also facilitate businesses in managing inquiries more effectively, ultimately reducing response times and increasing overall productivity. The capabilities of DOLA include 24/7 support for a broad range of services—from Employment Insurance to job placement programs. Such functionalities enable faster access to critical resources for job seekers. Small businesses, which often juggle multiple responsibilities, can benefit from similar automation technologies to facilitate employee onboarding, training programs, and ongoing employee support. However, while the benefits are significant, there are challenges small business owners should carefully consider before implementing similar AI systems. Integrating AI into an existing business framework may require up-front investment in technology and training. Companies must also guard against potential over-reliance on automated systems, which might alienate clients who prefer human interaction. DOL’s strategy cleverly incorporates a built-in escalation path; if DOLA cannot handle a query, it seamlessly transfers it to a human representative. This approach could be a best practice for small businesses aiming to balance automation with a personal touch. The technological backbone of the DOL is powered by Salesforce’s robust data management tools, which harmonize information across various channels to deliver consistent and accurate responses. This level of data integration is critical for ensuring that small business owners maintain a holistic view of their client interactions, potentially enhancing their service offerings. The scalability provided by Agentforce allows the DOL to manage 2.8 million citizen support cases and over 9.7 million multichannel interactions. For small businesses, this underscores the importance of adopting scalable solutions that can grow in tandem with their operations. The current digital landscape demands the ability to engage customers across multiple platforms, and small businesses must prioritize technologies that facilitate this seamless engagement. However, the transition to AI-led processes may not be entirely smooth. Smaller enterprises might face challenges relating to their technical infrastructure or the skill levels of their current staff. Investing in AI training programs or collaborating with technology providers could mitigate such challenges. Sale’s partnership with the DOL serves as a template for how small businesses can approach the integration of AI technologies. By drawing inspiration from the strategies employed by the DOL, small business owners can envision their own pathways to enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experiences. As the service sector continues to evolve, being proactive rather than reactive will become increasingly crucial. The DOL’s modernization approach represents a forward-thinking mindset towards citizen engagement and operational excellence. Its success story highlights the potential for AI to drastically improve service delivery—not just for government agencies but for small businesses seeking sustainable growth in today’s fast-paced environment. For further details on this initiative, you can read the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Department of Labor Unveils AI-Powered Contact Center to Boost Citizen Support" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a significant shift towards modernized citizen support, Salesforce has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to enhance the National Contact Center (DOL NCC). Using Agentforce, a new suite of autonomous AI agents, the DOL aims to deliver personalized and efficient services to U.S. citizens. This alliance holds notable implications for small businesses, particularly those navigating the complexities of workforce management and employee support. At its core, the DOL NCC’s upgrade represents a commitment to streamline operations while improving service delivery. The introduction of DOLA (Department of Labor Agent) promises to automate various inquiries, enhance communication, and connect users with essential resources at any hour. Small business owners can glean valuable insights from this approach, particularly on how to improve their own customer service capabilities. DOLA excels in automating mission execution, adeptly collecting case details and responding to citizen queries autonomously. For small businesses, implementing similar AI-driven solutions could lead to reduced administrative tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex and value-driven endeavors. As Dave Rey, President of Global Public Sector at Salesforce, highlighted, this transition marks a movement from reactive service models to proactive support structures. For small business owners looking to improve client relations, DOLA’s ability to triage inquiries effectively can inspire the adoption of automated systems that provide quick, relevant responses. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but can also facilitate businesses in managing inquiries more effectively, ultimately reducing response times and increasing overall productivity. The capabilities of DOLA include 24/7 support for a broad range of services—from Employment Insurance to job placement programs. Such functionalities enable faster access to critical resources for job seekers. Small businesses, which often juggle multiple responsibilities, can benefit from similar automation technologies to facilitate employee onboarding, training programs, and ongoing employee support. However, while the benefits are significant, there are challenges small business owners should carefully consider before implementing similar AI systems. Integrating AI into an existing business framework may require up-front investment in technology and training. Companies must also guard against potential over-reliance on automated systems, which might alienate clients who prefer human interaction. DOL’s strategy cleverly incorporates a built-in escalation path; if DOLA cannot handle a query, it seamlessly transfers it to a human representative. This approach could be a best practice for small businesses aiming to balance automation with a personal touch. The technological backbone of the DOL is powered by Salesforce’s robust data management tools, which harmonize information across various channels to deliver consistent and accurate responses. This level of data integration is critical for ensuring that small business owners maintain a holistic view of their client interactions, potentially enhancing their service offerings. The scalability provided by Agentforce allows the DOL to manage 2.8 million citizen support cases and over 9.7 million multichannel interactions. For small businesses, this underscores the importance of adopting scalable solutions that can grow in tandem with their operations. The current digital landscape demands the ability to engage customers across multiple platforms, and small businesses must prioritize technologies that facilitate this seamless engagement. However, the transition to AI-led processes may not be entirely smooth. Smaller enterprises might face challenges relating to their technical infrastructure or the skill levels of their current staff. Investing in AI training programs or collaborating with technology providers could mitigate such challenges. Sale’s partnership with the DOL serves as a template for how small businesses can approach the integration of AI technologies. By drawing inspiration from the strategies employed by the DOL, small business owners can envision their own pathways to enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experiences. As the service sector continues to evolve, being proactive rather than reactive will become increasingly crucial. The DOL’s modernization approach represents a forward-thinking mindset towards citizen engagement and operational excellence. Its success story highlights the potential for AI to drastically improve service delivery—not just for government agencies but for small businesses seeking sustainable growth in today’s fast-paced environment. For further details on this initiative, you can read the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Department of Labor Unveils AI-Powered Contact Center to Boost Citizen Support" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Women suffering through the hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep problems that can come with menopause — all while looking in the mirror and noticing signs of aging — are being bombarded with products. More open conversations about menopause and the period leading up to it — called perimenopause — are happening at the same time that marketing has been supercharged by social media. Women are being confronted by lotions and serums and light masks that promise to rejuvenate their faces and necks, dietary supplements claiming to do everything from boost moods to ease hot flashes and gadgets promising to help with symptoms. “The marketing has gotten very, very aggressive. It’s pervasive,” said Dr. Nanette Santoro, an OB-GYN professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz. Santoro and other physicians say that before spending lots of money on products that make big promises, it’s important for women to talk to their doctors about what has actually been proven to help — and what could be harmful. “It really pays to be very, very, very skeptical,” Santoro said. A flood of marketing As menstruation winds down, women’s levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. In some women, the symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and sleep problems. Dr. Angela Angel, an OB-GYN with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, said that in the past, doctors would ask women around the age of 50 during their yearly exam if they were noticing any symptoms. But now, she said, patients are making separate appointments and initiating the conversations. And at those appointments, she said, many patients tell her they’ve already tried something. “They’re coming to see me because it’s not effective or because it’s caused some other side effect,” Angel said. Her hospital has recently started a menopause support group led by doctors and, at the request of participants, an upcoming session will focus on helping women navigate through the marketing onslaught. Products aimed at women in that stage of life include everything from bracelets and rings claiming to help ease hot flashes to cooling blankets and bedding. Santoro said her advice to patients is to “balance what you’re going to spend over whether this might help you.” “If it’s a bracelet that’s going to cost you $20, it’s not a big expenditure. It might provide some improvement,” Santoro said. “Things that are not well tested might still work but if you want something that works — come back, I’m not going anywhere and I’ll give you evidence based treatment.” Santoro said dietary supplements have not been proven in multiple, well-done studies to alleviate hot flashes, but many are low cost with a low potential for harm. She said if a patient wants to try something they see online, it’s important to at least tell their doctor so they can be monitored while taking it — or warned off. Doctors note that most of the time over-the-counter products like dietary supplements, shampoos or skin care that are advertised for menopausal women aren’t different from regular products for that purpose ingredient-wise. And some products could have side effects. Advice from doctors Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago Medicine, said there’s not one symptom everyone gets. Some women get few or none, she said, while others are extremely impacted by a variety of symptoms. What’s most important, she said, is seeking medical help. Doctors say that hormone therapy prescribed by a doctor can help with symptoms, as can prescriptions for nonhormonal medication. Some women are advised to avoid hormone therapy because they have had certain medical issues. “Not everybody needs hormone therapy, not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy, not everybody should be on hormone therapy,” Angel said. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help a lot, doctors say. That can help with weight loss, which is associated with reducing hot flashes and night sweats. And Santoro notes that avoiding alcohol is a good step for someone with hot flashes since it can make them worse. “Many of the symptoms actually get better over time, so sometimes it really is just a matter of lifestyle modifications and self-care and getting through this most tumultuous time frame,” Christmas said. For Brandi McGruder, a 49-year-old school librarian from Dallas, it clicked that she was in perimenopause last year when she went out to dinner for her birthday. When she and her friends entered the steakhouse, she was freezing cold. About 20 minutes later, she was burning up. She said she made an appointment with her doctor, who prescribed an estrogen patch, which helped. McGruder said she’s seen the advertisements for products aimed at women her age, but her first stop was her doctor. McGruder said that while she doesn’t like the way the symptoms have driven home that she’s getting older, she’s also embracing this time in her life. Her advice: “Laugh. It’s OK. Reach out to others experiencing what you are going through, don’t take it so serious.” Concerns about skin There are changes with skin that come both with time as one ages, and during menopause as skin gets less thick because of a loss of collagen and some of the hyaluronic acid that supports skin, said Dr. Melissa Mauskar, a dermatologist and associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Mauskar said using a prescribed retinoid or an over-the-counter retinol can help. Both assist with the production of collagen and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. She said good over-the-counter moisturizers can be found at drugstores. Her advice is to look for ones with ceramides, which help keep skin hydrated. “But you don’t want to have anything that has too many additive ingredients — just because it’s natural and a botanical does not mean it’s better,” Mauskar said. “A lot of those actually are contact allergens that can make people more sensitive.” Ingestible collagen is among the products being marketed to women, but she warns that studies are mixed and ingesting it “doesn’t mean that it’s going to make its way to your skin and plump up your face” — even though products claim it will. Light masks, she said, won’t hurt and some studies show they could help, but they won’t make a difference overnight. She said seeing any improvements from them would likely take daily use for many years. She said sun damage is one of the biggest reasons patients have more wrinkles, so consistent use of sunscreen is a must for all ages. “I think there’s a lot of new fancy things coming out and targeted to perimenopause, menopause patients,” Mauskar said, “but sometimes the tried and true things that we at least have the science for I think still are my kind of gold standard for my patients.” —Jamie Stengle, Associated Press View the full article

AI has become a race, but we’re mistaking velocity for progress. Companies are competing to deploy the latest model. Product teams are racing to ship new features. Nations are racing to claim technological dominance. Speed is the metric of the moment: Who can scale fastest? Who can automate more? Who can move first? In the short term, that logic makes sense. Yet speed is a fragile advantage. Eighty-four percent of enterprises plan to increase investment in AI agents this year. AI is moving from an assistive tool to autonomous systems. That shift changes everything. Model size and deployment velocity will not define the next era of AI. It will be defined by how deeply leaders engineer accountability into the architecture. Because once AI moves from generating outputs to executing decisions, the cost of getting it wrong compounds. AUTONOMY CHANGES THE STAKES The first phase of AI was assistive. Models drafted emails, summarized documents, and generated code. Humans reviewed the output. The system supported decisions, but it didn’t execute them. That boundary is gone. AI agents now trigger workflows, allocate resources, route decisions, and act across systems with limited human intervention. And when systems act, small modeling errors or embedded bias feed back into subsequent decisions, amplifying consequences at scale. Recent analysis estimates that AI hallucination-linked losses reached $67.4 billion in 2024, a preview of what happens when autonomy scales faster than accountability. A flawed assumption doesn’t create one bad output. It repeats. The more autonomy you deploy, the more architectural discipline must anchor the system behind it. At this stage, ethical AI moves from principle to engineering. Systems must be explainable, auditable, and resilient under real-world conditions, designed to detect drift, surface anomalies, and escalate decisions before risk compounds. You cannot retrofit governance after failure; you must build it in before deployment. RECURSIVE SYSTEMS DON’T FORGIVE AI learns from the world it shapes. When an autonomous system prioritizes cases, allocates funding, or routes engagement, it changes behavior. That behavior generates new data, which feeds back into the model. Over time, the system learns from the environment it helped create. Consider a funding allocation model that slightly overweights one type of applicant in its early training data. That skew influences which organizations receive resources. Those funding decisions influence future applicant behavior. That behavior feeds back into the system. What began as a minor weighting imbalance becomes embedded logic. In recursive systems, small design decisions accumulate. A misaligned optimization metric shifts the system’s trajectory. An unchecked bias embeds itself in future iterations, quietly influencing outcomes long after you made the original decision. Drift compounds quietly inside the system. By the time harm becomes visible, the logic behind it may already be woven through multiple cycles of retraining and deployment. Reactive governance fails in autonomous environments because by the time visible errors surface, the architecture has already internalized them. Ethical AI in recursive systems requires lifecycle discipline, from data selection and validation to continuous monitoring in production. Fairness must be measured continuously, drift must be detected early, and performance must be evaluated under real-world conditions, not just ideal training sets. Governed autonomy preserves control in systems that are constantly learning. Without it, leadership reacts to the system instead of directing it. ACCOUNTABILITY COMPOUNDS Engineering accountability into AI systems isn’t just about reducing risk. It creates a competitive advantage. When leaders can trace how they make decisions and defend them with confidence, adoption accelerates. Teams experiment more freely when oversight is structured rather than improvised. Debugging cycles shorten when systems are designed to surface anomalies early instead of hiding them. This is where ethical AI becomes a strategic lever. Discipline is foundational to building responsible systems that endure. Organizations that design for governed autonomy avoid costly resets. They spend less time defending decisions and more time improving performance. They attract talent that wants to build powerful systems without sacrificing principle. Markets respond to that maturity and capital flows toward durability. Ethical AI will not remain a differentiator for long. It will define who gets to compete. The leaders in this next phase won’t treat governance as a constraint. They’ll treat it as infrastructure. FROM RECOMMENDATIONS TO EXECUTION We have entered the era of agentic AI. Systems are no longer offering recommendations; they are executing decisions across workflows in real time. We are already seeing autonomous systems influence funding flows, community services, and stakeholder engagement at scale. Those actions carry real-world consequences. There is no margin for architectural error. You don’t layer on ethical AI after the fact. You engineer it into the foundation. Teams must embed accountability into how AI generates, reviews, and corrects decisions. Human control must remain intentional, not incidental. Lifecycle governance is not optional. Autonomy without architectural accountability creates fragility at scale. The next five years will not reward the fastest deployers. They will reward the most disciplined architects and the leaders who understand that sustainable innovation requires systems they are willing to stand behind. Autonomy scales fast. Accountability scales farther. Scott Brighton is the CEO of Bonterra. View the full article

The integration of Gemini in the navigation mode of Google Maps that was announced last November is now appearing more widely in the apps for Android and iOS, giving you access to the upgraded AI when you're on the road. It means that when you say "hey Google," Gemini will pop up rather than Google Assistant, and you're going to get a more advanced and conversational experience. Besides all the usual navigation and map search jobs, Gemini in Google Maps can answer questions, look up information, and do a lot of the same tasks that it can in its own dedicated app. As soon as I saw that my app had been updated, I took it out for a test drive using the Android app and Android Auto, to see if Gemini could be relied upon as a traveling companion. Gemini helps you get from A to B Gemini will look up map options for you. Credit: Lifehacker Gemini is generally helpful and reliable when it comes to getting from one place to another. Every request I gave the AI in terms of finding places and navigating there was carried out promptly and correctly, and it's possible to easily adjust destinations or add extra stops using your voice. Commands like "what time will I get there," "what's the traffic like on the route," and "what's my next turn" all work well. You can ask about the weather wherever you're heading, or get details of reviews and ratings for the place you're going to. Changing my mind and switching to a different destination was much more straightforward using voice commands than it would've been tapping at the Android Auto screen. The biggest issue I had was getting back to the main navigation view after searching for stop-off options along the route—Gemini didn't seem to understand "go back to the navigation view" (although it said that