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We may earn a commission from links on this page. No matter how new or how well-built, every house needs work or maintenance on a regular basis. You can pay professionals to do it all, of course, but if you’re looking to save a little money (or just want to learn and be in control of your home maintenance fate), there are plenty of home repair jobs that can be DIY’d. If you’re a beginner who’s just getting started on DIY maintenance and repair, however, you should watch out for some easy and common mistakes inexperienced DIYers make. While some of these mistakes will be obvious the moment you make them, it’s also easy to get through an entire project and experience superficial success, only to see that success slowly fade into failure because you’ve made a simple error. If you go into your next project with these easy DIY mistakes in mind, however, you can avoid a lot of problems. Over-tightening is never a good idea One of the most common mistakes beginner DIYers make is to assume that if tight is good, extra tight is better. This is especially true for plumbing jobs. We all fear water leaks and how easily they can destroy whole sections of your house, so it seems to make sense that when you’ve replaced the trap under your sink or swapped in a new drain or faucet, you should tighten those connections as much as you can. But over-tightening any connection, bolt, or screw can lead to disaster because it can cause small, subtle cracks that lead to failures and leaks that may not become evident until days or weeks later. Additionally, tightening things until your eyes pop out of your head usually means that trying to remove that fitting or bolt later will be almost impossible. If you want to be kind to Future You (or the next person to own your home), avoid over-tightening. A good rule of thumb is to tighten plumbing until it’s watertight, then stop, and to tighten screws and bolts only as much as necessary to get the job done. Caulking an empty tub will cause your job to fail fasterRe-caulking a bathroom every few years is a very good idea. Caulk isn’t forever, and even a tiny failure can allow damaging moisture to invade your walls and floors. And caulking is a DIY job almost everyone can do to an acceptable standard. But if you’re recaulking a tub, the easiest mistake to make is to do it dry. That’s because water has mass. A gallon of water weighs about 8.34 pounds, and standard bathtubs hold anywhere from 80 to 100 gallons or more. When full, a tub will sink slightly, so if you caulked when it was empty, it will immediately strain and stretch the caulk, and your caulking job will fail pretty fast. Always caulk with a full tub. Forgetting to shut off the power or water can lead to costly (or deadly) accidentsIf your goal is to destroy your house and possibly yourself, then you should definitely dive into a DIY project without bothering to locate and turn off the water and electrical supply to the areas you’ll be working on. Not only can one wrong turn of the wrench on a pipe send a torrent of water coursing into your house, but working with any exposed wiring that hasn’t been confirmed to be cold is just foolhardy. Turning off the water and power to the areas you’ll be messing with might seem like an unnecessary complication for a small, quick job, but if your hand slips or a component fails, you’ll be very glad you took the time. Not testing your equipment first can lead to problems laterWhen we buy tools, we assume they're going to work. And they usually do! But when that tool is crucial to the success of your DIY project, you should verify that it works as expected before you rely on it to be both accurate and safe to use. Stud finders, voltage testers, digital tape measures—any tool that measures or detects should be tested for accuracy by using it somewhere you know what the result should be (e.g., a working power outlet for a voltage tester) and/or comparing it to another tool or source (e.g., a physical tape measure or an object with a verified length). Otherwise, you could be working with inaccurate or incomplete information without realizing it. Forgetting your saw's kerf is the fastest way to mess up a precise cutIf you’ve never heard the term "kerf," you’re not alone—few DIYers likely have. The kerf is the width of the cut your saw blade makes, in addition to whatever cut you've measured. This can be crucial, because that material is deleted from the wood you’re working with (transformed into sawdust)—and that means your cuts can end up wider or narrower than intended. For example, let’s say you have a board that’s a little more than 3 inches long (76.2 millimeters), and you’re using a standard circular saw blade that’s about 3mm thick. If you cut that board in half and push the two sides together, your board is now only about 73mm wide. The blade ate up and spat out 3mm of wood when you cut. If you score a straight line on that board to cut, say, one inch off, where you position the blade will make a small but potentially impactful difference—you want to position it on the other side from the piece you’ll be using, so the kerf isn’t part of the measurement. Otherwise, your cut will be just slightly too small. This doesn’t matter in some projects—but if accuracy is a concern, keep the kerf in mind. Skipping checking to make sure you aren't drilling into pipes or wiring can cost youYou’re about to hang some shelving on the wall. You’ve measured twice, you have your screws and anchors. You double-check the bit size in the drill, and start drilling away. Moments later, water starts pouring out of your drill hole, or there’s a spark, and your lights go off. Congrats! You just drilled into a pipe or electrical wiring inside the wall. Assuming you’re still alive, you have a mess to clean up. A wall scanner is an indispensable tool whenever you’re going to drill into a wall. It can detect live wires and plumbing, giving you a warning before you drill into disaster. If the wiring and plumbing were done correctly, there should be metal stud guards in place, so if you encounter unexpected resistance when drilling into the wall, it’s best to assume you’re aimed right at something vital and hitting the guard that's in place to prevent disaster. In other words, don’t consider it a challenge to drill through whatever’s slowing you down. Back out, take a breath, and investigate. Skipping the "cleaning" step before you paint can ruin everythingYou’re in a groove—sanding, cutting, demo-ing, and making progress. Everything looks good, so you start to paint. And your paint job looks awful. It’s bumpy and it might even start peeling immediately. Why? Because you didn’t clean first. All that sawdust and drywall dust and tile dust has settled like a film on every surface, including the vertical surfaces of your walls, where it can be impossible to see. When you paint over dust like that, it will look terrible (at best) and fail to adhere properly (at worst). Always vacuum and wipe down every surface before you move to the finishing stages of your project. Relying too much on painter's tape can lead to sloppy resultsThe most common mistake first-time painters make is believing that painter’s tape is a magical material that results in crisp, perfect lines every time. Painter’s tape is useful stuff, and it can certainly help you get a clean line and protect areas from accidental paint. (One trick for cleaner lines is to place your tape, then paint over the edge of the tape with the color beneath it, creating a seal. Let that edge coat dry, then paint using the new color. Remove the tape before the paint cures, and you’ll have a crisp border.) But painter’s tape is not magic, and you still need to use proper painting technique if you want truly clean lines. That means learning how to use a cut brush properly, taking your time even if you’ve taped everything off, and not overloading your brush with paint. Even the best painter’s tape can let paint bleed through if you’re smearing too much on. Inaccurate plate cutouts will make installing outlets and switches doubly difficultWhen hanging drywall or tile DIY, making cuts for light switches and power receptacles can be a challenge. Aside from positioning them correctly, which can be a frustrating experience if you’re inexperienced (you will waste so, so many tiles, trust me), the big mistake people make is not cutting them to the correct size. Too small, and you won’t be able to fit the outlet or receptacle into the box or attach the wall plate properly. Too big, and you’ll either have to cut a new tile or piece of drywall or buy a jumbo plate to cover your shame. (Full disclosure: There might be two of these in my bathroom right now). Forcing and stripping screws will stop any job in its tracksAn easy mistake newbies make when using power drills for the first time is stripping screws. The bit in your drill is harder than the head of your screw, so if things go wrong, your drill can 100% wear down your screw until there’s nothing left to grip, leaving you with a frustrating mini-project called "Using Pliers to Remove Screws." This usually happens because inexperienced DIYers just pull the trigger on their drill and go full-speed ahead. By the time they realize the bit has jumped and they’re stripping the screw, it’s too late. There are a few basic things you should do to avoid this fate: Use the right bit. Screwdriver bits come in different sizes and formats. Make sure the bit you’re using fits snugly into the screw and doesn’t float around or hover on top. Even if there’s some purchase when you turn the bit at a slow speed, an imperfect fit will pop out at high RPMs. Start slow. Don’t just jam the drill’s trigger and launch it into hyperspeed. Ease into it and increase the speed steadily. Push in as you drill to ensure the bit stays seated. Stay perpendicular. Don’t let the drill droop at an angle. You want to come at the screw perfectly straight. If you need a ladder or other tools to accomplish this, get them. If you follow those simple steps, your chances of stripping a screw go down dramatically, and your chances of a happy ending to your DIY project go up. If you have the discretion to choose your fasteners, consider using screws with different drive types, like hex or torx. These are less prone to stripping than your standard slotted or Phillips screw. "Making do" with the tools you have can go terribly wrongA common mistake newcomers to DIY home maintenance and repair make is relying on the basic tools they have on hand instead of buying, renting, or borrowing the correct tools for the job. A lot of folks have a hodgepodge of tools they picked up along the way—a hammer, some screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers, for example—and these are sufficient for taking care of minor projects when you’re renting an apartment or relying on someone else to make repairs. But it’s a huge mistake to try to make those tools work for every project. If all you have is a cheap hand saw, for example, trying to make intricate or shaped cuts will be a nightmare, when you could just acquire a decent jigsaw. Making do with what you have is a recipe for disaster. Using close-but-wrong materials really can make a huge differenceA common misconception among newbies to the joys of DIYing through a home repair or maintenance project is that materials within a given category are broadly similar and can be used interchangeably. But using, say, exterior paint on an interior job, or acrylic caulk (which isn’t waterproof) in a wet area like a shower, can ensure disastrous results, with the added fun of doing the job a second time. These materials are formulated for specific environments—exterior paint, for example, is designed to withstand exterior forces like wind and rain, and will actually degrade pretty fast on an interior application—so make sure you're using the right ones. Not documenting when you disassemble something will cause trouble down the roadIt’s a hard lesson every aspiring DIYer learns at some point: Taking stuff apart is easy. Putting it back together is hard. But the biggest mistake you can make when disassembling something for a repair job is failing to document the process. Taking photos of what it looks like before you start ripping it apart (and taking more photos as you progress) will be invaluable when you try to put it all back together, as will making notes about and labeling every fastener and piece of metal or plastic you pull out. Don’t imagine you’ll magically remember how it all goes together, or that it’ll be instinctive—often the most efficient way to engineer something is also the least obvious. The time saved by eyeballing your measurements is never worth the riskMost homes are not level. Settling and the natural cycle of expansion and contraction mean it takes just a few years for everything in even a new home to be maddeningly out of plumb. Yet every day, someone thinks they can just eyeball stuff—getting things level and measuring materials accurately—without using the proper tools. Getting level is a particularly seductive trap, because your eyes lie to you. When putting up shelves, for example, the lines of the room—where the wall meets the ceiling, for example—may look level to you, and you can maybe eyeball your way to making the shelves level with those lines. But if your walls are slightly out of plumb, then your shelves will be on a subtle slant, and everything you put on them will slide right off. Invest in a tape measure and a simple bubble level instead of trusting your foolish senses. Overworking paint can mean redoing everything Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest DIY projects you can undertake, and paint can be a surprisingly powerful renovation that makes a space feel fresh and new. Just about anyone can learn to paint walls pretty decently—all it takes is proper prep, the right tools, and a patient approach. But a common DIY mistake when painting is to overwork the paint. This can happen when you apply more fresh paint over a section that hasn’t completely dried, which results in a splotchy, uneven look, or when you use too much pressure when using a paintbrush, which results in visible stroke lines. Modern paint contains leveling agents that will coax it into a uniform sheen if left to do its work. If you think your first coat was spotty, wait for it to fully dry before applying a second coat. View the full article

Kevin Warsh's nomination to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve passed through the Senate Banking committee in a party-line vote. View the full article

When organizations adopt AI, they often uncover something unexpected: their knowledge systems are fragmented, undocumented, and broken. Project delivery expert Mark Burnett explains what that means for project leaders — and how to design adaptive systems where AI and human leadership thrive together. The post Project delivery expert says AI is exposing broken knowledge systems inside companies appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

