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If you’re looking to improve your Instagram strategy, crafting an effective content calendar is crucial. Start by defining your goals to guarantee your efforts align with your brand’s vision. Next, grasping your audience’s preferences can help you create engaging content. Selecting diverse formats keeps your feed dynamic, during a consistent posting schedule builds reliability. Monitoring performance metrics allows you to refine your approach. Discover how these strategies can greatly impact your social media presence. Key Takeaways Define your posting frequency by aiming for 3-5 posts per week to maintain engagement and relevance. Utilize Instagram Insights to identify optimal times for posting based on audience activity patterns. Plan content themes and formats in advance to ensure a diverse range of posts that align with brand messaging. Incorporate key dates and events into your calendar to take advantage of seasonal trends and audience interests. Regularly review and adjust your content calendar based on performance data to enhance engagement and effectiveness. Define Your Goals and Objectives Defining your goals and objectives is essential for crafting an effective Instagram content calendar, as it sets a clear direction for your strategy. Start by identifying what you want to achieve, like increasing brand awareness or driving traffic to your website. Establish specific objectives, such as a 20% increase in follower engagement over three months, to measure your success. Align these Instagram goals with your overall business objectives, ensuring your social media efforts support broader marketing strategies. Utilize metrics like engagement rates and click-through rates to guide your content decisions. Regularly review and adjust your objectives based on performance insights, keeping your Instagram content calendar relevant and effective. Consider using an Instagram auto poster to streamline your posting process. Understand Your Target Audience How well do you know your target audience? Comprehending them is vital for effective content creation. Start by researching their demographics, interests, and online behavior to tailor your posts. Utilize tools like Instagram Insights to analyze follower demographics and engagement metrics, which helps identify what resonates with them. Creating audience personas can visualize key characteristics, ensuring your content aligns with their needs. Segmenting your audience by age, location, and interests allows for more personalized content delivery, increasing engagement. Furthermore, engage with them through polls and direct messages to gather valuable feedback. This interaction can refine your content strategy, making it more relevant and appealing to your audience, in the end boosting your Instagram presence. Choose the Right Content Formats Knowing your target audience sets the stage for selecting the right content formats that will resonate with them. Incorporate a diverse mix of formats like Instagram Reels, Stories, IGTV, and carousel posts to engage various audience segments. For instance, utilize Instagram Stories for real-time engagement, as 58% of users express increased interest in brands featured there. Reels, lasting up to 90 seconds, are preferred by Instagram’s algorithm and can boost your visibility on the Explore page. High-quality visuals, such as infographics, improve user retention, attracting 94% more views. Make certain that every content format aligns with your brand’s messaging and objectives, as consistency is essential for building a recognizable and trustworthy presence on the platform. Establish a Consistent Posting Schedule Establishing a consistent posting schedule is essential for maximizing your presence on Instagram, as it directly influences your visibility in followers’ feeds. To maintain relevance, aim to post 3-5 times a week, striking a balance that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them. Use Instagram insights to pinpoint peak engagement times, allowing you to schedule posts strategically for maximum reach. A content calendar can be invaluable in this process, enabling you to plan posts in advance and ensuring timely delivery. This approach not only minimizes last-minute content creation stress but furthermore builds audience trust. Consistent posting helps solidify your brand identity, making it easier for followers to recognize and engage with your content regularly. Analyze Performance and Adjust Strategies To fully leverage your Instagram presence, it’s important to analyze performance and adjust your strategies based on data. Regularly track key performance indicators (KPIs) like engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to gauge your content’s effectiveness. Utilize Instagram Insights to assess post performance, pinpointing types that generate high engagement and the best posting times for your audience. Conduct a thorough audit of previous posts to identify themes and formats that resonate with your followers, enabling data-driven adjustments to your strategy. Revise your content calendar according to performance data, replacing underperforming content with more engaging alternatives. Finally, employ A/B testing for captions, visuals, and posting times to continually refine your approach and improve audience engagement. Frequently Asked Questions How to Build a Content Calendar for Instagram? To build a content calendar for Instagram, start by defining your goals, like increasing engagement or promoting products. Analyze your current account’s performance to identify effective content types. Use tools like Google Sheets or specialized apps to organize your posts, captions, and hashtags. Create content pillars that reflect your brand’s values, and schedule posts at ideal times based on audience activity. This structure will help you maintain consistency and improve your overall strategy. How to Create an Instagram Content Plan? To create an effective Instagram content plan, start by defining your goals, like increasing engagement or driving traffic. Next, analyze your current account’s performance metrics to understand what works. Choose a content management tool to organize your posts. Develop content pillars that reflect your brand, ensuring a mix of educational, promotional, and user-generated content. Finally, identify ideal posting times based on audience behavior to improve visibility and interaction with your posts. What Should a Social Media Content Calendar Look Like? A social media content calendar should be organized and user-friendly. It typically includes columns for post dates, content themes, captions, hashtags, and performance metrics. Use a digital calendar or spreadsheet for easy access and updates. Make certain it features a mix of content types like images, videos, and stories to engage your audience. Integrating scheduling tools can help automate posting times, whereas regular reviews of analytics make certain your content aligns with your marketing goals. What Steps Does a Digital Marketer Need to Take to Develop a Social Media Calendar? To develop a social media calendar, you need to start by setting clear goals that align with your brand’s objectives. Next, audit your existing performance to pinpoint successful content types. Choose a management platform, like Google Sheets or Hootsuite, for organization. Then, create content pillars that reflect your brand identity. Finally, schedule posts based on ideal engagement times, ensuring consistency and maximizing visibility across your chosen social media platforms. Conclusion In conclusion, crafting an effective Instagram content calendar requires clear objectives, a comprehension of your audience, diverse content formats, a consistent posting schedule, and regular performance analysis. By implementing these five tips, you can create a strategic plan that engages your followers and aligns with your brand goals. Staying organized and adaptable guarantees your content remains relevant, helping you build a stronger online presence as you effectively communicate your message to the target audience. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Tips for Crafting an Instagram Content Calendar" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

TikTok's having a rough 2026. The app recently switched ownership from the Chinese-based ByteDance to the new "TikTok USDS Joint Venture," which, as the name implies, is a majority American-owned business entity. Any changing of the guard comes with the risk for disruptions and issues, but it seems TikTok's problems have gone beyond the usual rocky transition. First, the app itself went down, which the company attributed to a power outage at a data center. Then, users accused the platform of updating its terms of service with aggressive new tracking, blocking certain content types, and "shadowbanning" new posts from some users. It's still not clear exactly what's going on here, but users aren't waiting around for more explanation. In fact, many have made up their minds already, and believe the app is actively suppressing content, neutering algorithms, and invading privacy in a way it didn't under ByteDance. While there are other, popular social media platforms to jump to, many apparently have flocked to a relatively new one: UpScrolled. As of this article, it's now the second most popular free app on the iOS App Store, reminding me of when X users ran to Bluesky. What is UpScrolled? UpScrolled, created by Issam Hijazi, is a social media platform that launched this past June. According to the company's "About" page, UpScrolled's mission is to allow all users to share their views without risk of bias, shadowbanning, or "unfair" algorithms. The company asserts it does not push agendas, and ensures that "every post has a fair chance to be seen." If you believe TikTok's algorithm is now biased against your views, I could see how that pitch sounds enticing. The company says it only restricts content that violates their guidelines. That means illegal activities, hate speech, bullying and harassment, explicit nudity, unlicensed copyrighted content, or anything "intended to cause harm." UpScrolled will also never ban you without your knowledge. If the platform removes your videos or your account, it says it'll let you know why. One big difference between UpScrolled and other social media platforms is its algorithm. The app splits feeds into two: There's the Following Feed, which lists posts entirely in chronological order. The first posts are the newest from your followers, and you scroll through previous posts. If you want to find new posts from accounts you don't follow, you can use the Discover Feed. But unlike TikTok or Instagram, the Discover Feed does not employ some aggressive, personalized algorithm. Instead, it's based on likes, comments, and reshares. Popular posts from across the platform are shared with you What I especially appreciate is UpScrolled's approach to data collection, in that they largely don't do it. The company says it doesn't sell user data to third-parties for marketing, tracking, or for profit. The only times they'll hand over user data is when compelled by law. That's in sharp contrast to many social media platforms, which seem to collect as much of your data as possible. Using UpScrolledI haven't spent much time with the app yet, though I did create an account this morning to see what the hullabaloo was all about. I don't recognize any of the users the app suggests I follow, which means I'll likely need to dig through the content types if I want to find accounts to start following. The Discover Feed is a mix of content types, but is heavy with content surrounding the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In fact, many users are choosing the platform as a space for pro-Palestinian content, in response to allegations that mainstream social media apps censor these types of posts. That said, the app advertises a host of different content types to follow, including sports, news, games, film, music, tech, and travel. As you might expect, some of the posts here are simply ripped from TikTok, which is a common practice I see on social media platforms that, well, aren't TikTok. Despite the current controversy, it's clear which platform still has the largest user share at this time, by a long shot. But it's not all short-form videos. The app also includes plenty of posts of static images as well, which reminds me more of Instagram than TikTok. Still, it seems former TikTok users don't care that this isn't a one-to-one replica of the TikTok formula, and care more about sending a message to the app they once loved being addicted to. I'm not sure my limited journey with UpScrolled this morning will keep me hooked, but it's an interesting take on a social media platform. We'll just need to see if the growth will continue, or if this is just a momentary blip before people return to TikTok. View the full article

The activist investor is calling on Costar to exit its residential real estate businesses to concentrate on commercial. View the full article

Race for new chair heats up as Jay Powell’s final meeting as head of US central bank comes into sightView the full article

