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Whether you want them to or not, appliances are getting smarter. It’s increasingly challenging to find even basic models without some kind of “smart” feature or embedded artificial intelligence. If you don't believe me, just try to find a “dumb” television at your local Best Buy. You will be disappointed. While it's true that many of the “smart” features offered by these nifty new appliances are quite useful. The ability to pre-heat your oven or adjust your thermostat by pressing a button on your phone is great, and getting alerts when the fridge door is left open or when you forget to move your laundry from the washer to the dryer is undeniably a boon. But sometimes, the convenience these features offer is an illusion, as many supposedly smart features in modern appliances aren’t very smart at all—and they can actively make your life harder instead of easier. If you’re shopping for a new appliance, considering avoiding these not-so-smart features. Dryer with moisture sensors that leave your clothes dampModern clothes dryers offer a lot of great capabilities. Some can even talk to your washer, pre-setting themselves for the laundry coming its way, and many can remind you to collect your laundry, sparing you wrinkled clothes, and to clean out the lint filter. But modern dryers often come with moisture sensors that shut off the dryer when it detects that your clothes are dry. In theory, sensor drying saves you money and time over a fixed time dry. But the sensors in these dryers are notorious for being inaccurate shutting the dryer down when your clothes are still a bit damp. And you still have to make a guess as to how much drying you need and set the sensor to the proper level. At best, this can mean running another drying cycle. At worst, your clothes will sit there getting mildewy until you remember to check the machine. Dishwashers with "eco modes" that leave dishes dirtyNew dishwashers often come with efficient or “eco” modes that use less water and less energy to clean your dishes. That’s a great idea—in theory. But these modes achieve those efficiencies the only way they can: By running at lower temperatures and literally using less water in their cleaning cycles. This can often leave your dishes visibly dirty after running a load, forcing you to cancel out the benefit by running them a second time. Worse, these modes don’t get hot enough to kill dangerous bacteria like E. coli, so even if your dishes come out looking clean, they may not be sanitary. Smart fridges that misidentify your groceriesSmart fridges are often at the top of people’s complaints list for two main reasons: One, they are often abandoned by their manufacturers soon after they arrive on the market, with updates and support vanishing in as quickly as two years. That transforms your pricey smart fridge into a pricey dumb fridge. More frustratingly, smart fridges that supposedly use artificial intelligence to identify your groceries as you place them inside (in order to help you track your shopping needs and expiration dates) often get things wrong. For example, this woman complained that her smart fridge often mistook her husband’s head for an avocado, among other problems, which rendered the feature worse than useless. Sensor-cooking microwaves that don't cookWhile the modern microwave remains the steadfastly boxy, unsexy beast it’s always been, there have been attempts to make it smarter—and sometimes these attempts backfire on you. Some microwaves offer “sensor cooking,” the ability to sense the weight and moisture level of the food in order to adjust cooking time and power levels to cook your food perfectly. Except when it senses incorrectly and leaves you with a half-cooked mess, or if you’re trying to cook something that simply doesn't work well with sensor cooking, like dry foods that don’t produce enough steam for the sensor to detect. Smart kitchen scales that are just making guessesA smart kitchen scale might seem like a nifty idea; you weigh your food and use an app to get nutritional information, like the amount of calories in what you’re about to eat. That’s fine, but it really just adds an unnecessary step to your cooking routine, because most “smart” scales are just regular, standard kitchen scales and an app that Googles on your behalf. You’ll get the same general experience—and likely better accuracy—by weighing something and using your phone to search for nutritional information yourself. Smart garage doors that are less secureSmart garage doors are a great example of a piece of technology that isn’t improved much by being smart. And the core technology that makes the garage door smart—a WiFi connection to a cloud server—can also make it worse than useless. Aside from the fact that any disruption in the door’s connection can cause it to remain locked in the open position, leaving your home vulnerable, there’s also the fact that the manufacturer can make changes any time they like that could potentially alter the way your door functions or brick it entirely. View the full article

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in November from the previous month, but slowed compared to a year earlier for the first time since May despite average long-term mortgage rates holding near their low point for the year. Existing home sales rose 0.5% in last month from October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Friday. Sales fell 1% compared with November last year. The latest sales figure came in slightly below the 4.14 million pace economists were expecting, according to FactSet. Through the first 11 months of this year, home sales are down 0.5% compared to the same period last year. “It’s possible that 2025, unless December (sales) figures really improve, we may be technically slightly down from one year ago,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. One factor limiting home sales is weaker demand for condominiums. Sales of condos are down 6% so far this year, Yun noted. Despite sluggish sales, home prices continued to climb last month. The national median sales price increased 1.2% in November from a year earlier to $409,200, an all-time high for any November on data going back to 1999. Home prices have risen on an annual basis for 29 months in a row, even as the housing market has been mired in a slump that began in 2022 when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. Sales have been stuck at around a 4-million annual pace now going back to 2023. That’s well short of the 5.2-million annual pace that’s historically been the norm. Home sales got a boost this fall as the average rate on a 30-year mortgage declined at the end of October to 6.17%, the lowest level in more than a year. Even so, affordability remains a challenge for many aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers who don’t have equity from an existing home to put toward a new home purchase. Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines. A shortage of homes for sale, especially in the more affordable end of the market, continues to weigh especially on first-time homebuyers. They accounted for 30% of homes sales last month. Historically, they made up 40% of home sales. An annual survey of homebuyers by NAR showed first-time buyers accounted for an all-time low 21% of home purchases between July 2024 and June 2025, while the average age of such homebuyers rose to a record-high of 40. Homes purchased last month likely went under contract in September and October, when the average rate on a 30-year mortgage ranged from 6.5% to 6.17%, according to Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates have mostly remained close to their October low in recent weeks. Home shoppers who can afford to buy at current mortgage rates benefited from a wider selection of properties on the market last month than a year ago, although the number of homes for sale in November declined from the previous month. There were 1.43 million unsold homes at the end of last month, down 5.9% from October and up 7.5% from November last year, NAR said. The latest inventory snapshot remains well below the roughly 2 million homes for sale that was typical before the COVID-19 pandemic. November’s month-end inventory translates to a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace. Traditionally, a 5- to 6-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers. Yun is forecasting that existing U.S. home sales will jump 14% next year. That’s more optimistic than several other housing economist forecasts, which range from a 1.7% to 9% increase. Economists generally forecast that the average rate on a 30-year mortgage will remain slightly above 6% next year. —Alex Veiga, AP business writer View the full article

More than 80% of mortgage brokers expect business to grow in 2026, mainly through the strengthening of referral networks and the expansion of non-QM offerings. View the full article

It’s been nearly a decade since Netflix introduced fans to the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind., the Upside Down, Demogorgons, and the Stranger Things universe. Since 2016, the sci-fi series has become a massive hit for Netflix making it one of the streaming service’s most-watched shows with the fourth season alone amassing over 140.7 million views globally, according to the company. The series has earned 12 Primetime Emmy Awards over the course of the last several years, has pushed its young cast into superstardom, and has become a global phenomenon inspiring several live events and pop-up stores in various cities. And its fifth and final season, which is premiering in three parts, is no exception when it comes to the scale. While the streaming giant and showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer have other spin-offs planned, the fandom was always at the top of their mind when planning the marketing for the show to give the original series a proper send-off. “Stranger Things is the first franchise for Netflix overall so we do different things year round to reach all the fans and we’ve done that for years and it just keeps building,” Marian Lee, chief marketing officer of Netflix, tells Fast Company. “The fact that we started our live experiences with Stranger Things and have continued to evolve them in different ways is exciting.” To really build that excitement for fans heading into the final season, Netflix launched a massive global marketing campaign that includes a mix of real life, immersive experiences as well as social media components. And by the beginning of next month, Netflix will have launched several fan events across 32 cities across 23 countries from Tokyo to London and Berlin to Los Angeles. Turning ‘Stranger Things’ into real-world experiences Netflix hosted a “One Last Ride” cycling event with CicLAvia with over 50,000 attendees; a transit station in Buenos Aires was turned into an Upside Down-portal at a transit station; a holographic featuring elements from the series was projected over the Sydney Harbour in Sydney; an old airport hangar in Berlin was transformed into the Stranger Things universe where visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a bike ride through pivotal moments from the show; and just last month in New York City, a Stranger Things-themed float was debuted at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to its three million attendees. Other events are planned in London, Bangkok, Milan, Las Vegas, and Madrid later this month. In Las Vegas, fans will be treated to “One Last Adventure: Las Vegas,” a drone show that will feature 5,000 choreographed drones and pyrotechnics highlighting moments from the show complete with a musical mashup. Meanwhile, fans will be able to watch the final episode in theaters across the United States and Canada. Earlier this month, Netflix House, the new live entertainment venue that launched in Philadelphia and Dallas this month, features Stranger Things elements at both locations. The Dallas location features an immersive Stranger Things: Escape the Dark experience with a brand new storyline, while the Philadelphia location features a Stranger Things: Catalyst game developed in collaboration with Sandbox VR. On top of that, visitors can enjoy food inspired by the show in the Netflix Bites food court at the Las Vegas location debuting next year. But even before Netflix began heavily leaning into the experiences during the second half of the year, they also opened its Stranger Things: The First Shadow show on Broadway and West End earlier this year. According to the entertainment giant, demand across Broadway and the West End saw an almost instant sustained increase in sales, with sales at their highest levels since the initial launch of both productions. The Upside Down takes over social media Lee said when her team was planning the marketing for the final season, it was important to start early with a social campaign that focused on rewatching previous seasons to get ready for the new one. Ahead of the final season, Netflix rolled out a pre-launch rewatch campaign, which has generated 5.7 billion earned global social impressions. “It’s a brilliant way for the team to really think about how to re-engage fans and to get them ready for this next season,” Lee said. “A lot of our strategy really leaned into those core moments.” A video featuring the four boys played by Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo, recreating a scene from the second season earned over 215 million impressions globally. According to Netflix, total earned social impressions for the fifth season has reached 11.5 billion and that’s without the last two volumes of the episodes released yet. Since then, Netflix has also released many behind-the-scenes moments and audition tapes of the cast across its social channels, which all have millions of followers. Powered by brands… and ‘80s nostalgia Lee said another essential part of the campaign was its various partnerships with brands — and for this season, Netflix partnered with many companies across various lifestyle and retail categories like Spotify, Meta, Target, Walmart, Nike, Gap, and several food and beverage brands like Eggo, Doritos, Kellogg’s, Chips Ahoy, and Gatorade all infused with nostalgic elements inspired by the show’s 1980s setting. Netflix launched a collaboration with military quarantine snack Peanut Butter Boppers earlier this month for a limited time, several other items and snacks inspired by the series with including a special collection with Target that included over 150 exclusive products like Demogorgon popcorn bucket, Demogorgon Bundle Box by Jazwares and exclusive Gatorade x Stranger Things apparel and accessories. Along with the partnerships with brands like Doritos and Discover, Netflix collaborated closely with each respective brand on a custom partnership that included commercials. Lee said her and her team set the bar really high when it came to working with its brand partners this season. “This fandom is so rich and unique and it just happens to also dovetail really nicely with brands and retailers who are seeing the nostalgia for that 80s’ aesthetic come back so it came together in a really serendipitous way for us to lean in,” Lee said. Ultimately, Lee said all the work her and her team really ties back to the fanbase the series has accumulated over the last five seasons. “It is hard to even articulate the impact on culture that the Duffer Brothers has had,” Lee said. “To watch them tell their story of dreams they had of bringing this show to life and we’re lucky to be the home for that.” View the full article