When considering business acquisition loans, it’s essential to understand the current rates, which can vary widely from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit profile, the stability of your revenue, and how long your business has been operating can greatly impact these rates. With the rise in competition among lenders, you might find more favorable terms. Knowing how these elements interplay can help you navigate your options effectively. What should you focus on next? Key Takeaways Business acquisition loan rates currently range from 10% to 28% APR, depending on various factors like credit profiles and loan specifics. SBA loans offer lower rates, with variable rates between 10.00% to 13.50% and fixed rates from 12.00% to 15.00%. Equipment financing rates typically vary from 9.9% to 24% APR, while accounts receivable financing can range from 24% to 36% APR. Loan rates can fluctuate based on a borrower’s credit score, business longevity, and economic conditions, impacting overall loan accessibility. Understanding market trends and lender competition can lead to more favorable loan terms and rates for business acquisitions. Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates Overview When you’re contemplating a business acquisition, awareness of the current loan rates is vital for making informed financial decisions. Business acquisition loan rates typically range from 10% to 28% APR, influenced by the lender and the type of loan. For instance, if you opt for an SBA loan, you’ll find variable rates between 10.00% and 13.50%, whereas fixed rates can be between 12.00% and 15.00%. Equipment financing presents another option, with rates varying from 9.9% to 24% APR. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Accounts Receivable financing, often used during acquisitions, tends to carry higher rates, typically ranging from 24% to 36% APR. It’s vital to reflect that these business acquisition loan rates can fluctuate based on your credit profile, how long your business has been operating, and the overall economic environment. Grasping these rates can help you make a more strategic acquisition decision. Factors Influencing Loan Rates Comprehending the factors that influence business acquisition loan rates is essential to securing the best financing options. Several elements play a vital role in determining the rates you may encounter: Credit Profile: Higher credit scores typically lead to lower interest rates, as lenders see you as less of a risk. Business Longevity: Newer businesses often face higher interest rates because of perceived risk compared to established ones. Revenue Stability: Consistent revenue and cash flow can result in more favorable rates, signaling reliability to lenders. Collateral: Securing loans with collateral can lower your interest rates, as it reduces the lender’s risk compared to unsecured loans. Understanding these factors will empower you to negotiate better loan terms and improve your chances of securing favorable rates for your business acquisition. SBA Loan Rate Comparisons When you’re considering SBA loans, it’s important to understand the current rates and how they stack up against other options. Typically, these rates range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, which can be quite competitive. Furthermore, factors like loan size and repayment terms can influence these rates, so it’s wise to analyze your situation before making a decision. Current SBA Loan Rates Comprehending current SBA loan rates is vital for anyone considering financing a business acquisition. As of November 2025, the rates vary greatly, which can impact your borrowing decision. Here’s what you need to know: Variable rates range from 10.00% to 13.50%. Fixed rates fall between 12.00% and 15.00%. The average SBA loan rate usually sits in the 11%–13% range. Rates are influenced by factors like loan size, repayment term, and the specific SBA program. SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to traditional commercial loans, making them an attractive choice for small business acquisitions. Rate Comparison Analysis Grasping how SBA loan rates compare to other financing options is crucial for anyone looking to make a business acquisition. SBA loan rates typically range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, amounting to roughly 11%–13% in early 2025. These rates are typically more competitive than traditional bank loans, making SBA loans attractive for financing. Furthermore, you can choose between fixed or variable interest rates; fixed rates provide stability in monthly payments. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the overall cost includes fees like the guarantee fee, which varies with loan size. As economic conditions and the prime rate fluctuate, bear in mind that SBA loan rates may change, impacting your financing affordability over time. Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates Comprehending the differences between fixed and variable interest rates is essential for business owners seeking loans, as each option has distinct implications for budgeting and financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of both types: Fixed Interest Rates: These rates remain constant throughout the loan term, offering predictable monthly payments that simplify budgeting. Variable Interest Rates: These fluctuate based on market conditions, possibly leading to lower initial payments but may increase over time, affecting overall loan costs. Market Trends: Fixed rates are more common in small business loans, whereas variable rates can be beneficial in stable or declining markets. Risk Factor: With variable rates, you might enjoy lower costs initially, but you also face the risk of rising rates in uncertain economic times. Understanding these factors will help you assess the overall affordability and make informed financial decisions regarding your loans. Understanding Loan Fees When evaluating a business acquisition loan, comprehending the various fees involved is important to accurately assessing the total cost of borrowing. Business loan fees can greatly increase your overall expenses, including origination fees, underwriting fees, and closing costs, which typically range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount. If you’re looking at SBA loans, be aware that they include a guarantee fee based on the loan size, along with annual service fees that affect the total financing cost. Furthermore, it’s key to examine other costs, such as monthly maintenance fees for business lines of credit, which can further impact your borrowing expenses. Each loan type, whether equipment financing or accounts receivable financing, comes with its own fee structure. Consequently, it’s imperative to clarify all applicable fees before finalizing your loan agreement to avoid unexpected expenses that could strain your cash flow and repayment capacity. Strategies for Securing the Best Rates To secure the best business acquisition loan rates, it’s essential to start by strengthening your credit profile, as lenders often reward higher credit scores with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Here are some strategies to take into account: Maintain a strong credit score: Aim for a score above 700 to access better loan options. Explore SBA loans: These often provide competitive rates, typically ranging from 10.00% to 13.50%, making them a viable choice for acquisition financing. Offer collateral: Secured loans tend to have lower interest rates, so providing collateral can greatly reduce your borrowing costs. Shop around: Compare offers from various lenders, including banks and online options, to make sure you’re getting the most favorable rates customized to your acquisition needs. Economic Impact on Loan Availability Economic conditions play a vital role in determining the availability of business acquisition loans, impacting everything from interest rates to lender confidence. When the economy is strong, you’ll likely see lower rates and easier access to financing, but during uncertain times, lending standards often tighten, making it harder to secure loans. Staying informed about economic indicators and market trends can help you align your financing strategies with current conditions, increasing your chances of obtaining favorable loan terms. Economic Indicators Influence Rates Interest rates for business acquisition loans are closely tied to various economic indicators that reflect the overall health of the economy. Comprehending these factors can help you navigate loan options effectively. Here are key indicators that influence rates: Federal Reserve Adjustments: Lower federal rates typically lead to decreased loan rates. Economic Uncertainty: Higher uncertainty can raise interest rates as lenders perceive greater risk. Market Conditions: Inflation and growth forecasts considerably affect loan availability and competitiveness. Borrower Profiles: Your credit score and business revenue not just impact your loan rates but also the overall accessibility of financing. Prime Rate Fluctuations When the prime rate changes, it can considerably affect your ability to secure a business acquisition loan. Currently at 7%, the prime rate serves as a benchmark for various loan products, influencing interest rates on business loans. When the Federal Reserve adjusts the federal rate, fluctuations in the prime rate often lead to changes in business loan rates, impacting your overall borrowing costs. Typically, a decrease in the prime rate results in lower interest rates, making it easier for you to access funds for acquisitions. On the other hand, economic conditions like inflation and market stability likewise play an important role in determining the prime rate, directly influencing the availability of loans. Monitoring these trends is vital for comprehending loan affordability and terms. Market Trends and Demand As demand for business acquisition loans rises, the environment of lending is shifting considerably. Favorable SBA loan rates between 10.00-15.00% encourage small businesses to pursue growth, but economic uncertainty does tighten lending criteria. Here’s what you need to know: Average interest rates for business term loans range from 10-28% APR, affecting your access to capital. Increased competition among lenders is resulting in more flexible terms and competitive rates. Businesses with strong revenue and cash flow profiles are likelier to secure better financing options. Economic fluctuations in the prime rate are influencing lenders’ willingness to extend credit. Staying informed about these trends helps you navigate the current lending environment effectively. Resources for Business Acquisition Financing Finding the right resources for business acquisition financing can greatly impact your success in purchasing a business. One reliable option is LendingClub, which specializes in customized solutions for business acquisition financing. Their experienced relationship managers assist you throughout the financing process, ensuring a smooth shift. When considering loans, keep in mind that competitive interest rates depend on your credit profile and the loan amount. Additionally, explore resources like SBA loans, which often offer lower down payments and flexible terms, making them attractive for many buyers. It’s essential to evaluate customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the credibility and service quality of potential lenders. This research can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a financing option that aligns with your needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Business Loan Interest Rate Today? You’ll find that business loan interest rates today vary considerably based on multiple factors. Typically, they range from around 10% to 28% APR, depending on the lender and the specific type of loan. For example, SBA loans often have fixed rates between 12% and 15%. Moreover, your credit profile, the revenue of your business, and current economic conditions can all influence the rates you might receive. Always compare options carefully. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% Rule for SBA loans mandates that any owner with at least 20% ownership must personally guarantee the loan. This requirement holds significant stakeholders accountable for repayment, thereby reducing the lender’s risk. If you’re a business owner, understand that this personal guarantee can impact your credit score, linking your personal finances to the business loan. This rule applies to all SBA loan programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans, so consider it carefully when seeking financing. What Are SBA Loan Rates Right Now? Right now, SBA loan rates vary, typically ranging from a variable 10.00% to 13.50% and a fixed 12.00% to 15.00%, depending on the specific program and loan amount. These rates are influenced by the prime rate, which can change based on economic conditions. If you’re considering an SBA loan, it’s essential to stay updated on these trends, as they directly affect your borrowing costs and overall financial planning. What Is the Current Interest Rate for a Small Business Loan of $25,000? The current interest rate for a small business loan of $25,000 typically ranges from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit score, business duration, and revenue play significant roles in determining the exact rate you’ll receive. For example, at a 10% interest rate over five years, your monthly payment would be around $532. Exploring options like SBA loans can provide more competitive rates, often between 10.00% and 13.50%. Conclusion In summary, comprehending current business acquisition loan rates is crucial for making informed financial decisions. With rates ranging from 10% to 28% APR and various influences like credit profiles and competition among lenders, it’s important to explore your options. By comparing SBA loans and considering fixed versus variable rates, you can find the best fit for your business needs. Staying informed about fees and market conditions will further improve your chances of securing favorable financing. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Using a non-GAAP measurement, the real estate investment trust, preparing to be bought by CrossCountry, reported a $25 million loss for the first quarter. View the full article

A reader writes: I own a small takeout restaurant. We have four employees, plus me and my business partner. It’s hard to hire and when we find employees who show up every day and meet our expectations, we try to keep them happy. We’ve had one employee for about 2.5 years now. Slowly over time, she has started taking more and more liberties in regards to food and ignoring our requests for her to do a task. I’ve had conversations with her three times, and things always get better for a period and then she starts to slip again. Recently, she’s started taking more than the $10 meal we provide per day (covers a sandwich, side, and drink). She’ll take an extra drink once or twice a month, or today she’d taken her free meal on her break and then I returned from an errand to find her eating a bag of chips while she was supposed to be working. This all feels so petty. How do I have a conversation about $1.50? But, it makes me batty that I’ve had to talk to her about it more than once, and that it just keeps happening. When she’s taking more, it’s a couple dollars here or there. But over time it adds up. Our margins are tight, and our costs have skyrocketed this past year. A part of me thinks if we’re too strict on these things, we’ll lose employees and hiring is one of the biggest challenges we face. But I also feel like she’s stealing from us and my ego just wants to scream. Should I address it again, or just find a way to let it go and accept that it is what it is? I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: My client changed my email before forwarding it, to make himself look better Should I tell my team I’m trying to get them raises? The post our employee takes too many free snacks and sodas appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