Meta tests paid subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp to unlock premium features and AI across its apps. What is happening. Meta is testing new subscriptions that unlock exclusive features across Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, while keeping the core experiences free. Rather than a single bundle, Meta plans to experiment with different subscription models and feature sets tailored to each app, spanning productivity, creativity and expanded AI capabilities. Subscriptions will introduce premium controls and tools for everyday users, creators and businesses — separate from Meta Verified. On Instagram, early tests could include unlimited audience lists, insights into non-followers, and stealth story viewing. Meta also plans to roll out paid access to AI features, including expanded usage of its Vibes AI video generation tool under a freemium model. Why we care. Paid subscriptions could change how users interact with Meta’s apps, potentially shifting engagement, privacy settings, and audience visibility. New AI-powered creation tools and premium features may also influence the volume, quality, and formats of user-generated content advertisers compete with — or can tap into — for campaigns. Over time, subscription tiers could reshape targeting, measurement, and the value of organic vs. paid reach across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Between the lines: AI is at the center of the strategy. Meta plans to scale Manus, the AI agent it acquired for a reported $2 billion, integrating it directly into its apps while also selling standalone subscriptions to businesses. Early reports say Manus shortcuts could appear inside Instagram, tightening the link between social engagement and AI-assisted creation. Why now. Advertising remains Meta’s core business, but subscriptions offer diversification at a time when users are increasingly willing to pay for differentiated social features — as shown by Snapchat+, which has grown to more than 16 million subscribers. Meta is betting it can replicate that success without overwhelming users already feeling subscription fatigue. The bottom line. Meta is testing whether premium social and AI features can unlock a new revenue stream beyond ads, but success will hinge on whether users see enough everyday value to justify yet another monthly subscription. Dig deeper. Meta to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp View the full article

As a continuation of President Donald The President‘s pitch to Americans on affordability and the economy under his administration, the U.S. Treasury and White House are celebrating the upcoming launch of a program they view as a key milestone: “The President Accounts.” A provision of The President’s tax legislation, The President Accounts are meant to give $1,000 to every newborn, so long as their parents open an account. That money is then invested in the stock market by private firms, and the child can access the money when they turn 18. A U.S. Treasury event Wednesday brings together an assortment of politicians and celebrities — from Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz to rapper Nicki Minaj — to discuss the program and its potential impact on the economy. Backers of The President Accounts have said they’re a way to help children from low-income households build wealth. Here’s what you need to know about The President Accounts and how to claim them. What is a The President Account? It’s a new savings tool where money is invested in the stock market on behalf of a child. The child can’t access the money until they turn 18 and can only use it for specific purposes, such as paying tuition, starting a business or making a down payment on a home. After a parent opens an account, the U.S. Treasury will contribute $1,000 for newborns. Private banks and brokerages will manage the money, which must be invested in U.S. equity index funds that track the stock market and charge the accounts no more than 0.10% in annual fees. Parents can contribute up to $2,500 annually in pretax income, much like they do for retirement accounts. Parents’ employers, relatives, friends, local governments and philanthropic groups can also pitch in. Yearly contributions are capped at $5,000, but contributions from governments and charities don’t count toward that total. Who gets $1,000? As part of the initiative’s launch, parents of older children are also encouraged to open accounts, but they won’t get the $1,000 bonus. That money is only reserved for babies born during the calendar years of the The President administration. To qualify for the $1,000 seed money, a baby must be a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number and be born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. Any parent can open an account for a qualifying child, regardless of the parent’s immigration status. It’s important to note that the child won’t be able to access the money until they turn 18, except in rare circumstances, so it can’t help with immediate expenses. And disbursements from the accounts will be subject to taxes. What about older children? Children born before 2025 won’t qualify for the $1,000 incentive, but parents can still open accounts for them as long as they’re under 18. Parents can still invest up to $2,500 pretax for those kids. In December, billionaires Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion donation that will allow some children who are 10 and under to receive $250 in seed money if their parents open an account. That money is reserved for kids who live in ZIP codes with a median family income of $150,000 or less and who won’t get the $1,000 seed money from the Treasury. A few weeks later, hedge fund founder Ray Dalio and his wife Barbara pledged $75 million for kids under 10 in Connecticut, where Dalio lives. That would amount to $250 for 300,000 children in qualifying ZIP codes. Those large contributions are part of an effort by the U.S. Treasury — dubbed the “50 State Challenge” by Secretary Scott Bessent — to encourage wealthy philanthropic donors to pitch in. Other corporations participating in the program include Uber, MasterCard, BlackRock, Visa and Charles Schwab, according to the The President Accounts website. How do I open a The President Account for my kids? The accounts won’t be open for contributions until July 2026, but parents of eligible kids can sign up using Form 4547 from the Internal Revenue Service. Parents can fill out the form when filing taxes this year or when the administration opens an online portal this summer, according to the The President Accounts website. Registering for a The President Account is required for a child to receive the money. In May, parents who sign up will get information about how to finish opening the accounts. What’s the idea behind the accounts? Backers of the accounts say they want to introduce more people to the stock market and give even children born into poverty a chance to benefit from it. Supporters also say the accounts bolster capitalism at a time when openly socialist candidates are growing more popular. About 58% of U.S. households held stocks or bonds in 2022, according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, though the wealthiest 1% owned almost half the value of stocks in that same year. Before The President created the accounts, California, Connecticut and the District of Columbia were piloting “baby bonds” programs that are similar to The President Accounts in some ways. Several other states, including Maryland, are weighing programs. But those programs are targeted for youth growing up in poverty or foster care, plus children who lost a parent to COVID-19. Wealthier children don’t benefit. They’re also managed by the state, not private investment firms. What do critics say? Critics point out the accounts do little to help children in their early years, when they’re most vulnerable and most likely to be in poverty. The accounts, they say, also fail to offset cuts the The President administration and congressional Republicans have made to other programs that benefit young people and their families, including food assistance and Medicaid. Republicans created the accounts in the same The President tax bill that reduced spending for some of those programs. And even with the contribution from the government, critics say the The President Accounts will widen the wealth gap. Affluent families that can afford to make the maximum pretax contribution to the accounts will realize the greatest benefits. Poor families who can’t afford to set aside money for the accounts will benefit the least. Assuming a 7% return, the $1,000 in seed money would grow to roughly $3,570 over 18 years. ___ The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Makiya Seminera and Moriah Balingit, AP education writer View the full article

It feels as though Google Chrome has been around forever, but it's actually still just a teenager: The browser launched back in 2008, originally just for Windows—though it's now made its way to macOS, Linux, and mobile devices too of course. It's a powerhouse of a browser that is more widely used than any other. In the 18 years since its release, Chrome has changed a lot: A host of features have been added and taken away down the years, and it's very possible that you don't know everything that Chrome can do, even if you use it every day. Here are my favorite hacks for Chrome, covering everything from casting tabs to playing audio and video. Change the look and feel of Google ChromeIf you've always stuck with the 'out of the box' Chrome aesthetic, you might not be aware that it's relatively simple to change up the theme of the browser—which covers the colors of menus and tabs, as well as what you see on the new tab page. To see the available options, open up a new tab, then click the Customize Chrome button (lower right). You can apply any of the color themes just by clicking on them, or set up your own colors by clicking the color picker (the little pipette icon). For a more significant visual overhaul, click Change theme: You'll then see a range of options created and curated by Google. Click Chrome Web Store to see more official and third-party themes you can install. Claw back some RAM from Chrome Activate Memory Saver for smoother performance. Credit: Lifehacker It's fair to say Chrome doesn't have the best reputation for efficient RAM usage, but you can get some of it back. In any tab, click the three dots (top right), then choose Settings > Performance, and activate the Memory Saver option. As Google explains, this will put tabs you've not used in a while in an inactive state, and recover some RAM from them. Put your tabs up on a big screenIt's not a Chrome feature that gets much attention, but you can cast tabs wireless to a big screen via Google TV or Chromecast devices. It's useful for everything from music streaming to slide presentations, though the latency is usually too high for video playback (and bear in mind that YouTube, for example, has its own casting button for this). With a tab open in Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner, then choose Cast, save and share > Cast. You'll then be asked to choose the device to cast to (which must be on the same wifi network of course). Via the Sources button, you can choose to cast just the tab you're in, or your entire Windows or macOS desktop, including Google Chrome. Switch up your search engine Chrome can use whatever search engine you tell it to. Credit: Lifehacker Just because you use Google Chrome doesn't mean you have to use Google Search—maybe you want to switch to a privacy-first alternative, like DuckDuckGo. To set up search engines in Chrome and change the default one, click the three dots in the top right corner of any tab, then choose Settings, and open the Search engine page. Use the Add button to add new search engines, the pencil icons on the right to edit their details, and the three dots on the right to set which one is used by default (when you type some search terms into the Chrome address bar). Each search engine can also have a shortcut: Type the shortcut into the address bar to run a search using that specific site. Group your tabs togetherTab grouping can make it much easier to manage the myriad tabs you've got open in every single session—these groups can be moved and closed and saved all together, so you could set up different groups for different research projects, for example, or for different tasks in the browser (maybe one for work-related browsing and another for shopping). The easiest way to get started with tab groups in Chrome is to right click on a tab header and pick Add tab to new group from the pop-up menu. Give your tab a name and color, and if you then right-click on other tab headers, you'll be able to add them to the group (or create a new one). Right-click on the headers of grouped tabs to access further options. Switch between user profiles Add a new profile to separate your browsing activities. Credit: Lifehacker User profiles are a hugely powerful Chrome capability that more people should know about: It lets you split your browsing into work and personal categories, for example, (and separate Google accounts, if needed). It means that logins, browsing history, and all the other data that gets stored in Chrome don't all get lumped together in one place. So, you could use your work profile for the day, and then switch to your personal profile at night—making it easier to access your Netflix login and Amazon shopping history, for example. To get started with profiles, click your current profile avatar (in the top right corner, next to the three dots), then choose Add Chrome profile from the menu. Edit webpages with TampermonkeyIf you're prepared to invest some time and effort into your Chrome hacking, give the Tampermonkey extension a look (it's actually available for several browsers, not just Chrome). The tool lets you inject your own custom code to modify the websites you're looking at, so you can alter the appearance or even the functionality of pages. You could remove distractions from a page, for example, add your own keyboard shortcuts for navigation, or insert new buttons for sharing links on social media. We don't have the space for a full tutorial here, but if you head to the Tampermonkey website you'll find a wealth of help to get you started, plus some links to user script repositories on the web. Install web apps in Windows or macOS Spotify's web app as a desktop app. Credit: Lifehacker There are plenty of powerful web apps you can get at through Chrome—Slack, Gmail, Spotify—and Google's browser lets you set these up as if they were desktop apps in Windows or macOS. You can get a shortcut straight to the app on the Windows taskbar or macOS dock, and when you launch it, it appears in its own distinct desktop window. With the web app open in Chrome, click the three dots (top right), then choose Cast, save and share > Install page as app. You'll then be asked to give your new app a name, and click Install to confirm. The app launches right away, and you can then organize it into your Windows or macOS system as you want (by pinning it to the taskbar, for example). Run a check for safety and privacyChrome comes with a built-in Safety Check that runs an audit on passwords, security updates, third-party extensions, and more. You can find the Safety Check screen by clicking the three dots to the top right of any tab, then choosing Settings > Privacy and security: As well as running the check, you can follow the recommended actions. Use Chrome to preview files and preview media Chrome can quickly open files like PDFs. Credit: Lifehacker Google Chrome can handle more than webpages: It's also able to open up PDF documents, and image, video, and audio files saved in common formats (like MP3 or MOV). Just drag a file into an empty tab to open it, or associate the file type with Chrome in Windows or macOS (which means it'll automatically open in the browser when you double-click on it). Chrome isn't the most advanced PDF editor or video player you're ever going to see, but it's a quick and easy way of opening up local files without having to launch an entirely separate program each time. You could use this alongside the Split View feature, for example, to watch a video stored on your system while making notes in Google Docs. View the full article

