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The landscape of work has fundamentally shifted. Hybrid and remote models are no longer niche, but the norm for countless organizations, from agile startups to sprawling enterprises. This evolution has placed video conferencing at the epicenter of productivity and collaboration. View the full article

If you're in the market for a laptop, you have no shortage of choices. But unless you need something with exceptionally powerful hardware or are operating on a very tight budget, I'm here to end your search right now: You should buy the M4 MacBook Air, especially while it's on sale for $749 before Black Friday. M4 MacBook Air $749.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $749.00 at Best Buy $999.00 Save $250.00 Apple's latest MacBook Air is, without a doubt in my mind, the best laptop for most people—at least for people who don't need to run Windows. This is an entry-level machine, but it doesn't feel like it: The laptop comes with Apple's M4 chip, which was until very recently the company's newest hardware. (That being said, there is no M5 MacBook Air yet, so this is still the best Air on the market.) Apple's M-series is excellent: In fact, the M1 MacBook Air is still a great machine five years after its release. You kind of can't go wrong with any M-series MacBook at this time, though the newer the hardware, the better the performance—a perk to this M4 Air. But M4 is almost an afterthought for me compared to this machine's 16GB of RAM. For years, Apple only included 8GB of RAM with its base model machines. That was enough for smaller, simpler tasks, but once you started trying to do too much at once, you ran into problems. 8GB of RAM doesn't go as far as it used to, so the fact that this machine doubles that memory without impacting the price is a major win. That said, this configuration does come with 256GB of storage, which could pose a problem for anyone who stores large files on their computers. My favorite thing about the M4, however? The price. When Apple released this machine back in March, I was impressed by how much value one could get for $999. In fact, it convinced me to move on from recommending the M2 MacBook Air, even when the latter was on sale. But despite how new it is, the M4 MacBook Air has also seen discounts this year. Now, ahead of Black Friday, the machine is $250 cheaper at Amazon and Best Buy than at Apple. That's simply a fantastic deal. Should you buy an older MacBook for less?Of course, there are other, cheaper MacBooks out there. You can save another $50 and opt for the M2 MacBook Air, which also has 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. And if you don't need your machine to be brand-new, you can find refurbished M1 MacBook Airs for under $500. Any of these laptops will work great in 2025, but there are drawbacks: The M1 only has 8GB of RAM and it retains Apple's older MacBook Air design. The M2 MacBook Air looks identical to its M4 counterpart, but it is three years old. By spending the extra $50 on the newer Air, you may eke another two to three years of software updates out of your machine—not to mention the immediate performance gains from the new chip. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $117.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In planning meetings, in brainstorms, in the messy moments when decisions need to be made before all the information is in, AI is my copilot. But not in the “cute robot helper” way. I treat it like my sharpest strategist, fastest researcher, and most unflinching truth-teller. As the CEO of Quantious, a future-forward marketing agency that works with tech companies, my job is to stay fast, smart, and endlessly curious; not just for myself, but for my clients. Having executive-level AI by my side is how I operate at scale without sacrificing strategy or soul. Forget about the “hype” of AI. Let’s talk about what it really takes to work smarter, experiment faster, and free up time to be a creative leader—something that you cannot automate. 1. AI is my executive sparring partner When you’re running a fast-growing company, you’re constantly making judgement calls without all of the details. Most people want ChatGPT to flatter them. I want it to challenge me. I run new product ideas, positioning statements, and brand hypotheses through AI to surface the cracks I didn’t see. I use it to model outcomes, debate assumptions, and yes, poke holes in the “perfect” plan I thought I had. Your team might be too polite to challenge you. AI won’t be, if you train it well. Start every session with a persona, such as: “You are my chief strategy officer. Your job is to challenge mediocrity and raise red flags.” Train it over time by giving feedback: “That’s too agreeable. Give me a sharper POV” or “This sounds like fluff. Get specific.” And really push it to dig deeper instead of giving you a standard response: “This idea solves the problem, but I don’t think it’s the best solution. Push me toward something bolder or more efficient. How would someone with 10x my time/resources/experience approach it differently?” You may be surprised where this back-and-forth can take you. 2. I use AI to protect my most valuable asset: Strategic attention The less time I spend on routine admin tasks, the more time I have to steer the ship. AI is my secret weapon for clearing out the clutter. I use Bluedot to record and transcribe meetings—saving me and my team hours in cleaning up and consolidating notes, and turning around recaps and next steps in minutes. And if I need a detail from the discussion, I can even query the transcript to get the info I need, and all the context around it. To start using AI for attention management, begin with one task you do often (summarizing docs, doing premeeting research, writing recap emails) and let AI take a pass. If you want to think strategically, you need space to think. AI gives it to you. 3. I never miss a market beat I don’t have time to read every analyst report or listen to every podcast (who does?!) but I need those insights. AI curates the signal from the noise. Perplexity Deep Research turns complex trend reports into briefs to share with my team, or even my clients. Waldo gives me market snapshots faster than a team of analysts. I’ve also dabbled in AI-powered podcasts, which summarize the most important industry news so I can catch up while on the go. They supplement my other favorite podcasts, so I’m always armed with the latest trends and biggest industry moves. 