California-based Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has voluntarily recalled 13 of its powdered beverage mixes over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination. The storied confectionery says it issued the recall after dairy producer California Dairies recalled its milk powder, which is used in the affected powdered beverage mixes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice on Tuesday, April 28. To date, no illnesses have been reported. What products are included in the recall? The recall covers a limited selection of powdered beverage mixes packaged for food service and institutional customers. However, Ghirardelli cautions that some of the recalled products may have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms. Here’s what you need to know. The recall is limited to the following products only: 30-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe 30-pound Classic White Frappe 4/2-pound Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk 6/3-pound Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder 6/3.12-pound White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder 6/3-pound Vanilla Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Classic White Frappe Mix 10-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix 10-pound Classic White Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound White Mocha Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Mocha Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix Ghirardelli’s recall notice includes a full list of lot numbers and best-if-used-by dates for the affected products. In the notice, Ghirardelli explains that internal testing‌ revealed no contamination. The chocolate company says it has issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution.” Ghirardelli has put a significant portion of the affected powdered drink mixes on hold at its warehouses and is working with its partners to retrieve or dispose of potentially affected beverage mixes that were distributed to customers. Fast Company has reached out to California Dairies, the dairy producer that Ghirardelli identified, for more information. We’ll update the story if we receive a reply. Here’s what to do next Retailers that received an affected powdered beverage mix should call Ghirardelli’s dedicated hotline at 1-855-744-1426 for instructions on returns and receiving a replacement or refund. Consumers who purchased or consumed an impacted product can contact Ghirardelli directly by calling 1-844-776-0419. Alternatively, customers can fill out the contact form on Ghirardelli’s website, and the customer service team will follow up. What are the symptoms of a Salmonella infection? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella bacteria can cause a foodborne infection. While anyone can contract a Salmonella infection, some are more at risk. This includes: Children younger than 5 Adults 65 and older People with weakened immune systems According to the Mayo Clinic, most people develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. However, some people experience no symptoms. Most healthy people recover within a few days to one week with no need for treatment. View the full article

Having used workflow management software firsthand, I’ve seen how it transforms chaos into clarity to boost teamwork, cut errors, and make every project run smoother from start to finish. The post 16 Workflow Management Software Benefits for Teams & Projects appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Why do CEOs of big AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic often publicly acknowledge that AI is likely to result in significant job loss? Most AI company CEOs now concede that widespread job loss from AI is coming, while differing somewhat on the timeline. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has long acknowledged that AI will displace workers. “The real impact of AI doing jobs in the next few years will begin to be palpable,” he said recently. But he often adds that AI will also create new jobs, such as for humans who manage teams of AI agents. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has been the most frank and pessimistic when it comes to AI-driven job loss: “I would not be surprised if somewhere between one and five years we start to see big effects [including the potential to] wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs,” he said in a recent interview. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes the transition of work to AI will happen quickly. “I believe the AI transition will deliver 10 times the impact of the Industrial Revolution, happening at 10 times the speed,” he told Bloomberg at Davos in January. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken mainly through actions at his own company. Meta recently confirmed it will cut 10% of its workforce, or 8,000 jobs, and use the savings to fund a planned $135 billion investment in AI infrastructure. “We’re starting to see projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person,” Zuckerberg said during a January earnings call. Such statements might seem likely to alienate people from the technology, as well as from the executives and companies bringing it into the world. In fact, a recent Quinnipiac University poll found that a majority of Americans (55%) now believe AI will cause more harm than good. So when people like Altman and Amodei sit before large audiences and discuss how quickly AI could displace human workers, who are they really talking to? “It would be investors, because if all jobs are going to be taken over by AI, you better own a piece of that AI, right?” says Ben Goertzel, the scientist who coined the term “AGI” (that’s artificial general intelligence) and coauthored the 2005 book Artificial General Intelligence with DeepMind cofounder Shane Legg. Goertzel believes Amodei and Altman genuinely believe what they are saying about job losses. But investors hear the same words as opportunity, not warning. When AI leaders talk about the large-scale impact of their products, they are also reinforcing a crucial narrative: that generative AI models will soon take over many corporate work tasks, delivering unprecedented productivity and efficiency. That narrative does more than keep investment dollars flowing into model training and data center construction. Companies representing roughly a third of U.S. stock market value are making major bets on it, so any erosion of confidence could have sweeping economic consequences. But this is largely a narrative shared within boardrooms and among the AI community on X. The public hears it secondhand, and often hears something very different. Many worry about when waves of job losses will arrive, and how AI could be used for harmful purposes such as mass surveillance, disinformation, and cybercrime. AI companies are not speaking directly to the public about these concerns. There is no nationally televised town hall where executives explain how they plan to keep increasingly powerful AI systems aligned with human needs and values, or how they intend to prevent those systems from being weaponized by bad actors. Instead, AI industry leaders spend far more time engaging with business executives, politicians, lobbyists, and tech influencers like Marc Andreessen. That may help explain why much of the country increasingly views AI company leaders as affluent elites, largely insulated from mainstream American life. An April YouGov survey of 5,500 U.S. adults found that only 17% rated leaders of major AI companies as “very trustworthy” or “somewhat trustworthy.” Meanwhile, voters across the country are increasingly using grassroots political pressure to block construction of the data centers that major AI labs urgently need. Populism is in the air in 2026, and the AI data center issue could easily become a central political flashpoint as the midterms approach. That concrete issue could evolve into a much broader national debate encompassing AI safety, labor protections, and compensation for displaced workers. For now, the AI industry is moving aggressively to embed its models into corporate business operations. Goertzel believes the broad handoff of work tasks to AI is being slowed less by the technology itself than by organizational friction. “There’s just a lot of friction and inertia in how people do things,” he says. “So even when a job function, in theory, 90% of it could be done by AI, organizations are just slow at reshuffling how things work.” View the full article

The government-sponsored enterprise recorded $98.7 billion in single-family loan acquisitions to begin the year, including over $43 billion in refinances. View the full article

In November 2024, with SE Ranking’s research team, we began a 16-month experiment to test how AI-generated content performs in organic search. We launched 20 websites across different niches and tracked their performance over time. But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to look beyond rankings and understand how AI systems discover, interpret, and cite information. So we expanded the project into a more ambitious set of experiments on AI search and LLM visibility. For the next phase, we created a new fictional brand in a real niche with real competition to see how quickly AI systems would pick it up and whether it could be cited alongside or above trusted industry leaders and government sources. After the first month, several patterns became clear. Methodology behind the experiment We created a fictional brand and published content about it across: Brand new website representing the brand, registered specifically for the experiment. 11 additional domains, all over a year old, with prior history and existing rankings. Across these sites, we tested seven content formats: Deep guides. “Alternatives” listicles. “Best of” listicles. Review articles. Comparison (“vs”) pages. How-to/tutorial content. Clickbait-style articles. We started publishing in March 2026 and tracked how five AI systems responded: ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Google’s AI Mode, Perplexity, and Gemini. In total, we tracked 825 prompts across different query types and scenarios, which generated 15,835 AI answers during the first month. For each prompt, we looked at three things: Whether our brand (or one of our sites) appeared in the AI answer Whether it was cited as a source How often it appeared as the main cited source (position 1) This experiment is still ongoing, and the first month was designed to see how AI systems respond to newly created, fully available information tied to a fictional brand. Key experiment insights 96% of all AI visibility for our fake brand came from branded searches. Even in a real niche with relatively low competition, a completely new domain had little chance of competing with established brands for broader, non-branded topics. On queries that only our fake brand could realistically answer, we outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by as much as 32x and achieved near-exclusive visibility in less than 30 days. Even without strong authority, the pages that clearly explained who we were, what we offered, and how we were different (e.g., “[Brand Name] Compete Guide” and “About Us”) became the most cited sources from the main domain. This shows that brand positioning can be shaped early in AI search. Perplexity was the fastest engine to surface new content. Newly published pages usually reached position #1 within 1–3 days of indexation. However, Perplexity often cited additional domains instead of the main brand site. Google’s AI Mode was the most stable for branded queries tied to unique claims (showing our brand at #1 for an average of 90% of prompts). Gemini, by contrast, often misidentified the brand. And even for uniquely branded queries, this AI platform provided 60% of AI answers with no citations to our brand. Deep guides, review articles, and comparison pages generated the highest number of AI citations, while more generic formats like how-to articles and listicles showed minimal impact. A topical silo made up of one hub page and 10 supporting articles generated no AI citations. Meanwhile, a set of 30 short, repetitive pages (500-750 words each) generated more than 1,800 citations. So, in this test, high-volume content publishing mattered more than internal linking. Insight 1: New domains may not beat market leaders right away, but they can define their brand narrative in AI search One of the clearest takeaways from the first month is that a brand-new site has limited chances of competing for broader, non-branded topics, even in a niche with relatively low competition. AI systems did pick up our fictional brand quickly, but most of that visibility came when the query was already connected to the brand itself, whether through: the brand name product-specific claims or other brand-related angles Specifically, out of all AI answers, 96% (15,553 out of 15,835) came from branded searches. Non-branded informational queries produced just 4% of AI answers in total, and even those mostly came through our supporting test domains. The pattern was even stronger on the main fictional brand site itself. There, we recorded: 10,253 AI answers for branded queries and just 6 for non-branded ones That is a 1,700x difference. This feels familiar because it mirrors classic SEO. New brands still need time to earn trust, build recognition, and compete for broader topics. When AI systems answer general industry questions, they tend to rely on established and authoritative sources. This is why the strongest results in our experiment came from prompts tied to information only our brand could answer, such as how the product works, how often it updates, and so on. These queries alone generated 11,430 AI answers with citations to our brand, accounting for 72% of allvisibility in the experiment. The reason is simple: there is no competition. If a query is something like “Was [Brand Name] originally built as an internal tool?”, only one source can realistically answer it. AI systems don’t need to compare sources, evaluate authority, or resolve conflicts. That gave our fictional brand a major advantage. Even with no domain authority, it outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by up to 32x on these queries. What all this means for marketers and business owners is that when users ask about your brand, AI systems are likely to rely on your website as one of the main sources of information. So, the content they cite should be fully aligned with how you want your brand to be positioned. Our experiment supports this. The “Complete Guide” page on the main site appeared in 1,799 AI answers (the highest result in the dataset) largely because it consolidated key brand information in one place. The “About Us” page followed with 1,500 AI answers. Together, these were the most cited URLs from our main domain, with LLMs relying on them 3–5 times more often than the additional domains. In practice, AI systems may learn about your brand quickly, but what they learn depends on what you publish. Your core pages should clearly answer all the questions that are important for your brand: who you are, what you offer, and how you’re different. This way, you can start shaping your narrative in LLMs even as a new or small brand, before you have the authority to compete for broader industry topics. Insight 2: AI engines behave very differently Another strong pattern in the experiment is that the five AI systems do not behave alike. They vary not just in how often they mention the fictional brand, but in how quickly they pick it up, how consistently they cite it, and which domains they prefer as sources. Google’s AI Mode: The most stable for branded visibility Google AI Mode was the most reliable engine in the dataset. Throughout the experiment, it placed our domain in position 1 for branded queries in about 90% of cases. Unlike other engines, it did not show major fluctuations or dependency on other test domains. If there was one place where direct brand visibility was predictable, this was it. Google’s AI Overviews: High visibility, lower consistency Google’s AI Overviews also surfaced our tested domain for branded queries, but the pattern was less consistent. We saw our brand appear in position 1 for 14 days for some prompts, followed by a drop mid-month that didn’t recover. More broadly, mentions and links for branded queries fluctuated heavily, appearing and disappearing multiple times each week. Yet when links were included, it accurately described the brand. When no links were shown, it often claimed there was no public information available. The takeaway here is not that AI Overviews failed to recognize the brand. It did. But that visibility was harder to sustain over time. Perplexity: The fastest to pick up new content, but not always brand-first Perplexity was the breakout engine for fresh content. It picked up newly indexed pages within 1–3 days, which clearly made it the primary driver of early visibility within our experiment. But this speed comes with a tradeoff. Instead of consistently citing pages from our main domain, Perplexity often used our supporting test domains as sources. In early March, our main brand held position 1. But as we published more content on supporting domains, those domains gradually replaced it in AI citations. By the end of the month,six different domains were being cited: our main brand site and five supporting test domains where we had published additional content about the fake brand. So while Perplexity increases overall visibility, it doesn’t always send that visibility directly to the main brand site. ChatGPT: Slower to react, stronger over time ChatGPT showed the most noticeable progression over time. At the beginning of March, there were no links or mentions of our brand at all. But as the month progressed, visibility steadily increased. This growth was especially clear across specific content types: Unique claims drove the strongest performance, accounting for the majority of visibility, with around 70% of citations appearing in position 1. Review articles started with zero presence but quickly gained traction, reaching consistent position 1 rankings by March 17. Comparison (“vs”) articles achieved the highest consistency overall, with mentions on 29 out of 31 days by the end of the month. Overall, ChatGPT didn’t immediately recognize the brand. Once it recognized the brand, ChatGPT began surfacing it frequently, especially for branded prompts. Gemini: weakest performance and most inconsistent behavior Gemini was the weakest engine in the dataset and the least consistent. Initially, it struggled to identify our niche correctly. However, the results improved when we changed how we asked the questions. When prompts were framed as comparisons (“X vs Y”) or reviews, Gemini was much more likely to recognize the brand correctly. Even then, the results were still limited. In the best-performing scenario (queries based on unique claims about the brand), Gemini failed to include any citations to our brand in about 60% of responses. Insight 3: Content format matters, but so does the volume Next, for this experiment, we tested seven different content types across both our main site and supporting test sites. And what we found is that comprehensive, in-depth content earns far more AI citations than shorter articles. The strongest-performing formats were: Deep guides (5,000–6,000 words): ~900 AI answers per page Review articles: ~257 AI answers per page Comparison (“vs”) articles: ~145 AI answers per page This does not mean there is one ideal content length or that longer pages automatically perform better. The stronger results likely came from the depth, structure, and completeness of the information these formats provided. This finding also aligns with our broader research, where we’ve seen that detailed, well-structured content performs better across platforms like AI Mode and ChatGPT. Pages with narrower or less comprehensive coverage generated fewer citations overall. For example: How-to articles/tutorials: 22 AI answers per page Clickbait/skeptical articles: 19 “Best of” listicles: 11 “Alternatives” listicles: 4 As part of the experiment, we also tested a “spam” approach: publishing 30 thin pages (500–750 words each) on one of our test domains. Individually, these pages were weak (averaging just 63 AI answers per page). But together, they generated 1,897 total AI answers, which makes it the highest-performing content setup at the domain level. However, thin content is not inherently “better” because of this result. It just shows that volume can sometimes compensate for quality by increasing the likelihood of retrieval and citation (especially in AI engines like Perplexity that prioritize freshness). In simple terms, a few strong pages win on quality, but a large number of weaker pages can still win on overall exposure. Insight 4: Topical clustering alone doesn’t produce AI visibility One of the most useful negative findings came from the content structure test. For this part of the experiment, we created a hub page on one of our test domains and linked it to 10 supporting articles. In theory, this setup should have built strong topical depth and semantic reinforcement. All 11 pages were indexed, properly structured, and internally linked. Yet, they generated zero AI citations. This is significant because it challenges a common assumption carried over from traditional SEO: that topical clustering automatically improves authority or increases the likelihood of being retrieved. At least in this experiment, it did not. That does not mean topic clusters are useless. It means they are not sufficient alone. Internal linking and semantic breadth may help a search engine understand a site, but AI systems still need a reason to retrieve and cite a specific page for a specific answer. So, do AI engines reward entity coherence more than truth verification? Even within just one month, the results point to a clear conclusion: AI systems appear to respond more strongly to consistency, repetition, and availability than to strict verification. That should not be overstated. It is not that LLMs “believe anything.” But if a claim is: Structured clearly Repeated across relevant pages Phrased like a fact Available in retrievable source environments Then AI systems may surface it surprisingly easily. We also saw this in manual checks of LLM responses in AI Results Tracker. For prompts such as “is [brand] worth it,” some systems responded positively and recommended using our completely unknown fictional brand. It may not be because LLMs automatically favor every new brand. In some cases, when little or no negative information exists, a system may fill the gap with a neutral or positive-sounding response based on the limited signals available. But the result is the same: if a completely fictional brand can generate consistent citations and favorable recommendations under certain conditions, then brand narratives in AI search may be more flexible than they seem. Final thoughts The most important outcome of this experiment isn’t that a fictional brand achieved visibility. It’s that visibility followed a repeatable pattern once specific inputs were introduced: branded context, unique claims, diverse content formats, and sufficient presence across different sources. That leads to two important conclusions. AI search is not random. It follows identifiable signals, and those signals can be studied, tested, and influenced. AI is still highly sensitive to manipulation. AIs don’t have their own sense of truth, verification processes, or critical thinking. The same factors that help legitimate brands become visible can also be used to simulate credibility. If there’s one lesson here, it’s that you can’t assume AI systems will accurately represent your company, product, or category by default. You have to actively shape the information environment they rely on. And this is only the first month of results. We’re continuing to collect data, expand the experiment, and monitor how these patterns change over time. View the full article