Have you ever wanted to browse the internet, but the thought of typing a URL into your address bar seemed just too exhausting? Now, Google's here to help. Today, the company announced a big expansion of its existing Gemini in Chrome feature, with the highlights including a new look for the AI companion, more-integrated image editing tools, and, perhaps most impressive (but also creepy), the launch of Auto Browse, which lets Gemini take the wheel when you're going online. The new side panel view Credit: Google Previously, Gemini in Chrome appeared in a small box on top of your browser, which made it a bit inconvenient to use, especially when bouncing between tabs. Google's update moves it to a scrollable side panel view that's a bit bigger, and it won't obscure any of your other content. Instead, it'll sit to the right of the webpage your viewing, so you can more easily compare whatever answers Gemini gives you with what you're seeing, or carry on a conversation while bouncing between multiple tabs. It will retain all the same functionality as before, including the ability to reference multiple open tabs in prompts. It's a small change, but should help for usability. Right-click any image to edit it in Nano Banana Credit: Google Google's Nano Banana image generation AI is having a bit of a moment, and the new Gemini in Chrome updates make it easier to use. Now, instead of having to download an image and re-upload it to Gemini, you can edit it using Nano Banana with a simple right click. Or, you could also use natural language to start an edit by pulling up the image you want to edit on your screen and telling Gemini to edit it in the side panel. Google says this should work with pretty much any image you can pull up on the browser. During a demo, Google showed this off to journalists using a Google Photos library, but there's nothing saying you have to stick to your own images. That immediately set off alarm bells for me, given Elon Musk's X is currently in hot water after opening up the ability for anyone to use Grok to edit other people's images directly on the social media platform and without their permission. After some users started using that tool to generate explicit content from others' photos, it was pared down a bit, but Google doesn't seem worried. When I asked about safety protections for this feature, a Google spokesperson told me the following: "We have clear policies that prohibit the use of our AI tools to generate sexually explicit content, and our tools are continually getting better at reflecting these policies. We've invested in safety from the outset and added technical guardrails to help limit problematic outputs such as violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content." The company didn't say anything about how users might use Nano Banana in Chrome to circumvent copyright, but technically, the new update doesn't really add new features to Google's AI image generator, it just makes it easier to access. Granted, the same thing applied to Grok's recent update, too, and easier access can mean opening the floodgates, even if you have the best of intentions. Use AI to Auto Browse in Chrome Credit: Google Finally, the big one: "Agentic" has been the hot buzzword in AI as of late, and Google doesn't want Chrome to be left behind. So now, instead of just answering questions, Gemini can take control of your browser for you. The functionality is currently limited to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, but starting today, those subscribers can ask Chrome to "Auto Browse"—completing research, taking you to different websites, and filling out forms for you. You can watch as the AI navigates around the web, or you can click away to a different tab while it works in the background. Multiple tabs can Auto Browse at the same time, so you can have a few tasks going on at once. The AI will list out the steps it takes in the side panel while it navigates around, to make checking in on it easier. Google demonstrated this to journalists by showing the AI finding a specific product, navigating to its store page, singing into the buyer's account (using Google Password Manager), and adding it to their cart. The company also suggested you could use Auto Browse to schedule appointments, fill out an online form using information from an uploaded PDF, collect tax documents, compare apartments listed on sites like Redfin, and more. I haven't been able to go hands-on with it yet, so I can't speak to how well it'll perform any of these tasks, although it did look snappy in the controlled demo. Do you really trust an AI to browse for you?My concern with Auto Browse mostly lies in sketchy websites and permissions, although Google told me it's planned for those. Auto Browse needs to get permission before it can access your Google Password Manager, and if it stumbles across a link that the AI thinks doesn't look quite right, it will supposedly use Chrome's existing unsafe browsing protections to navigate away. A Google spokesperson told me its "as secure as you can make it," although I'd probably want to keep an eye on it for at least my first few requests. The feature also has one limitation for now—while it can be open in multiple tabs at once, your Auto Browse tabs won't be able to communicate with one another. That means each instance of Auto Browse is isolated, but that could change in the future. Personally, I don't see myself using this much, especially for sensitive tasks like "collecting tax documents," but automatically filling out a basic form does sound handy. Google said that Auto Browse will stop and ask for you to take over for sensitive steps in any tasks that might require it, like actually buying an item or submitting a form. It won't (or isn't supposed to) take that final step for you, giving you a chance to check its work. In that way, it's similar to the Gemini app's existing shopping features. Existing and upcoming featuresGemini in Chrome can use most of Gemini's existing features, allowing it to connect with apps like Gmail or access your history chatting with the bot. But there is one big one that's planned for the "coming months." Recently, the Gemini app proper rolled out a beta for "Personal Intelligence" to paying users, allowing the AI to view all of your past conversations and connected apps without you having to direct it where to look. It's basically an extension of those existing connected apps and history features, with a reasoning model applied over it. For instance, you could tell it to help you find new tires for your car, and it would automatically know to look through your Gmail and Google Photos to find out what model of car you have and the last time you bought tires. That feature is still baking, but that it's even in the works means Google is moving fast on bringing parity between all the different ways you can access Gemini. Every other feature mentioned in this article is either already available, or rolling out now. View the full article

Virtues such as compassion, patience, and self-control may be beneficial not only for others but also for oneself, according to new research my team and I published in the Journal of Personality in December 2025. Philosophers from Aristotle to al-Fārābī, a 10th-century scholar in what is now Iraq, have argued that virtue is vital for well-being. Yet others, such as Thomas Hobbes and Friedrich Nietzsche, have argued the opposite: Virtue offers no benefit to oneself and is good only for others. This second theory has inspired a lot of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed. Many studies have found that generosity is associated with happiness, and that encouraging people to practice kindness increases their well-being. But other virtues seem less enjoyable. For example, a compassionate person wants to alleviate suffering or misfortune, but that requires there be suffering or misfortune. Patience is possible only when something irritating or difficult is happening. And self-control involves forgoing one’s desires or persisting with something difficult. Could these kinds of virtues really be good for you? My colleagues and I investigated this question in two studies, using two different methods to zoom in on specific moments in people’s daily lives. Our goal was to assess the degree to which, in those moments, they were compassionate, patient, and self-controlled. We also assessed their level of well-being: how pleasant or unpleasant they felt, and whether they found their activities meaningful. One study, with adolescents, used the experience sampling method, in which people answer questions at random intervals throughout the day. The other, studying adults, used the day reconstruction method, in which people answer questions about the previous day. All told, we examined 43,164 moments from 1,218 people. During situations that offer opportunities to act with compassion, patience, and self-control—encountering someone in need, for example, or dealing with a difficult person—people tend to experience more unpleasant feelings and fewer pleasant ones than in other situations. However, we found that exercising these three virtues seems to help people cope. People who are habitually more compassionate, patient, and self-controlled tend to experience better well-being. And when people display more compassion, patience, and self-control than usual, they tend to feel better than they usually do. In short, our results contradicted the theory that virtue is good for others and bad for the self. They were consistent with the theory that virtue promotes well-being. Why it matters These studies tested the predictions of two venerable, highly influential theories about the relationship between morality and well-being. In doing so, they offered new insights into one of the most fundamental questions debated in philosophy, psychology, and everyday life. Moreover, in the scientific study of morality, lots of research has examined how people form moral judgments and how outside forces shape a person’s moral behavior. Yet some researchers have argued that this should be complemented by research on moral traits and how these are integrated into the whole person. By focusing on traits such as patience, compassion, and self-control and their roles in people’s daily lives, our studies contribute to the emerging science of virtue. What still isn’t known One open question for future research is whether virtues such as compassion, patience, and self-control are associated with better well-being only under certain conditions. For example, perhaps things look different depending on one’s stage of life or in different parts of the world. Our studies were not randomized experiments. It is possible that the associations we observed are explained by another factor—something that increases well-being while simultaneously increasing compassion, patience, and self-control. Or maybe well-being affects virtue, instead of the other way around. Future research could help clarify the causal relationships. One particularly interesting possibility is that there might be a “virtuous cycle”: Perhaps virtue tends to promote well-being, and well-being, in turn, tends to promote virtue. If so, it would be extremely valuable to learn how to help people kick-start that cycle. The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work. Michael Prinzing is a research and assessment scholar at Wake Forest University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