4. I baked AI into the org chart At Quantious, AI isn’t a department. It’s a utility, like Wi-Fi or electricity. Every team has access to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Slack AI. Designers use it to explore creative variations. Ops uses it to document processes faster. Marketers draft content 10 times faster. The tech isn’t the point. The enablement is. While not every team member taps into these tools on a daily basis, having them in the toolkit keeps the door wide open for experimentation. I’ve said it before: AI has made remote work more productive, seamless, and well-documented. We don’t just integrate AI into workflows; we integrate it into our collective intelligence. Because the point isn’t to do more faster, it is meant to elevate how we operate, across the board. Remember, AI isn’t the intern. It’s your most strategic hire. The truth is: Your team doesn’t need you to be a prompt engineer. They need you to be an AI-literate leader. AI is no longer a tool in your workflow. It’s a seat at your table. Treat it like a trusted advisor, and you’ll make sharper decisions, faster, without sacrificing strategy or soul. Lisa Larson-Kelley is founder and CEO of Quantious. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday is nearly upon us. From the day after Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, you will be inundated with deals from stores and companies alike. But even before Black Friday officially begins, stores are putting up discounts. As Lifehacker's tech editor, I've combed through the various tech deals across stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart to find the offers actually worth considering. While there aren't a huge number of excellent deals running at the moment, there are some good ones you can take advantage of right now. In fact, many of the deals are on last-gen devices—I've included those that are still worth picking up in 2025, especially at these discounts. Keep your eyes out over the next couple weeks, too: As we get closer to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I imagine way more deals will start rolling out. The best early Black Friday deals on laptops M4 MacBook Air (13-inch) $749.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $749.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $250.00 M4 MacBook Air (13-inch): $749 at Amazon (was $999): Without a doubt, my favorite early Black Friday laptop deal is this price cut on the M4 MacBook Air. For $750, you get the latest M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It's a fantastic package for anyone who needs a laptop for everyday tasks—though these chips can be pushed further than you'd think. If you need extra RAM or storage, Amazon is selling the 512GB model for $949, and the 512GB/24GB of RAM model for $1,149. M2 MacBook Air (13-inch): $699 at Best Buy (was $799): If your maximum budget is $700, the M2 MacBook Air is a great choice. This MacBook Air looks and feels the same as the M4 model, and also comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. However, you do get an M2 chip, which is two generations behind the M4. I personally think the future-proofing you get with the M4 is worth the extra $50, but the M2 MacBook Air is still a lot of computer for its current price. Dell 16 Plus Copilot+ PC (16-inch): $999.99 at Best Buy (was $1,599.99): Despite the Copilot+ PC name, this Dell 16 Plus laptop is a great value for the price. This laptop comes with a 16-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 3.3GHz Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2 chip with 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Best Buy is taking $600 off as part of its early Black Friday sale. Galaxy Book4 (16-inch): $1,199.99 at Best Buy (was $1,899.99): This Galaxy Book4 comes with a 2,880 by 1,800 AMOLED panel, with a refresh rate of 120Hz. It runs a 3.8 GHz Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 1 chip with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Best Buy currently has it $700 off. The best early Black Friday deals on tablets iPad A16 $299.00 at Best Buy $349.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Best Buy $349.00 Save $50.00 iPad A16: $299 at Amazon (was $349): Apple sells a lot of iPads, but its most affordable model might be enough for most people. The tablet comes with an 11-inch display, Apple's A16 chip, and 128GB of storage. It won't be as powerful as one of Apple's M-series iPads, and the display can't compete with the OLED iPad Pros, but for $300, this is a great tablet. iPad Pro (11-inch): $899 at Best Buy (was $999): If you want the most powerful and feature-filled iPad Apple makes, the 11-inch Pro is currently $100 off. This model comes with Apple's M4 chip, 256GB of storage, and an OLED display. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite: $159.99 at Amazon (was $329): Samsung's Tab S6 Lite is a good choice for anyone looking for a solid yet affordable Android tablet. This model comes with a 10.4-inch display, 64GB of storage, and Samsung's S Pen. It's currently $170 off at Amazon. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE: $359.99 at Amazon (was $499.99): Samsung's S10 FE tablet is $130 off right now. It comes with a 10.9-inch 90Hz display, 128GB of storage, and Samsung's S Pen. If you looking for alternatives, Samsung actually has a number of other tablets on sale at Amazon as part of its early Black Friday promotion. The best early Black Friday deals on phones Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $1,057.91 at Amazon $1,419.99 Save $362.08 Get Deal Get Deal $1,057.91 at Amazon $1,419.99 Save $362.08 Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: $534.99 at Amazon (was $709.99): Samsung's "budget" Galaxy S25 device is normally over $700, but is currently 25% off before Black Friday. The phone comes with 256GB of storage, an Exynos 2400 chip with 8GB of RAM, and a 6.7-inch 1080p display. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: $1,057.91 at Amazon (was $1,419.99): Samsung's most expensive flagship smartphone is also 25% off, which takes more than $360 off the list price. The S25 Ultra comes with 512GB of storage, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12GB of RAM, and a 6.9-inch 1440p display. The best early Black Friday deals on smartwatches Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $159.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $89.01 Get Deal Get Deal $159.99 at Amazon $249.00 Save $89.01 Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 at Walmart (was $249): While Apple currently sells the third-generation Apple Watch SE, the second-gen is still a great smartwatch. Walmart currently has it discounted by $80, whether you choose the 40mm GPS model or 44mm model. If you choose the latter, it'll cost you $199, down from $279. Apple Watch Ultra 2: $699 at Best Buy (was $799): Similarly, you can save $100 off the second-gen Apple Watch Ultra 2, if you don't mind that Apple currently sells an Apple Watch Ultra 3—but that will cost you at least $180 more at this time. The Ultra 2 gives you a large 49mm display with up to 3,000 nits of brightness. It also comes with "pro" features like 100m of water resistance and a 40m depth gauge made for scuba and snorkeling, and a battery life of up to 36 hours. Apple Watch Series 10: $249 at Best Buy (was $499): Apple's latest Apple Watch Series 11 is nearly $50 off at Walmart. But you can save another $100 by going with the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 10. Garmin vívoactive 5: $199 at Best Buy (was $299): Garmin is in a similar boat to the Apple Watches above, as the vívoactive 5 is now a last-gen product. Still, it comes with a 42mm display, a host of workout features (like sleep tracking, respiration rate, activity vs. inactivity), and 264 hours of runtime. The best early Black Friday deals on headphones and earbuds AirPods Pro 2 $139.00 at Walmart $184.79 Save $45.79 Get Deal Get Deal $139.00 at Walmart $184.79 Save $45.79 AirPods Pro 2: $139 at Walmart (was $239): If you don't want to spend the $249 on Apple's AirPods Pro 3, the second-gen Pros are kind of a steal at $139. They still offer great sound, noise cancellation, and Transparency, and you save $110 against Apple's latest model. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $249 at Amazon (was $299): Bose is known for both sound quality and noise cancellation, and while the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are a bit pricey, they're currently $50 off. JBL Tune Buds: $39.95 at Amazon (was $99.95): Wireless earbuds can get expensive, so it's refreshing to have a discount like this on JBL's Tune Buds. The buds are normally just under $100, but before Black Friday, they're $60 off. Sony WH-1000XM5: $248 at Amazon (was $399.99): If I didn't already have a pair of AirPods Max, these would be the headphones I'd pick up. Sony's WH-1000XM series is one of the best, and while they aren't as expensive as Apple's over-the-ear headphones, they're still pretty pricey. Amazon currently has them discounted by 38%. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $117.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Nvidia forecast fourth-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, betting on booming demand for its AI chips from cloud providers against the backdrop of widespread concerns of an artificial intelligence bubble. The results from the AI chip leader mark a defining moment for Wall Street, as global markets looked to the chip designer to determine if investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure expansion had resulted in towering valuations that potentially outpaced fundamentals. The world’s most valuable company expects fiscal fourth-quarter sales of $65 billion, plus or minus 2%, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $61.66 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Shares of the AI market bellwether rose over 4% in extended trading. Ahead of the results, doubts had pushed Nvidia shares down nearly 8% in November, after a 1,200% surge in the past three years. The broader market has declined almost 3% this month. Still, analysts and investors widely expected the underlying demand for AI chips, which has powered Nvidia results since ChatGPT’s launch in late 2022, to remain strong. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said last month the company has $500 billion in bookings for its advanced chips through 2026. Big Tech, among Nvidia’s largest customers, has doubled down on spending to expand AI data centers and snatch the most advanced, pricey chips as it commits to multi-billion, multi-gigawatt build outs. Microsoft reported a record capital expenditure of nearly $35 billion for its fiscal first quarter last month, with roughly half of it spent primarily on chips. Nvidia expects an adjusted gross margin of 75%, plus or minus 50 basis points in the fourth quarter, compared with the market expectation of 74.5%. —Arsheeya Bajwa and Stephen Nellis, Reuters View the full article