Six questions to ask. 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

Ten reasons, including bosses. By Ed Mendlowitz Call Me Before You Do Anything: The Art of Accounting Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Ten reasons, including bosses. By Ed Mendlowitz Call Me Before You Do Anything: The Art of Accounting Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

When dealing with business travel deductions, comprehension of what you can claim is crucial for maximizing your tax benefits. You can deduct various expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and meals, but there are specific criteria you must meet. For instance, your trip needs to qualify primarily as a business endeavor. To navigate this complex area, it’s important to know the details of eligible expenses and the required documentation. What other factors should you consider to guarantee compliance? Key Takeaways Deductible transportation costs include airfare, train fares, rental cars, and associated travel expenses like parking and tolls. Lodging expenses are fully deductible if the trip primarily serves business purposes. Business meal expenses qualify for a 50% deduction when they serve a necessary business function. To fully deduct international travel, at least 75% of the trip must focus on business activities. Accurate documentation, including receipts and detailed itineraries, is essential for substantiating all claimed deductions. Understanding Business Travel Deductions When you travel for business, grasping the rules around business travel deductions can greatly impact your tax return. Comprehending what qualifies as business travel expenses is vital. You can deduct costs like airfare, train fares, car rentals, lodging, and 50% of your meal expenses, provided they’re ordinary and necessary for your work. If you’re traveling internationally, at least 75% of your trip must focus on business activities to fully qualify for deductions. Keep in mind, if your trip includes personal elements, you can only deduct expenses related to the business portion based on time spent on each activity. Proper documentation is fundamental; save your receipts and maintain a detailed itinerary to substantiate your claims. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines can guarantee compliance with IRS rules and maximize your eligible deductions, ultimately enhancing your financial situation during tax season. Qualifying Your Trip as a Business Trip To qualify your trip as a business trip, it’s important to understand specific criteria set by the IRS. First, your travel must leave your tax home and primarily focus on business activities. To secure a full business trip tax deduction for international travel, at least 75% of your time abroad needs to be spent on business-related tasks. Travel days are counted as business days, so if your itinerary includes travel alongside business meetings, you can still claim deductions for those days. Furthermore, guarantee your trip is planned in advance, supported by a documented itinerary that outlines the business purpose. It’s essential to recall that personal vacations can’t qualify as business trips; the primary intent of your travel must be business-related to be eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Expenses In terms of deductible travel expenses, you need to understand the categories that can greatly reduce your taxable income. Transportation costs, lodging expenses, and meal allowances are key areas where you can claim deductions, provided they meet specific criteria. Keeping accurate records, like receipts and travel logs, will help guarantee that you can substantiate these expenses come tax season. Transportation Costs Breakdown Transportation costs represent a significant portion of the expenses you can deduct when traveling for business. Transportation costs that are deductible include airfare, train, and bus tickets, in addition to any baggage fees incurred during your trip. If you rent a car for business purposes, those expenses, including fuel, tolls, and parking fees, are fully deductible. You can also claim deductions for your personal vehicle’s use by either applying the standard mileage rate—70 cents per mile for 2025—or calculating actual expenses based on the percentage of business use. In addition, taxi and rideshare fares to and from airports, hotels, and meetings are fully deductible, provided they serve a business purpose. Keep thorough records to substantiate these expenses. Lodging Expense Deductions Lodging expenses can be fully deductible when your business trip is primarily for business purposes and you’re away from your tax home. You can claim various costs associated with accommodations, including: Hotel, motel, or Airbnb rental fees. Additional charges such as internet access and parking. Costs incurred during personal days if strategically planned, like weekend stays between business days. Meal Allowance Rules How can you guarantee that your meal expenses during business travel are deductible? To qualify under the meal allowance rules, keep in mind that only 50% of your meal costs are deductible, as long as they serve an ordinary and necessary business purpose. You’ll need to document these expenses carefully; receipts should clearly indicate the amount, date, place, and purpose, especially if dining with business contacts. Avoid lavish meals, as those won’t qualify for deduction. Furthermore, when traveling to and from a business destination, meals still count for the 50% deduction, provided they meet the same criteria. You can use per diem rates to simplify tracking, but keep in mind, the deduction will still cap at 50% of your actual meal costs. Transportation Costs for Business Travel When you travel for business, grasp of the costs associated with transportation can help you maximize your tax deductions. Awareness of what qualifies as deductible transportation costs is vital for claiming business travel deductions. Here are three key areas to reflect on: Airfare and Ground Travel: Airfare, train, or bus tickets—along with baggage fees—are fully deductible if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related. Car Rentals: Rental car expenses are deductible, including gas, tolls, and parking fees incurred during your business trips. Personal Vehicle Use: You can deduct mileage using either the standard mileage rate (70 cents per mile in 2025) or the actual expense method, which accounts for total vehicle costs based on business use. Keep thorough records and receipts for all these transportation-related expenses, as they’re vital for substantiating your claims on tax returns. Lodging Expenses During Business Trips During business travel, comprehending the intricacies of lodging expenses can greatly influence your overall tax deductions. You can fully deduct lodging expenses during business trips as long as the trip is primarily for business purposes and your stay aligns with business activities. This includes costs for hotels or motels, in addition to related fees for internet and parking, provided they’re business-related. If your trip spans a weekend, lodging costs for those days may likewise be deductible if planned strategically to minimize travel expenses. Nonetheless, keep in mind that personal days during a business trip don’t qualify for deductions unless they coincide with business activities. Documentation is essential; always retain receipts that clearly detail the amount, date, place, and nature of your lodging expenses to substantiate your claims. Properly managing these details can help maximize your tax benefits. Meals and Entertainment Deductions Regarding meals and entertainment deductions, comprehending what qualifies can save you money. Typically, you can deduct 50% of your meal expenses if they’re necessary for your business, and meals during travel likewise count as long as you keep proper documentation. Deductible Meal Expenses Grasping deductible meal expenses is crucial for maximizing your business travel deductions. To qualify for these deductions, you should keep a few key points in mind: Deduction Rate: Business meal expenses are typically 50% deductible, as long as they’re ordinary and necessary for your business. Business Purpose: Meals must serve a business purpose, like being consumed during meetings with clients or associates. Documentation: You need proper documentation, including proof of the amount, date, place, and nature of the business discussion. Entertainment Expense Guidelines Comprehending entertainment expense guidelines is essential for effectively maneuvering your business travel deductions. Usually, business meals are 50% deductible if they’re ordinary and necessary, but don’t forget to keep those receipts that specify the meeting’s nature. Nevertheless, entertainment expenses like tickets to shows or events can’t be deducted unless they’re directly tied to a business meeting and meet specific IRS criteria. Meals consumed during traveling can similarly be 50% deductible, but again, proper documentation is key. Documentation Requirements Comprehending the documentation requirements for meal and entertainment deductions is vital for maximizing your business travel claims. To guarantee your travel expenses are deductible, follow these guidelines: Receipts: Always keep receipts showing the date, amount, place, and business purpose of each meal. Remember, only 50% of eligible meal costs can be deducted. Business Purpose: Document that meals are ordinary and necessary for business. Lavish meals aren’t deductible. Entertainment Details: For entertainment deductions, detail the business relationship and reason for the meeting. Only expenses directly tied to business qualify. Special Rules for International Travel When you travel internationally for business, it’s essential to comprehend the specific rules that determine your eligibility for deductions on travel expenses. To qualify for a full business travel deduction, you must spend at least 75% of your time abroad on business activities. If your business days fall below this threshold, you can only deduct the proportionate costs related to your business days. Travel days are likewise counted as business days, allowing deductions even with some personal time, as long as business days outnumber personal ones. Furthermore, if the primary purpose of your trip is business and you meet certain criteria, your round-trip airfare is fully deductible. For short trips, lasting one week or less, you may qualify for a full deduction if business activities are predominant. Grasping these specific rules can help maximize your deductions effectively during your travels internationally for work. Bringing Friends and Family on Business Trips When you bring friends or family on business trips, it’s essential to know what expenses you can deduct. Typically, travel costs for those accompanying you aren’t deductible except if they’re performing business duties, like your spouse if they work during the trip. Keep in mind that although some costs, like car rentals, may be fully deductible, additional expenses related to non-business travelers often aren’t eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Costs Business trips often come with the added consideration of whether to bring friends or family along for the adventure. Although it can be enjoyable, be aware that certain costs may not qualify for business trip deductions. Here are key points to remember: Expenses for friends or family are typically non-deductible unless they’re employees on business duties. You can fully deduct rental car costs if the trip’s primarily for business, even if your spouse is a passenger. Lodging costs may be partially deductible based on single occupancy rates, only for the business-related portion. Keeping clear records of the trip’s purpose and your relationship with accompanying individuals is crucial to substantiate any potential deductions. Non-Deductible Expenses Though it might be tempting to bring friends or family along on business trips for some extra company, you should be aware that most associated expenses are typically non-deductible. Expenses for additional passengers, like friends or family, can’t be claimed as business trip expenses. The only exception is if a spouse is employed by your business and performs work during the trip, making their expenses potentially deductible. Although you can fully deduct the car rental costs if the trip is primarily for business, personal travel expenses, including family activities during the trip, aren’t deductible. It’s essential to clearly separate your business and personal costs to guarantee compliance with tax regulations. Vehicle Use for Business Travel How can you effectively manage your vehicle expenses when traveling for work? Comprehending your options for vehicle use for business travel can help you maximize your travel expenses deductions. Here are three key points to reflect on: Deduction Methods: You can choose between deducting actual expenses like gas and maintenance or using the standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile in 2025. Car Rentals: If you rent a car, all related costs, including gas, parking fees, and tolls, are fully deductible. Log Your Miles: To use the standard mileage rate, keep a detailed log of your business miles, noting the date, destination, and purpose of each trip. Recordkeeping for Travel Expenses When managing vehicle expenses for business travel, effective recordkeeping plays a pivotal role in ensuring you can substantiate your deductions. Start by documenting crucial details like departure and return dates, the number of business days, and the trip’s purpose. For travel expenses examples, keep all receipts for lodging and significant business-related costs over $75, as well as documenting smaller expenses, even if they fall below that threshold. A travel log is invaluable; it should record your destinations, expenses, and the business purpose behind each cost, ensuring accuracy in your claims. Using a business credit card can simplify this process by clearly separating personal and business expenses, making tracking easier. Finally, itemizing each travel expense provides clear documentation that aligns with IRS requirements, helping you maintain proper records for potential audits. This careful approach will improve your ability to claim the deductions you deserve. The Consequences of Improper Deductions Improper deductions can lead to serious consequences, especially if you’re cautious about the claims you make on your tax returns. For self-employed individuals, the stakes are even higher regarding commuting expenses. Here are three potential repercussions you should be aware of: Penalties: Claiming illegitimate deductions can result in penalties from the IRS, typically amounting to 20% of the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid. Audits: Deductions that considerably lower your tax payments may trigger an audit, leading to increased scrutiny of your financial records. Documentation Issues: Messy or incomplete records can’t only lead to missed tax-saving opportunities but likewise heighten the risk of being flagged for improper deductions. To protect yourself, keep accurate records and consider filing Form 8275 for any questionable deductions. This may help explain your claims to the IRS, though it won’t guarantee you’ll avoid an audit. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the $2500 Expense Rule? The $2,500 expense rule allows businesses to deduct certain purchases as expenses rather than capitalizing them, simplifying tax reporting. This rule applies to tangible property and materials costing up to $2,500 per item or invoice. Only taxpayers with an applicable financial statement can utilize this rule. To benefit, your purchases must be ordinary and necessary for your operations, and you need proper documentation for each claimed expense to support the deduction. What Can You Claim for Business Travel? When you travel for business, you can claim various expenses. You can deduct costs for transportation like flights, car rentals, and even gas. Lodging is fully deductible if your trip’s primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary and well-documented. Furthermore, you can include baggage fees, laundry, and dry cleaning as travel expenses. If your trip is international, guarantee at least 75% of your time is spent on business activities for full deductions. How Does the New $6000 Tax Deduction Work? The new $6,000 tax deduction allows you to deduct qualifying business expenses directly related to your work without itemizing. This includes expenses like travel, office supplies, and equipment. To qualify, your total expenses mustn’t exceed your business income for the year. It’s essential to maintain proper records to support your deduction in case of an audit. This change simplifies tax filing for self-employed individuals and small businesses, enhancing financial efficiency. What Travel Expenses Can I Claim? You can claim various travel expenses when conducting business. This includes transportation costs like airfare or train tickets, along with baggage fees. Lodging expenses for Marriott or rentals are likewise deductible if your trip is primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary. Furthermore, you can deduct car rental fees or mileage, fuel costs, and even laundry expenses incurred during your travel. Keep records to support your claims. Conclusion In summary, comprehending business travel deductions can help you maximize your tax savings. By ensuring your trip qualifies as a business trip and keeping detailed records of all eligible expenses, you can effectively reduce your taxable income. Remember to document transportation costs, lodging, and meals accurately. Avoid the pitfalls of improper deductions by adhering to IRS guidelines, as compliance is essential for maintaining your financial integrity. Stay informed to take full advantage of these deductions during your travels. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Business Travel Deductions Can You Claim?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When dealing with business travel deductions, comprehension of what you can claim is crucial for maximizing your tax benefits. You can deduct various expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and meals, but there are specific criteria you must meet. For instance, your trip needs to qualify primarily as a business endeavor. To navigate this complex area, it’s important to know the details of eligible expenses and the required documentation. What other factors should you consider to guarantee compliance? Key Takeaways Deductible transportation costs include airfare, train fares, rental cars, and associated travel expenses like parking and tolls. Lodging expenses are fully deductible if the trip primarily serves business purposes. Business meal expenses qualify for a 50% deduction when they serve a necessary business function. To fully deduct international travel, at least 75% of the trip must focus on business activities. Accurate documentation, including receipts and detailed itineraries, is essential for substantiating all claimed deductions. Understanding Business Travel Deductions When you travel for business, grasping the rules around business travel deductions can greatly impact your tax return. Comprehending what qualifies as business travel expenses is vital. You can deduct costs like airfare, train fares, car rentals, lodging, and 50% of your meal expenses, provided they’re ordinary and necessary for your work. If you’re traveling internationally, at least 75% of your trip must focus on business activities to fully qualify for deductions. Keep in mind, if your trip includes personal elements, you can only deduct expenses related to the business portion based on time spent on each activity. Proper documentation is fundamental; save your receipts and maintain a detailed itinerary to substantiate your claims. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines can guarantee compliance with IRS rules and maximize your eligible deductions, ultimately enhancing your financial situation during tax season. Qualifying Your Trip as a Business Trip To qualify your trip as a business trip, it’s important to understand specific criteria set by the IRS. First, your travel must leave your tax home and primarily focus on business activities. To secure a full business trip tax deduction for international travel, at least 75% of your time abroad needs to be spent on business-related tasks. Travel days are counted as business days, so if your itinerary includes travel alongside business meetings, you can still claim deductions for those days. Furthermore, guarantee your trip is planned in advance, supported by a documented itinerary that outlines the business purpose. It’s essential to recall that personal vacations can’t qualify as business trips; the primary intent of your travel must be business-related to be eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Expenses In terms of deductible travel expenses, you need to understand the categories that can greatly reduce your taxable income. Transportation costs, lodging expenses, and meal allowances are key areas where you can claim deductions, provided they meet specific criteria. Keeping accurate records, like receipts and travel logs, will help guarantee that you can substantiate these expenses come tax season. Transportation Costs Breakdown Transportation costs represent a significant portion of the expenses you can deduct when traveling for business. Transportation costs that are deductible include airfare, train, and bus tickets, in addition to any baggage fees incurred during your trip. If you rent a car for business purposes, those expenses, including fuel, tolls, and parking fees, are fully deductible. You can also claim deductions for your personal vehicle’s use by either applying the standard mileage rate—70 cents per mile for 2025—or calculating actual expenses based on the percentage of business use. In addition, taxi and rideshare fares to and from airports, hotels, and meetings are fully deductible, provided they serve a business purpose. Keep thorough records to substantiate these expenses. Lodging Expense Deductions Lodging expenses can be fully deductible when your business trip is primarily for business purposes and you’re away from your tax home. You can claim various costs associated with accommodations, including: Hotel, motel, or Airbnb rental fees. Additional charges such as internet access and parking. Costs incurred during personal days if strategically planned, like weekend stays between business days. Meal Allowance Rules How can you guarantee that your meal expenses during business travel are deductible? To qualify under the meal allowance rules, keep in mind that only 50% of your meal costs are deductible, as long as they serve an ordinary and necessary business purpose. You’ll need to document these expenses carefully; receipts should clearly indicate the amount, date, place, and purpose, especially if dining with business contacts. Avoid lavish meals, as those won’t qualify for deduction. Furthermore, when traveling to and from a business destination, meals still count for the 50% deduction, provided they meet the same criteria. You can use per diem rates to simplify tracking, but keep in mind, the deduction will still cap at 50% of your actual meal costs. Transportation Costs for Business Travel When you travel for business, grasp of the costs associated with transportation can help you maximize your tax deductions. Awareness of what qualifies as deductible transportation costs is vital for claiming business travel deductions. Here are three key areas to reflect on: Airfare and Ground Travel: Airfare, train, or bus tickets—along with baggage fees—are fully deductible if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related. Car Rentals: Rental car expenses are deductible, including gas, tolls, and parking fees incurred during your business trips. Personal Vehicle Use: You can deduct mileage using either the standard mileage rate (70 cents per mile in 2025) or the actual expense method, which accounts for total vehicle costs based on business use. Keep thorough records and receipts for all these transportation-related expenses, as they’re vital for substantiating your claims on tax returns. Lodging Expenses During Business Trips During business travel, comprehending the intricacies of lodging expenses can greatly influence your overall tax deductions. You can fully deduct lodging expenses during business trips as long as the trip is primarily for business purposes and your stay aligns with business activities. This includes costs for hotels or motels, in addition to related fees for internet and parking, provided they’re business-related. If your trip spans a weekend, lodging costs for those days may likewise be deductible if planned strategically to minimize travel expenses. Nonetheless, keep in mind that personal days during a business trip don’t qualify for deductions unless they coincide with business activities. Documentation is essential; always retain receipts that clearly detail the amount, date, place, and nature of your lodging expenses to substantiate your claims. Properly managing these details can help maximize your tax benefits. Meals and Entertainment Deductions Regarding meals and entertainment deductions, comprehending what qualifies can save you money. Typically, you can deduct 50% of your meal expenses if they’re necessary for your business, and meals during travel likewise count as long as you keep proper documentation. Deductible Meal Expenses Grasping deductible meal expenses is crucial for maximizing your business travel deductions. To qualify for these deductions, you should keep a few key points in mind: Deduction Rate: Business meal expenses are typically 50% deductible, as long as they’re ordinary and necessary for your business. Business Purpose: Meals must serve a business purpose, like being consumed during meetings with clients or associates. Documentation: You need proper documentation, including proof of the amount, date, place, and nature of the business discussion. Entertainment Expense Guidelines Comprehending entertainment expense guidelines is essential for effectively maneuvering your business travel deductions. Usually, business meals are 50% deductible if they’re ordinary and necessary, but don’t forget to keep those receipts that specify the meeting’s nature. Nevertheless, entertainment expenses like tickets to shows or events can’t be deducted unless they’re directly tied to a business meeting and meet specific IRS criteria. Meals consumed during traveling can similarly be 50% deductible, but again, proper documentation is key. Documentation Requirements Comprehending the documentation requirements for meal and entertainment deductions is vital for maximizing your business travel claims. To guarantee your travel expenses are deductible, follow these guidelines: Receipts: Always keep receipts showing the date, amount, place, and business purpose of each meal. Remember, only 50% of eligible meal costs can be deducted. Business Purpose: Document that meals are ordinary and necessary for business. Lavish meals aren’t deductible. Entertainment Details: For entertainment deductions, detail the business relationship and reason for the meeting. Only expenses directly tied to business qualify. Special Rules for International Travel When you travel internationally for business, it’s essential to comprehend the specific rules that determine your eligibility for deductions on travel expenses. To qualify for a full business travel deduction, you must spend at least 75% of your time abroad on business activities. If your business days fall below this threshold, you can only deduct the proportionate costs related to your business days. Travel days are likewise counted as business days, allowing deductions even with some personal time, as long as business days outnumber personal ones. Furthermore, if the primary purpose of your trip is business and you meet certain criteria, your round-trip airfare is fully deductible. For short trips, lasting one week or less, you may qualify for a full deduction if business activities are predominant. Grasping these specific rules can help maximize your deductions effectively during your travels internationally for work. Bringing Friends and Family on Business Trips When you bring friends or family on business trips, it’s essential to know what expenses you can deduct. Typically, travel costs for those accompanying you aren’t deductible except if they’re performing business duties, like your spouse if they work during the trip. Keep in mind that although some costs, like car rentals, may be fully deductible, additional expenses related to non-business travelers often aren’t eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Costs Business trips often come with the added consideration of whether to bring friends or family along for the adventure. Although it can be enjoyable, be aware that certain costs may not qualify for business trip deductions. Here are key points to remember: Expenses for friends or family are typically non-deductible unless they’re employees on business duties. You can fully deduct rental car costs if the trip’s primarily for business, even if your spouse is a passenger. Lodging costs may be partially deductible based on single occupancy rates, only for the business-related portion. Keeping clear records of the trip’s purpose and your relationship with accompanying individuals is crucial to substantiate any potential deductions. Non-Deductible Expenses Though it might be tempting to bring friends or family along on business trips for some extra company, you should be aware that most associated expenses are typically non-deductible. Expenses for additional passengers, like friends or family, can’t be claimed as business trip expenses. The only exception is if a spouse is employed by your business and performs work during the trip, making their expenses potentially deductible. Although you can fully deduct the car rental costs if the trip is primarily for business, personal travel expenses, including family activities during the trip, aren’t deductible. It’s essential to clearly separate your business and personal costs to guarantee compliance with tax regulations. Vehicle Use for Business Travel How can you effectively manage your vehicle expenses when traveling for work? Comprehending your options for vehicle use for business travel can help you maximize your travel expenses deductions. Here are three key points to reflect on: Deduction Methods: You can choose between deducting actual expenses like gas and maintenance or using the standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile in 2025. Car Rentals: If you rent a car, all related costs, including gas, parking fees, and tolls, are fully deductible. Log Your Miles: To use the standard mileage rate, keep a detailed log of your business miles, noting the date, destination, and purpose of each trip. Recordkeeping for Travel Expenses When managing vehicle expenses for business travel, effective recordkeeping plays a pivotal role in ensuring you can substantiate your deductions. Start by documenting crucial details like departure and return dates, the number of business days, and the trip’s purpose. For travel expenses examples, keep all receipts for lodging and significant business-related costs over $75, as well as documenting smaller expenses, even if they fall below that threshold. A travel log is invaluable; it should record your destinations, expenses, and the business purpose behind each cost, ensuring accuracy in your claims. Using a business credit card can simplify this process by clearly separating personal and business expenses, making tracking easier. Finally, itemizing each travel expense provides clear documentation that aligns with IRS requirements, helping you maintain proper records for potential audits. This careful approach will improve your ability to claim the deductions you deserve. The Consequences of Improper Deductions Improper deductions can lead to serious consequences, especially if you’re cautious about the claims you make on your tax returns. For self-employed individuals, the stakes are even higher regarding commuting expenses. Here are three potential repercussions you should be aware of: Penalties: Claiming illegitimate deductions can result in penalties from the IRS, typically amounting to 20% of the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid. Audits: Deductions that considerably lower your tax payments may trigger an audit, leading to increased scrutiny of your financial records. Documentation Issues: Messy or incomplete records can’t only lead to missed tax-saving opportunities but likewise heighten the risk of being flagged for improper deductions. To protect yourself, keep accurate records and consider filing Form 8275 for any questionable deductions. This may help explain your claims to the IRS, though it won’t guarantee you’ll avoid an audit. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the $2500 Expense Rule? The $2,500 expense rule allows businesses to deduct certain purchases as expenses rather than capitalizing them, simplifying tax reporting. This rule applies to tangible property and materials costing up to $2,500 per item or invoice. Only taxpayers with an applicable financial statement can utilize this rule. To benefit, your purchases must be ordinary and necessary for your operations, and you need proper documentation for each claimed expense to support the deduction. What Can You Claim for Business Travel? When you travel for business, you can claim various expenses. You can deduct costs for transportation like flights, car rentals, and even gas. Lodging is fully deductible if your trip’s primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary and well-documented. Furthermore, you can include baggage fees, laundry, and dry cleaning as travel expenses. If your trip is international, guarantee at least 75% of your time is spent on business activities for full deductions. How Does the New $6000 Tax Deduction Work? The new $6,000 tax deduction allows you to deduct qualifying business expenses directly related to your work without itemizing. This includes expenses like travel, office supplies, and equipment. To qualify, your total expenses mustn’t exceed your business income for the year. It’s essential to maintain proper records to support your deduction in case of an audit. This change simplifies tax filing for self-employed individuals and small businesses, enhancing financial efficiency. What Travel Expenses Can I Claim? You can claim various travel expenses when conducting business. This includes transportation costs like airfare or train tickets, along with baggage fees. Lodging expenses for Marriott or rentals are likewise deductible if your trip is primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary. Furthermore, you can deduct car rental fees or mileage, fuel costs, and even laundry expenses incurred during your travel. Keep records to support your claims. Conclusion In summary, comprehending business travel deductions can help you maximize your tax savings. By ensuring your trip qualifies as a business trip and keeping detailed records of all eligible expenses, you can effectively reduce your taxable income. Remember to document transportation costs, lodging, and meals accurately. Avoid the pitfalls of improper deductions by adhering to IRS guidelines, as compliance is essential for maintaining your financial integrity. Stay informed to take full advantage of these deductions during your travels. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Business Travel Deductions Can You Claim?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Australia has proposed taxing digital giants Meta, Google and TikTok on a part of their revenue to pay for news reporters. The government released draft legislation Tuesday it intends to introduce to Parliament by July 2 that would create a financial incentive for the social media companies to strike deals with news organizations to pay for journalism. The platforms’ criticisms included that the proposal was a “digital services tax” that misunderstood the evolving advertising industry and would fail to deliver a sustainable news sector. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a monetary value needed to be attached to journalists’ work. “It shouldn’t just be able to be taken by a large multinational corporation and used to generate profits for that organisation with no compensation appropriate for the people who produce that creative content,” Albanese told reporters. “We think that investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy,” he added. It’s Australia’s second legislative attempt to make the platforms pay for the Australian news text and images that their users view. Digital platforms had been pressured to strike deals with Australian news publishers to pay for journalism by legislation passed in 2021 that created the country’s News Media Bargaining Code. The platforms chose to reach commercial deals with news creators rather than be forced into arbitration and have a judge set the price. But they have since avoided renewing those deals by removing news from their services. The proposed News Bargaining Incentive would charge major platforms that choose not to strike commercial deals with news publishers a 2.25% tax on their Australian revenue. The platforms would be given offsets and their overall costs would be lowered if they agree to pay publishers for journalism, the government said. The government expects the incentive would raise between 200 to 250 million Australian dollars ($144 million-$179 million) a year. That was about as much as the platforms paid news outlets when the News Media Bargaining Code was working at its peak. The government would distribute that income among news organizations based on how many journalists each organization employed, Communication Minister Anika Wells said. The tax would apply to Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., and TikTok, which is majority-owned by U.S.-backed investors. Opposing the proposed legislation, Meta said news organizations “voluntarily post content on our platforms because they receive value from doing so.” “The idea that we take their news content is simply wrong. This proposed legislation, which would apply to platforms regardless of whether news content even appears on our services, is nothing more than a digital services tax,” Meta said in a statement. “A government-mandated transfer of wealth from one industry to another, with no connection to the value exchanged, will not deliver a sustainable or innovative news sector. Instead, it will create a news industry dependent on a government-administered subsidy scheme,” Meta added. Google said “we reject the need for this tax.” “It ignores the fact that Google already has commercial agreements with the news industry, misunderstands how the ad market changed and mandates payments from some companies while arbitrarily excluding platforms like Microsoft, Snapchat and OpenAI — despite the major shift in how people consume news,” a Google statement said. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. All the targeted platforms are American. U.S. critics have argued that Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code had disproportionately cost American corporations. Albanese was not concerned by potential pushback from the United States. “We’re a sovereign nation and my government will make decisions based upon the Australian national interest,” Albanese said. —Rod McGuirk, Associated Press View the full article