The landscape of business operations is shifting quickly as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly embeds itself into the workplace. A recent report from SurveyMonkey reveals that the number of Americans using AI weekly or daily has climbed to 31% in 2025, up from 24% in 2024. This significant increase suggests that more businesses, including small ones, are considering AI tools to improve efficiency and stay competitive. While AI offers remarkable opportunities for small business owners, navigating this new terrain requires understanding both the benefits and the challenges. According to the survey, less than one-third of consumers (27%) find AI features appealing, illustrating a cautious predisposition among potential users. For small business owners, aligning AI implementation with customer expectations can pose a challenge. One of the standout benefits of incorporating AI in small businesses is the potential for streamlining operations. AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing small teams to focus on strategic decision-making and customer engagement. This automation can range from chatbots handling customer inquiries to AI-driven analytics offering insights into consumer behavior. As a small business owner, leveraging these technologies can free up resources and enhance productivity. However, the report highlights a critical concern: trust in AI technologies. While users appreciate the convenience AI brings to tasks like searching for information, they often doubted the accuracy and reliability of the results. This skepticism could lead customers to verify AI-generated information, which may counteract some time-saving benefits. Small business owners need to communicate transparently about how they use AI, ensuring customers feel secure in their interactions. “AI is a tool that can either enhance or complicate customer experiences depending on how it is integrated,” noted a spokesperson from SurveyMonkey. It’s essential for small business owners to witness firsthand how AI technologies align with their brand values and customer expectations to ensure that the technology enhances relationships rather than detracting from them. Implementing AI does come with learning curves and upfront costs. Small business owners should prepare for the potential financial investment required for training staff and purchasing AI software. Additionally, one practical approach is to begin with simple, scalable applications. For example, utilizing AI in marketing to analyze customer data or improve targeted advertising could yield immediate insights without overwhelming operational structures. As small businesses integrate these technologies, ethical considerations also arise. The survey indicates that customer skepticism surrounding AI is intertwined with concerns about data privacy and security. Small business owners must navigate these waters carefully, ensuring they comply with data protection regulations and respecting customer preferences. Beyond initial implementation, the ongoing assessment of AI’s impact will be essential. Owners need to gather feedback both from customers and employees, analyzing how these technologies affect experiences and operational efficiency. A proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also cultivates trust, positioning the business as a leader in innovation. While the SurveyMonkey findings present a cautious view of AI’s acceptability among consumers, it’s clear that small businesses can harness its power effectively to improve operational efficiencies and meet evolving customer expectations. Balancing the advantages with the challenges will be vital for success. As small business owners consider how AI can fit into their future operations, they have to remain adaptable and open to learning. Resources like SurveyMonkey provide valuable insights that help to navigate these transformative changes. For those interested in exploring these trends further, the complete details can be found in the original report here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "AI Use Surges Among Americans, but Trust Issues Remain Unresolved" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The landscape of business operations is shifting quickly as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly embeds itself into the workplace. A recent report from SurveyMonkey reveals that the number of Americans using AI weekly or daily has climbed to 31% in 2025, up from 24% in 2024. This significant increase suggests that more businesses, including small ones, are considering AI tools to improve efficiency and stay competitive. While AI offers remarkable opportunities for small business owners, navigating this new terrain requires understanding both the benefits and the challenges. According to the survey, less than one-third of consumers (27%) find AI features appealing, illustrating a cautious predisposition among potential users. For small business owners, aligning AI implementation with customer expectations can pose a challenge. One of the standout benefits of incorporating AI in small businesses is the potential for streamlining operations. AI can automate repetitive tasks, allowing small teams to focus on strategic decision-making and customer engagement. This automation can range from chatbots handling customer inquiries to AI-driven analytics offering insights into consumer behavior. As a small business owner, leveraging these technologies can free up resources and enhance productivity. However, the report highlights a critical concern: trust in AI technologies. While users appreciate the convenience AI brings to tasks like searching for information, they often doubted the accuracy and reliability of the results. This skepticism could lead customers to verify AI-generated information, which may counteract some time-saving benefits. Small business owners need to communicate transparently about how they use AI, ensuring customers feel secure in their interactions. “AI is a tool that can either enhance or complicate customer experiences depending on how it is integrated,” noted a spokesperson from SurveyMonkey. It’s essential for small business owners to witness firsthand how AI technologies align with their brand values and customer expectations to ensure that the technology enhances relationships rather than detracting from them. Implementing AI does come with learning curves and upfront costs. Small business owners should prepare for the potential financial investment required for training staff and purchasing AI software. Additionally, one practical approach is to begin with simple, scalable applications. For example, utilizing AI in marketing to analyze customer data or improve targeted advertising could yield immediate insights without overwhelming operational structures. As small businesses integrate these technologies, ethical considerations also arise. The survey indicates that customer skepticism surrounding AI is intertwined with concerns about data privacy and security. Small business owners must navigate these waters carefully, ensuring they comply with data protection regulations and respecting customer preferences. Beyond initial implementation, the ongoing assessment of AI’s impact will be essential. Owners need to gather feedback both from customers and employees, analyzing how these technologies affect experiences and operational efficiency. A proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also cultivates trust, positioning the business as a leader in innovation. While the SurveyMonkey findings present a cautious view of AI’s acceptability among consumers, it’s clear that small businesses can harness its power effectively to improve operational efficiencies and meet evolving customer expectations. Balancing the advantages with the challenges will be vital for success. As small business owners consider how AI can fit into their future operations, they have to remain adaptable and open to learning. Resources like SurveyMonkey provide valuable insights that help to navigate these transformative changes. For those interested in exploring these trends further, the complete details can be found in the original report here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "AI Use Surges Among Americans, but Trust Issues Remain Unresolved" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Rocket denied the allegations, saying the lawsuit is a retread of a case the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed that was quickly dismissed. View the full article

How to set up your system, starting with progress reports. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

How to set up your system, starting with progress reports. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

A federal judge said Tuesday that a nearly completed Massachusetts offshore wind project can continue, as the industry successfully challenges the The President administration in court. At U.S. District Court in Boston, Judge Brian Murphy halted the administration’s stop work order for Vineyard Wind, citing the potential economic losses from the delays and the developers’ likelihood of success on their claims. Vineyard Wind is one of five big offshore wind projects on the East Coast that the The President administration froze days before Christmas, citing national security concerns — and the fourth that has since been allowed to go forward. A spokesperson for the company, Craig Gilvarg, said in a statement that it would “work with the Administration to understand the matters raised in the Order.” “Vineyard Wind will focus on working in coordination with its contractors, the federal government, and other relevant stakeholders and authorities to safely restart activities, as it continues to deliver a critical source of new power to the New England region,” Gilvarg added. Developers and states sued seeking to block the administration’s order. Prior to Vineyard Wind’s hearing, federal judges had allowed three of the five to restart construction: the Revolution Wind project for Rhode Island and Connecticut by Danish company Orsted, the Empire Wind project for New York by Norwegian company Equinor, and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind for Virginia by Dominion Energy Virginia. Those three judges essentially concluded that the government did not show that the national security risk is so imminent that construction must halt, said Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond Law School professor who has been following the lawsuits. Orsted is also suing over the administration halting its Sunrise Wind project for New York — the fifth paused project — but has not had a hearing yet. Vineyard Wind is a joint venture between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, located 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts. It is 95% complete and partially operational, able to produce nearly 600 megawatts of power for the New England electric grid, according to the complaint. Before the pause, it was on track to be complete by the end of March, with 62 turbines generating a total of 800 megawatts. That is enough clean electricity to power about 400,000 homes. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the completion of this project is essential to ensuring the state can lower costs, meet rising energy demand, advance its climate goals and sustain thousands of good-paying jobs. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat, welcomed the judge’s ruling. “This stay is an important step in the process to fight back against the The President administration’s lawless attacks against our union jobs, grid security, and energy affordability,” Markey said in a statement. “Vineyard Wind 1 is currently delivering affordable and reliable power into our grid and has the permits, financing, and approval to deliver even more. Shutting off Vineyard Wind 1 would kill thousands of local union jobs, prevent power from reaching 400,000 homes, and cause us to lose out on $3 billion of energy savings.” The administration’s announcement that paused construction did not reveal specifics about its national security concerns. But in a court filing, Matthew Giacona, acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, said he reviewed classified documents in November that discussed direct impacts to national security that arise from operating offshore wind projects near early warning monitoring and radar systems. Giacona said he determined the ongoing activities for the Vineyard Wind project did not “adequately provide for the protection of national security interests,” absent potential mitigation measures. Given its nearly complete status, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management decided to allow Vineyard Wind to continue partially operating during the suspension period while it consulted with defense officials and the owners, Giacona said. But he said he is not aware of any measures that would mitigate the national security risks. The President has targeted offshore wind power President Donald The President has targeted offshore wind from his first days back in the White House, recently calling wind farms “losers” that lose money, destroy the landscape and kill birds. Research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows that states with the most utility-scale wind and solar often have low electricity prices, supported by federal tax incentives. However, states with aggressive, binding programs to mandate more renewable energy have seen prices increase as a result of those policies, according to the study. Turbines, like all infrastructure, can pose a risk to birds. The National Audubon Society, which is dedicated to the conservation of birds, thinks developers can manage these risks and climate change is a greater threat. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers has said the construction pause is meant to protect the national security of the American people and The President has been clear that “wind energy is the scam of the century.” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the Vineyard Wind project, specifically, because of a blade failure. Fiberglass fragments of a blade broke apart and began washing onto Nantucket beaches in July 2024 during the peak of tourist season. Manufacturer GE Vernova agreed to pay $10.5 million in a settlement to compensate island businesses that suffered losses. Kennedy’s family famously opposed an earlier failed wind project not far from the family’s Cape Cod estate. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Jennifer McDermott and Michael Casey, Associated Press View the full article