it did), and in the end I had to say "clear the search results off the screen" to get back to the turn-by-turn directions. I had to speak quite loudly and clearly to be properly understood, and Gemini occasionally made a couple of mistakes in interpreting the names of places I was looking up. However, it was smart enough to understand context: When I was heading to a church, for example, I only had to use its full name the first time, and then I could refer to it just as "the church" after that. The AI remains limited by the data it has—Gemini said it didn't have enough information available when I requested a more scenic route to my destination—but overall it's helpful and proactive. I often got asked if there was anything else I needed (similar to how the actual Gemini app works), and was regularly told to enjoy my drive. Gemini can help with more than just directions You'll still need a strong cell connection to access the web. Credit: Lifehacker You get the full Gemini experience in Google Maps and Android Auto, so you can ask it anything you want, really. The AI gave me relevant and accurate information about TV shows, music, and stories in the news, though it wasn't completely immune to the odd hallucination: It told me the Galaxy S26 was a "significant departure" from the Galaxy S25 that came before it (it isn't). I was able to ask about road regulations and road signs, and Gemini was able to feed the right information back, while regularly reminding me to concentrate on my driving. Google says the experience is like "having a knowledgeable friend in the passenger seat" and that's not far off—although sometimes the conversation can be a little stilted. Gemini can play music, as well—it can find songs, artists, and playlists inside apps like YouTube Music and Spotify. It mostly worked without a hitch, though on one occasion I had to ask twice for the music to stop, and the AI only got halfway there when I asked to switch to Pocket Casts (the app appeared, but the audio didn't play). Being able to tap into emails, calendar appointments, and incoming messages while on the move is another genuinely useful Gemini feature, and I was able to get the details of an incoming text and respond to it without taking my eyes of the road—really handy if you need to let people know where you are or when you'll be arriving. A handful of bugs and missteps aside, I was impressed with Gemini in Google Maps: It actually does seem to be as smart as Google says it is. It may have taken a while for the Google-Assistant-to-Gemini switchover to happen, but now that it's here, I found it to be a polished and useful experience. View the full article

Losses stemming from the 2022 vintage have been offset by excess spread, while cure and roll rates signal caution. View the full article

With the moon looming ever larger, the Artemis II astronauts raced to set a new distance record Monday from Earth on a lunar fly-around promising magnificent views of the far side never seen before by eye. The six-hour flyby is the highlight of NASA’s first return to the moon since the Apollo era with three Americans and one Canadian — a step toward landing boot prints near the moon’s south pole in just two years. A prize — and bragging rights — awaits Artemis II. Less than an hour before kicking off the fly-around and intense lunar observations, the four astronauts were set to become the most distant humans in history, surpassing the distance record of 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometers) set by Apollo 13 in April 1970. Mission Control expected Artemis II to surpass that record by more than 4,100 miles (6,600 kilometers). Artemis II is using the same maneuver that Apollo 13 did after its “Houston, we’ve had a problem” oxygen tank explosion wiped out any hope of a moon landing. Known as a free-return lunar trajectory, this no-stopping-to-land route takes advantage of Earth and the moon’s gravity, reducing the need for fuel. It’s a celestial figure-eight that will put the astronauts on course for home, once they emerge from behind the moon Monday evening. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen were on track to pass as close as 4,070 miles (6,550 kilometers) to the moon, as their Orion capsule whips past it, hangs a U-turn and then heads back toward Earth. It will take them four days to get back, with a splashdown in the Pacific concluding their test flight on Friday. Wiseman and his crew spent years studying lunar geography to prepare for the big event, adding solar eclipses to their repertoire during the past few weeks. By launching last Wednesday, they ensured themselves of a total solar eclipse from their vantage point behind the moon, courtesy of the cosmos. Topping their science target list: Orientale Basin, a sprawling impact basin with three concentric rings, the outermost of which stretches nearly 600 miles (950 kilometers) across. Other sightseeing goals: the Apollo 12 and 14 landing sites from 1969 and 1971, respectively, as well as fringes of the south polar region, the preferred locale for future touchdowns. Farther afield, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Saturn — not to mention Earth — will be visible. Their moon mentor, NASA geologist Kelsey Young, expects thousands of pictures. “People all over the world connect with the moon. This is something that every single person on this planet can understand and connect with,” she said on the eve of the flyby, wearing eclipse earrings. Artemis II is NASA’s first astronaut moonshot since Apollo 17 in 1972. It sets the stage for next year’s Artemis III, which will see another Orion crew practice docking with lunar landers in orbit around Earth. The culminating moon landing by two astronauts near the moon’s south pole will follow on Artemis IV in 2028. While Artemis II may be taking Apollo 13’s path, it’s most reminiscent of Apollo 8 and humanity’s first lunar visitors who orbited the moon on Christmas Eve 1968 and read from the Book of Genesis. Glover said flying to the moon during Christianity’s Holy Week brought home for him “the beauty of creation.” Earth is an oasis amid “a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe” where humanity exists as one, he observed over the weekend. “This is an opportunity for us to remember where we are, who we are, and that we are the same thing and that we’ve got to get through this together,” Glover said, clasping hands with his crewmates. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Marcia Dunn, AP Aerospace Writer View the full article

Creating an effective plan outline involves a structured approach that starts with defining your vision and objectives. You’ll need to assess your current position to understand where you stand and what gaps exist. Establishing measurable metrics is essential for tracking progress. Incorporating a continuous improvement process helps guarantee your plan remains relevant over time. Engaging your team in collaborative sessions nurtures creativity and adaptability. By following these steps, you’ll set a strong foundation for success. Nevertheless, knowing how to implement these strategies effectively can be challenging. Key Takeaways Define your vision and objectives using the SMART framework to ensure clarity and alignment with organizational goals. Assess your current position by gathering data, conducting SWOT analysis, and reviewing past performance metrics. Establish measurable metrics that reflect your objectives, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Incorporate a continuous improvement process by regularly reviewing performance metrics and documenting lessons learned for future planning. Engage your team in collaborative sessions to foster creativity, gather diverse input, and enhance communication throughout the planning process. Define Your Vision and Objectives Defining your vision and objectives is crucial for effective planning, as it sets a clear direction for your team. Start by aligning your vision statement with your organization’s goals and values. This guarantees everyone understands the cohesive direction of the planning process. Involve your team in creating this vision to incorporate diverse perspectives and promote a sense of ownership. Next, apply the SMART framework to set objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This improves clarity and focus. Develop a preliminary plan document using a project outline format, which serves as a roadmap for future actions. A project outline format sample can help visualize roles and objectives, assuring every team member knows their contributions to the larger vision. Assess Your Current Position To effectively assess your organization’s current position, it’s vital to gather and analyze relevant data that provides insight into both internal and external factors. Conducting a SWOT analysis helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, offering a thorough view of your situation. Moreover, gathering feedback from employees through surveys or focus groups can reveal internal perceptions and highlight areas needing improvement. Analyzing market trends and competitor performance is fundamental for grasping external influences on your strategic direction. Reviewing past performance metrics, such as sales figures and customer satisfaction ratings, helps gauge where you currently stand. Finally, utilizing data analytics tools improves your comprehension of customer behavior, providing a clearer picture of your current market position. Establish Measurable Metrics Establishing measurable metrics plays a crucial role in tracking your organization’s progress and evaluating the success of your strategic plan. To effectively create these metrics, use the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach helps define what success looks like and how it’ll be measured. Your metrics should align closely with your objectives, ensuring each one reflects a particular aspect of your plan’s goals. Here’s a simple table to guide you: Metric Type Example Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Increase sales by 15% by Q4 Completion Rate 80% of projects on time Customer Satisfaction 90% satisfaction score Employee Engagement 75% participation in surveys Regularly review and adjust these metrics based on feedback to stay aligned with your evolving needs. Incorporate a Continuous Improvement Process Building on the establishment of measurable metrics, incorporating a continuous improvement process can greatly boost your strategic plan’s effectiveness. Regularly assess performance metrics to pinpoint areas needing improvement, ensuring your strategies align with organizational goals. Utilize feedback loops like agile retrospectives and quarterly business reviews (QBRs) to gather insights from stakeholders, which inform necessary adjustments. Establish clear milestones for evaluations—weekly or monthly—to monitor progress and adapt your plan as needed, cultivating a culture of responsiveness. Tools like Mural or Confluence can improve collaboration and transparency, allowing teams to track updates and share insights effectively. Finally, document lessons learned during retrospectives to create a structured approach for integrating improvements in future planning cycles, ensuring ongoing evolution of your strategic initiatives. Engage Your Team