A federal judge’s four-year prison sentence for an Iowa meatpacking plant worker underscores that pandemic-era relief fraud remains an active enforcement priority—and a cautionary tale for small business owners who relied on Paycheck Protection Program funds to survive COVID-19 disruptions. According to a release from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General, Yovany Ciero, 48, of Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 3, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud the SBA through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Ciero was convicted by a jury earlier this year on multiple counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, after prosecutors showed he helped orchestrate and profit from false loan applications during the pandemic. The case, detailed in an SBA investigative summary, highlights how PPP funds—intended to help legitimate small businesses keep workers on payroll—were instead siphoned off through organized fraud. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ciero, a former sergeant in the Cuban military, was working at an Algona, Iowa meatpacking plant when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Beginning in July 2020, he and more than 100 other immigrants from Cuba obtained fraudulent PPP loans by falsely claiming they were self-employed individuals with approximately $100,000 in gross income in 2019. In reality, they were wage employees at meatpacking plants or other businesses. Prosecutors described Ciero as one of six “bundlers” in the scheme. His role involved recruiting participants, collecting their personal identifying information, and passing that information to others who submitted the fraudulent loan applications to participating lenders. Investigators determined that more than $4 million in fraudulent PPP applications were submitted, resulting in losses of over $2.4 million to the federal government. Once loan funds were disbursed—typically about $20,000 per applicant—Ciero also acted as a “funnel” in a money laundering conspiracy. He collected fees charged by the organizers, usually $3,000 per fraudulent loan. The government also showed that Ciero personally obtained two fraudulent PPP loans, one for himself and one for his paramour, and used much of that money to purchase a semi-truck. After receiving the PPP funds, he also obtained a Federal Housing Administration loan to buy a home in Mason City. The district court judge found that Ciero obstructed justice by testifying falsely at trial, a factor that contributed to the length of his sentence. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand ordered Ciero to pay $212,293 in restitution to the SBA and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. For small business owners, the case serves as a reminder that PPP compliance did not end when the program stopped accepting applications. Federal agencies continue to audit loans, pursue criminal cases, and seek restitution years after funds were distributed. Businesses that legitimately received PPP loans should ensure their documentation—including payroll records, tax filings, and forgiveness applications—remains complete and accessible. The case also illustrates how fraud schemes can involve individuals who were not business owners at all, but who falsely claimed self-employment status. For legitimate sole proprietors and independent contractors, this distinction matters. The government’s aggressive pursuit of false claims can increase scrutiny across the board, making accurate reporting and careful recordkeeping even more important for compliant businesses. Ciero is the fifth former Iowa meatpacking plant worker sentenced in this particular scheme. Other defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 11 months and were ordered to pay restitution amounts between roughly $60,000 and $138,000, according to court records. Prosecutors said the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and local law enforcement. As enforcement actions continue, small business owners may want to revisit how they applied for pandemic relief, how funds were used, and whether forgiveness filings accurately reflected their operations. While the vast majority of PPP recipients followed the rules, cases like this demonstrate that the government is still sorting out pandemic-era abuses—and that the consequences for fraud can be severe and long-lasting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Cuban Military Veteran Sentenced in $2.4M PPP Loan Fraud Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A federal judge’s four-year prison sentence for an Iowa meatpacking plant worker underscores that pandemic-era relief fraud remains an active enforcement priority—and a cautionary tale for small business owners who relied on Paycheck Protection Program funds to survive COVID-19 disruptions. According to a release from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General, Yovany Ciero, 48, of Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 3, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud the SBA through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Ciero was convicted by a jury earlier this year on multiple counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, after prosecutors showed he helped orchestrate and profit from false loan applications during the pandemic. The case, detailed in an SBA investigative summary, highlights how PPP funds—intended to help legitimate small businesses keep workers on payroll—were instead siphoned off through organized fraud. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ciero, a former sergeant in the Cuban military, was working at an Algona, Iowa meatpacking plant when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Beginning in July 2020, he and more than 100 other immigrants from Cuba obtained fraudulent PPP loans by falsely claiming they were self-employed individuals with approximately $100,000 in gross income in 2019. In reality, they were wage employees at meatpacking plants or other businesses. Prosecutors described Ciero as one of six “bundlers” in the scheme. His role involved recruiting participants, collecting their personal identifying information, and passing that information to others who submitted the fraudulent loan applications to participating lenders. Investigators determined that more than $4 million in fraudulent PPP applications were submitted, resulting in losses of over $2.4 million to the federal government. Once loan funds were disbursed—typically about $20,000 per applicant—Ciero also acted as a “funnel” in a money laundering conspiracy. He collected fees charged by the organizers, usually $3,000 per fraudulent loan. The government also showed that Ciero personally obtained two fraudulent PPP loans, one for himself and one for his paramour, and used much of that money to purchase a semi-truck. After receiving the PPP funds, he also obtained a Federal Housing Administration loan to buy a home in Mason City. The district court judge found that Ciero obstructed justice by testifying falsely at trial, a factor that contributed to the length of his sentence. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand ordered Ciero to pay $212,293 in restitution to the SBA and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. For small business owners, the case serves as a reminder that PPP compliance did not end when the program stopped accepting applications. Federal agencies continue to audit loans, pursue criminal cases, and seek restitution years after funds were distributed. Businesses that legitimately received PPP loans should ensure their documentation—including payroll records, tax filings, and forgiveness applications—remains complete and accessible. The case also illustrates how fraud schemes can involve individuals who were not business owners at all, but who falsely claimed self-employment status. For legitimate sole proprietors and independent contractors, this distinction matters. The government’s aggressive pursuit of false claims can increase scrutiny across the board, making accurate reporting and careful recordkeeping even more important for compliant businesses. Ciero is the fifth former Iowa meatpacking plant worker sentenced in this particular scheme. Other defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 11 months and were ordered to pay restitution amounts between roughly $60,000 and $138,000, according to court records. Prosecutors said the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and local law enforcement. As enforcement actions continue, small business owners may want to revisit how they applied for pandemic relief, how funds were used, and whether forgiveness filings accurately reflected their operations. While the vast majority of PPP recipients followed the rules, cases like this demonstrate that the government is still sorting out pandemic-era abuses—and that the consequences for fraud can be severe and long-lasting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Cuban Military Veteran Sentenced in $2.4M PPP Loan Fraud Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As you get stronger, you become able to lift heavier and heavier weights. That's the idea at the heart of an often-misunderstood fitness concept: progressive overload. Unfortuantely, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about this principle, so here's how to use it to plan your own workouts or judge whether a program you're following will keep you on track. What is progressive overload? Progressive overload is the increase, over time, in the amount of work or stress you ask your body to handle. The term is used two different ways: as a principle of how the human body works, and as a description of how a workout program changes over time. If you want to know how to "do progressive overload," you're thinking of the second one—how to design a workout program. The simplest way to implement this is to just do a little more each time you're in the gym. More weight, or more reps, or making the workout harder in some other way. You can still take some easier "deload" workouts (or weeks) from time to time, but over the long term you want to see a trend of the workouts getting harder. They won't necessarily feel harder, because you'll be getting stronger. It's more like the workouts are keeping up with you. In other words, progressive overload is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. As you get stronger, your workouts need to get harder to keep up. But in a sense you are also becoming stronger because you're challenging yourself with harder workouts. What does progressive overload look like in real life?If you’re bummed out by the idea of working harder and harder forever, don’t panic. You’ll work harder in absolute terms—by lifting heavier weights, let’s say—but the challenge stays about the same in relative terms. Your workouts will fall into an effort level you might call “hard, but doable,” and you’ll notice progress because your numbers are going up. (A similar approach applies to endurance sports. As cyclist Greg Lemond reportedly said: “It never gets any easier, you just go faster.”) When I started lifting weights many years ago, 65 pounds was a decently challenging bench press for me. I remember being proud of myself for being able to squeeze out a rep or two at 85 pounds. Now, if I’m going to do a bench workout, I don’t even bother loading those amounts onto the bar. My warmup sets start at 95 pounds, and a heavy single might be around 135. That 135 feels just as hard as 85 used to, but it’s undeniably more weight. How did I make that progress? Well, I kept lifting the weights that felt heavy for me. Over time, the same weights that used to be challenging started to feel easy, and I needed to add more and more weight to the bar to get something that actually felt heavy. (I have a guide here to figuring out whether you’re lifting “heavy.”) Most of the time, I either followed a program that told me how many pounds to lift, increasing that amount slowly over time, or one that told me what effort level to lift at (a concept called RPE), which allowed me to choose an appropriate weight each day. Following a program will usually net you better progress than just winging it, but as long as you’re using the overload principle and the progression principle, you will get stronger. Workout routines that use progressive overloadHere are some examples of workout routines that use progressive overload: Double progression. Let's say you're aiming for three sets of eight to 12 reps of dumbbell shoulder press. You choose a weight that you can handle for 3 sets of 8 reps. The next time you do shoulder press, try to add at least one rep. If you can't, that's fine—just do your three sets of eight. One day maybe you'll get 10 reps on the first set, then only eight on the next two. Another time maybe you get 12, 10, and eight. After a few weeks you manage three full sets of 12. That means it's time to increase the weight! The next time you do the exercise, you'll use a heavier set of dumbbells and start again at three sets of eight. It's called "double" progression because first you increase the reps, and then you increase the weight. Linear progression. This is a common progression for barbell exercises for beginners. You do the same number of reps every time (say, five sets of five reps) but add a small amount of weight every workout. Often the program will have instructions for what to do if you can't complete the five sets of five reps at the new weight. These workouts aren't usually realistic for experienced lifters, since you can't keep increasing the weight forever, but they're great for people who are learning an exercise for the first time or returning to the gym after a break. Set progression. This may be used along with double progression, or may be its own thing. You start with just a few sets of an exercise per workout, say two or three, and then add a set each week. Once you're doing, say, five sets, you'll start over with heavier weight. If you're using it with double progression, you'll increase sets, and then reps, and then weight. Density progression. This is commonly used in timed sets, like Crossfit WODs ("workout of the day") or for accessory lifts. Set a timer for several minutes and do as many reps as possible in the given time, resting as needed. The next time you do the workout, try to do more reps in the same amount of time. Once you can do the lifts with little to no rest, you'll either add weight or find another way to make the exercises harder (for example, doing dips instead of pushups). As you can see, weight isn't the only variable that progresses. You can increase reps, or sets, or increase the amount of work you do in a given time by decreasing rest. You can increase the difficulty by choosing a harder exercise (like progressing from dips to pushups). As long as things get harder over time, you're doing progressive overload. How to use progressive overload even if you can't add more weightAdding weight is part of most progressive overload schemes, but you don’t have to add weight to the bar literally every time you lift. There’s a wide range of weights and rep ranges that can be effective for building strength and muscle. For example, if I did a bench workout today, I might do sets of 10 at 100 pounds, or sets of five at 120, or some heavy singles at 140, or any combination of these. If I’m really tired or stressed, I might decide to do the sets of 10 at just 90 pounds. If I’m feeling great, I might be able to do them at 105. This is what I mean by a wide range: All of these are hard enough work to spur my muscles to adapt and get stronger. (There are reasons you might choose one of these workouts over the others, but we don’t need to get into those details at the moment.) What wouldn’t be progressive overload? Well, if I did sets of 10 with just the bar, that wouldn’t help me get stronger. If I had a mini barbell set, and it maxed out at 85 pounds, my strength would stagnate once I got to the point where 85 pounds isn’t a challenging weight anymore. Even as your strength improves, you don’t have to do more every single workout, as long as you’re getting stronger in the long term, and your workouts are still in the range that is challenging to you. So let’s say you’re doing bicep curls with a 10-pound dumbbell. You can do eight or 10 reps with it. Perfect. But the only way to add weight, at your gym, might be to pick up a 15-pound dumbbell. If that weight is too heavy for you, that’s okay. Keep working with the 10-pounder, and in time you’ll be ready for the 15. You can progress on more than one metricWhile you’re probably itching to lift heavier weights, weight on the bar is not the only way to progress. Sometimes you can’t add weight because of equipment issues, or just because your strength is improving slowly. (Even if your beginner gains were meteoric, everybody’s progress slows down at some point.) But if you’re smart, you probably don’t want to only get better at one specific thing. A lot of beginners start off doing squat, bench, and deadlift in sets of five reps, and trying to add weight each workout. But you’ll be a more well-rounded lifter if you also know how to lift heavy singles and sets of 10 or 15. Depending on your goals you might consider front squats in addition to back squats, and reverse hypers or kettlebell swings in addition to deadlifts. There are ways to improve at all of these things, and it’s normal for a lifter to be simultaneously increasing their reps in accessory lifts, increasing their weight on the bar for heavy singles, and increasing the amount of time they spend on conditioning workouts. How to spot workouts that don't use progressive overloadNot every workout or routine will have progressive overload built in. For example, if you have a favorite workout that you do every day, but you never make it any harder (say, it's always three sets of ten pushups), you won't make progress over time. That's OK if you enjoy the workout for another reason, like if you're just trying to get the mental health benefits of a little exercise boost in the morning. But if you want to get better at pushups, you need to find a way to do more of them over time, or make them harder in some way (like elevating your feet, or doing them with a backpack on). Workouts with progressive overload tend to be personalized to you. If the workout tells you exactly what to do, down to the exact weight of dumbbell to pick up, it's not giving you room to choose the weight that matches your current strength level. The 12-3-30 treadmill workout, for example, is the same for everyone every time. If it's one-size-fits-all, there's no way to progress. That said, some workouts have a sneaky progression built in. If you jog for 30 minutes each day, chances are you'll get a little faster over time even if you don't realize it, and then you're doing more work within the same amount of time. Or if you do "three sets of 10" of an exercise, but each day you pick up whatever dumbbells feel appropriate for that level, you'll probably end up using heavier ones over time. Just make sure you don't get stuck doing the exact same thing month in and month out. The limits of progressive overloadOne last thing, now that we’ve discussed what progressive overload looks like. It’s important to remember that progression happens in the long term. Some competitive lifters might not test their one-rep max outside of competition, which means they’ll only find out once or twice a year how much their deadlift has gone up. That doesn’t mean they haven’t progressed in the meantime. If they’re doing an effective program, consistently challenging themselves, they’re still working. Plateaus are a fact of life when you’re a lifter. Sometimes it takes a while to get stronger. Sometimes you need to work on your technique to be able to express your newfound strength. Sometimes factors like stress or weight loss or changes in your training can make you weaker in the short term, but if you keep training in a way that challenges you, you’ll set new PRs soon enough. 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Planned £100mn overhaul of train station will seek to end ‘holding pen’ experience for passengers View the full article