Plus 10 elements for your staff guidelines. By Jackie Meyer The Balanced Millionaire: Advisor Edition Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Plus 10 elements for your staff guidelines. By Jackie Meyer The Balanced Millionaire: Advisor Edition Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

When the Supreme Court granted an unusually quick hearing over President Donald The President’s tariffs, a similarly rapid resolution seemed possible. After all, The President’s lawyers told the court that speed was of the essence on an issue central to the Republican president’s economic agenda. They pointed to a statement from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that the “longer a final ruling is delayed, the greater the risk of economic disruption.” But nearly three months have elapsed since arguments in the closely watched case, and the court isn’t scheduled to meet in public for more than three weeks. No one knows for sure what’s going on among the nine justices, several of whom expressed skepticism about the tariffs’ legality at arguments in November. But the timeline for deciding the case now looks more or less typical and could reflect the normal back-and-forth that occurs not just in the biggest cases but in almost all the disputes the justices hear. Several Supreme Court practitioners and law professors scoffed at the idea the justices are dragging their feet on tariffs, putting off a potentially uncomfortable ruling against The President. “People suspect this kind of thing from time to time, but I am not aware of instances in which we have more than speculation,” said Jonathan Adler, a law professor at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The timeframe alone also doesn’t point to one outcome or the other. One possible explanation, said Carter Phillips, a lawyer with 91 arguments before the high court, “is that the court is more evenly divided than appeared to be the case at oral argument and the fifth vote is wavering.” Even if the majority opinion has been drafted and more or less agreed to by five or more members of the court, a separate opinion, probably in dissent, could slow things down, Phillips said. Just last week, the court issued two opinions in cases that were argued in October. All nine justices agreed with the outcome, a situation that typically allows decisions to be issued relatively quickly. But a separate opinion in each case probably delayed the decision. The court is generally moving more slowly in argued cases, perhaps because of the flood of emergency appeals the The President administration has brought to the justices. The first argued case wasn’t decided until January this year. Typically, that happens in December, if not November. Over the last 20 years, the average turnaround time for a Supreme Court opinion was just over three months, according to data gathered by Adam Feldman, creator of Empirical SCOTUS. The timeline has increased in recent years, with the court releasing half or more of its cases in June. Decision times can vary widely. The court can move quickly, especially in cases with hard external deadlines: The landmark Bush v. Gore case that effectively decided the 2000 presidential election took just over a day. The recent case over TikTok took seven days. On the higher end, when the justices are on their own timelines, cases can take much longer to resolve. Gundy v. U.S., a case argued in 2018 about how the sex offender registry is administered, took more than eight months to be decided. Major decisions on expanding gun rights, overturning Roe v. Wade and ending affirmative action in college admissions were handed down six to eight months after the cases were argued. Also undecided so far is a second major case in which the court sped up its pace over redistricting in Louisiana and the future of a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. The tariffs case took on added urgency because the consequences of the The President administration’s policy were playing out in real time, in ways that have been both positive and negative. “Like many, I had hoped that the Supreme would rush the decision out,” said Marc Busch, an expert on international trade policy and law at Georgetown University. “But it’s not a surprise in the sense that they have until June and lots of issues to work through.” The separation of powers questions central to the case are complicated. Whatever the majority decides, there will likely be a dissent and both sides will be carefully calibrating their writing. “It is the language at the end of the day that’s going to make this more or less meaningful,” he said. Meanwhile, as the justices weigh the case, The President continues to invoke the threat of tariffs, extol their virtues and refer to the case as the court’s most important. “I would hope, like a lot of people, the justices have been watching the tariff threats over Greenland and realize the gravity of this moment,” Busch said. Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. —Mark Sherman and Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press View the full article

Markets are sending mixed signals as the dollar slides, gold surges and Treasuries barely react, a disconnect that could spill into other assets, according to the CEO of IF Securities. View the full article