in Collaborative Sessions Engaging your team in collaborative sessions not just boosts creativity but furthermore cultivates a sense of ownership over the project. By adopting brainstorming techniques like mind mapping or round-robin discussions, you encourage diverse input, leading to innovative ideas. Regular sessions are vital for continuous feedback and adaptability, allowing your team to refine plans based on real-time insights. Implement collaborative tools like Mural or FigJam to visualize ideas, ensuring everyone contributes effectively, regardless of location. Open communication is fundamental; creating a safe environment nurtures team cohesion, enhancing overall project outcomes. Technique Benefits Tools Brainstorming Generates innovative ideas Mural, FigJam Regular Sessions Continuous feedback Google Meet Open Communication Nurtures team cohesion Slack Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Steps to Writing an Outline? To write an outline, start by defining your purpose; knowing your goal will shape your content. Next, list your main ideas, brainstorming key concepts relevant to your topic. Organize these ideas logically, choosing an order that improves clarity. Then, develop supporting details for each main idea, providing evidence or examples. Finally, review and revise your outline, ensuring all ideas are connected and clearly presented before finalizing it. What Are the 5 Steps to Making a Plan? To make a plan, start by evaluating your current situation and gathering necessary information. Next, define clear goals using the SMART criteria to guarantee they’re achievable. Then, develop actionable strategies, outlining the steps needed to reach your goals as you consider resources and obstacles. After that, implement the plan by communicating it to stakeholders and assigning responsibilities. Finally, regularly evaluate and revise your plan based on feedback and performance metrics to keep it relevant. How Do You Write a 5 Step Plan? To write a 5-step plan, start by defining your goal clearly. Make sure it’s specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Next, break down the goal into five actionable steps, each building on the previous one. Assign tasks to individuals or teams, clarifying their responsibilities. Establish a timeline with deadlines for each step, allowing for some buffer time. Finally, regularly review and adjust your plan based on progress and feedback to stay aligned with your objective. What Are the 5 Steps of an Action Plan? To create an effective action plan, start by defining clear, SMART goals. Next, list and prioritize tasks needed to achieve these goals, breaking them into manageable steps. Allocate resources and assign team members responsible for each task. Set specific deadlines and milestones to track progress. Finally, monitor your progress through regular check-ins, evaluating the plan’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to guarantee you stay on track toward achieving your objectives. Conclusion Creating an effective plan outline requires careful attention to each step. By defining your vision and objectives, evaluating your current situation, establishing measurable metrics, incorporating a continuous improvement process, and engaging your team, you can develop a robust framework for success. Regular evaluations will help you adapt to changing circumstances and refine your approach. In the end, a structured planning process improves collaboration and drives your organization toward achieving its goals effectively and efficiently. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create an Effective Plan Outline in 5 Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating an effective plan outline involves a structured approach that starts with defining your vision and objectives. You’ll need to assess your current position to understand where you stand and what gaps exist. Establishing measurable metrics is essential for tracking progress. Incorporating a continuous improvement process helps guarantee your plan remains relevant over time. Engaging your team in collaborative sessions nurtures creativity and adaptability. By following these steps, you’ll set a strong foundation for success. Nevertheless, knowing how to implement these strategies effectively can be challenging. Key Takeaways Define your vision and objectives using the SMART framework to ensure clarity and alignment with organizational goals. Assess your current position by gathering data, conducting SWOT analysis, and reviewing past performance metrics. Establish measurable metrics that reflect your objectives, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Incorporate a continuous improvement process by regularly reviewing performance metrics and documenting lessons learned for future planning. Engage your team in collaborative sessions to foster creativity, gather diverse input, and enhance communication throughout the planning process. Define Your Vision and Objectives Defining your vision and objectives is crucial for effective planning, as it sets a clear direction for your team. Start by aligning your vision statement with your organization’s goals and values. This guarantees everyone understands the cohesive direction of the planning process. Involve your team in creating this vision to incorporate diverse perspectives and promote a sense of ownership. Next, apply the SMART framework to set objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This improves clarity and focus. Develop a preliminary plan document using a project outline format, which serves as a roadmap for future actions. A project outline format sample can help visualize roles and objectives, assuring every team member knows their contributions to the larger vision. Assess Your Current Position To effectively assess your organization’s current position, it’s vital to gather and analyze relevant data that provides insight into both internal and external factors. Conducting a SWOT analysis helps identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, offering a thorough view of your situation. Moreover, gathering feedback from employees through surveys or focus groups can reveal internal perceptions and highlight areas needing improvement. Analyzing market trends and competitor performance is fundamental for grasping external influences on your strategic direction. Reviewing past performance metrics, such as sales figures and customer satisfaction ratings, helps gauge where you currently stand. Finally, utilizing data analytics tools improves your comprehension of customer behavior, providing a clearer picture of your current market position. Establish Measurable Metrics Establishing measurable metrics plays a crucial role in tracking your organization’s progress and evaluating the success of your strategic plan. To effectively create these metrics, use the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach helps define what success looks like and how it’ll be measured. Your metrics should align closely with your objectives, ensuring each one reflects a particular aspect of your plan’s goals. Here’s a simple table to guide you: Metric Type Example Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Increase sales by 15% by Q4 Completion Rate 80% of projects on time Customer Satisfaction 90% satisfaction score Employee Engagement 75% participation in surveys Regularly review and adjust these metrics based on feedback to stay aligned with your evolving needs. Incorporate a Continuous Improvement Process Building on the establishment of measurable metrics, incorporating a continuous improvement process can greatly boost your strategic plan’s effectiveness. Regularly assess performance metrics to pinpoint areas needing improvement, ensuring your strategies align with organizational goals. Utilize feedback loops like agile retrospectives and quarterly business reviews (QBRs) to gather insights from stakeholders, which inform necessary adjustments. Establish clear milestones for evaluations—weekly or monthly—to monitor progress and adapt your plan as needed, cultivating a culture of responsiveness. Tools like Mural or Confluence can improve collaboration and transparency, allowing teams to track updates and share insights effectively. Finally, document lessons learned during retrospectives to create a structured approach for integrating improvements in future planning cycles, ensuring ongoing evolution of your strategic initiatives. Engage Your Team in Collaborative Sessions Engaging your team in collaborative sessions not just boosts creativity but furthermore cultivates a sense of ownership over the project. By adopting brainstorming techniques like mind mapping or round-robin discussions, you encourage diverse input, leading to innovative ideas. Regular sessions are vital for continuous feedback and adaptability, allowing your team to refine plans based on real-time insights. Implement collaborative tools like Mural or FigJam to visualize ideas, ensuring everyone contributes effectively, regardless of location. Open communication is fundamental; creating a safe environment nurtures team cohesion, enhancing overall project outcomes. Technique Benefits Tools Brainstorming Generates innovative ideas Mural, FigJam Regular Sessions Continuous feedback Google Meet Open Communication Nurtures team cohesion Slack Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 5 Steps to Writing an Outline? To write an outline, start by defining your purpose; knowing your goal will shape your content. Next, list your main ideas, brainstorming key concepts relevant to your topic. Organize these ideas logically, choosing an order that improves clarity. Then, develop supporting details for each main idea, providing evidence or examples. Finally, review and revise your outline, ensuring all ideas are connected and clearly presented before finalizing it. What Are the 5 Steps to Making a Plan? To make a plan, start by evaluating your current situation and gathering necessary information. Next, define clear goals using the SMART criteria to guarantee they’re achievable. Then, develop actionable strategies, outlining the steps needed to reach your goals as you consider resources and obstacles. After that, implement the plan by communicating it to stakeholders and assigning responsibilities. Finally, regularly evaluate and revise your plan based on feedback and performance metrics to keep it relevant. How Do You Write a 5 Step Plan? To write a 5-step plan, start by defining your goal clearly. Make sure it’s specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Next, break down the goal into five actionable steps, each building on the previous one. Assign tasks to individuals or teams, clarifying their responsibilities. Establish a timeline with deadlines for each step, allowing for some buffer time. Finally, regularly review and adjust your plan based on progress and feedback to stay aligned with your objective. What Are the 5 Steps of an Action Plan? To create an effective action plan, start by defining clear, SMART goals. Next, list and prioritize tasks needed to achieve these goals, breaking them into manageable steps. Allocate resources and assign team members responsible for each task. Set specific deadlines and milestones to track progress. Finally, monitor your progress through regular check-ins, evaluating the plan’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to guarantee you stay on track toward achieving your objectives. Conclusion Creating an effective plan outline requires careful attention to each step. By defining your vision and objectives, evaluating your current situation, establishing measurable metrics, incorporating a continuous improvement process, and engaging your team, you can develop a robust framework for success. Regular evaluations will help you adapt to changing circumstances and refine your approach. In the end, a structured planning process improves collaboration and drives your organization toward achieving its goals effectively and efficiently. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Create an Effective Plan Outline in 5 Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Iran and the United States received a draft proposal late Sunday calling for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, two Mideast officials speaking condition of anonymity told The Associated Press. The proposal comes from Egyptian, Pakistani and Turkish mediators hoping the 45-day window would provide enough time for talks to reach a permanent ceasefire. Iran and the U.S. have not responded to the proposal, which was sent to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, the officials said. The head of intelligence for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed Monday in an attack targeting him, Iranian state media said. The Israeli military later confirmed the airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Majid Khademi took place in Iran’s capital Tehran. Strikes on cities across Iran have killed more people Monday, while in Israel’s Haifa victims were found dead in rubble following an attack. U.S. President Donald The President on Sunday stepped up his threat to hit Iran’s critical infrastructure hard if the country’s government doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline. The President punctuated his threat with profanity in a social media post, saying Tuesday will be “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran.” The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened and hit civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes from the United Nations and international law experts. —Associated Press View the full article

Robert Reich has been warning people about the dangers of inequality for decades, in all sorts of different ways. He’s interacted directly with politicians as a member of three different presidential administrations, most notably as Bill Clinton’s labor secretary. He’s taught thousands of college students at Harvard, Brandeis, and UC Berkeley. He’s written 18 books. And for 11 years, he has run Inequality Media, a nonprofit dedicated to informing the public about income and wealth disparity, among other imbalances of power in our society. Inequality Media now has 15 million followers across all its social media channels. At a time when Americans are increasingly paying attention to issues of affordability and rising extreme wealth—even outright blaming billionaires for making society less fair—Reich’s content is striking a chord. Reich and Inequality Media executive director Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse came on the Most Innovative Companies podcast to talk about how they reach such a wide audience, the importance of experimentation, and the power of educating people about these issues. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. What was the original spark for Inequality Media, and why were short-form videos the right fit for that kind of work? Robert Reich: Well, sometime around 2013 or ’14, my son, Sam Reich, said, “Dad, I think you have written a lot of very good books and people like your books, but if you want to reach my generation, it’s not through books. It’s through social media.” And I didn’t fully understand even the meaning of the word social media, but he was very kind and he explained a lot to me. And it seemed like we needed to have some sort of social media company to produce videos. His point—and I think he’s absolutely right—is that videos do something that the written word doesn’t do. And this is particularly true of young people who are very acutely aware of what happens visually. They pick up very, very subtle details in terms of visual media, but they are not, as my generation was, readers. And Heather, how did you get involved? Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse: I got involved because Bob, as I call him, Professor Reich, emailed me and said, “Hey, I’m doing a new thing. Do you want to talk about it?” He and a fellow named Jake Kornbluth had gotten together and made a feature-length documentary, and they said, “Okay, let’s make videos. We’ve done it long-form. We can do it short-form.” And so I came in and said, “Let’s figure out internet video, specifically social video. What are these first three seconds people care about?” To have this organization change over 11 years, we couldn’t have predicted it. We are social video first, but we’ve expanded into podcasts, we’ve expanded into feature films, we’ve expanded into doing some radio. We’re trying to create more ripples and say the same thing in many ways. A nesting dolls approach—put it in different formats, the same messages. You talk about all types of inequality—economic inequality, racial inequality—but democracy is really core to this message, too. Why is that an important focus of this conversation, especially from the beginning? RR: Because one of the most really unfortunate aspects of the degree of inequality—of income and wealth inequality the United States is now suffering from—is that it has found its way into American politics through everything from campaign contributions to public relations undertaken by very wealthy people, to other ways in which really great wealth is translated into great political power. You can’t separate wealth and power. I mean, arguably, wealth is not a zero-sum game. It is certainly possible for some people to become extraordinarily wealthy without the necessity that other people become poor or don’t have adequate resources. But power is a zero-sum game. That is, if few people have it, that means that other people don’t. And this is really what the great jurist Louis Brandeis was getting at when he was reputed to have said in the late 1920s: America faces a choice. We can either have great wealth in the hands of a few people, or we can have a democracy, but we cannot have both. In your political positions, you spoke to policymakers or people with some sort of political power. And then as a professor, you spoke to students. But now you’re really speaking to the internet, to the everyday Americans. Why is it worth talking to these people about these issues, especially when some people can feel that they’re a little bit powerless to change things? RR: Well, they are not powerless. The point is, that is where the power is, or should be. The only way of breaking through elite domination of our politics and our economy is by empowering average people to become more politically active and to understand the relationship between politics and economics, to understand why they have a huge stake in changing the rules of the game in their own favor, in ways that enable them to have a fair shot at making it. We are not a news organization as such, but the news constantly every day is in front of people. That’s what most people talk about. But the news that is in front of them is also symptomatic of deeper structural issues, changes in the political economy, changes in the rules of the game. Why is it, for example, that a president can essentially initiate a war on his own without Congress, without our allies, without enunciating to the American people why we are going to war, and then have such an extraordinary negative impact on oil prices, on what the cost of living is for actual people, in the span of days? That needs to be explained to people because a lot of them are wondering about it. It’s underneath the surface of the news, but it does require some explication. And that explication gives us an opportunity to explain to people the structure of both the economy and our political system and the ways in which they are inextricably wed together. The other point here: This is nonpartisan in the sense that we are not touting the Democrats, we are not pro-Republican, but we are pro-average working people. This is something that’s very, very important because average working people are the ones who are bearing the costs of a system that is no longer in their hands. They are bearing the costs of political decisions that are helping enrich those who are already rich and are making it harder and harder for those who are not rich to get ahead. That’s the story of America at this particular point in time. That’s the underlying anger that we are dealing with in this country. Are there any particular tactics for reaching new audiences who may not be aware of these issues or agree with your personal politics—to still break through and educate them? RR: It’s a combination of a variety of experiments. Empirical experimentation is really at the heart of it, because we try to be very agile. We are continuously trying new things. Success can be an enemy because success makes it harder to change. Success makes it easier for everybody inside an organization to say, “Well, we did it this way. Let’s just keep doing it this way.” So what we are blessed with is a group of people who are not bound by success, who want to continuously find ways in which social media can be used in new effective modes. And there are a lot of people that follow us, and I don’t mean follow us in the sense of following, just tuning in. There are a lot of organizations, not-for-profits, there are a lot of social media groups that I’ve noticed use techniques that we develop because they’re so effective, and that’s great. We don’t try to stop anybody from using these techniques. In fact, quite the opposite. We develop new techniques, and we want the world to use them. I notice you do a lot of joint posts with other accounts, other nonprofits, other similar organizations, which seems like a great way to reach new people and new audiences. HKL: We love a collab post on Instagram, and thanks go to these companies who are making it easier for us to do that. But yeah, we work with a lot of different people. We have different experts come in. We lean on different organizations to surface data in interesting ways that we can use. But in terms of persuading people, every platform is different, right? If you have a bunch of people following you, on average, they’re probably going to skew in a certain direction because they follow you and they interpret your content in a certain way. But the good thing about the internet, and the way we can play around with digital media, is that you can test your content with people who don’t follow you, right? And you can try and get it out in new ways. And so that’s what we try to do. We try to say, “Oh, did that message hit with, I don’t know, self-proclaimed independents?” And you can see how the content does. And then you can try and get it out beyond your specific followers. But it takes time and