The seven states that rely on the Colorado River to supply farms and cities across the U.S. West appear no closer to reaching a consensus on a long-term plan for sharing the dwindling resource. The river’s future was the center of discussions this week at the annual Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas, where water leaders from California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming gathered alongside federal and tribal officials. It comes after the states blew past a November deadline for a new plan to deal with drought and water shortages after 2026, when current guidelines expire. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has set a new deadline of Feb. 14. Nevada’s lead negotiator said it is unlikely the states will reach an agreement that quickly. “As we sit here mid-December with a looming February deadline, I don’t see any clear path to a long-term deal, but I do see a path to the possibility of a shorter-term deal to keep us out of court,” John Entsminger of the Southern Nevada Water Authority told The Associated Press. An essential resource More than 40 million people across seven states, Mexico, and Native American tribes depend on the water from the river. Farmers in California and Arizona use it to grow the nation’s winter vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. It provides water and electricity to millions of homes and businesses across the basin. But longstanding drought, chronic overuse, and increasing temperatures have forced a reckoning on the river’s future. Existing water conservation agreements that determine who must use less in times of shortage expire in 2026. After two years of negotiating, states still haven’t reached a deal for what comes next. The federal government continues to refrain from coming up with its own solution — preferring the seven basin states reach consensus themselves. If they don’t, a federally imposed plan could leave parties unhappy and result in costly, lengthy litigation. Not only is this water fight between the upper and lower basins, individual municipalities, tribal nations and water agencies have their own stakes in this battle. California, which has the largest share of Colorado River water, has over 200 water agencies alone, each with their own customers. “It’s a rabbit hole you can dive down in, and it is incredibly complex,” said Noah Garrison, a water researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles. No deal emerges During a Thursday panel of state negotiators, none appeared willing to bend on their demands. Each highlighted what their state has done to conserve water, from turf-removal projects to canal lining in order to reduce seepage, and they explained why their state can’t take on more. Instead, they said, others should bear the burden. Entsminger, of Nevada, said he could see a short-term deal lasting five years that sets new rules around water releases and storage at Lakes Powell and Mead — two key reservoirs. Lower Basin states pitched a reduction of 1.5 million acre-feet per year to cover a structural deficit that occurs when water evaporates or is absorbed into the ground as it flows downstream. An acre-foot is enough water to supply two to three households a year. But they want to see a similar contribution from the Upper Basin. The Upper Basin states, however, don’t think they should have to make additional cuts because they already don’t use their full share of the water and are legally obligated to send a certain amount of water downstream. “Our water users feel that pain,” said Estevan López, New Mexico’s representative for the Upper Colorado River Commission. Upper Basin states want less water released from Lake Powell to Lake Mead. But Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, said he hasn’t seen anything on the table from the Upper Basin that would compel him to ask Arizona lawmakers to approve those demands. Within the coming weeks, the Bureau of Reclamation will release a range of possible proposals, but it will not identify a specific set of operating guidelines the federal government would prefer. Scott Cameron, the bureau’s acting commissioner, implored the states to find compromise. “Cooperation is better than litigation,” he said during the conference. “The only certainty around litigation in the Colorado River basin is a bunch of water lawyers are going to be able to put their children and grandchildren through graduate school. There are much better ways to spend several hundred million dollars.” —Jessica Hill, Associated Press View the full article