Cash flow loans for small businesses are designed to provide quick funding for short-term cash flow needs without requiring collateral. These loans focus on your business’s incoming cash flows rather than its credit history, making them accessible regardless of whether you have limited credit. Various types include business lines of credit and merchant cash advances, each with unique features. Comprehending how these loans work can help you determine if they’re the right fit for your financial situation. Key Takeaways Cash flow loans, or working capital loans, provide short-term funding to address cash flow challenges faced by small businesses. These loans are typically unsecured, focusing on cash flow rather than credit history, making them accessible for various businesses. Common types include business lines of credit, term loans, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances, each with distinct repayment structures. Higher interest rates and frequent repayment schedules are characteristic of cash flow loans due to increased lender risk. Qualification relies on cash flow metrics, accounts receivable quality, and the owner’s financial stability, with lenders requiring personal guarantees. Definition of Cash Flow Loans Cash flow loans, often referred to as working capital loans, are vital financial tools for small businesses facing short-term cash flow challenges. These unsecured borrowing options allow you to finance operations and manage cash flow shortages without needing to provide collateral. Unlike traditional loans, business cash flow loans typically focus on your company’s incoming cash flows, making them accessible even for those with limited credit histories or those undergoing rapid growth. Working capital lending comes in various forms, including business lines of credit, term loans, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances. Each type offers different mechanisms for accessing funds based on projected revenues. Although these loans provide quick access to necessary capital, they typically come with higher interest rates because of the increased risk for lenders. Furthermore, repayment schedules may require daily or weekly payments, making it important to manage your cash flow effectively. How Cash Flow Loans Work Comprehending how cash flow loans function is essential for managing your business finances effectively. The application process focuses on your cash flow metrics rather than your credit history, and repayment terms can vary considerably, often requiring frequent payments linked to your income. It’s additionally important to take into account the associated risks, such as higher interest rates and fees, which can impact your overall financial health. Loan Application Process When seeking a cash flow loan, you’ll find that the application process is designed to be quick and efficient, often completed online. This means you can access funds swiftly, sometimes within a day. Lenders will evaluate your cash flow history and projected performance, focusing on key metrics. To apply, you’ll typically need to provide: Financial statements Cash flow statements Tax returns A brief overview of your business operations Compared to traditional loans, the paperwork is minimal, making it easier for you to get the financing you need. Cash flow loans range from $5,000 to $250,000, offering flexibility based on your business’s cash flow cycles. Repayment Terms and Structure During exploring cash flow loans, it’s important to grasp how their repayment terms and structure work, as these aspects greatly affect your business’s financial management. Cash flow loans typically offer flexible repayment terms that align with your cash flow dynamics, allowing for variable payments based on incoming revenue. Repayment periods usually range from four to eight years, with lenders often requiring frequent payments, which can be daily or weekly. As many cash flow loans don’t require collateral, lenders may ask for personal guarantees. The repayment amount directly ties to your business’s cash flow, so payments may fluctuate based on revenue generation. Furthermore, expect higher interest rates because of the increased risk of unsecured borrowing. Risk Factors and Considerations Cash flow loans offer quick access to funds, but it’s important to recognize the various risk factors and considerations that come with them. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Unsecured Nature: These loans don’t require collateral, increasing the risk for lenders and possibly leading to higher interest rates. Repayment Pressure: Daily or weekly payment schedules can strain your operational cash flow, especially during slow sales periods. Higher Fees: Origination fees are often more substantial, adding to your overall borrowing costs. Personal Guarantees: You may need to personally guarantee the loan, which increases your financial risk if the business struggles. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about cash flow loans for your business. Types of Cash Flow Loans Comprehending the various types of cash flow loans can help you choose the right option for your small business needs. Here’s a breakdown of some common types: Loan Type Description Business Line of Credit Borrow up to a credit limit and repay as you generate revenue. Term Loans Receive a lump sum, repaid in fixed installments over 24 months. Invoice Factoring Sell unpaid invoices to a lender at a discount for immediate cash. Merchant Cash Advance Get upfront capital based on future credit and debit card sales. Repayments are a percentage of daily sales. These loans focus on your business’s revenue-generating ability rather than requiring physical collateral. Choosing the right type can provide the flexibility and access to funds necessary for your operations. Situations When Cash Flow Loans Are Useful Cash flow loans can be essential when you’re facing rapid growth financing needs, as they provide the funds necessary to scale operations quickly. If you find yourself needing to purchase inventory to meet seasonal demand fluctuations or capitalize on unexpected opportunities, these loans offer a practical solution. They enable you to maintain stability and seize potential advantages without putting a strain on your finances. Rapid Growth Financing Needs For small businesses experiencing rapid growth, securing the right financing can be crucial to sustain momentum and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Cash flow loans can be a lifeline, allowing you to: Finance upfront investments in staff or inventory to meet increased demand. Access quick capital for supplier discounts or bulk purchases without straining cash reserves. Manage cash flow fluctuations from customer payment delays, ensuring stability during busy periods. Cover temporary cash shortages, especially if you’re nearing your credit limit, as you maintain a healthy cash flow history. With flexible repayment terms, these loans align with your revenue cycles, minimizing financial strain and helping you navigate the challenges of rapid growth effectively. Inventory Purchase Opportunities As small businesses navigate growth and customer demands, taking advantage of inventory purchase opportunities becomes increasingly important. Cash flow loans can be crucial when you need to buy inventory in bulk, allowing you to benefit from supplier volume discounts that improve profit margins. If you experience a sudden spike in demand, these loans provide immediate funding to stock up, ensuring you meet customer needs quickly. Furthermore, if customer payments are delayed, cash flow loans can bridge the gap, enabling you to finance inventory purchases without waiting for receivables. For those nearing credit limits, cash flow loans offer a way to acquire inventory while preserving your existing credit availability, ensuring your business remains competitive and responsive. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations Managing seasonal demand fluctuations can be challenging for small businesses, especially when you need to guarantee you have enough inventory on hand during peak periods. Cash flow loans can be a lifeline in these situations, enabling you to: Stock up on inventory before busy seasons, like holidays or special events. Quickly finance ingredient purchases for businesses with sudden spikes in demand, such as bakeries during wedding season. Maintain operations when customer payments are delayed, covering current expenses without stress. Take advantage of supplier volume discounts, improving your profit margins as you manage cash flow effectively. Qualification Criteria for Cash Flow Loans When seeking a cash flow loan, you’ll need to meet several qualification criteria that lenders use to assess your business’s financial health. Lenders typically focus on the quality of your accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory turnover. They’ll evaluate historical and projected cash flow, along with key metrics like EBITDA and sales forecasts. A strong track record of timely payments to suppliers and efficient inventory movement can greatly improve your chances of qualifying. Moreover, lenders will look at the experience of your management team, your personal credit score, and your net worth. Given the higher risk associated with cash flow lending, you may likewise be required to provide a personal guarantee or blanket lien. Meeting these criteria demonstrates your business’s viability and readiness to handle the responsibilities that come with a cash flow loan. Pros and Cons of Cash Flow Loans When considering cash flow loans, you’ll find both advantages and disadvantages that can impact your business. On one hand, these loans provide quick access to funds, making them suitable for urgent financial needs. But they often come with high interest rates and frequent repayment schedules that can strain your cash flow. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully, especially since personal guarantees may put your assets at risk if the loan isn’t repaid. Advantages of Cash Flow Loans Cash flow loans can be an appealing option for small businesses in need of quick financial assistance, especially since they often provide fast funding—sometimes within a day. This speed can be essential during emergencies. Here are some advantages to take into account: Quick access to funds allows you to address urgent expenses without delay. Minimal documentation means you can secure a loan without extensive paperwork, benefiting startups and businesses with fewer assets. Flexible funding can help bridge cash flow gaps, ensuring your operations continue smoothly. No physical collateral required lets you access necessary funds without risking your property. These benefits make cash flow loans a practical choice for many small businesses looking to maintain liquidity and support growth. Disadvantages of Cash Flow Loans Though cash flow loans offer several advantages for small businesses, they likewise come with notable disadvantages that can impact financial stability. First, these loans typically carry higher interest rates, ranging from 10% to 99% APR, making them more expensive than traditional loans. Second, repayment schedules are often frequent, requiring daily or weekly payments, which can strain your cash flow management. Moreover, a personal guarantee is usually required, putting your personal assets at risk if your business defaults. The less rigorous underwriting can lead to increased lender risk, resulting in higher costs for you. Finally, cash flow loans often have shorter terms, creating pressure on your financial resources as you manage quick repayments. Key Considerations for Borrowers Comprehending the pros and cons of cash flow loans is essential for small business owners considering this financing option. Here are key considerations to keep in mind: Quick Access to Funds: Cash flow loans can provide fast funding, often in less than a day, great for urgent needs. Simple Application Process: The straightforward application requires minimal documentation, saving you time. High-Interest Rates: Expect interest rates ranging from 10% to 99% APR, reflecting the lender’s risk because of the lack of collateral. Frequent Repayments: Daily or weekly repayment schedules can strain your cash flow, requiring careful management. Cash Flow Management Essentials Effective cash flow management is critical for small businesses working to maintain financial stability and meet their obligations. By tracking cash inflows and outflows, you can avoid shortfalls and guarantee timely payments. Regular cash flow forecasts help predict future cash needs, allowing for proactive planning. Here’s a simple overview of fundamental cash flow management strategies: Strategy Purpose Optimize Inventory Management Reduces excess stock and frees up cash Negotiate Payment Terms Improves cash flow through extended terms Diversify Revenue Streams Mitigates risk and stabilizes income Additionally, comprehending the Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is crucial; a ratio above 1.00 indicates you can cover your debt obligations. By implementing these strategies, you’ll improve your cash flow, making your business more attractive to potential lenders. Differences Between Cash Flow and Asset-Based Loans When you’re considering financing options for your small business, comprehending the differences between cash flow loans and asset-based loans can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key distinctions: Collateral Requirements: Cash flow loans are unsecured and rely on your business’s cash flow, whereas asset-based loans require specific physical assets as collateral. Repayment Structure: Repayment for cash flow loans is linked to your revenue, whereas asset-based loans depend on the liquidation value of the collateral. Interest Rates: Cash flow loans usually have higher interest rates as a result of the lack of collateral, whereas asset-based loans tend to offer lower rates since they’re secured. Qualification Criteria: To qualify for cash flow loans, lenders assess your cash flow and financial performance, whereas asset-based loans focus on the value and quality of the collateral provided. Understanding these differences can guide you toward the best financing option for your business needs. Impact of Cash Flow on Business Operations Cash flow plays a significant role in how a small business operates and grows. It’s the net amount of cash flowing in and out, impacting your ability to meet operational expenses and invest in opportunities. Positive cash flow indicates that you’re generating enough revenue to cover your costs, whereas negative cash flow may signal financial trouble. Seasonal fluctuations can complicate matters, requiring you to implement effective cash flow management strategies to navigate lean periods. Maintaining consistent cash flow improves your creditworthiness, making it easier to secure financing when needed. Additionally, cash flow projections are vital for strategic planning, allowing you to anticipate future cash needs and avoid shortages that could disrupt operations. Cash Flow Forecasting and Its Importance Forecasting cash flow is vital for small businesses aiming to maintain financial stability and navigate future uncertainties. By estimating future cash inflows and outflows, you can anticipate your financial needs and manage liquidity effectively. Here are four key benefits of cash flow forecasting: Identify Shortfalls: Spot potential cash shortages early, allowing you to take proactive measures. Enhance Credibility: A well-prepared forecast demonstrates sound financial management to lenders, improving your chances of securing financing. Adapt to Changes: Regular updates to your forecasts help you adjust to market fluctuations, ensuring smooth operations. Strategic Planning: Accurate forecasts allow for better decision-making regarding investments and expenses. Incorporating these practices into your business strategy can lead to better cash management, eventually contributing to long-term success. Staying ahead of your cash flow needs is fundamental for thriving in a competitive environment. Finding the Right Cash Flow Loan for Your Business Securing the right cash flow loan can greatly impact your small business’s ability to manage expenses and seize growth opportunities. When searching for a loan, compare lenders based on interest rates, repayment terms, and fees, as these can vary considerably, often ranging from 10% to 99% APR. Many online lenders provide fast application processes, with some approving loans and depositing funds within a day. This speed can be vital when you need immediate capital. It’s important to understand your cash flow dynamics, including historical performance and future projections, so you can effectively communicate your repayment capabilities to lenders. Before committing, evaluate the total cost of borrowing, which includes origination fees and how frequent repayment schedules might impact your operational cash flow. Frequently Asked Questions How Does a Cash Flow Loan Work? A cash flow loan works by providing you with funds based on your business’s expected cash inflows. You apply for the loan, and lenders assess your historical and projected cash flow rather than requiring collateral. Once approved, you receive the loan amount, which you typically repay over four to eight years using your incoming cash. Keep in mind that these loans often come with higher interest rates because of the increased risk involved. What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a $30,000 Loan? To qualify for a $30,000 loan, you typically need a credit score of at least 600. Nevertheless, some alternative lenders may accept lower scores. If your score is 700 or higher, you’ll likely improve your chances of approval and secure better interest rates. Lenders additionally evaluate your overall financial health, including cash flow and debt-to-income ratio, so it’s essential to review your credit report for errors and improve your score before applying. What Is the Small Business Cashflow Scheme Loan? The Small Business Cashflow Scheme Loan is a government-backed initiative aimed at helping small businesses manage cash flow during tough economic times. You can apply for loans between $1,000 and $250,000, with repayment terms typically up to five years. These loans have fixed interest rates and don’t require collateral, making them accessible for businesses with limited assets. To qualify, you need to show a need for cash flow support and provide financial evidence. What Is a Good Cash Flow for a Small Business? A good cash flow for your small business means generating more cash from operations than you spend on expenses. Aim for a cash flow margin of at least 10%, ensuring you keep some money after covering costs. A healthy debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.25 or higher indicates you can comfortably meet debt obligations. If your business is seasonal, plan ahead by building cash reserves during peak times to sustain operations during slower periods. Conclusion In conclusion, cash flow loans provide small businesses with critical funding to manage short-term cash challenges without the need for collateral. Comprehending how these loans work, their types, and when to use them can empower you to make informed financial decisions. Always consider the qualification criteria, differences between cash flow and asset-based loans, and the importance of cash flow forecasting. By finding the right cash flow loan, you can effectively navigate your business’s financial needs and guarantee smoother operations. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are Cash Flow Loans for Small Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Cash flow loans for small businesses are designed to provide quick funding for short-term cash flow needs without requiring collateral. These loans focus on your business’s incoming cash flows rather than its credit history, making them accessible regardless of whether you have limited credit. Various types include business lines of credit and merchant cash advances, each with unique features. Comprehending how these loans work can help you determine if they’re the right fit for your financial situation. Key Takeaways Cash flow loans, or working capital loans, provide short-term funding to address cash flow challenges faced by small businesses. These loans are typically unsecured, focusing on cash flow rather than credit history, making them accessible for various businesses. Common types include business lines of credit, term loans, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances, each with distinct repayment structures. Higher interest rates and frequent repayment schedules are characteristic of cash flow loans due to increased lender risk. Qualification relies on cash flow metrics, accounts receivable quality, and the owner’s financial stability, with lenders requiring personal guarantees. Definition of Cash Flow Loans Cash flow loans, often referred to as working capital loans, are vital financial tools for small businesses facing short-term cash flow challenges. These unsecured borrowing options allow you to finance operations and manage cash flow shortages without needing to provide collateral. Unlike traditional loans, business cash flow loans typically focus on your company’s incoming cash flows, making them accessible even for those with limited credit histories or those undergoing rapid growth. Working capital lending comes in various forms, including business lines of credit, term loans, invoice factoring, and merchant cash advances. Each type offers different mechanisms for accessing funds based on projected revenues. Although these loans provide quick access to necessary capital, they typically come with higher interest rates because of the increased risk for lenders. Furthermore, repayment schedules may require daily or weekly payments, making it important to manage your cash flow effectively. How Cash Flow Loans Work Comprehending how cash flow loans function is essential for managing your business finances effectively. The application process focuses on your cash flow metrics rather than your credit history, and repayment terms can vary considerably, often requiring frequent payments linked to your income. It’s additionally important to take into account the associated risks, such as higher interest rates and fees, which can impact your overall financial health. Loan Application Process When seeking a cash flow loan, you’ll find that the application process is designed to be quick and efficient, often completed online. This means you can access funds swiftly, sometimes within a day. Lenders will evaluate your cash flow history and projected performance, focusing on key metrics. To apply, you’ll typically need to provide: Financial statements Cash flow statements Tax returns A brief overview of your business operations Compared to traditional loans, the paperwork is minimal, making it easier for you to get the financing you need. Cash flow loans range from $5,000 to $250,000, offering flexibility based on your business’s cash flow cycles. Repayment Terms and Structure During exploring cash flow loans, it’s important to grasp how their repayment terms and structure work, as these aspects greatly affect your business’s financial management. Cash flow loans typically offer flexible repayment terms that align with your cash flow dynamics, allowing for variable payments based on incoming revenue. Repayment periods usually range from four to eight years, with lenders often requiring frequent payments, which can be daily or weekly. As many cash flow loans don’t require collateral, lenders may ask for personal guarantees. The repayment amount directly ties to your business’s cash flow, so payments may fluctuate based on revenue generation. Furthermore, expect higher interest rates because of the increased risk of unsecured borrowing. Risk Factors and Considerations Cash flow loans offer quick access to funds, but it’s important to recognize the various risk factors and considerations that come with them. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Unsecured Nature: These loans don’t require collateral, increasing the risk for lenders and possibly leading to higher interest rates. Repayment Pressure: Daily or weekly payment schedules can strain your operational cash flow, especially during slow sales periods. Higher Fees: Origination fees are often more substantial, adding to your overall borrowing costs. Personal Guarantees: You may need to personally guarantee the loan, which increases your financial risk if the business struggles. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about cash flow loans for your business. Types of Cash Flow Loans Comprehending the various types of cash flow loans can help you choose the right option for your small business needs. Here’s a breakdown of some common types: Loan Type Description Business Line of Credit Borrow up to a credit limit and repay as you generate revenue. Term Loans Receive a lump sum, repaid in fixed installments over 24 months. Invoice Factoring Sell unpaid invoices to a lender at a discount for immediate cash. Merchant Cash Advance Get upfront capital based on future credit and debit card sales. Repayments are a percentage of daily sales. These loans focus on your business’s revenue-generating ability rather than requiring physical collateral. Choosing the right type can provide the flexibility and access to funds necessary for your operations. Situations When Cash Flow Loans Are Useful Cash flow loans can be essential when you’re facing rapid growth financing needs, as they provide the funds necessary to scale operations quickly. If you find yourself needing to purchase inventory to meet seasonal demand fluctuations or capitalize on unexpected opportunities, these loans offer a practical solution. They enable you to maintain stability and seize potential advantages without putting a strain on your finances. Rapid Growth Financing Needs For small businesses experiencing rapid growth, securing the right financing can be crucial to sustain momentum and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Cash flow loans can be a lifeline, allowing you to: Finance upfront investments in staff or inventory to meet increased demand. Access quick capital for supplier discounts or bulk purchases without straining cash reserves. Manage cash flow fluctuations from customer payment delays, ensuring stability during busy periods. Cover temporary cash shortages, especially if you’re nearing your credit limit, as you maintain a healthy cash flow history. With flexible repayment terms, these loans align with your revenue cycles, minimizing financial strain and helping you navigate the challenges of rapid growth effectively. Inventory Purchase Opportunities As small businesses navigate growth and customer demands, taking advantage of inventory purchase opportunities becomes increasingly important. Cash flow loans can be crucial when you need to buy inventory in bulk, allowing you to benefit from supplier volume discounts that improve profit margins. If you experience a sudden spike in demand, these loans provide immediate funding to stock up, ensuring you meet customer needs quickly. Furthermore, if customer payments are delayed, cash flow loans can bridge the gap, enabling you to finance inventory purchases without waiting for receivables. For those nearing credit limits, cash flow loans offer a way to acquire inventory while preserving your existing credit availability, ensuring your business remains competitive and responsive. Seasonal Demand Fluctuations Managing seasonal demand fluctuations can be challenging for small businesses, especially when you need to guarantee you have enough inventory on hand during peak periods. Cash flow loans can be a lifeline in these situations, enabling you to: Stock up on inventory before busy seasons, like holidays or special events. Quickly finance ingredient purchases for businesses with sudden spikes in demand, such as bakeries during wedding season. Maintain operations when customer payments are delayed, covering current expenses without stress. Take advantage of supplier volume discounts, improving your profit margins as you manage cash flow effectively. Qualification Criteria for Cash Flow Loans When seeking a cash flow loan, you’ll need to meet several qualification criteria that lenders use to assess your business’s financial health. Lenders typically focus on the quality of your accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory turnover. They’ll evaluate historical and projected cash flow, along with key metrics like EBITDA and sales forecasts. A strong track record of timely payments to suppliers and efficient inventory movement can greatly improve your chances of qualifying. Moreover, lenders will look at the experience of your management team, your personal credit score, and your net worth. Given the higher risk associated with cash flow lending, you may likewise be required to provide a personal guarantee or blanket lien. Meeting these criteria demonstrates your business’s viability and readiness to handle the responsibilities that come with a cash flow loan. Pros and Cons of Cash Flow Loans When considering cash flow loans, you’ll find both advantages and disadvantages that can impact your business. On one hand, these loans provide quick access to funds, making them suitable for urgent financial needs. But they often come with high interest rates and frequent repayment schedules that can strain your cash flow. It’s crucial to weigh these factors carefully, especially since personal guarantees may put your assets at risk if the loan isn’t repaid. Advantages of Cash Flow Loans Cash flow loans can be an appealing option for small businesses in need of quick financial assistance, especially since they often provide fast funding—sometimes within a day. This speed can be essential during emergencies. Here are some advantages to take into account: Quick access to funds allows you to address urgent expenses without delay. Minimal documentation means you can secure a loan without extensive paperwork, benefiting startups and businesses with fewer assets. Flexible funding can help bridge cash flow gaps, ensuring your operations continue smoothly. No physical collateral required lets you access necessary funds without risking your property. These benefits make cash flow loans a practical choice for many small businesses looking to maintain liquidity and support growth. Disadvantages of Cash Flow Loans Though cash flow loans offer several advantages for small businesses, they likewise come with notable disadvantages that can impact financial stability. First, these loans typically carry higher interest rates, ranging from 10% to 99% APR, making them more expensive than traditional loans. Second, repayment schedules are often frequent, requiring daily or weekly payments, which can strain your cash flow management. Moreover, a personal guarantee is usually required, putting your personal assets at risk if your business defaults. The less rigorous underwriting can lead to increased lender risk, resulting in higher costs for you. Finally, cash flow loans often have shorter terms, creating pressure on your financial resources as you manage quick repayments. Key Considerations for Borrowers Comprehending the pros and cons of cash flow loans is essential for small business owners considering this financing option. Here are key considerations to keep in mind: Quick Access to Funds: Cash flow loans can provide fast funding, often in less than a day, great for urgent needs. Simple Application Process: The straightforward application requires minimal documentation, saving you time. High-Interest Rates: Expect interest rates ranging from 10% to 99% APR, reflecting the lender’s risk because of the lack of collateral. Frequent Repayments: Daily or weekly repayment schedules can strain your cash flow, requiring careful management. Cash Flow Management Essentials Effective cash flow management is critical for small businesses working to maintain financial stability and meet their obligations. By tracking cash inflows and outflows, you can avoid shortfalls and guarantee timely payments. Regular cash flow forecasts help predict future cash needs, allowing for proactive planning. Here’s a simple overview of fundamental cash flow management strategies: Strategy Purpose Optimize Inventory Management Reduces excess stock and frees up cash Negotiate Payment Terms Improves cash flow through extended terms Diversify Revenue Streams Mitigates risk and stabilizes income Additionally, comprehending the Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is crucial; a ratio above 1.00 indicates you can cover your debt obligations. By implementing these strategies, you’ll improve your cash flow, making your business more attractive to potential lenders. Differences Between Cash Flow and Asset-Based Loans When you’re considering financing options for your small business, comprehending the differences between cash flow loans and asset-based loans can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key distinctions: Collateral Requirements: Cash flow loans are unsecured and rely on your business’s cash flow, whereas asset-based loans require specific physical assets as collateral. Repayment Structure: Repayment for cash flow loans is linked to your revenue, whereas asset-based loans depend on the liquidation value of the collateral. Interest Rates: Cash flow loans usually have higher interest rates as a result of the lack of collateral, whereas asset-based loans tend to offer lower rates since they’re secured. Qualification Criteria: To qualify for cash flow loans, lenders assess your cash flow and financial performance, whereas asset-based loans focus on the value and quality of the collateral provided. Understanding these differences can guide you toward the best financing option for your business needs. Impact of Cash Flow on Business Operations Cash flow plays a significant role in how a small business operates and grows. It’s the net amount of cash flowing in and out, impacting your ability to meet operational expenses and invest in opportunities. Positive cash flow indicates that you’re generating enough revenue to cover your costs, whereas negative cash flow may signal financial trouble. Seasonal fluctuations can complicate matters, requiring you to implement effective cash flow management strategies to navigate lean periods. Maintaining consistent cash flow improves your creditworthiness, making it easier to secure financing when needed. Additionally, cash flow projections are vital for strategic planning, allowing you to anticipate future cash needs and avoid shortages that could disrupt operations. Cash Flow Forecasting and Its Importance Forecasting cash flow is vital for small businesses aiming to maintain financial stability and navigate future uncertainties. By estimating future cash inflows and outflows, you can anticipate your financial needs and manage liquidity effectively. Here are four key benefits of cash flow forecasting: Identify Shortfalls: Spot potential cash shortages early, allowing you to take proactive measures. Enhance Credibility: A well-prepared forecast demonstrates sound financial management to lenders, improving your chances of securing financing. Adapt to Changes: Regular updates to your forecasts help you adjust to market fluctuations, ensuring smooth operations. Strategic Planning: Accurate forecasts allow for better decision-making regarding investments and expenses. Incorporating these practices into your business strategy can lead to better cash management, eventually contributing to long-term success. Staying ahead of your cash flow needs is fundamental for thriving in a competitive environment. Finding the Right Cash Flow Loan for Your Business Securing the right cash flow loan can greatly impact your small business’s ability to manage expenses and seize growth opportunities. When searching for a loan, compare lenders based on interest rates, repayment terms, and fees, as these can vary considerably, often ranging from 10% to 99% APR. Many online lenders provide fast application processes, with some approving loans and depositing funds within a day. This speed can be vital when you need immediate capital. It’s important to understand your cash flow dynamics, including historical performance and future projections, so you can effectively communicate your repayment capabilities to lenders. Before committing, evaluate the total cost of borrowing, which includes origination fees and how frequent repayment schedules might impact your operational cash flow. Frequently Asked Questions How Does a Cash Flow Loan Work? A cash flow loan works by providing you with funds based on your business’s expected cash inflows. You apply for the loan, and lenders assess your historical and projected cash flow rather than requiring collateral. Once approved, you receive the loan amount, which you typically repay over four to eight years using your incoming cash. Keep in mind that these loans often come with higher interest rates because of the increased risk involved. What Credit Score Do You Need to Get a $30,000 Loan? To qualify for a $30,000 loan, you typically need a credit score of at least 600. Nevertheless, some alternative lenders may accept lower scores. If your score is 700 or higher, you’ll likely improve your chances of approval and secure better interest rates. Lenders additionally evaluate your overall financial health, including cash flow and debt-to-income ratio, so it’s essential to review your credit report for errors and improve your score before applying. What Is the Small Business Cashflow Scheme Loan? The Small Business Cashflow Scheme Loan is a government-backed initiative aimed at helping small businesses manage cash flow during tough economic times. You can apply for loans between $1,000 and $250,000, with repayment terms typically up to five years. These loans have fixed interest rates and don’t require collateral, making them accessible for businesses with limited assets. To qualify, you need to show a need for cash flow support and provide financial evidence. What Is a Good Cash Flow for a Small Business? A good cash flow for your small business means generating more cash from operations than you spend on expenses. Aim for a cash flow margin of at least 10%, ensuring you keep some money after covering costs. A healthy debt-service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.25 or higher indicates you can comfortably meet debt obligations. If your business is seasonal, plan ahead by building cash reserves during peak times to sustain operations during slower periods. Conclusion In conclusion, cash flow loans provide small businesses with critical funding to manage short-term cash challenges without the need for collateral. Comprehending how these loans work, their types, and when to use them can empower you to make informed financial decisions. Always consider the qualification criteria, differences between cash flow and asset-based loans, and the importance of cash flow forecasting. By finding the right cash flow loan, you can effectively navigate your business’s financial needs and guarantee smoother operations. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Are Cash Flow Loans for Small Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The GoPro Hero12 Black might not be the newest model in the lineup, but it still checks all the right boxes for action camera buyers—and at $215.99 on Woot, it’s down to its lowest price yet. That’s a steep cut from Amazon’s current $369 listing, and you’re still getting a full one-year manufacturer warranty. Shipping is free for Prime members, and the deal is live for three more days (or until it sells out). PCMag gave it an “outstanding” rating in its review, highlighting how stable and clean the footage looks. Lifehacker’s Stephen Johnson also called it one of his favorite products, largely because it works without much effort. In use, the Hero12 Black sticks closely to what GoPro has always done well. It’s compact, tough, and easy to mount almost anywhere. Video tops out at 5.3K at 60 frames per second, which gives you noticeably more detail than 4K and extra room to crop without wrecking the quality. The stabilization, thanks to GoPro’s HyperSmooth stabilization, is strong enough that handheld clips often look like they were shot on a gimbal. And there are front and rear screens for easy framing—helpful whether you’re vlogging or filming the view ahead. The 8:7 shooting mode of the Hero12 Black is especially useful if you’re creating content for multiple platforms. You can shoot once and crop for vertical reels or horizontal YouTube clips without needing separate takes. It is also waterproof to 33 feet without a case, which covers swimming, snorkeling, rain, and most casual water use. That said, GoPro removed the built-in GPS on this model. That means no automatic speed or route overlays out of the box. The upside is slightly better battery life, though it still won’t last a full day of continuous recording. Carrying a spare battery will be the smarter move if you’re filming long sessions. Storage is via microSD, and you get Bluetooth, wifi, and USB-C for easy transfers. This isn’t the right camera for someone looking for automatic tracking or cinematic depth of field, but if your priorities are portability, versatility, and durability, it still holds up well. It’s a great tool for creators, travelers, and anyone who wants to capture fast-moving moments without worrying about breaking the gear. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $407.47 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