thought. And it’s so fun to see some of the qualitative feedback when we do tests and they don’t know who Professor Reich is. They don’t say, “Oh, he was with the Clinton administration, so therefore I have thoughts about him.” They say things like, “Wow, that presenter was really compelling.” Or, “Who’s the actor? I really heard what he said about the minimum wage.” You’ve got to be savvy about it. You can’t just do one post and hope that a full range of America is processing it because they’re not, for a lot of reasons. Can all of these issues of inequality be solved by messaging? Is it just a point of first making sure that people are aware and understand what’s going on? RR: I think it is fundamentally a matter of explaining to people what they already observe and feel in terms of the political economy around themselves. People are very acutely aware, for example, of prices. They know exactly what’s happening at the gas pump. Every time they fill up their gas tanks, they see precisely what’s happening. They’re very aware of their jobs. They’re very aware of their incomes. They’re aware of the cost of childcare, the cost of eldercare. People are immersed in this world, but what they lack very often is an understanding of why. What’s happening has to do with the institutions of our society—everything from the Federal Reserve, all the way through how state governments are operating and how income taxes versus sales taxes are working. But it goes fundamentally to questions of power. Who has the power? How do they exercise that power? How can they be made more accountable with regard to the power that they are exercising, both in the public sector and in the private sector? HKL: Our mission is to educate and engage. So we don’t write public policy. We’re not writing the new, latest wealth tax that someone’s doing. That’s not our role. Our role—and we’ve owned it from the beginning—is educating and engaging. And then people can feel empowered to request different things of their elected officials. They can go out and sign petitions. They can run for office themselves. They can be the leaders that we need and that many of them actually want to be. So much needs to be done to solve or lessen inequality and the gaps here. And so much of it is systemic and policy-related. But I think messaging is key, and that’s our role. In The Last Class documentary, Robert, you say a true leader helps people overcome cynicism. These issues that you’re talking about can make people a little bit cynical about the state of the world. How do you veer away from cynicism and toward hope? And do you have hope about all this? RR: I certainly have hope, and I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if I were not hopeful. But I think there’s a difference between [cynicism and] skepticism, which is appropriate. I think people do need to be skeptical when they hear the news, when they view social media, when they’re engaged with all of the ways in which facts and news and lies travel at an accelerating speed. I think it is very important for all of us to understand that hopelessness is a dead end. That’s the end of the road: We can’t reform our system, we can’t change our democracy, we can’t make the economy work for most of us, we can’t create a society that most of us value and most of us would like to be a member of, if we lose hope. If we become so cynical that we basically say to ourselves, “It’s not worth even trying”—that’s something that I think is in the background of what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to give people levers, ideas, to not only empower them through understanding what’s actually happening, but also to empower them through a sense of what they can do as ordinary Americans. View the full article

Few things are more stressful when flying than a security screening line that is far longer than expected. In recent weeks, due to the partial federal government shutdown that left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers without pay, travelers at major airports encountered wait times of up to four hours to clear security. (As of April 2, these bottlenecks have largely eased.) During "normal" times, it's easier to determine how early you actually need to arrive, but if you want to find the sweet spot between spending pointless hours at the airport and missing your flight, you should keep an eye on current security wait times, which are available across multiple apps and websites. A reminder, of course, that times are subject to change quickly. The MyTSA app uses real-time information on wait timesTSA has its own app for iOS and Android that provides estimated wait times for airport security lines. MyTSA uses real-time information (when available) along with historical data, so you can see current estimates as well as standard wait times by day of the week and hour of the day. The app also shows open PreCheck lanes and FAA delays. You can add your most-traveled airports to the main dashboard. Note that during shutdowns, MyTSA may not be updated as frequently, so you should consider a backup and note current recommendations for airport arrival times. United's app now has wait times for its U.S. hubsUnited Airlines recently added security wait times to its iOS and Android app, but only for its U.S. hubs: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Denver International Airport (DEN) Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) The app shows wait times for both standard security lanes and PreCheck. United says that these estimates are updated throughout the day based on data collected by the airline. Anyone can use the app, as United's hubs see plenty of traffic from other airlines, but it won't be helpful for those traveling through other airports. Delta allows you to see some TSA wait times on its websiteDelta's app doesn't have a security wait time feature built in, but Delta customers can see current wait times at Delta hubs on the airline's website. The following airports are supported: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Current wait times are provided for specific checkpoints at each airport, including standard and PreCheck lanes—data appear to be pulled from individual airport websites. For SLC, Delta also has estimated hourly wait times, which show the highest traffic typically occurring between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. as well as 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Some airport websites will list wait times on their sitesSome larger airports list current or estimated wait times on their own websites, so you can search the name of your airport plus "security wait times" to get information about specific checkpoints and lanes. Smaller airports typically don't have this real-time data, so you're better off using the MyTSA app. These third-party TSA trackers can help determine wait timesThere are numerous websites that combine historical data, information published by airports and federal agencies, and crowdsourced estimates to show approximate TSA wait times. Community submissions may be especially helpful during government shutdowns, when TSA isn't reporting live wait times. A few options include Qsensor (which shows smaller local and international airports), TSA Wait Times, AirlineAirport, and USA Today's TSA tracker. 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. The Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera has dropped to $29.99 on Woot, down from its listed $99.99. It currently sells for $44.99 on Amazon, and price trackers show it hasn’t dipped this low before. Shipping is free if you have Prime; otherwise, it adds $6 to your total. The deal is expected to run for five days or until stock runs out. Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera Wired plug-in outdoor camera with 2K resolution $29.99 at Woot $99.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $29.99 at Woot $99.99 Save $70.00 This is a wired outdoor camera with a 2K resolution and a 130-degree field of view. The headline feature is its mechanical pan-and-tilt system, which can rotate 360 degrees and tilt 180 degrees. In practice, that means you can cover an entire yard or driveway without installing multiple cameras. Video quality holds up well in daylight, with good detail and accurate colors. At night, it switches between color night vision and infrared black-and-white, depending on lighting. It also includes a spotlight, a siren, and two-way audio, so you can speak to someone on your property or trigger an alarm. The motion detection of this camera is backed by AI that can identify people, vehicles, animals, and packages, and it sends alerts with short descriptions of what’s happening instead of a generic “motion detected” ping. Most of the smarter features, including recorded video history and detailed alerts, require an Arlo Secure Plus subscription (billed annually at $17.99 after a six-month free trial). Without it, you’re limited to live viewing and basic notifications, and there’s no local storage option to fall back on. The camera also needs to stay plugged in, which limits placement compared to battery-powered models. Still, it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, and the app is responsive when panning, tilting, or pulling up a live feed. It also earned an “excellent” review from PCMag for packing features usually found on more expensive cameras into a relatively affordable outdoor model. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $224.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $209.99 (List Price $249.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In all the worthy discussions around the promise and peril of AI, we may be overlooking one of its most powerful use cases: solving urgent global health crises. Few problems illustrate this better than antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics underpin modern medicine, enabling procedures like C-sections and organ transplants and ensuring that patients can safely receive treatments such as chemotherapy. But the bacteria they target are constantly evolving. Over time, many have developed resistance to the drugs we rely on—turning once-routine infections into life-threatening conditions. The scale of the problem is staggering. A landmark global analysis published in The Lancet estimates that antibiotic-resistant infections—known as superbugs—could directly cause more than 39 million deaths between now and 2050, with resistant bacteria contributing to more than 8 million deaths per year by mid-century if current trends continue. In 2019 alone, antibiotic resistance was responsible for 1.2 million deaths globally, exceeding the toll of AIDS-related illnesses and malaria that year. At the same time, the pipeline for new antibiotics has been shrinking for decades. Traditional drug discovery is slow, expensive, and notoriously inefficient. Scientists must test thousands, or even millions, of chemical compounds to identify just a few viable candidates, according to our internal research. A PROBLEM FOR AI This is exactly the kind of problem AI is built to tackle. Antibiotic discovery represents an ideal use case for artificial intelligence that can serve as a paradigm for AI drug discovery more broadly. Instead of testing molecules manually, AI models can analyze vast