Since beginning his second term in office, President The President has taken a sledgehammer to climate action. His administration has made plans to expand offshore oil and gas drilling, canceled billions of dollars in clean energy projects, rolled back tax credits for EVs, pulled the United States out of the Paris climate agreement, released a report that downplays the risks of climate change, and on and on. Climate experts have been vocal about the fact that The President sets back climate action, which puts the entire world at risk. The U.S. is the second-most polluting country in the world, behind only China, which has been investing heavily in renewable power, and China’s total emissions have been dropping as a result. Now, a new analysis by ProPublica and the Guardian attempts to quantify what that setback could actually look like. What the analysis found The President’s anti-climate policies could release so many extra greenhouse gases over the next decade that they could lead to as many as 1.3 million more temperature-related deaths globally, in the 80 years after 2035, the analysis found. That estimate covers heat-related deaths, minus the fewer deaths that will occur from cold temperatures. Already, heat is the leading cause of all weather-related deaths, and climate change has led to a noticeable uptick in heat related deaths. In the U.S. alone, heat-related deaths have increased by more than 50% since 2000, according to the Yale School of Public Health. The 1.3 million excess deaths does not include, the outlets note, the “massive number of deaths” from climate change’s broader impacts, like droughts, floods, diseases, hurricanes, wildfires, and even lower crop yields. The number is, admittedly, a small figure when compared to the total number of deaths caused by temperatures changing because of climate change. A 2021 study on the “mortality costs of carbon” projected that, between 2020 and 2100, the planet will see 83 million temperature-related excess deaths under a “business as usual” emissions scenario. The ProPublica/Guardian analysis acknowledges this, but adds that the figure attributed to The President’s policies speaks “to the human cost of prioritizing U.S. corporate interests over the lives of people around the globe.” How the research was conducted To conduct the analysis, the outlets used scientific models to estimate how many additional emissions will be released into the atmosphere because of The President’s policies. They also took into account the “mortality cost of carbon” metric, which predicts temperature-related deaths from emissions. In responses to questions from ProPublica and the Guardian, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contested the science underpinning their analysis, dismissing it as “moral posturing.” It added that the core calculation method ignores “the dramatic uncertainties that dominate long-term climate projections.” But climate scientists say the metric is valid, they report. “Prior to The President, we had the most ambitious climate policy that the U.S. has ever come up with—our best effort to date by far of addressing this growing problem,” Marshall Burke, an economist at the Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University, told the Guardian. “When we roll these things back,” he added, “it is fundamentally affecting the damages we’re going to see around the world.” View the full article

Rocket enters the crowded DSCR market with a product for experienced investors, joining rivals as non-QM lending grows and demand for single-family rentals stays strong. View the full article

The gap between the richest and poorest Americans is widening in what Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has called a “bifurcated economy,” as the cost of living skyrockets from housing to food prices, but wages for most workers remain stagnant. Basically, high-income individuals are doing well, while lower-income consumers are struggling more and more. That situation has sparked discussions about whether we’re in a so-called “K-shaped economy.” A K-shaped economy—coined after the shape of the letter: a horizontal line marked by two lines, one going lower, the other going up—happens when the economy is rolling along, and suddenly loses steam and begins to drop. And then, after a period, the Fed comes in and lowers interest rates to get things going again, professor Peter Ricchiuti at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business told Fast Company. Simply put, in a K-shaped economy, the Federal Reserve sees the economy weakening, possibly leading to a recession, so it lowers interest rates to stimulate the economy to try and avoid that. “This action really benefits the upper class as it makes the value of their investments rise (stocks, bonds and real estate),” Ricchiuti explains. “More often than not, the wealthy are better off than when the downturn began.” “Meanwhile, the middle class is hurt even more,” he continues. “If they have any savings, at all, it’s invested in money market funds and bank CDs. These now offer lower returns because interest rates on those instruments have been lowered.” But “it’s not the Fed’s fault,” Ricchiuti adds. “The most powerful tool in [the Federal Reserve’s] tool box is lowering interest rates. They’re trying to boost the economy but, in doing so they are widening the economic gap.” So, are we headed to a recession? “I do think the economy is slowing down and potentially moving into recessionary conditions that may show up next year,” Melina Murren Vosse, assistant professor of finance at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business, told Fast Company. “Talk of the AI bubble, general overvaluations, and global trade uncertainty seem to be making markets squeamish