When starting a business, securing the right funding is vital for your success. There are several types of startup loans available, each designed to meet different needs. From small microloans to larger SBA loans, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions. Comprehending how to access these funds is fundamental, especially if you face challenges along the way. Let’s explore the key loan options available for startups and how you can navigate this financial environment effectively. Key Takeaways SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, ideal for new businesses needing smaller amounts, with an average loan of $16,208. SBA 7(a) loans can be hard to secure for startups under two years, but offer larger funding options when approved. Online loans cater to startups with less than one year of operation, offering quicker access to necessary funds. Equipment financing allows startups to acquire essential tools without needing additional collateral, making it a practical option. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer quick funding based on future sales, though they typically come with higher costs. What Is a Startup Business Loan? A startup business loan is a financial tool designed to help new companies access the funds they need to cover various expenses, such as working capital, inventory, and fixed assets. Unlike traditional loans, these loans often have less stringent requirements, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs. The loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to over $1.5 million, with annual percentage rates starting as low as 4.66%, depending on the lender and loan type. You can qualify for various options, including SBA Microloans up to $50,000 or online loans that may require only a few months of operational history. Many lenders look for a minimum credit score ranging from 570 to 680, so improving your score can boost your chances of approval. If you’re wondering how to get a grant to start a business, keep in mind that startup business loans serve as a viable funding option for new ventures. Types of Startup Business Loans Numerous types of startup business loans exist, each customized to meet the unique needs of new entrepreneurs. For instance, SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, perfect for small businesses, with an average loan amount of $16,208. If you’re considering a more substantial option, SBA 7(a) loans can be challenging to secure, especially for those with less than two years in operation. Online loans are accessible for startups with one year or less, offering quicker approval than traditional banks. Equipment financing helps you acquire necessary tools without extra collateral, whereas invoice financing allows you to sell unpaid invoices for immediate cash. Moreover, Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) base funding on future sales, making them easier to qualify for, though they tend to be expensive. Don’t forget to explore startup business grants as well; knowing how to get grant money to start a business can greatly aid your business launch. Best Startup Business Loan Options When starting a new business, finding the right funding option can greatly impact your success. Several excellent startup business loan options can help you manage your business finances effectively. Fora Financial offers loans up to $1.5 million with a minimum credit score of 570 and just six months in business, making it accessible for new ventures. If you need quick cash, OnDeck provides short-term loans from $5,000 to $250,000, requiring a credit score of 625 and offering same-day funding. For flexible borrowing, Headway Capital‘s line of credit up to $100,000 is a great choice, with a credit score requirement of 625. Fundbox specializes in lines of credit based on invoices, allowing quick access up to $250,000 for those with a score of 600. Finally, National Funding focuses on equipment financing, helping you acquire necessary tools without additional collateral. These options can be essential as you explore how to start a business and attract investors for a business. How to Get a Startup Business Loan Securing a startup business loan requires careful planning and a clear comprehension of your financial needs. Start by realistically evaluating how much capital you need for marketing, inventory, and operations. Next, confirm your eligibility by reviewing lender requirements, which often necessitate a minimum of six months in business and specific revenue thresholds. Research multiple lenders to prequalify, comparing their rates, terms, and repayment schedules to find the best fit for your business. Compile vital documentation, such as business licenses, bank statements, and financial projections, to strengthen your loan application. Moreover, explore grants for new business owners, as they can provide critical funding—ask yourself, how can you get a grant to start a business? Finally, understand the steps to set up a company, ensuring everything is in order before applying for your loan. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of securing the financing you need. What to Do If Denied a Startup Business Loan Facing a denial for a startup business loan can be disheartening, but it’s important to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Start by inquiring with the lender about the specific reasons for the denial; comprehending their concerns can help you address them before reapplying. Strengthen your business plan by incorporating projected financial statements and clearer market analysis, which can improve future applications. Consider exploring alternative financing options, such as microloans or crowdfunding, which often have more flexible requirements. You might likewise look into grants for young business owners from government agencies or private foundations, as these funds don’t need to be repaid, though competition can be tough. Finally, evaluate borrowing from friends and family, ensuring you communicate loan terms clearly to avoid misconceptions and maintain valuable relationships. Each step can help you move closer to securing the funding you need for your small business to start. Alternatives to Startup Business Loans If you’re exploring funding options for your startup, consider alternatives to traditional business loans that might better suit your needs. Startup business grants are a great option, as they come from federal and private organizations, often targeting specific industries, and they don’t require repayment. Business credit cards can provide quick access to cash for daily operations, allowing you to manage short-term expenses as you build credit for future financing. If business loans aren’t available, personal loans can help cover startup costs, even though they may carry higher interest rates. Crowdfunding platforms are another avenue, enabling you to raise capital from many individuals online; a compelling pitch is key to attracting contributions. Furthermore, friends and family can offer funding through personal loans or gifts, usually with fewer formalities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to communicate terms clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Explore these alternatives to find the best fit for your startup’s needs. Tips for Comparing Startup Business Loans When you’re ready to compare startup business loans, how do you know which option is best for you? Start by evaluating the types of loans available, such as SBA microloans, online loans, and equipment financing. Next, check the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), which can differ notably among lenders. Loan Type Interest Rates Minimum Credit Score Requirements SBA Microloans 4.66% – 9% 650 Online Loans 7% – 30% 500 – 700 Equipment Financing 5% – 15% 600 Additionally, review the minimum credit score requirements, as higher scores typically lead to better terms. Analyze repayment terms, which can range from short (12-24 months) to more flexible options, and don’t forget to take into account customer service and online reviews to guarantee a smooth borrowing experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Get a Loan of $50,000 for a Startup Business? Yes, you can get a loan of $50,000 for a startup business. Options include SBA Microloans, which offer up to $50,000, and online lenders with fewer restrictions, often requiring a minimum credit score of around 600. To improve your chances of approval, prepare a solid business plan and relevant financial documents. Moreover, consider alternative financing methods like equipment financing or lines of credit customized to specific business needs. Can a New LLC Get a Small Business Loan? Yes, a new LLC can get a small business loan, but it often faces stricter requirements. You’ll need a solid business plan and a personal credit score typically between 570 and 680. Many lenders require your LLC to be operational for at least six months, though some online lenders consider three months. Furthermore, building relationships with lenders and providing thorough financial documentation can improve your chances of securing funding successfully. Can You Get a Loan for a Start-Up Business? Yes, you can get a loan for a start-up business. Various options exist, including SBA microloans and online loans, which often have less strict requirements. Nevertheless, lenders typically expect a solid business plan, proof of revenue, and a decent credit score, usually between 500 and 680. Keep in mind that although alternative financing like merchant cash advances offers quick cash, they often come with higher costs. Always evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding. Can I Use My EIN to Get a Loan? Yes, you can use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a loan. Lenders often require an EIN to verify your business’s legitimacy and financial history. Having an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances, which can improve your chances of approval. Nevertheless, keep in mind that lenders additionally consider other factors, such as your credit score and business plan, when evaluating your loan application. Conclusion Securing the right funding is essential for your startup’s success. By comprehending the various types of loans available, such as SBA Microloans and Merchant Cash Advances, you can make informed decisions that align with your business needs. If you encounter challenges in obtaining a loan, exploring alternative funding options can likewise be beneficial. Always compare different loan offerings to guarantee you choose the best fit for your financial situation and growth objectives, helping you lay a solid foundation for your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Startup Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a business, securing the right funding is vital for your success. There are several types of startup loans available, each designed to meet different needs. From small microloans to larger SBA loans, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions. Comprehending how to access these funds is fundamental, especially if you face challenges along the way. Let’s explore the key loan options available for startups and how you can navigate this financial environment effectively. Key Takeaways SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, ideal for new businesses needing smaller amounts, with an average loan of $16,208. SBA 7(a) loans can be hard to secure for startups under two years, but offer larger funding options when approved. Online loans cater to startups with less than one year of operation, offering quicker access to necessary funds. Equipment financing allows startups to acquire essential tools without needing additional collateral, making it a practical option. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer quick funding based on future sales, though they typically come with higher costs. What Is a Startup Business Loan? A startup business loan is a financial tool designed to help new companies access the funds they need to cover various expenses, such as working capital, inventory, and fixed assets. Unlike traditional loans, these loans often have less stringent requirements, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs. The loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to over $1.5 million, with annual percentage rates starting as low as 4.66%, depending on the lender and loan type. You can qualify for various options, including SBA Microloans up to $50,000 or online loans that may require only a few months of operational history. Many lenders look for a minimum credit score ranging from 570 to 680, so improving your score can boost your chances of approval. If you’re wondering how to get a grant to start a business, keep in mind that startup business loans serve as a viable funding option for new ventures. Types of Startup Business Loans Numerous types of startup business loans exist, each customized to meet the unique needs of new entrepreneurs. For instance, SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, perfect for small businesses, with an average loan amount of $16,208. If you’re considering a more substantial option, SBA 7(a) loans can be challenging to secure, especially for those with less than two years in operation. Online loans are accessible for startups with one year or less, offering quicker approval than traditional banks. Equipment financing helps you acquire necessary tools without extra collateral, whereas invoice financing allows you to sell unpaid invoices for immediate cash. Moreover, Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) base funding on future sales, making them easier to qualify for, though they tend to be expensive. Don’t forget to explore startup business grants as well; knowing how to get grant money to start a business can greatly aid your business launch. Best Startup Business Loan Options When starting a new business, finding the right funding option can greatly impact your success. Several excellent startup business loan options can help you manage your business finances effectively. Fora Financial offers loans up to $1.5 million with a minimum credit score of 570 and just six months in business, making it accessible for new ventures. If you need quick cash, OnDeck provides short-term loans from $5,000 to $250,000, requiring a credit score of 625 and offering same-day funding. For flexible borrowing, Headway Capital‘s line of credit up to $100,000 is a great choice, with a credit score requirement of 625. Fundbox specializes in lines of credit based on invoices, allowing quick access up to $250,000 for those with a score of 600. Finally, National Funding focuses on equipment financing, helping you acquire necessary tools without additional collateral. These options can be essential as you explore how to start a business and attract investors for a business. How to Get a Startup Business Loan Securing a startup business loan requires careful planning and a clear comprehension of your financial needs. Start by realistically evaluating how much capital you need for marketing, inventory, and operations. Next, confirm your eligibility by reviewing lender requirements, which often necessitate a minimum of six months in business and specific revenue thresholds. Research multiple lenders to prequalify, comparing their rates, terms, and repayment schedules to find the best fit for your business. Compile vital documentation, such as business licenses, bank statements, and financial projections, to strengthen your loan application. Moreover, explore grants for new business owners, as they can provide critical funding—ask yourself, how can you get a grant to start a business? Finally, understand the steps to set up a company, ensuring everything is in order before applying for your loan. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of securing the financing you need. What to Do If Denied a Startup Business Loan Facing a denial for a startup business loan can be disheartening, but it’s important to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Start by inquiring with the lender about the specific reasons for the denial; comprehending their concerns can help you address them before reapplying. Strengthen your business plan by incorporating projected financial statements and clearer market analysis, which can improve future applications. Consider exploring alternative financing options, such as microloans or crowdfunding, which often have more flexible requirements. You might likewise look into grants for young business owners from government agencies or private foundations, as these funds don’t need to be repaid, though competition can be tough. Finally, evaluate borrowing from friends and family, ensuring you communicate loan terms clearly to avoid misconceptions and maintain valuable relationships. Each step can help you move closer to securing the funding you need for your small business to start. Alternatives to Startup Business Loans If you’re exploring funding options for your startup, consider alternatives to traditional business loans that might better suit your needs. Startup business grants are a great option, as they come from federal and private organizations, often targeting specific industries, and they don’t require repayment. Business credit cards can provide quick access to cash for daily operations, allowing you to manage short-term expenses as you build credit for future financing. If business loans aren’t available, personal loans can help cover startup costs, even though they may carry higher interest rates. Crowdfunding platforms are another avenue, enabling you to raise capital from many individuals online; a compelling pitch is key to attracting contributions. Furthermore, friends and family can offer funding through personal loans or gifts, usually with fewer formalities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to communicate terms clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Explore these alternatives to find the best fit for your startup’s needs. Tips for Comparing Startup Business Loans When you’re ready to compare startup business loans, how do you know which option is best for you? Start by evaluating the types of loans available, such as SBA microloans, online loans, and equipment financing. Next, check the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), which can differ notably among lenders. Loan Type Interest Rates Minimum Credit Score Requirements SBA Microloans 4.66% – 9% 650 Online Loans 7% – 30% 500 – 700 Equipment Financing 5% – 15% 600 Additionally, review the minimum credit score requirements, as higher scores typically lead to better terms. Analyze repayment terms, which can range from short (12-24 months) to more flexible options, and don’t forget to take into account customer service and online reviews to guarantee a smooth borrowing experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Get a Loan of $50,000 for a Startup Business? Yes, you can get a loan of $50,000 for a startup business. Options include SBA Microloans, which offer up to $50,000, and online lenders with fewer restrictions, often requiring a minimum credit score of around 600. To improve your chances of approval, prepare a solid business plan and relevant financial documents. Moreover, consider alternative financing methods like equipment financing or lines of credit customized to specific business needs. Can a New LLC Get a Small Business Loan? Yes, a new LLC can get a small business loan, but it often faces stricter requirements. You’ll need a solid business plan and a personal credit score typically between 570 and 680. Many lenders require your LLC to be operational for at least six months, though some online lenders consider three months. Furthermore, building relationships with lenders and providing thorough financial documentation can improve your chances of securing funding successfully. Can You Get a Loan for a Start-Up Business? Yes, you can get a loan for a start-up business. Various options exist, including SBA microloans and online loans, which often have less strict requirements. Nevertheless, lenders typically expect a solid business plan, proof of revenue, and a decent credit score, usually between 500 and 680. Keep in mind that although alternative financing like merchant cash advances offers quick cash, they often come with higher costs. Always evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding. Can I Use My EIN to Get a Loan? Yes, you can use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a loan. Lenders often require an EIN to verify your business’s legitimacy and financial history. Having an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances, which can improve your chances of approval. Nevertheless, keep in mind that lenders additionally consider other factors, such as your credit score and business plan, when evaluating your loan application. Conclusion Securing the right funding is essential for your startup’s success. By comprehending the various types of loans available, such as SBA Microloans and Merchant Cash Advances, you can make informed decisions that align with your business needs. If you encounter challenges in obtaining a loan, exploring alternative funding options can likewise be beneficial. Always compare different loan offerings to guarantee you choose the best fit for your financial situation and growth objectives, helping you lay a solid foundation for your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Startup Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Bone conduction headphones (BCHs) have been around for a while, but I didn't really start using them until this year, and they've honestly changed everything for me. They have helped keep my mind occupied—usually with an audiobook—while I tackle mundane tasks while leaving me able to communicate with my wife without constantly taking my earbuds out. As I result, I've listened to more books than ever this year, but beyomnd that accomplishment, I love that I'm able to remain aware of my surroundings while listening to my music, podcast, shows, calls, or, yes, my audiobook. That's why BCHs are my tech upgrade of 2025. Why I love the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2Earlier this year, I reviewed the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and I'm glad I did. I'd tested other BCHs previously, but the OpenRun Pro 2 were on a different level entirely. They employ a hybrid of BCH technology and open-air sound that projects low frequencies to your ears. This means they sound almost like regular headphones, while keeping the benefits of BCH. (they don't cover your ears, so you're more tuned in to the world around you). Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 Shop Now Shop Now $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 No more losing an earbudI used to use regular earbuds while taking work calls or doing household chores, and I would often find myself only using one earbud so I wouldn't be totally tuned out to my surroundings. Yes, most earbuds now have a transparency mode of some sort, but I'd usually find it easier to just take one out rather than remembering how to toggle it on or off. The downside here is that I'd typically leave whichever earbud I'd removed lying somewhere around the house, or lose it outright. Moreover, if I was listening to something in stereo, I'd be missing out on half of the experience. That all changed when I started using the OpenRun Pro 2 as my go-to headphones. Comfortable and functional Unlike earbuds or over-ear headphone, which can be fatiguing after extended use, the OpenRun Pro 2 are so comfortable, I sometimes forget I'm wearing them. Their microphones are great, so I can use them to take calls or virtual meetings without issue. Because of their hybrid audio model, I don't experience the sensation of vibration that tickled my ears when I tried other BCH models. I love that I can have a full conversation with my wife while washing the dishes or cooking and not have to worry about pausing my media or fumbling with my earbuds. And the best part is that they're waterproof, so I can go from a runs and straight to the shower without missing a beat—or, more often, a chapter of my current book (you'd be surprised how many minutes of extra listening you can rack up over the course of a year of showers, not to mention washing dishes, walking the dog, and other everyday tasks). With the help of these headphones, I look forward to beating my audiobook record again in 2026. View the full article