chemical libraries to predict and even design compounds which are most likely to kill bacteria, dramatically narrowing the field before a single experiment begins. The result is faster and better research. Across the emerging field of AI-native drug discovery, there is growing consensus that machine learning can reduce the timeline of the early discovery phase—covering hit identification, hit-to-lead optimization, and lead optimization—by 50% to 75%, in our experience. That means moving from a promising molecule to a preclinical drug candidate in a fraction of the traditional pace. But speed is only part of the story. AI dramatically expands the chemical universe scientists can explore. This is particularly important in antibiotic discovery, where many existing drug scaffolds are already vulnerable to well-understood bacterial resistance mechanisms. To stay ahead, researchers must identify entirely new scaffolds and mechanisms of action. INCREASE SHOTS ON GOAL Traditional discovery methods limit researchers to relatively small collections of molecules that can realistically be synthesized and screened in the lab. AI models, by contrast, can explore tens to hundreds of millions of potential compounds in silico—computer modeling. It can then prioritize the most promising candidates for synthesis and experimental testing, helping surface entirely new chemical structures that researchers might not have otherwise considered. In other words, AI increases the number and quality of “shots on goal.” Crucially, this technology exists to amplify human intelligence—learning from and augmenting the insight and judgment of scientists. At organizations like ours, Phare Bio, and across the broader biotech ecosystem, AI is being used as a collaborative tool. Machine learning models generate hypotheses, prioritize molecules, and analyze patterns in biological data. Researchers then validate those predictions in the lab, refine the models, and guide the next iteration of discovery. This partnership between human and machine intelligence is already reshaping multiple areas of drug development. Some companies focus on small molecule chemistry, using AI to reduce the number of compounds that must be synthesized and tested. Others are designing entirely new biologic medicines, such as antibodies, where machine learning can accelerate the traditionally slow process of antibody discovery. Still others apply AI to simulate protein dynamics, helping researchers understand how molecules interact with dynamic biological targets. These approaches may differ technically, but they share a common goal: finding better drugs, faster. LOWER THE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY BARRIER Perhaps most importantly, AI is lowering the barriers to entry for scientific discovery. Historically, antibiotic research required enormous infrastructure: large pharmaceutical companies, massive screening libraries, and expensive laboratory pipelines. Today, powerful AI models and open datasets allow smaller teams, such as academic labs, nonprofits, and startups, to compete in the race to find new antibiotics. That democratization matters. Antibiotic resistance is a global problem that requires a global response. For all the hope surrounding artificial intelligence, its greatest impact may ultimately come from helping humanity solve problems that once seemed intractable. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious biological threats we face. But it is also a challenge uniquely suited to the strengths of AI: pattern recognition, massive-scale exploration, and rapid iteration. If we continue building smarter models, pairing them with human expertise, and applying them to the urgent challenges of global health, AI could help unlock an entirely new generation of antibiotics. Akhila Kosaraju, MD, is CEO and cofounder of Phare Bio. View the full article

For years companies have been operating as though working parents with young children are the center of the work-life balance issue. Taking care of little kids is intense, to be sure. But the truth is the real work-life crisis isn’t at that point in their lives. It’s coming in five, ten, or fifteen years. This is the Caregiving Cliff, the time when the highest paid, most tenured, or most worthy of promotion start cracking under the pressure of taking care of kids, aging parents, and their own health needs. The moment when peak earning meets peak caregiving Recently, I spoke with a 47-year-old who had just turned down a promotion. She loved her job and wanted the promotion more than anything. But at that moment in her life, she could not see how she could do it. Her teenage son was battling depression, her father was beginning chemotherapy, and her work calendar was already unbearable. A promotion meant more travel, longer hours, and a level of focus she didn’t think she had the capacity to handle. So, she passed. This woman is exactly the kind of employee companies say they want to retain. And she is exactly the kind they are about to lose. Nearly one in four American adults is now a caregiver for someone 18 or older, according to the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. This is hitting midlife workers at a time when their teens are dealing with social drama, academic pressure, and college applications. And for many women, perimenopause is starting to wreak havoc. This is also the moment when seasoned employees are expected to step into bigger roles, lead, scale, and mentor. Your job expects peak performance at the exact time it feels like life is at its most unmanageable. Why companies are solving the wrong problem For decades companies have competed for talent by offering benefits focused on new parenthood, like parental leave, backup childcare, and lactation rooms. All great and absolutely necessary. But these perks become less and less helpful for employees as they age or who come onboard midlife. And flexibility in the workplace is often considered a phase rather than a permanent need. Employees are expected to outgrow it as their children get older. But caregiving doesn’t end, it just becomes more complex. As a result, employees feeling the crunch may start to downshift. They stop taking on extra projects, avoid business travel, and turn down leadership opportunities. Or they leave for a job that offers flexibility without a penalty. Suddenly, companies are faced with a retention crisis and have no idea why their best employees have left. This is a leadership issue too This isn’t just a retention problem. Employees in their 40s and 50s are the most experienced on the teams, often the best managers, and should be the future leaders of the company. When that talent is driven out because the benefits package only supports new parents with young children, businesses lose their leadership pipeline. And unlike new employees, they are harder to replace. What companies need to do Some companies are starting to realize that caregiving doesn’t end after the toddler years, it just gets less visible and more complicated. To retain their best employees, employers will need to: Expand the definition of caregiving to include elderly parents (with zero judgement). Create flexible options that don’t kill career trajectories A human resources department that can offer a plan and guidance (not just a downloadable PDF). Talking about the realities of midlife health (especially women’s health) like the workforce epidemic it actually is. A mindset shift is critical. It’s time we start preparing for the caregiving needs of every employee because the future of work isn’t getting younger. It’s getting more chaotic. View the full article

Today, April 6, 2026, is Easter Monday. It’s the final part of the long Easter Weekend, which runs from Good Friday through today. In several countries around the world, including Canada and Australia, Easter Monday is a public holiday. But what about here in America, and what stores and institutions are closed for the day? Here’s what you need to know. Is Easter Monday a national holiday? No. Although Easter Monday is observed as a national holiday in dozens of countries worldwide, it is not a national holiday in the United States. This means that federal agencies—at least those not affected by the ongoing partial government shutdown—will operate as usual today. For the next federally recognized national holiday in the United States, you’ll need to wait until Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2026 has 11 federal holidays, the most recent one being Washington’s Birthday on February 16. Is Easter Monday a state holiday? While Good Friday was recognized as a state holiday in several states in 2026, no U.S. state recognizes Easter Monday as a state holiday. This means all state-run institutions, such as DMVs, should be open and operating as usual today. Is the stock market open on Easter Monday? Yes, America’s major stock markets are open today. While America’s stock markets set their own holidays, which don’t always align with federal holidays (as is the case with Good Friday), none have chosen to treat Easter Monday as a holiday. This means both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq will be open today. However, keep in mind that other stock markets around the world may be closed if they are located in one of the numerous countries that observe Easter Monday as a national holiday. Are banks open on Easter Monday? Yes, most banks will be operating as normal on Easter Monday. This includes all of America’s major national banks: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Are ATMs open on Easter Monday? ATMs will be operating as normal. However, note that after the long Easter Weekend, some may have run out of cash and not yet been replenished. Is the post office open on Easter Monday? Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal agency, and so it is operating today. That means all USPS branches that are normally open should be open today. Is mail delivered on Easter Monday? Yes. The United States Postal Service will deliver mail as usual today. Are FedEx and UPS operating on Easter Monday? Yes, both UPS and FedEx are operating as normal today. Are schools open on Easter Monday? Most public schools should be open today, as Easter Monday is not a federal or state holiday. However, the caveat here is that Easter Monday may overlap with some schools’ spring break, in which case those schools would be shut today. As for private schools, many Christian or Catholic ones will also be operating as normal. However, it is best to contact your school directly to confirm their schedule. Are restaurants open on Easter Monday? You can expect most fast food and restaurant chains to be open today, including popular chains like Burger King, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, and more. Are retail stores open on Easter Monday? Yes. For all intents and purposes, Easter Monday is just another business day for retailers, with no big-box retail locations expected to be closed. So you can expect your local Best Buy, Costco, Kohl’s, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and more to be open. Are pharmacies open on Easter Monday? Yes, most major chain pharmacies will be open today, including CVS and Walgreens. Are grocery stores open on Easter Monday? As with big-box retailers, you can expect most grocery store chains to be open today. This includes major chains like Aldi, Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and more. View the full article