lately.” Ricchiuti says it’s “tricky” to tell whether we’re heading to a recession, “because unemployment number are the key indicator of a recession and we haven’t gotten unemployment levels for quite some time.” “There just isn’t enough information to feel really comfortable making a determination,” he says. That’s in part because the The President Administration fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which collects, crunches, and publishes those unemployment numbers. On August 1, President Donald The President ordered the firing of Erika McEntarfer after the agency released a report that showed hiring had slowed down significantly over the past three months. Then, a government shutdown further delayed the collection and release of the numbers. The BLS last released unemployment numbers for the month of August. We are still waiting on September and October numbers, and the BLS said it will not release a full U.S. jobs report for October until it has a full report for November, which it also pushed back to December 16. Generally speaking, a recession is when there are two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth, but it’s impossible to determine if that’s happened, because the numbers haven’t come out. However, Ricchiuti notes that even though people fear a recession, it generally lasts only a year, while an economic expansion lasts seven years, he says. So even if you’re fearing a recession, it may be more temporary than it might seem. View the full article

Group’s earnings are a bellwether for the health of the artificial intelligence sectorView the full article

Outflows come as inflows from foreign investors help propel FTSE 100 to record highView the full article

I am a frequent user of Google's NotebookLM, an AI tool that functions similarly to ChatGPT and other LLMs, but only pulls from sources and materials the user inputs. I noticed a few days ago that it has a new feature: A research function divided into "fast research" and "deep research." After playing around with it a little, these new features seem to completely defeat the purpose of why I started using NotebookLM in the first place—with one big exception. What the new "fast research" and "deep research" options in NotebookLM doIn short, "fast research" and "deep research" make NotebookLM work a lot like other AI tools—they pull information in from the web on your behalf—and that's the primary reason I don't see myself using them. When you use the deep research tool, you enter in what you want to research as a topic in the left panel, where you also typically store all the PDFs, links, and other materials you manually inputted as the sources for NotebookLM to pull from. This is where it differs from the premise NotebookLM has basically been built on since it was launched: The software searches the internet for sources, broadening the selection of materials the generated quizzes, podcasts, summaries, and flashcards will pull from. Before this update, it was entirely on you to find and input your own sources. The fast research tool is similar. Instead of finding the sources and generating a long report, it just suggests a handful of new sources for you to consider. Credit: Google Whether using deep or fast research mode, you have the option to deselect sources if you don't like them, but it's tricky to review them. I tried it on a Notebook I have set up to study for my upcoming personal training certification exam. It spit out a selection of titles like "Free NASM Practice Test," shown above on the left. I had to click the "7 more links" link to expand the panel, which then revealed where the sources were from and gave me the chance to open them in a new tab to review them before agreeing to import them (shown on the right). Finding and assessing sources on my own is a crucial first step in my learning and brainstorming process, so I don't see myself ever using this. The reason I love using NotebookLM is that it doesn't do the work for me. It's still my responsibility to go out and find all the sources I need, then input them so it can help me synthesize the contents. I use it for studying, for work, and to organize my personal projects. None of those things benefit much from random outside sourcing. And, as is a risk with all AI tools, there's no guarantee it will find sources that are credible (again, it found me a Reddit thread I could have easily found for myself). The one useful new feature in the NotebookLM updateWhen you're inputting the topic you want NotebookLM to research, you'll notice a dropdown menu. It's automatically set to "Web," meaning it will pull sources from the internet, but you can also set it to go through your Google Drive instead. That is helpful. I keep everything related to all my projects in distinct Drive folders already. Using this feature can help me input all the relevant materials when I need them instead of having to add them in manually, one by one. That's the sort of utility I have been enjoying NotebookLM for over the past few months. View the full article

Insurance marketplace calls in lawyers to probe potential failings days after collapse of John Neal’s appointment to AIG View the full article