The move formalizes acting leadership roles both have had in different segments of the government-backed mortgage market serving many first-time homebuyers. View the full article

A reader asks: I run a small business that supplies a product to major companies. To keep the details anonymous, let’s say that we supply garments to a few mid-tier clothing retailers that you can buy in the mall. The problem is that one of my employees two levels down (he reports to someone who reports to me), Dave, behaves as though we’re making clothing for Gucci or Prada. This causes enormous production headaches. It means everything moves much more slowly through his department, because he is extremely conscientious about quality. That is admirable, but it results in things like being short with our subcontractors because they have not produced the products to his standard, even though they have produced them to industry standards. We’ve lost freelance designers because they’re being asked to make Prada-level clothing for Old Navy-type wages. He also causes many things to be done over or redoes them himself. This dramatically drives up the cost of what we produce. He should be producing 5,000 items a year in order to justify his salary but he only produces 3,000. This means we have gotten to a point where it actually costs us more to produce these products than we are being paid for them. Both his manager and I have attempted to tell him directly that he is overdoing things. This angers him and causes him to dig in his heels. We’ve said, “You don’t have to redo this work. It was fine the way the freelancers produced it. Just concentrate on the big issues like the overall cut of the fabric.” What he apparently hears is, “What you do doesn’t matter. You’re wrong to be concerned about quality.” His reaction is to stay up all night and work through the weekend to try and increase his numbers instead of just not doing everything twice. Dave’s heart is in the right place. This is tricky because it’s not like we’re asking him to do X and he refuses. We’re asking him to do X, and he does X twice and then adds Y and Z! How can I motivate Dave to take a step back and be more in alignment with the market tier we serve instead of driving up cost and increasing everyone’s aggravation by overdoing things? Or perhaps he is just a bad fit for this job? Green responds: He might be a bad fit for the job. Whether his heart is in the right place or not, you can’t keep someone on who refuses to work in the way that you need, wildly misses your production metrics, and drives up your costs—and who, when spoken to about it, flatly refuses to change what he’s doing. But first make sure you have been very, very clear with Dave. Not just “Concentrate on X, not Y” clear. This needs to be, “If you do not immediately start doing X and stop doing Y, we are going to need to let you go” clear. You need to say it that way to make sure Dave understands the stakes. It’s possible that he has been hearing, “We would like to have the level of care and quality that you’re providing and obviously it would be better if we could, but sadly we cannot find a way to sustain it.” And he’s thinking, “Let me show you how we can do it!” So you need to be crystal clear that you don’t want it and will not allow it. You also need to be clear about the consequences if he continues—that you will fire him. If you don’t spell that out explicitly and then you let Dave go, he sounds like he might be shocked because he’s focused on how much he cares and how hard he’s working (and in his mind, who would fire someone who cares so much and works so hard?). So it’s a kindness to let him know now that that’s the path he’s heading down. If you have this conversation and the problem continues, then you’ll know that he just can’t do the job you need done. At that point, you can move forward with a clear conscience because you’ll have told him clearly what he needed to do to stay in the job and will have given him a chance to do it. Want to submit a question of your own? Send it to alison@askamanager.org. —Alison Green View the full article

We need young people to gain experience that makes the world of work intelligible and builds skills and confidenceView the full article

Stocks rose in morning trading on Wall Street Friday and further trimmed losses from earlier in the week for several major indexes. The S&P 500 jumped 0.8%, adding to gains made on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 283 points, or 0.6%, as of 10:05 a.m. Eastern. The Nasdaq jumped 1% and is now on track for a weekly gain. Technology stocks with an focus on artificial intelligence once again led the market. Nvidia jumped 3.4% and Broadcom rose 2.4%. Oracle rose 7% on news that it, along with two other investors, had signed agreements to form a new TikTok U.S. joint venture. Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX each get a 15% share in the popular social video platform, ensuring that it can continue operating in the U.S. Company earnings and how companies are performing amid tariffs and inflation were a key focus for Wall Street. Nike slumped 9.6%, as the impact from tariffs overshadowed an otherwise strong quarterly profit report. Frozen potato maker Lamb Weston fell 19.8%, despite also beating Wall Street’s profit and revenue forecasts. Winnebago Industries jumped 10.7% after turning in profits and revenue for its latest quarter that easily beat analysts’ estimates. Japanese stocks rose after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to its highest level in 30 years. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 gained 1%, leading the rise across Asia’s key markets. Markets in Europe also gained ground. —— AP Business Writer Matt Ott contributed. —Damian J. Troise, AP Business Writer View the full article

Last month, the U.S. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was subsequently signed into law by President Donald The President. The act mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) publish all unclassified information it has on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by Friday, December 19. That’s today. Here is what to know about what will likely be included in the trove of documents, as well as where and when you can view them. What documents will be included in the disclosure? When Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, it mandated that the DOJ must publish its unclassified material on Jeffrey Epstein. But what exact material will be included in the disclosure? The act was pretty specific. According to the November law, the DOJ must publish all unclassified: records documents communications investigative materials One can presume that this includes digital evidence such as emails and photos, as well as documents and communications the DOJ created in relation to the investigation and prosecution of Epstein. However, the Epstein Files Transparency Act further clarifies that the release applies to more than just files related to investigations, prosecutions, or custodial matters regarding Epstein. The law states that the following must also be released by the DOJ: materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell flight logs and travel records individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein Entities, including corporations and governmental, with known or alleged ties to Epstein’s financial or trafficking networks immunity or other deals with Epstein or his associates Files related to his detention and death Files held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices must also be released. Can the DOJ withhold any information? Yes, the DOJ can withhold information from the release of files under a few circumstances, including: If the files or information are classified If the information contains personal information about Epstein’s victims If the information, if released, would jeopardize an active federal investigation However, the law specifically states that no information can be withheld solely because that information would cause “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.” When will the DOJ release the Epstein files? The law states that the DOJ must release the Epstein files “in a searchable and downloadable format” no later than 30 days after the Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted. The Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted on November 19, 2025. That means that the DOJ has until 11:59 p.m. tonight to release the files. Where will the files be released? The Epstein Files Transparency Act doesn’t explicitly state where or how the Department of Justice must release the files beyond saying that the files must be “in a searchable and downloadable format.” That clause means the DOJ must release the files digitally (since they must be downloadable). However, the law does not state which website must host the files. However, it is very likely that the files will be hosted on the Department of Justice’s website (justice.gov) or the Justice Department will specify via a press release on its website where the files will be hosted. It’s possible that the DOJ could set up a dedicated website where the files will be available to search and download. We’ll update this story with the link once it becomes available. View the full article