When considering the best franchises to purchase in 2025, it’s important to evaluate various sectors that are thriving in today’s market. Health and wellness brands, food and beverage chains, retail services, and tech-focused franchises all present unique opportunities for potential investors. Each franchise type offers distinct advantages, from strong brand recognition to increasing consumer demand. Comprehending these options can help you make an informed decision about your investment strategy. What criteria should you prioritize in your search? Key Takeaways Health and wellness franchises are experiencing significant growth, making them a smart investment choice for the future. Food and beverage franchises dominate the market due to high revenue potential and low failure rates. Established brands often offer better support and training, leading to higher owner satisfaction and profitability. The Franchise 500 list provides insights into top-performing franchises to guide your investment decisions. Conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing the FDD and speaking with existing franchise owners for valuable insights. What Is a Franchise? A franchise is a business model that allows you, as a franchisee, to operate a business under the established brand and proven systems of a franchisor. In exchange for franchise fees and royalties, you gain access to valuable resources that can greatly improve your chances of success. Franchises boast an impressive 80-90% success rate compared to independent businesses, making them some of the best franchises to buy. Opportunities in various industries like food services, health and wellness, automotive, and retail cater to diverse interests, ensuring you find the best franchise to purchase. With the International Franchise Association projecting steady annual growth, investing in franchises remains an appealing option for potential franchisees looking to thrive in a robust market. The Best Franchises to Own in 2025 In 2025, franchise ownership presents unique opportunities shaped by evolving market trends and consumer preferences. Franchises in health and wellness are on the rise, offering lucrative investment options and significant growth potential. Food and beverage franchises still dominate, boasting high revenue growth and low failure rates, making them appealing choices for new franchisees. The Franchise 500 list serves as a reliable resource, showcasing top-performing brands based on sales and location growth, guiding your investment decisions. Moreover, franchises that focus on community engagement and brand recognition tend to enjoy long-term success, as these factors improve customer loyalty and market presence. By choosing wisely, you can position yourself for a profitable franchise venture in 2025. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Franchise Choosing the right franchise requires careful consideration of several key factors that can greatly impact your success. To make an informed decision, keep these points in mind: Owner Satisfaction: High satisfaction among franchise owners usually indicates better support and profitability. Financial Performance: Look at metrics like revenue growth and low failure rates to gauge long-term viability. Training and Support: Evaluate the thoroughness of training programs and ongoing assistance offered by the franchisor. Brand Recognition: Established brands often have a stronger market presence, attracting more customers and encouraging loyalty. Research and Due Diligence Tips When considering a franchise purchase, thorough research and due diligence are vital steps in ensuring you make an informed decision. Start by reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines the franchise’s financial health and operational requirements. Speak with existing franchise owners to gain insights on profitability, challenges, and support from the franchisor. Evaluate the franchise’s historical performance, focusing on sales trends and market demand to confirm sustainability and growth potential in your chosen location. Furthermore, analyze initial investment costs, including franchise fees and start-up expenses, along with ongoing fees and royalties. Finally, research the franchisor’s track record for providing adequate support and training, as effective systems are critical for your long-term success in the franchise business. How to Get Started With Owning a Franchise Getting started with owning a franchise involves a structured approach that builds on the research and due diligence you’ve already conducted. Here are key steps to follow: Research franchise opportunities aligning with your interests and financial goals. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for crucial financial and operational insights. Connect with current franchise owners to understand their experiences and the franchisor’s support. Secure funding by evaluating your financial situation and exploring financing options. Complete the application process and meet the franchisor’s qualifications before signing the franchise agreement. Don’t forget to participate in any required training programs to guarantee you’re well-prepared for success. Following these steps will set you on the right path to becoming a franchise owner. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy? You’ll find that the most profitable franchises often operate in the food and beverage sector, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Dutch Bros, thanks to steady consumer demand. Service-oriented franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, likewise prove lucrative by offering vital services. Strong brand recognition, thorough training, and ongoing support from franchisors improve your chances of success. Furthermore, franchises engaged in community initiatives tend to build consumer trust, further boosting profitability. What Is the #1 Franchise in the US? The #1 franchise in the U.S. often varies year to year, but it typically ranks based on owner satisfaction, financial performance, and brand reputation. Franchises like McDonald’s frequently dominate these rankings because of their strong market presence and extensive support for franchisees. Evaluating metrics such as sales performance and growth potential is crucial when determining the leading franchise. This information can guide you in making an informed choice if you’re considering franchise ownership. What Are the Best Franchises to Own in 2025? In 2025, you’ll find promising franchise opportunities primarily in the food and beverage sector, together with health and wellness franchises like Orangetheory Fitness. Low-cost franchises are appealing, reducing financial risk during offering established business models. When evaluating options, consider the strength of the franchise support system, including training and operational assistance. Researching franchisee satisfaction can likewise provide insights into profitability and long-term success, aiding your decision-making process. Which Franchise Is Best to Start? When considering which franchise is best to start, evaluate factors like initial investment, market demand, and support from the franchisor. Food and beverage franchises often offer strong returns, whereas health and wellness brands are emerging sectors with growth potential. Look for franchises that provide thorough training and ongoing support, as these elements greatly improve your chances of success. Assess your financial capacity and personal interests to make an informed decision. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 involves careful consideration of market trends and personal interests. Health and wellness brands, food franchises, crucial service retailers, and tech-focused options present profitable opportunities. By conducting thorough research and due diligence, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals. Starting a franchise can be a rewarding venture, provided you understand the responsibilities and commitments involved in running a successful business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best 5 Franchises to Purchase" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering the best franchises to purchase in 2025, it’s important to evaluate various sectors that are thriving in today’s market. Health and wellness brands, food and beverage chains, retail services, and tech-focused franchises all present unique opportunities for potential investors. Each franchise type offers distinct advantages, from strong brand recognition to increasing consumer demand. Comprehending these options can help you make an informed decision about your investment strategy. What criteria should you prioritize in your search? Key Takeaways Health and wellness franchises are experiencing significant growth, making them a smart investment choice for the future. Food and beverage franchises dominate the market due to high revenue potential and low failure rates. Established brands often offer better support and training, leading to higher owner satisfaction and profitability. The Franchise 500 list provides insights into top-performing franchises to guide your investment decisions. Conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing the FDD and speaking with existing franchise owners for valuable insights. What Is a Franchise? A franchise is a business model that allows you, as a franchisee, to operate a business under the established brand and proven systems of a franchisor. In exchange for franchise fees and royalties, you gain access to valuable resources that can greatly improve your chances of success. Franchises boast an impressive 80-90% success rate compared to independent businesses, making them some of the best franchises to buy. Opportunities in various industries like food services, health and wellness, automotive, and retail cater to diverse interests, ensuring you find the best franchise to purchase. With the International Franchise Association projecting steady annual growth, investing in franchises remains an appealing option for potential franchisees looking to thrive in a robust market. The Best Franchises to Own in 2025 In 2025, franchise ownership presents unique opportunities shaped by evolving market trends and consumer preferences. Franchises in health and wellness are on the rise, offering lucrative investment options and significant growth potential. Food and beverage franchises still dominate, boasting high revenue growth and low failure rates, making them appealing choices for new franchisees. The Franchise 500 list serves as a reliable resource, showcasing top-performing brands based on sales and location growth, guiding your investment decisions. Moreover, franchises that focus on community engagement and brand recognition tend to enjoy long-term success, as these factors improve customer loyalty and market presence. By choosing wisely, you can position yourself for a profitable franchise venture in 2025. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Franchise Choosing the right franchise requires careful consideration of several key factors that can greatly impact your success. To make an informed decision, keep these points in mind: Owner Satisfaction: High satisfaction among franchise owners usually indicates better support and profitability. Financial Performance: Look at metrics like revenue growth and low failure rates to gauge long-term viability. Training and Support: Evaluate the thoroughness of training programs and ongoing assistance offered by the franchisor. Brand Recognition: Established brands often have a stronger market presence, attracting more customers and encouraging loyalty. Research and Due Diligence Tips When considering a franchise purchase, thorough research and due diligence are vital steps in ensuring you make an informed decision. Start by reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines the franchise’s financial health and operational requirements. Speak with existing franchise owners to gain insights on profitability, challenges, and support from the franchisor. Evaluate the franchise’s historical performance, focusing on sales trends and market demand to confirm sustainability and growth potential in your chosen location. Furthermore, analyze initial investment costs, including franchise fees and start-up expenses, along with ongoing fees and royalties. Finally, research the franchisor’s track record for providing adequate support and training, as effective systems are critical for your long-term success in the franchise business. How to Get Started With Owning a Franchise Getting started with owning a franchise involves a structured approach that builds on the research and due diligence you’ve already conducted. Here are key steps to follow: Research franchise opportunities aligning with your interests and financial goals. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for crucial financial and operational insights. Connect with current franchise owners to understand their experiences and the franchisor’s support. Secure funding by evaluating your financial situation and exploring financing options. Complete the application process and meet the franchisor’s qualifications before signing the franchise agreement. Don’t forget to participate in any required training programs to guarantee you’re well-prepared for success. Following these steps will set you on the right path to becoming a franchise owner. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy? You’ll find that the most profitable franchises often operate in the food and beverage sector, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Dutch Bros, thanks to steady consumer demand. Service-oriented franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, likewise prove lucrative by offering vital services. Strong brand recognition, thorough training, and ongoing support from franchisors improve your chances of success. Furthermore, franchises engaged in community initiatives tend to build consumer trust, further boosting profitability. What Is the #1 Franchise in the US? The #1 franchise in the U.S. often varies year to year, but it typically ranks based on owner satisfaction, financial performance, and brand reputation. Franchises like McDonald’s frequently dominate these rankings because of their strong market presence and extensive support for franchisees. Evaluating metrics such as sales performance and growth potential is crucial when determining the leading franchise. This information can guide you in making an informed choice if you’re considering franchise ownership. What Are the Best Franchises to Own in 2025? In 2025, you’ll find promising franchise opportunities primarily in the food and beverage sector, together with health and wellness franchises like Orangetheory Fitness. Low-cost franchises are appealing, reducing financial risk during offering established business models. When evaluating options, consider the strength of the franchise support system, including training and operational assistance. Researching franchisee satisfaction can likewise provide insights into profitability and long-term success, aiding your decision-making process. Which Franchise Is Best to Start? When considering which franchise is best to start, evaluate factors like initial investment, market demand, and support from the franchisor. Food and beverage franchises often offer strong returns, whereas health and wellness brands are emerging sectors with growth potential. Look for franchises that provide thorough training and ongoing support, as these elements greatly improve your chances of success. Assess your financial capacity and personal interests to make an informed decision. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 involves careful consideration of market trends and personal interests. Health and wellness brands, food franchises, crucial service retailers, and tech-focused options present profitable opportunities. By conducting thorough research and due diligence, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals. Starting a franchise can be a rewarding venture, provided you understand the responsibilities and commitments involved in running a successful business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best 5 Franchises to Purchase" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Bill Ackman has made a lot of noise in recent years. On Wednesday, that noise came in the form of ringing the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange, in honor of the initial public offering of his hedge fund, Pershing Square. Here’s what you need to know about Ackman’s latest move and the Pershing Square IPO. What is Pershing Square? Pershing Square Inc is the parent company for Ackman’s hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, and the closed-end management company Pershing Square USA. What is being offered on the market? Shares in Pershing Square Inc. and Pershing Square USA are being put on the market in a combined IPO, with two stocks. When is Pershing Square’s IPO? The combined IPO for the two stocks is Wednesday, April 29. What are the stock tickers? Pershing Square Inc shares will be traded under the symbol “PS” while Pershing Square USA shares will be traded under the symbol “PSUS.” What is the IPO share price of the two stocks? The IPO price is set at $50 per share for PSUS, with IPO shares in PS issued as a bonus. For every five shares in PSUS, one share in PS was issued to the buyer. After the IPO, the stocks will trade separately. How much did Pershing Square raise in its IPO? The combined IPO raised approximately $5 billion. That comes at the low end of the target range, which was as much as $10 billion. How much is Bill Ackman worth? According to Forbes, Bill Ackman’s net worth is $9.1 billion. View the full article