The Labor Department said Wednesday that it will not be releasing a full jobs report for October because the 43-day federal government shutdown meant it couldn’t calculate the unemployment rate and some other key numbers. Instead, it will release some of the October jobs data — most importantly the number of jobs that employers created last month — along with the full November jobs report, now due a couple of weeks late on Dec. 16. The department’s “employment situation” report usually comes out the first Friday of the month. But the government shutdown disrupted data collection and delayed the release of the reports. For example, the September jobs report, now coming out Thursday, was originally due Oct. 3. The monthly jobs report consists of two parts: a survey of households that is used to determine the unemployment rate, among other things; and the “establishment” survey of companies, nonprofits and government agencies that is used to track job creation, wages and other measurements of labor market health. The Labor Department said Wednesday that the household survey for October could not be conducted because of the shutdown and could not be done retroactively. But it was able to collect the hiring numbers from employers, and those will come out with the full November report. Wednesday’s announcement means the September jobs numbers will likely get extra scrutiny Thursday. They are the last full measurement of hiring and unemployment that Federal Reserve policymakers will see before they meet Dec. 9-10 and decide whether to cut their benchmark interest rate for the third time this year. The jobs numbers have lately been contentious. After the July jobs report proved disappointing, President Donald The President abruptly fired the official responsible for collecting the data, Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner Erika McEntarfer. McEntarfer herself was quick to say there was nothing suspicious about Wednesday’s announcement. “No conspiracy here, folks,” she posted on the social media site Bluesky. “BLS was entirely shutdown for six weeks. Payroll data from firms can be retroactively collected for October. The household survey cannot be conducted retrospectively. This is just a straightforward consequence of having all field staff furloughed for over a month.” ____ This story has been corrected to show that the September jobs report is coming out Thursday, not Friday. —Paul Wiseman, AP economics writer AP Economics Writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this report. View the full article

Back in the Windows XP days, when the only search functionality was a cartoon dog in the sidebar of Windows Explorer (not a joke), Google released Google Desktop. If you installed the application, you could search the files on your computer the same way you could search the web. The application made finding your own documents quick—as a small town reporter in northern Alberta, I constantly used this service to dig through my old notes and previous articles. The service was shut down in 2011, announced via a blog post, which stated that the feature was no longer necessary in the cloud storage era. And that was the end of Google offering to search files on your computer—until now. Back in September, Google announced an experimental Windows-only application named "Google App for Windows" that, among other things, searches the files on your computer. Nostalgic person that I am, I couldn't help but wonder: was this going to be similar to the retro offering? So I gave it a shot. The installation requires opting in to an "experiment" using your Google account, then downloading and installing an application. After that, you can bring up a search by using the keyboard shortcut Alt+Space, which brings up a search bar. You can use this to search for files on your computer, your Google Drive, and information on the web. The actual file search doesn't seem particularly sophisticated. While the retro Google Desktop could search the contents of files, the Google App for Windows seems to mostly only be aware of file names. That's disappointing—I liked being able to figure out which files I mentioned particular names, or try to find the source of a sentence I remember writing. This local search functionality honestly isn't much better than the search that comes with Windows. What this new app can do, though, is search your Google Drive. I was able to quickly find and open files I'd created in Google Docs, then open them in one click. The ability to search these cloud docs alongside my local ones in one place is a decent reason to give this application a chance. Credit: Justin Pot And there are also a few web-based features. If there are no files that match your search, you'll see Google search results—select any of those and you'll see an AI-generated blurb answering your question. If you'd prefer traditional Google search results, you can get those instead—just turn off "AI mode" by clicking your profile picture and turning off the AI Mode toggle. Finally, this application can be used to take a screenshot of your computer and answer questions related to it. For example, I took a snap of my desktop wallpaper—a photo my wife took in New Zealand—and got an accurate description of the location. Credit: Justin Pot The feature is similar to those offered by the desktop application of ChatGPT and Claude, just powered by Google's AI instead of those tools. I'm not sure I'd find myself using this regularly, but it's an interesting idea. The Google App for Windows, sadly, isn't a resurrection of the long-dead Google Desktop, but it is an interesting tool that combines a simple local file search with results from your Google Drive and the web. It's worth playing around with if you're a dedicated Google user who still stores a lot of files on their computer. View the full article