Deputy attorney-general Todd Blanche says thousands more will be unveiled in ‘next couple of weeks’ View the full article

Canada and the U.S. will launch formal discussions to review their free trade agreement in mid-January, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The prime minister confirmed to provincial leaders that Dominic LeBlanc, the country’s point person for U.S-Canada trade relations, “will meet with U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal discussions,” Carney’s office said in a statement late Thursday. The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, or USMCA, is up for review in 2026. U.S. President Donald The President negotiated the deal in his first term and included a clause to possibly renegotiate the deal in 2026. Carney met with the leaders of Canada’s provinces on Thursday to give them an update on trade talks with the U.S. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and more than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the country’s southern neighbor. But most exports to the U.S. are currently exempted by USMCA. The President cut off trade talks to reduce tariffs on certain sectors with Carney in October after the Ontario provincial government ran an anti-tariff advertisement in the U.S. That followed a spring of acrimony, since abated, over The President’s insistence that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Carney said earlier Thursday that Canada and the U.S. were close to an agreement at the time on sectoral tariff relief in multiple areas, including steel and aluminum. Tariffs are taking a toll on certain sectors of Canada’s economy, particularly aluminum, steel, auto and lumber. Carney also said trade irritants flagged this week by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are elements of a “much bigger discussion” about continental trade. Greer said a coming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal will hinge on resolving U.S. concerns about Canadian policies on dairy products, alcohol and digital services. Carney and the provincial premiers agreed to meet in person in Ottawa early in the new year. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Carney said U.S. access to Canada’s critical ministers is not a certainty. “It’s a potential opportunity for the United States, but it’s not an assured opportunity for the United States. It’s part of a bigger discussion in terms of our trading relationship, because we have other partners around the world, in Europe for example, who are very interested in participating,” Carney said earlier Thursday. —Rob Gillies, Associated Press View the full article