The long-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in less than 45 days and fans may still be able to score some tickets—although not always for a low price. Soccer’s largest tournament is arriving in North America on June 11, with 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico readying for the quadrennial festivities. But even as the upcoming World Cup has expanded the number of qualifying teams from 32 to 48 countries with over 100 games scheduled, snagging affordable tickets remains difficult. In fact, this year’s World Cup has raised criticism over the sky-high ticket prices leaving many fans out of the stadium. Take the four tickets for the final game that made headlines for being offered at $2.3 million each, or a few lower deck seats offered for around $200,000 for the same match. While those tickets might be somewhat of outliers tied to scalping and resale practices in the U.S. and Canada (Mexico’s law heavily regulates ticket resale prices), tickets sold through official channels weren’t necessarily affordable either. Tickets to games were originally sold via a lottery system, where fans would sign up and potentially be assigned to a specific phase sale, with over two million tickets sold by December last year. While FIFA planned to sell tickets for as low as $60, most tickets below the $1,000 mark have become somewhat scarce, which fans say is uncommon. “In Europe the max you’ll ever pay for a ticket is maybe £1.5k and that’s to go to the Champions League final or an El Clásico,” a user said on X. “They’re selling World Cup tickets for $2.3M. God bless the United States of America, what an incredibly tapped country.” But even though the pricier tickets might be making headlines, some tickets for under $300 are still available, the USA TODAY Shopping team found. Fast Company has updated the original list’s pricing when needed to reflect the most up-to-date pricing at the time of publishing. Saturday, June 13 – Qatar vs. Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $242. Monday, June 15 – Iran vs. New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – Tickets as low as $245. Tuesday, June 16 – Austria vs. Jordan at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $180. Thursday, June 18 – Czech Republic vs. South Africa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – Tickets as low as $246. Saturday, June 20 – Tunisia vs. Japan at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey – Tickets as low as $297. Sunday, June 21 – New Zealand vs. Egypt at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver – Tickets as low as $255. Monday, June 22 – Jordan vs. Algeria at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $215. Wednesday, June 24 – Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle – Tickets as low as $243. Wednesday, June 24 – South Africa vs. Korea Republic at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey – Tickets as low as $202. Thursday, June 25 – Curacao vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia – Tickets as low as $207. Friday, June 26 – Egypt vs. Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle – Tickets as low as $287. Friday, June 26 – Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium in Houston – Tickets as low as $223. Saturday, June 27 – Algeria vs. Austria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City – Tickets as low as $182. Saturday, June 27 – DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – Tickets as low as $250. View the full article