Agentic AI is coming, whether you’re ready for it or not—a PwC survey published earlier this year found that 88% of U.S. companies are beefing up their agentic AI budgets, and a broad majority have adopted AI agents in some capacity. When it comes to using AI agents for shopping or in the commerce space, more than half of consumers are or will be doing so by the end of the year. But many people still aren’t quite sure how or when to use AI agents. They may not know where to find them, how to prompt them, and in some cases, if the agent they are interacting with is legit or potentially a disguised bad actor. Fetch, an AI firm founded in 2017 in the U.K., is trying to make the transition to using AI agents for everyday tasks a bit easier and smooth out some of those issues. On Wednesday, the company launched three new products: ASI:One, a new LLM interface for interacting with agents; Fetch Business, a portal allowing brands and companies to claim and verify brand agents (similar to a social media-inspired verification system); and Agentverse, a directory and depository of more than two million AI agents. Perhaps the most interesting new product, from a layman’s perspective, is ASI:One, an interface in which users can interact with AI agents and prompt them to perform certain tasks—such as book a vacation with all flights and hotels, or “buy me new shoes,” which would prompt specific brand agents for airlines, hotels, and even shoe brands to assist the user. Humayun Sheikh, Fetch’s founder & CEO, thinks that the interface will help people learn to utilize AI agents and navigate the agentic AI space in a similar way that Google helped people learn to navigate the broader internet decades ago. “Google created discoverability and trust for websites. We’re creating the same foundation for agents,” he said in a statement provided to Fast Company. There are already more than 1,000 verified brand agents on the platform, including companies such as Costco, Alaska Air, Pepsi, and Adidas. That means that users can interact directly with those agents—in a way that they may interact with a human employee—to get information related to prices, product information, and more. The hope, as Sheikh puts it, is that Fetch’s platform will help connect consumers directly with brands through agents and help create a new ecosystem in which AI agents have more utility to the general public in a more personal and pragmatic way. Further, Fetch hopes the “personal” element of its platform will help get consumers more specific information—differing from broader LLM models, such as ChatGPT. “Instead of just finding information, your personal AI coordinates with verified brand agents to get things done,” Sheikh said. “This isn’t searching for options separately and hoping they work together; it’s orchestration. Your personal AI understands how you make decisions, then works with brand agents that have real inventory, pricing, and booking capabilities.” AI agents are quickly moving from an abstract concept to everyday utility. Fetch is betting that clarity, trust, and verification will be the missing ingredients that help people some consumers who have been holding back on adopting the technology embrace it. If the company succeeds, the way we shop, book, plan, and interact with brands could feel less like surfing the web and more like delegating to a capable assistant—one that actually follows through. View the full article

401(k) administration is essential for managing retirement plans effectively and ensuring compliance with regulations like ERISA. It involves overseeing employee contributions, maintaining accurate records, and communicating investment options. Effective administration protects participant assets, minimizes fiduciary liabilities, and helps avoid costly penalties. By comprehending the key responsibilities and challenges in this area, you can better support employees in achieving their retirement goals. So, what specific strategies can improve your 401(k) administration efforts? Key Takeaways 401(k) administration involves managing retirement plans, ensuring compliance with ERISA, and overseeing employee contributions to protect plan integrity. Timely deposits and accurate record-keeping are crucial to avoid costly penalties and maintain fiduciary responsibility. Compliance with regulatory requirements, such as nondiscrimination testing and Form 5500 preparation, safeguards participants’ assets. Effective communication and educational resources enhance employee understanding of their retirement options and improve plan participation. Engaging professional administration services can streamline management, minimize errors, and alleviate administrative burdens for plan sponsors. Understanding 401(k) Administration Comprehension of 401(k) administration is vital for effectively managing a company’s retirement plan and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. As a 401(k) plan administrator, you oversee employee contributions, ensuring their timely deposit within five days to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Compliance with ERISA is fundamental, as it protects the plan’s integrity and minimizes personal liability for fiduciaries. The 401(k) administration involves not just processing contributions but also keeping accurate records and notifying employees about their eligibility. Failing to adhere to these responsibilities can lead to significant penalties, including excise taxes. Engaging a 3(16) fiduciary can help alleviate administrative burdens, ensuring you meet fiduciary responsibilities while maintaining compliance and safeguarding the interests of your employees. Key Responsibilities of a 401(k) Administrator Managing a 401(k) plan involves a range of responsibilities that demand attention to detail and adherence to regulatory requirements. You’ll need to guarantee timely deposits of employee contributions within five days to avoid penalties. Regular communication with employees about their account status and investment options is fundamental. Moreover, you must manage 401(k) loan requests, documenting and processing them accurately to prevent financial liabilities. Compliance with annual tasks is critical, including conducting nondiscrimination testing and preparing Form 5500, which helps avoid audits and penalties. Maintaining accurate records and guaranteeing alignment between payroll and the 401(k) provider are essential for compliance with 401k employer match rules and successful 401k