The 1800 Tax Form is a vital state-specific document for reporting income, calculating your tax liability, and claiming various credits, such as the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. If you have a complex financial situation, like owning a business or experiencing significant life changes, this form may be necessary for you. Comprehending who needs to file it and the situations that require it can help guarantee compliance with state tax regulations. Let’s explore the specifics of Form 1800 further. Key Takeaways Form 1800 is a state-specific tax form used for reporting income, calculating tax liability, and claiming credits or deductions. Individuals claiming specific credits, like the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, should consider filing Form 1800. Self-employed individuals and business owners must file to accurately report earnings and meet IRS filing thresholds. Form 1800 is essential for correcting previous filings, responding to IRS notices, or reporting unreported income. Consulting local tax professionals can provide tailored guidance for those needing to file Form 1800. Overview of Form 1800 When you’re managing state tax obligations, comprehending the 1800 Tax Form is essential, as it serves various purposes depending on your jurisdiction. This form isn’t a standard IRS document; instead, it refers to state-specific tax forms required to report specific state taxes or claim deductions unique to your location. Typically, the 1800 Tax Form includes sections for reporting income, calculating tax liability, and claiming credits or deductions according to state tax laws. Your filing requirements depend on state regulations, which may necessitate this form for individuals or businesses earning income within that state. To navigate these obligations effectively, consult state tax resources or seek guidance from a tax professional designed to your individual circumstances. Who Should Consider Filing Form 1800? If you’re looking to claim specific tax credits or deductions, like the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, you should consider filing Form 1800. This form is likewise necessary if you’ve received an IRS notice requesting more information about your tax return or if you need to amend a previous filing. Furthermore, individuals with complex financial situations, such as business owners or those reporting significant investment income, may find this form crucial for providing detailed income information. Eligibility Criteria Comprehending the eligibility criteria for filing Form 1800 is vital for taxpayers who have experienced significant life changes. If you’ve recently married, divorced, or welcomed a child, you might need to file. Moreover, if you’ve received unreported income or benefits, consider Form 1800 to guarantee your tax obligations are met. Claiming specific deductions, like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit, may likewise warrant filing. If you’ve made changes to your health coverage, this form could be fundamental. Consulting a tax professional can help you determine your need for Form 1800 based on your unique circumstances. Life Change Consider Filing Form 1800? Contact for Help Marriage or Divorce Yes Taxpayer assistance center near me Birth of a Child Yes Where can I find tax forms? Significant Health Coverage Changes Yes How to obtain 1040 form Income Reporting Requirements Understanding income reporting requirements is vital for anyone who might need to file Form 1800. If you’re self-employed, an independent contractor, or a business owner earning income without a W-2 form, you should consider filing this form. It’s important for accurately reporting your earnings, especially if your total annual income meets or exceeds the IRS filing threshold. Furthermore, if you’ve received multiple 1099 forms or other income documentation, Form 1800 is necessary for thorough income reporting. Key Situations Requiring Form 1800 When you’re managing tax filing, there are key situations where Form 1800 becomes crucial. For instance, if you’re a business claiming deductions for employee health insurance, you’ll need this form to document those expenses accurately. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations may likewise find themselves required to use Form 1800 to guarantee compliance with specific guidelines related to tax credits and deductions. Tax Filing Requirements Comprehending the key situations that require you to file the 1800 Tax Form can help guarantee you meet your tax obligations accurately. Here are some situations where filing the 1800 form is vital: Situation Description Claims for Refunds Use the 1800 form to document claims properly. Reporting Income Report income not captured on standard forms. Filing Errors and IRS Discrepancies Correct any filing errors or address IRS discrepancies. If you’ve experienced a disaster and need to claim losses, or if you’ve made significant adjustments to prior returns, the 1800 Tax Form is critical. Remember, using this form guarantees accurate reporting and helps avoid penalties. Business Expense Documentation Comprehending how to document business expenses is vital for complying with IRS regulations and maximizing your tax deductions. If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, accurate business expense documentation is fundamental. Key situations requiring Form 1800 include claiming deductions for significant operational costs, like equipment purchases or travel expenses. To substantiate these deductions, you must retain detailed records and receipts that support your reported expenses. This documentation not merely helps in reducing your taxable income but likewise prepares you for any potential IRS audits. Nonprofit Organization Guidelines Nonprofit organizations play an essential role in various communities, and comprehending the requirements for filing Form 1800 is key to maintaining their tax-exempt status. If your nonprofit has gross receipts of $50,000 or more in a tax year, you must file Form 1800, regardless of your tax-exempt status. Failing to submit this form for three consecutive years can jeopardize your tax-exempt status, potentially resulting in federal income tax obligations. It’s important to note that certain nonprofits, like churches and government entities, may have different filing requirements and mightn’t need to file Form 1800. Make sure you submit the form by the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends to remain compliant with IRS deadlines. How to Complete Form 1800 When you’re ready to complete Form 1800, the first step is to fill out your personal information accurately, including your name, address, and taxpayer identification number. Next, you’ll need to: Carefully read the instructions for each section of the form. Report all relevant income, including wages, dividends, and any other applicable earnings. Include deductions and credits that apply to your situation. Attach any necessary supporting documentation, such as W-2s or 1099s, to substantiate your claims. After completing the form, review it thoroughly for accuracy before submitting it to the appropriate tax authority. This will help you avoid potential delays or penalties, ensuring a smoother filing process. Common Mistakes to Avoid With Form 1800 Filing Form 1800 can be straightforward if you steer clear of common mistakes that many taxpayers make. First, confirm you complete all sections accurately; incomplete information can cause delays or rejection. Double-check your calculations to avoid discrepancies that might trigger audits. Always include correct identification numbers, such as Social Security or Employer Identification Numbers, since inaccuracies can create identification issues with the IRS. Be mindful of submission deadlines, as late filings incur penalties. Remember to keep a copy of your submitted Form 1800 and any supporting documents for future reference. If you’re unsure about details like where to mail Form 1040 or how to fill out Form 1040, consult the form 1040 instructions for guidance. Resources for Assistance With Form 1800 Accessing resources for assistance with Form 1800 can greatly simplify the filing process, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements. Here are some valuable resources to evaluate: State Tax Office: Contact your state tax phone number for specific guidance on Form 1800. Tax Preparation Software: Use software that includes features for state-specific forms, offering step-by-step support. Local Tax Professionals: Consult local tax professionals or certified public accountants (CPAs) for expert advice on filing. Taxpayer Assistance Hotlines: Reach out to the internal revenue service helpline or your state income tax phone number for direct assistance. Additionally, if you need to know where to find income tax paid on your 1040, these resources can help clarify your questions. Frequently Asked Questions Who Needs to File a 1040 Tax Form? If you earn income above a certain threshold, you’ll need to file a 1040 tax form. This applies to most Americans, including those with wages, self-employment income, or investment earnings. If you have significant deductions, such as for dependents or charitable contributions, using the 1040 helps guarantee accurate reporting. Nevertheless, if you receive only Social Security income without other taxable income, you mightn’t need to file. Always check the IRS guidelines for your specific situation. Is the IRS Sending $3000 Tax Refunds in June 2025? As of now, there’s no official word from the IRS about $3000 tax refunds in June 2025. If these refunds happen, they’ll depend on future tax laws or relief measures. To stay updated, you should regularly check the IRS website or official announcements. It’s essential to understand that any potential refunds will typically relate to your income and filing status, so keeping informed will help you know your eligibility. What Are the Biggest Tax Mistakes People Make? One of the biggest tax mistakes you might make is failing to report all income sources, including freelance work. Overlooking deductions and credits, like medical expenses, can furthermore increase your tax bill unnecessarily. Keep accurate records and receipts throughout the year to avoid missing deductions. Choosing the wrong filing status can affect your tax rate. Finally, remember to file and pay on time to avoid penalties and interest charges from the IRS. What Is the Tax Counseling for the Elderly? The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax assistance to those aged 60 and older. It focuses on issues like pensions and retirement distributions, ensuring you understand your tax obligations. TCE volunteers, trained by the IRS, are knowledgeable about tax law changes that affect seniors. You can find assistance at community centers, libraries, and senior centers. To locate a TCE site, call the IRS or visit their website for more resources. Conclusion In conclusion, the 1800 Tax Form is vital for individuals with varied financial situations, including business owners and those undergoing significant life changes. If you find yourself in a situation that requires detailed income reporting, tax liability calculations, or credit claims, this form is important. To guarantee accuracy, carefully follow the instructions and seek assistance if needed. Comprehending and correctly completing Form 1800 can help you maintain compliance with state tax regulations and avoid potential issues. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the 1800 Tax Form and Who Needs It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The 1800 Tax Form is a vital state-specific document for reporting income, calculating your tax liability, and claiming various credits, such as the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. If you have a complex financial situation, like owning a business or experiencing significant life changes, this form may be necessary for you. Comprehending who needs to file it and the situations that require it can help guarantee compliance with state tax regulations. Let’s explore the specifics of Form 1800 further. Key Takeaways Form 1800 is a state-specific tax form used for reporting income, calculating tax liability, and claiming credits or deductions. Individuals claiming specific credits, like the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, should consider filing Form 1800. Self-employed individuals and business owners must file to accurately report earnings and meet IRS filing thresholds. Form 1800 is essential for correcting previous filings, responding to IRS notices, or reporting unreported income. Consulting local tax professionals can provide tailored guidance for those needing to file Form 1800. Overview of Form 1800 When you’re managing state tax obligations, comprehending the 1800 Tax Form is essential, as it serves various purposes depending on your jurisdiction. This form isn’t a standard IRS document; instead, it refers to state-specific tax forms required to report specific state taxes or claim deductions unique to your location. Typically, the 1800 Tax Form includes sections for reporting income, calculating tax liability, and claiming credits or deductions according to state tax laws. Your filing requirements depend on state regulations, which may necessitate this form for individuals or businesses earning income within that state. To navigate these obligations effectively, consult state tax resources or seek guidance from a tax professional designed to your individual circumstances. Who Should Consider Filing Form 1800? If you’re looking to claim specific tax credits or deductions, like the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, you should consider filing Form 1800. This form is likewise necessary if you’ve received an IRS notice requesting more information about your tax return or if you need to amend a previous filing. Furthermore, individuals with complex financial situations, such as business owners or those reporting significant investment income, may find this form crucial for providing detailed income information. Eligibility Criteria Comprehending the eligibility criteria for filing Form 1800 is vital for taxpayers who have experienced significant life changes. If you’ve recently married, divorced, or welcomed a child, you might need to file. Moreover, if you’ve received unreported income or benefits, consider Form 1800 to guarantee your tax obligations are met. Claiming specific deductions, like the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit, may likewise warrant filing. If you’ve made changes to your health coverage, this form could be fundamental. Consulting a tax professional can help you determine your need for Form 1800 based on your unique circumstances. Life Change Consider Filing Form 1800? Contact for Help Marriage or Divorce Yes Taxpayer assistance center near me Birth of a Child Yes Where can I find tax forms? Significant Health Coverage Changes Yes How to obtain 1040 form Income Reporting Requirements Understanding income reporting requirements is vital for anyone who might need to file Form 1800. If you’re self-employed, an independent contractor, or a business owner earning income without a W-2 form, you should consider filing this form. It’s important for accurately reporting your earnings, especially if your total annual income meets or exceeds the IRS filing threshold. Furthermore, if you’ve received multiple 1099 forms or other income documentation, Form 1800 is necessary for thorough income reporting. Key Situations Requiring Form 1800 When you’re managing tax filing, there are key situations where Form 1800 becomes crucial. For instance, if you’re a business claiming deductions for employee health insurance, you’ll need this form to document those expenses accurately. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations may likewise find themselves required to use Form 1800 to guarantee compliance with specific guidelines related to tax credits and deductions. Tax Filing Requirements Comprehending the key situations that require you to file the 1800 Tax Form can help guarantee you meet your tax obligations accurately. Here are some situations where filing the 1800 form is vital: Situation Description Claims for Refunds Use the 1800 form to document claims properly. Reporting Income Report income not captured on standard forms. Filing Errors and IRS Discrepancies Correct any filing errors or address IRS discrepancies. If you’ve experienced a disaster and need to claim losses, or if you’ve made significant adjustments to prior returns, the 1800 Tax Form is critical. Remember, using this form guarantees accurate reporting and helps avoid penalties. Business Expense Documentation Comprehending how to document business expenses is vital for complying with IRS regulations and maximizing your tax deductions. If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, accurate business expense documentation is fundamental. Key situations requiring Form 1800 include claiming deductions for significant operational costs, like equipment purchases or travel expenses. To substantiate these deductions, you must retain detailed records and receipts that support your reported expenses. This documentation not merely helps in reducing your taxable income but likewise prepares you for any potential IRS audits. Nonprofit Organization Guidelines Nonprofit organizations play an essential role in various communities, and comprehending the requirements for filing Form 1800 is key to maintaining their tax-exempt status. If your nonprofit has gross receipts of $50,000 or more in a tax year, you must file Form 1800, regardless of your tax-exempt status. Failing to submit this form for three consecutive years can jeopardize your tax-exempt status, potentially resulting in federal income tax obligations. It’s important to note that certain nonprofits, like churches and government entities, may have different filing requirements and mightn’t need to file Form 1800. Make sure you submit the form by the 15th day of the 5th month after your fiscal year ends to remain compliant with IRS deadlines. How to Complete Form 1800 When you’re ready to complete Form 1800, the first step is to fill out your personal information accurately, including your name, address, and taxpayer identification number. Next, you’ll need to: Carefully read the instructions for each section of the form. Report all relevant income, including wages, dividends, and any other applicable earnings. Include deductions and credits that apply to your situation. Attach any necessary supporting documentation, such as W-2s or 1099s, to substantiate your claims. After completing the form, review it thoroughly for accuracy before submitting it to the appropriate tax authority. This will help you avoid potential delays or penalties, ensuring a smoother filing process. Common Mistakes to Avoid With Form 1800 Filing Form 1800 can be straightforward if you steer clear of common mistakes that many taxpayers make. First, confirm you complete all sections accurately; incomplete information can cause delays or rejection. Double-check your calculations to avoid discrepancies that might trigger audits. Always include correct identification numbers, such as Social Security or Employer Identification Numbers, since inaccuracies can create identification issues with the IRS. Be mindful of submission deadlines, as late filings incur penalties. Remember to keep a copy of your submitted Form 1800 and any supporting documents for future reference. If you’re unsure about details like where to mail Form 1040 or how to fill out Form 1040, consult the form 1040 instructions for guidance. Resources for Assistance With Form 1800 Accessing resources for assistance with Form 1800 can greatly simplify the filing process, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements. Here are some valuable resources to evaluate: State Tax Office: Contact your state tax phone number for specific guidance on Form 1800. Tax Preparation Software: Use software that includes features for state-specific forms, offering step-by-step support. Local Tax Professionals: Consult local tax professionals or certified public accountants (CPAs) for expert advice on filing. Taxpayer Assistance Hotlines: Reach out to the internal revenue service helpline or your state income tax phone number for direct assistance. Additionally, if you need to know where to find income tax paid on your 1040, these resources can help clarify your questions. Frequently Asked Questions Who Needs to File a 1040 Tax Form? If you earn income above a certain threshold, you’ll need to file a 1040 tax form. This applies to most Americans, including those with wages, self-employment income, or investment earnings. If you have significant deductions, such as for dependents or charitable contributions, using the 1040 helps guarantee accurate reporting. Nevertheless, if you receive only Social Security income without other taxable income, you mightn’t need to file. Always check the IRS guidelines for your specific situation. Is the IRS Sending $3000 Tax Refunds in June 2025? As of now, there’s no official word from the IRS about $3000 tax refunds in June 2025. If these refunds happen, they’ll depend on future tax laws or relief measures. To stay updated, you should regularly check the IRS website or official announcements. It’s essential to understand that any potential refunds will typically relate to your income and filing status, so keeping informed will help you know your eligibility. What Are the Biggest Tax Mistakes People Make? One of the biggest tax mistakes you might make is failing to report all income sources, including freelance work. Overlooking deductions and credits, like medical expenses, can furthermore increase your tax bill unnecessarily. Keep accurate records and receipts throughout the year to avoid missing deductions. Choosing the wrong filing status can affect your tax rate. Finally, remember to file and pay on time to avoid penalties and interest charges from the IRS. What Is the Tax Counseling for the Elderly? The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax assistance to those aged 60 and older. It focuses on issues like pensions and retirement distributions, ensuring you understand your tax obligations. TCE volunteers, trained by the IRS, are knowledgeable about tax law changes that affect seniors. You can find assistance at community centers, libraries, and senior centers. To locate a TCE site, call the IRS or visit their website for more resources. Conclusion In conclusion, the 1800 Tax Form is vital for individuals with varied financial situations, including business owners and those undergoing significant life changes. If you find yourself in a situation that requires detailed income reporting, tax liability calculations, or credit claims, this form is important. To guarantee accuracy, carefully follow the instructions and seek assistance if needed. Comprehending and correctly completing Form 1800 can help you maintain compliance with state tax regulations and avoid potential issues. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is the 1800 Tax Form and Who Needs It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Apple Watch is both a companion to the iPhone, as well as a very capable device in its own right. Out of the box, it offers notification mirroring, so you feel every alert on your iPhone on your wrist, as well as workout tracking, so you can keep up with your fitness goals. But this wearable can be so much more than that. In fact, it doesn't take much to make your Apple Watch more personal and efficient. If you own one, here are ten hacks you need to know about: Disable every notification you can Credit: Khamosh Pathak Get your notifications under control. By default, Apple likes to forward every single alert from iPhone to your watch. That’s just a recipe for distraction. You should turn off most of these alerts, and only keep the most important notifications. An important message from Slack or a text from a close friend is worth the distraction; a promotion from Uber is not. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, scroll down and disable most of the apps that mirror alerts from the iPhone. While you’re at it, it might help to keep your Watch in Silent mode at all times. Open the Control Center by pressing the Side button and tap the Bell icon to quiet your watch for good. Master the Apple Watch's wrist gestures Credit: Khamosh Pathak The Apple Watch's recent wrist gestures have turned out to be a sleeper hit for me. What I thought would be a gimmick is something I use multiple times a day now. If you have an Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, SE 3, or higher, you get access to two gestures: Double Tap and Wrist Flick. First, if you tap your index finger and your thumb twice in the air, you’ll perform the major action current on-screen. This could include answering a call, stopping a timer, or stopping a workout. I use this all the time now, even when I don’t have my hands full. Second, you can flick your wrist up to go back a screen on your watch. This is a simple way to get back from menus, or to go back to the watch face, without actually tapping the screen. Automatically unlock your Mac with your Apple Watch Credit: Khamosh Pathak This is a feature I've been using for years, but since it's buried quite deep in settings, many users don't know about it. Once set up, you can unlock your Mac automatically as long as you’re wearing your Apple Watch. It doesn’t even have to be on the same wifi network, so this works when you’re out and about. To set this up, go to System Settings on your Mac, then choose Touch ID & Password. In the Apple Watch section, simply turn on the sync feature for your Apple Watch. Once you authenticate with your Mac password, you’ll be good to go. The next time you lift the lid on your Mac, macOS will automatically sign you in. Start using widgets Credit: Khamosh Pathak I used to love customizing my watch face with all the various complications for timers, shortcuts, and, weather, just to name a few. But I was never really satisfied with how cluttered things looked when it was all set up. That changed once I embraced the Photos watch face, and moved all the contextual information and shortcuts to widgets. Keeping all those functions and data points in a collapsable stack of widgets, rather than all on screen at once, looks so much better. To try this out for yourself, scroll using the Crown or swipe up on the watch face to access your widgets. Go to the bottom and tap the Edit button to start customizing your widget stack. You can add three app shortcuts to the top widget. I usually save this for workouts, battery, and the quick timer. Then, I have dedicated widgets for my Activity Rings, Weather, Shortcuts, Sleep, and more. You can pin widgets in the order that you want, and watchOS will also automatically suggest relevant widgets depending on your usage. Dive in deeper with our detailed guide on customizing widgets. Create your watch face stack, and cycle through them Credit: Khamosh Pathak Once you move your app interactions to widgets, your watch faces suddenly open up. Take some time to create and customize two to three watch faces that you can switch between as you wish. It's easy to do at any time: just swipe in from the left or the right edge to change the watch face. Creating and customizing watch faces is actually easier on the Watch app on the iPhone. In fact, it’s the only place where you can set up my favorite watch face: the Photos watch face. This watch face cycles between the photos of my wife, nature, and urban landscapes, showing me a fresh selection each day. I love this watch face quite a lot. You can also create a watch face for fitness tracking and fitness modes, and a simple watch face for regular use. (My favorites here are Typograph and Meridian watch faces.) Adjust your Activity Rings as needed Credit: Khamosh Pathak For almost a decade, you couldn’t edit your Activity Rings. If you got sick, or just wanted to take an easy day, you’d lose your fitness streak. This, of course, isn’t the healthiest approach to fitness—for that, you should check out the Gentler Streak app. However, since last year's watchOS 11, you’ve had the option to pause or change your Activity Rings. You can do this from the Fitness app on iPhone, which is slightly easier than using the Apple Watch itself. From the Fitness app, tap Activity Rings, then scroll down, where you'll see Change Goals and Pause Rings. Choose the relevant option to get started. I have detailed instructions in my guide as well. Control your Apple TV from your wrist Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you use an Apple TV, you know how easy it is to lose the remote. You might be familiar with the Apple TV’s remote control feature on the iPhone, but that same feature exists on the Apple Watch as well. You’ll have to find the Remote app from the app list, then choose your Apple TV. It should appear as long as it's on the same network as your watch, and nearby. From here, you can use swipe gestures and buttons to control playback on your TV. Blare your alarms, even in silent mode Credit: Khamosh Pathak On the Apple Watch, silent mode and alarm sound levels are married to each other, unlike on the iPhone. But recently, Apple added a feature where you can break-through silent mode for a particular alarm—it's just not enabled by default for all alarms. To set it up, open an alarm from the Alarms app, go to the Edit Alarm menu, scroll down, and enable Break Through Silent Mode. Customize Focuses with Apple Watch in mind Credit: Khamosh Pathak Focuses on the iPhone are supremely powerful, and underrated. And things get a lot more interesting when you add Apple Watch to the mix. Each Focus can have its own watch face associated with it, so you can have a different watch face for your work Focus, another one for your personal Focus, and a fitness watch face for your workout Focus. Go to Settings > Focus to customize or create any Focus. Track your sleep Credit: Khamosh Pathak Your Apple Watch comes with a built-in sleep tracker. To use it, you can either go to the Sleep app on Apple Watch, and create a sleep schedule, or simply switch to the Sleep Focus. When you’re in sleep mode, your watch automatically goes dark and silent, so you won't be bothered by any notifications. With watchOS 26, your Apple Watch now also gives you a sleep score, which offers more insights into your sleeping habits. I’ve been using the Sleep mode this past year with my Apple Watch Series 10, and I’ve gotten a lot out of the sleep tracking feature already. View the full article