This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. I can’t keep up with all the news that interests me. So I’m exploring new ways to get concise, curated updates. Today I’m sharing three new tools I like. Huxe: Personalized audio shows drawn from your interests, calendar, and email. Google CC: A morning summary of your email inbox. Yutori Scouts: AI agents that monitor your fave topics and deliver reports. Read on for examples of how each works, and how to make the most of them. Huxe: Personalized Audio Updates Huxe is a personalized audio app. Whenever I open it, I hear a custom podcast it generates on the spot based on my interests, calendar, and email. It greets me with what’s important on my calendar and in my inbox. Then the little radio show made for me shares news and feature stories on topics I’m interested in—from AI and tech to teaching and classical music. Huxe was co-founded in September by Raiza Martin, who left Google after leading the vision and development of NotebookLM, my favorite AI tool. To set up the Huxe app, I picked from a list of categories and added some keywords for topics, teams, and tech that interest me. I also gave it permission to access my Google Calendar and Gmail. (Connecting those accounts is optional.) Huxe is free for now, on iOS or Android. Follow Huxe on LinkedIn, where they post interesting updates. In addition to a new “for you” audio update generated anytime I open the app, Huxe also has a “Discover” tab for listening to audio shows curated from online content. Examples of ones I like: Product Drops highlights notable new tech, referencing posts on Product Hunt, the best hub online for new launches. Actually Useful has mini case studies about when AI is demonstrably helpful. The Tennis Daily gives me interesting updates during the Australian Open. Design your own briefing Start by pressing the “+” button at the bottom right of the interface. On the “Research” tab, type in a prompt like “What are the latest breast cancer research developments?” or “Newest snack trends in Tokyo?” Alternatively, hit the “Use Sources” tab and add a list of specific sites you like, X handles, RSS feeds, or subreddits. Ideas to try Create a personalized learning show with your favorite blogs, newsletter writers, or subreddits you follow. You can add an instruction to give the show a particular focus, tone, or style. Make a guilty pleasure show for stressful days. It can be as niche as you want—it’s just for you. No one has to know what’s in it, though you can choose to share it. Add a list of topics that amuse you, from hobbies to food, pet, or sport trends. Or pick guilty pleasures like favorite TV shows, snacks, or singers. Example: In 60 seconds I curated my own show, called Reddit’s Daily Glow, that’s based on a few subreddits with inspiring news and interesting facts. I used to listen only to podcasts or audiobooks on my commute, but now I mix in these personalized audio updates, depending on my mood. Customize your briefings Use the “Join” button while listening to anything to inject a live question into the show. Like the interactive audio feature in NotebookLM, it prompts the AI to respond to your query before returning to the audio briefing. In the “Settings” tab, choose two voices you prefer from 19 options. Features I hope will be added: I’d like to be able to rewind and jump around more easily in the briefings. Down the road I’d love to pull in podcast, YouTube, and newsletter subscriptions as source material, and get Huxe updates by email or WhatsApp. I’d also love to use Huxe as a curator to create my own shows, mixing in my own voice and content. Alternative: I like Mailbrew for creating curated email digests from my favorite newsletters, blogs, subreddits, YouTubers, and more. Read my guide (for paid Wonder Tools subscribers) for more on why I like it and how I use it. Another alternative for a quick news overview is Upstract. But that’s basically the entire internet on one page, which I find overwhelming. Google CC: A Personalized Daily Email Update I’m testing a new Google “AI productivity agent.” CC is basically a personalized briefing that Gmail now sends me daily. It’s based on new Gmail messages and what’s in my Calendar. What’s useful about it It saves me from missing out. It surfaces messages I might otherwise overlook. Examples so far: a library message about a reserved book ready for pickup, and a volunteering sign-up deadline. It links directly to key messages. You can click on any briefing item to open the relevant Gmail message. I can reply to customize future briefings. I replied to a briefing asking for Substack-related email updates I might have missed, and it gave me these useful nuggets. Yutori Scouts: Get Customized Reports Get updates on whatever interests you with Yutori Scouts. Create a detailed query, and a team of AI agents will scour the web to keep you up to date. Specify news, shopping, or professional passions, or get updates on particular products, companies, or opportunities. Set your preferred frequency to daily, weekly, or when new info arises. It’s like a more powerful, AI-enhanced version of Google Alerts, which just searches for keywords. Here’s more on how Yutori’s AI agents work. How I’m using it To get an inspiring daily story from Reddit. Here’s a recent example. To see which AI startups are trending on Product Hunt. (You can remix public queries, which serve as useful templates.) To keep up with new AI policies in higher ed. I set up a weekly digest to stay up to date for my job at the City University of New York. Here’s a recent update. More examples of what Scouts can monitor Niche clothing trends in Tokyo TikTok U.S. daily trends Highly rated new movies available to stream Pricing: Free for one active query; $15 per month for 10 scouts on various topics with up to hourly monitoring. This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. View the full article

For too long, design has been too focused on how things look. That makes sense when products are competing for attention. Form becomes a way to stand out, a signal of taste, a shortcut to desire. But it’s fleeting. A shopper may feel good at checkout, then realize later that the product doesn’t actually enhance her life. That’s a failure. Most products don’t fail because they look bad. They fail because they don’t hold up in real life. They’re hard to open, awkward to carry, confusing to use, fine in ideal conditions but frustrating everywhere else. As a society, we’ve been designing for the moment of purchase, not the reality of use, and not for the long term. Real life is not ideal. Hands are full. Attention is split. Bodies change. Needs shift. What works in a studio or a showroom often breaks down in daily routines. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PURCHASE? Features that can be marketed in a headline or a surface impression matter, but they are incomplete. What matters just as much is what happens after purchase. Does the product reduce effort or add to it? Does it adapt to real conditions? Does it continue to work as life changes? These questions determine whether a product becomes part of someone’s life or something they quietly abandon. In homes everywhere, there are small examples of this gap. A chair that looks right but becomes uncomfortable over time, or is difficult to stand up from. A sauté pan that causes strain while plating. These are not dramatic failures, but they are everyday ones. Each friction point requires adjustment and extra attention, shaping how people feel about a product and the brand behind it. At the same time, the opposite mistake shows up just as often. Some products are designed so narrowly around function that they lose any sense of humanity. This is especially visible in categories that claim to prioritize usability, where the result can feel institutional or mechanical. They solve for performance but ignore how people want to feel using them. That is also a failure. People don’t separate how something works from how it makes them feel. The best products integrate purpose and personality. OBSERVE, DON’T JUST LISTEN Part of the reason this persists is that companies rely heavily on what customers say they want. That input is valuable, but it has limits. People tend to describe improvements to what they already know, but rarely entirely new ways something could work. If design only follows those signals, it reinforces the current model instead of challenging it. That is why designers focus on observing behavior, not just listening to requests. Real insight comes from watching how people actually live, where they struggle, adapt, and compensate. Designing for those realities often leads to solutions that feel obvious in hindsight but would have been difficult to articulate in advance. NEXT PHASE: UNDERSTANDING We are at an inflection point. The next phase of design is not about more expression, but more understanding. The value of a product is not in how it looks on a shelf, but in how it performs across the small, repeated moments that make up a day. Those ordinary moments are easy to overlook, but they are where products succeed or fail. A handle that supports different ways of holding it, an interface that makes its function clear at a glance, a form that guides use without explanation. These are not dramatic innovations, but they make a product easier to live with. When design solves for those moments, something changes. Products become easier to use, require less effort, and create less friction. They feel considered and increase in value over time. That shift is subtle, but powerful. When something works the way it should, people stop thinking about the object and focus on what they are trying to do. That is the real goal. The best products are not the ones that demand attention, but the ones that remove the need for it. THE IMPLICATIONS OF TRUST When a brand consistently delivers that experience, people begin to trust it and return to it, not just because of how it looks, but because of how it performs over time. That is where emotional connection is built. This has clear business implications. Products that work across a wider range of conditions are used more often, replaced less frequently, and build stronger loyalty. In saturated categories, this kind of performance becomes a meaningful advantage. It also requires a different mindset. Design cannot be treated as a final layer applied to a finished idea. It has to be embedded from the beginning, shaped by how people actually live. That means paying attention to variation, not just averages, and to edge conditions, not just ideal ones. Not ignoring customers, but recognizing that what people say and what they need are not always the same. The role of design is to close that gap, introducing solutions that feel natural once experienced, even if they were not requested in advance. The future of design will be defined by how well products work, how well they last, and how naturally they fit into real life. That is the problem worth solving. Ben Wintner is CEO of Michael Graves Design. View the full article

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