Bank groups said that although the Federal Reserve's eased capital plans are a major improvement over previous versions, the recent proposals still need changes to help avoid risk assessments they say may hinder banks' ability to boost lending. View the full article

In an era where swift decision-making can significantly impact mission success, outdated financial systems are under the spotlight. Research from Workday reveals striking concerns about inefficiencies within federal finance teams, emphasizing a compelling message for small business owners: the need for modern, agile financial management tools to thrive in a competitive landscape. The key takeaway from the report, titled “Future-Ready Finance: Trust, Transparency, and Accuracy in Government Spending,” is alarming. A staggering 80% of senior finance decision-makers within federal agencies reported lacking the visibility necessary to effectively manage risk. This insight surfaces critical warnings for small businesses, particularly those juggling financial compliance and operational challenges. Legacy systems present widespread challenges, with respondents from various agencies highlighting issues such as siloed data, delayed financial reporting, and inefficient operations. For small business owners, these drawbacks translate into wasted resources—time and money that could be better spent on strategic planning and customer engagement. One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is the sheer amount of time finance teams waste on manual data management. On average, federal finance leaders lose one-third of their work hours to such tasks. Imagine the potential gains for small business owners who embrace automation and real-time data analytics. With modern systems, they can cut out the manual noise and gain insights that drive profitability and growth. Notably, many finance leaders reported dealing with outdated information. Almost 55% said their financial reports are frequently outdated by the time they’re shared, meaning significant decisions may be based on obsolete data. This raises an essential consideration for small businesses: having access to timely and relevant information needs to be a priority to make informed and proactive decisions. The report found that over half of respondents rated their systems as “very effective” for planning and budgeting; however, this number dropped sharply when it came to execution and reconciliation. If a business struggles in these areas, it may find itself bogged down by errors and manual processes, hindering response times and complicating financial audits. With resource constraints are common in smaller enterprises, this gap can be especially problematic. Yet, there is a silver lining. Federal finance leaders see modernization as vital for enhancing financial accuracy and oversight, particularly through the adoption of cloud platforms powered by responsible AI. A striking 96% of respondents expect significant benefits in terms of audit readiness and operational efficiency from such technologies. For small business owners, investing in cloud-based platforms like Workday can offer a pathway to streamline operations and foster quicker adaptability to market changes. “Federal finance leaders are clear: modernizing financial systems is essential to building public trust,” said Lynn Martin, general manager of Workday Government. This principle resonates strongly for small businesses, where trust and reputation are crucial components of success. AI-driven solutions can enhance transparency and reliability in financial reporting, ultimately solidifying client confidence. While the transition to modern financial systems offers clear benefits, small business owners should navigate potential challenges with care. Implementing new technology can be a daunting process, often requiring an upfront investment of time and resources. Identifying the right solution that fits specific business needs and ensuring staff are adequately trained to use new systems can present additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, the imperative for modernization is clear. As smaller businesses look to compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace, they must consider not just immediate gains, but also the long-term sustainability of their financial practices. By adopting innovative technology and embracing real-time data analytics, small businesses can position themselves to leverage insights effectively, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately deliver higher value to customers. For more detailed insights, you can view the original study reported by Workday here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Federal Finance Teams Face Growing Risks from Outdated Systems, Study Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an era where swift decision-making can significantly impact mission success, outdated financial systems are under the spotlight. Research from Workday reveals striking concerns about inefficiencies within federal finance teams, emphasizing a compelling message for small business owners: the need for modern, agile financial management tools to thrive in a competitive landscape. The key takeaway from the report, titled “Future-Ready Finance: Trust, Transparency, and Accuracy in Government Spending,” is alarming. A staggering 80% of senior finance decision-makers within federal agencies reported lacking the visibility necessary to effectively manage risk. This insight surfaces critical warnings for small businesses, particularly those juggling financial compliance and operational challenges. Legacy systems present widespread challenges, with respondents from various agencies highlighting issues such as siloed data, delayed financial reporting, and inefficient operations. For small business owners, these drawbacks translate into wasted resources—time and money that could be better spent on strategic planning and customer engagement. One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is the sheer amount of time finance teams waste on manual data management. On average, federal finance leaders lose one-third of their work hours to such tasks. Imagine the potential gains for small business owners who embrace automation and real-time data analytics. With modern systems, they can cut out the manual noise and gain insights that drive profitability and growth. Notably, many finance leaders reported dealing with outdated information. Almost 55% said their financial reports are frequently outdated by the time they’re shared, meaning significant decisions may be based on obsolete data. This raises an essential consideration for small businesses: having access to timely and relevant information needs to be a priority to make informed and proactive decisions. The report found that over half of respondents rated their systems as “very effective” for planning and budgeting; however, this number dropped sharply when it came to execution and reconciliation. If a business struggles in these areas, it may find itself bogged down by errors and manual processes, hindering response times and complicating financial audits. With resource constraints are common in smaller enterprises, this gap can be especially problematic. Yet, there is a silver lining. Federal finance leaders see modernization as vital for enhancing financial accuracy and oversight, particularly through the adoption of cloud platforms powered by responsible AI. A striking 96% of respondents expect significant benefits in terms of audit readiness and operational efficiency from such technologies. For small business owners, investing in cloud-based platforms like Workday can offer a pathway to streamline operations and foster quicker adaptability to market changes. “Federal finance leaders are clear: modernizing financial systems is essential to building public trust,” said Lynn Martin, general manager of Workday Government. This principle resonates strongly for small businesses, where trust and reputation are crucial components of success. AI-driven solutions can enhance transparency and reliability in financial reporting, ultimately solidifying client confidence. While the transition to modern financial systems offers clear benefits, small business owners should navigate potential challenges with care. Implementing new technology can be a daunting process, often requiring an upfront investment of time and resources. Identifying the right solution that fits specific business needs and ensuring staff are adequately trained to use new systems can present additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, the imperative for modernization is clear. As smaller businesses look to compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace, they must consider not just immediate gains, but also the long-term sustainability of their financial practices. By adopting innovative technology and embracing real-time data analytics, small businesses can position themselves to leverage insights effectively, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately deliver higher value to customers. For more detailed insights, you can view the original study reported by Workday here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Federal Finance Teams Face Growing Risks from Outdated Systems, Study Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Apple AirPods have always supported Bluetooth, so you can pair them with any phone, tablet, or computer you like—whether or not it's made by Apple—for basic audio listening. Until now, though, getting the full set of features on these earbuds, including head gestures and all the rest, required using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. That's now changed with the arrival of LibrePods, an app that actually launched a couple of years ago but that's now available on the Google Play Store. Previously, to get LibrePods to work, you had to jailbreak your Android device and sideload it. That's no longer necessary—you can just install it like any regular Android app. According to developer Kavish Devar, Google recently fixed an issue with the Bluetooth stack in Android, and rolled it out with Android 16 QPR3. That means a jailbreak isn't required any longer, though you do need a phone with the Android 16 QPR3 update installed. At the moment, that means a Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, or Realme device. As the Android update makes its way to other phones, including Samsung Galaxy handsets, they'll be able to use LibrePods too. AirPods connected via Bluetooth on Android. Credit: Lifehacker Among the AirPods features that LibrePods enables on Android, we've got head gestures (so you can accept or reject calls with a nod or a shake of the head), plus noise control modes (controlling how much external sound leaks), ear detection, more accurate battery level reporting, and conversational awareness (where the AirPods audio dips if you're talking to someone). Note that some of those features, including head gestures and conversational awareness, require a one-off purchase of $4.99 inside the app. You can see the differences between the free and paid-for versions of the app from the main settings screen—tap the cog icon in the top right corner of the app's front page to find it. How to customize settings in LibrePodsThe app should work with all AirPods models, but first you need to connect your earbuds over Bluetooth. To do this on a Pixel phone, for example, head to Settings, then tap Connected devices > Pair new device. You also need to press the pairing button on the AirPods case or double-tap the case, depending on the AirPods you have. Once you've got your AirPods linked to your Android phone over Bluetooth, LibrePods should be able to see them, but the earbuds options will only show up when the AirPods are actively connected—so you may have to take them out of the case. Finding your way around the app is straightforward. Right from the main screen you can switch between listening modes, if they're available on your AirPods: Transparency (letting external noises in), Active Noise Cancellation (blocking out external noises), and Adaptive (an automatic balance between the other two modes). You're able to customize the action taken with a press and hold action on the left or right AirPod—you can even launch Gemini, if you want—and there's also the option to customize which AirPod microphone is used by default. Choosing listening modes in LibrePods. Credit: Lifehacker Tap Head Gestures to enable this feature (if you've paid for it): You can tweak the sensitivity of the gestures needed, based on your preferences, and practice the detection. If you find that you need to use gestures that are aggressive and pronounced to get this to work, for example, you can dial up the sensitivity here. More options can be found by tapping the cog icon in the top right corner of the AirPods info screen: You can enable a home screen widget for battery information, choose the level of volume reduction for conversational awareness, and choose whether or not media playback should automatically connect to your AirPods. View the full article