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In today’s fast-paced world, emergencies can arise without warning, making it crucial for individuals to communicate precisely what they’re facing. Recognizing this need, Android has introduced a groundbreaking feature: Emergency Live Video. This new tool aims to revolutionize how emergency responders assist individuals during critical situations, potentially benefiting small business owners and their communities. Every minute counts in emergencies. Android’s Emergency Live Video allows users to share live video footage with emergency dispatchers during a call or text. A single tap enables users to securely stream from their camera, giving responders an immediate visual of the situation, such as a car accident, medical crisis, or even a wildfire. This capability can drastically enhance their ability to assess the incident, providing tailored assistance while ensuring the right help arrives quickly. As small business owners increasingly find themselves intertwined with their communities, understanding this technology could be essential. Imagine a retail store owner facing a sudden medical emergency involving a customer. With Emergency Live Video, they could potentially provide critical visual information directly to 911 dispatch, allowing for more accurate and timely responses. The process is intuitive and designed with security in mind. There’s no complicated setup; during an emergency call or text, dispatchers can request video access if it’s deemed safe and beneficial. Users receive a prompt on their devices, ensuring control over what is shared. The feature employs automatic encryption, meaning personal data remains protected at all times. The implications of this technology extend beyond individual emergencies. For businesses in high-risk industries—such as construction, manufacturing, or hospitality—this feature could assist in facilitating quicker emergency responses. By providing live feedback to dispatchers, companies may find their team members receive critical medical support sooner, potentially preventing severe injuries or even fatalities. Small business owners can also consider how this technology may impact their relationships with local service providers. By leveraging Emergency Live Video, businesses can foster stronger ties with local emergency services, as rapid, effective communication can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Building relationships with first responders could even place businesses at a competitive advantage, as safety and community engagement become valued traits for consumers. However, while there are numerous benefits, small business owners should also be mindful of potential challenges. The reliance on technology means that both customers and employees will need to be educated about its use during emergencies. The necessity for high-speed internet or cellular service can also pose a barrier in more remote locations, where connectivity might be unreliable. They might also consider the implications of privacy and how to educate their teams about ensuring consent before activating the live stream feature. Embracing new technology can be a double-edged sword. Alongside impressive tools like Emergency Live Video, small business owners will need to remain vigilant about training their staff. Preparing employees for emergencies includes understanding when and how to utilize such features effectively. With an eye toward the future, Android’s Emergency Live Video is a promising advancement that stands to enhance emergency response processes. By blending cutting-edge technology with user control and privacy considerations, it provides a significant tool for people everywhere, including small business owners looking to integrate innovative solutions into their operations and outreach. For more information on this feature, you can visit the original post on Android’s blog. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Android Unveils Emergency Live Video to Enhance Crisis Response" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s fast-paced world, emergencies can arise without warning, making it crucial for individuals to communicate precisely what they’re facing. Recognizing this need, Android has introduced a groundbreaking feature: Emergency Live Video. This new tool aims to revolutionize how emergency responders assist individuals during critical situations, potentially benefiting small business owners and their communities. Every minute counts in emergencies. Android’s Emergency Live Video allows users to share live video footage with emergency dispatchers during a call or text. A single tap enables users to securely stream from their camera, giving responders an immediate visual of the situation, such as a car accident, medical crisis, or even a wildfire. This capability can drastically enhance their ability to assess the incident, providing tailored assistance while ensuring the right help arrives quickly. As small business owners increasingly find themselves intertwined with their communities, understanding this technology could be essential. Imagine a retail store owner facing a sudden medical emergency involving a customer. With Emergency Live Video, they could potentially provide critical visual information directly to 911 dispatch, allowing for more accurate and timely responses. The process is intuitive and designed with security in mind. There’s no complicated setup; during an emergency call or text, dispatchers can request video access if it’s deemed safe and beneficial. Users receive a prompt on their devices, ensuring control over what is shared. The feature employs automatic encryption, meaning personal data remains protected at all times. The implications of this technology extend beyond individual emergencies. For businesses in high-risk industries—such as construction, manufacturing, or hospitality—this feature could assist in facilitating quicker emergency responses. By providing live feedback to dispatchers, companies may find their team members receive critical medical support sooner, potentially preventing severe injuries or even fatalities. Small business owners can also consider how this technology may impact their relationships with local service providers. By leveraging Emergency Live Video, businesses can foster stronger ties with local emergency services, as rapid, effective communication can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Building relationships with first responders could even place businesses at a competitive advantage, as safety and community engagement become valued traits for consumers. However, while there are numerous benefits, small business owners should also be mindful of potential challenges. The reliance on technology means that both customers and employees will need to be educated about its use during emergencies. The necessity for high-speed internet or cellular service can also pose a barrier in more remote locations, where connectivity might be unreliable. They might also consider the implications of privacy and how to educate their teams about ensuring consent before activating the live stream feature. Embracing new technology can be a double-edged sword. Alongside impressive tools like Emergency Live Video, small business owners will need to remain vigilant about training their staff. Preparing employees for emergencies includes understanding when and how to utilize such features effectively. With an eye toward the future, Android’s Emergency Live Video is a promising advancement that stands to enhance emergency response processes. By blending cutting-edge technology with user control and privacy considerations, it provides a significant tool for people everywhere, including small business owners looking to integrate innovative solutions into their operations and outreach. For more information on this feature, you can visit the original post on Android’s blog. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Android Unveils Emergency Live Video to Enhance Crisis Response" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article