On Mondays and Thursdays, I go into the office. View the full article

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When ChatGPT, Claude, or Google’s AI get asked for brand or product recommendations, they almost never return the same list twice — and almost never in the same order. That’s the big finding from a new study from Rand Fishkin, CEO and co-founder of SparkToro, and Patrick O’Donnell, CTO and co-founder of Gumshoe.ai. They investigated whether generative AI recommendations are sufficiently consistent to be measured. What they tested. Six hundred volunteers ran 12 identical prompts through ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s AI nearly 3,000 times. Each response was normalized into an ordered list of brands or products. The team then compared those lists for overlap, order, and repetition. The goal was to see how often the same answers actually appeared. The short answer: almost never. Across tools and prompts, the odds of getting the same list twice were under 1 in 100. The odds of getting the same list in the same order were closer to 1 in 1,000. Even list length varied wildly. Some responses named two or three options. Others named 10 or more. If you don’t like the result, the data suggests a simple fix: ask again. Why we care. We’ve heard that personalization drives AI answers. This is the first research that puts real numbers behind that claim — and the implications are massive. If you’re looking for a concrete way SEO and GEO diverge, this is it. Random by design. This isn’t a flaw. It’s how these systems work. Large language models are probability engines. They’re designed to generate variation, not to return a stable, ordered set of results. Treating them like Google’s blue links misses the point and produces bad metrics. One thing that works. While rankings collapsed under scrutiny, one metric held up better than expected: visibility percentage. Some brands appeared again and again across dozens of runs, even though their position jumped around. In some cases — hospitals, agencies, consumer brands — names showed up in 60% to 90% of responses for a given intent. Repeat presence means something. Exact rank does not. Size matters. The smaller the market, the more stable the results. In tight spaces — like regional service providers or niche B2B tools — AI answers clustered around a few familiar names. In massive categories — like novels or creative agencies — results scattered into chaos. More options create more randomness. Prompts are chaos. The team also tested real human prompts, and they were a mess — in a very human way. Almost no two prompts looked alike, even when people wanted the same thing. Semantic similarity was extremely low. Here’s the surprise: despite wildly different phrasing, AI tools still returned similar brand sets for the same underlying intent. Intent survives. For headphone recommendations, hundreds of unique prompts still surfaced leaders like Bose, Sony, Apple, and Sennheiser most of the time. Change the intent — gaming, podcasting, noise canceling — and the brand set changed with it. That suggests AI tools do capture intent, even when prompts are strange. What’s useless. Tracking “position” in AI answers. The study is blunt: ranking positions are so unstable they’re effectively meaningless. Any product selling AI rank movement is selling fiction. What might work. Track how often your brand appears across many prompts, run many times. It’s imperfect. It’s messy. But it’s closer to reality than pretending AI answers behave like search rankings. Open questions. Fishkin points to gaps that still need answers. How many runs are needed to make visibility numbers reliable? Do APIs behave like real users? How many prompts accurately represent a market? Bottom line. AI recommendation lists are inherently random. Visibility — measured carefully and at scale — may still tell you something real. Just don’t confuse it with ranking. The report. NEW Research: AIs are highly inconsistent when recommending brands or products; marketers should take care when tracking AI visibility View the full article