contributions to 401k plans. The Role of Compliance in 401(k) Administration Compliance with ERISA is crucial for ensuring the integrity of your 401(k) plan and protecting participant assets. With 66% of DOL investigations resulting in enforcement actions last year, it’s clear that strict adherence to compliance regulations can prevent significant financial repercussions. ERISA Compliance Requirements ERISA compliance is crucial for the successful administration of a 401(k) plan, guaranteeing that both plan sponsors and administrators avoid potential penalties and maintain the plan’s integrity. Comprehending the 401k plankmeaning helps you appreciate the 401k advantages it offers, such as tax benefits and retirement savings. Compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act requires timely depositing deferrals and conducting nondiscrimination testing to confirm equitable benefits. Accurate completion of Form 5500 is critical to avoid audits and financial penalties. To simplify compliance tasks, consider hiring a 3(16) fiduciary, who can efficiently manage administrative responsibilities, making certain that all requirements are met and reducing the risk of costly mistakes, in the end protecting your plan’s integrity. DOL Investigation Statistics The significance of compliance in 401(k) administration becomes even clearer when examining the statistics from the Department of Labor (DOL). In 2022, 66% of DOL investigations led to enforcement actions, showcasing the risks 401(k) plan administrators face. The DOL recovered $900 million as a result of compliance failures, emphasizing the financial ramifications of not adhering to regulations. Compliance with ERISA is essential for safeguarding employee retirement savings and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. Late deposits can incur severe penalties, making it critical to stay compliant. Year Investigations Enforcement Actions 2020 500 300 2021 600 400 2022 700 462 2023 800 TBD 2024 TBD TBD Importance of Accuracy When managing a 401(k) plan, accuracy is paramount, as even small errors can lead to significant consequences. Compliance failures can result in costly penalties and audits, making it vital to maintain precision. Here are four key areas where accuracy is critical: Loan Processing: Errors can lead to financial liabilities for your company. Late Deposits: These may incur excise taxes and fines. Nondiscrimination Testing: Failing this can require corrective distributions or contributions. Form 5500: Mistakes can trigger government audits and substantial financial penalties. Ensuring accuracy in 401(k) administration not merely protects your organization from DOL investigations but additionally preserves the integrity of the retirement plan for all participants. Common Challenges in 401(k) Management When managing a 401(k), you’ll face several common challenges that can impact the plan’s effectiveness. Regulatory compliance issues can lead to costly penalties if not addressed quickly, whereas the administrative burden often overwhelms those responsible for maintaining the plan. Furthermore, participant communication challenges can create confusion, making it vital to guarantee clear and timely information is shared with all employees involved. Regulatory Compliance Issues Maneuvering regulatory compliance issues in 401(k) management is crucial for plan sponsors, as failing to meet requirements can lead to significant penalties and enforcement actions. Here are some common challenges you may face: Timely deposits of contributions, which must be made within five days of payroll. Accurate processing of loan requests to prevent financial liabilities for your organization. Adhering to nondiscrimination testing requirements to guarantee equitable benefits and avoid penalties. Completing and submitting Form 5500 accurately to prevent audits and financial repercussions. Compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is critical to maintain the integrity of your 401(k) plan. Addressing these issues proactively can help safeguard against costly penalties and guarantee smooth plan operations. Administrative Burden Managing a 401(k) plan comes with a host of administrative burdens that can overwhelm even the most diligent plan administrators. You face strict deadlines, such as the timely deposit of deferrals within five days, to avoid penalties. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can lead to costly consequences, illustrated by the 66% of DOL investigations resulting in enforcement actions. Moreover, annual nondiscrimination testing adds complexity, as failing these tests may require corrective actions. Maintaining accurate data synchronization between payroll and the 401(k) provider is essential, as manual data transfers heighten the risk of compliance failures. Challenge Impact Solution Timely Deposit of Deferrals Penalties for late deposits Automate deposits Regulatory Compliance Enforcement actions Regular audits Nondiscrimination Testing Corrective contributions needed Hire compliance experts Data Synchronization Increased risk of errors Use integrated systems Participant Communication Challenges Effective communication with participants is a fundamental aspect of 401(k) management that often presents its own set of challenges. These participant communication challenges can lead to misunderstandings about 401(k) options, contributing to employee dissatisfaction. To tackle these issues, consider the following strategies: Regular Updates: Keep participants informed about contribution rates and eligibility to prevent missed opportunities. Clear Educational Resources: Provide accessible information about the 401(k) plan and investment strategies to help employees make informed decisions. Prompt Responses: Address inquiries and complaints quickly to maintain trust and reduce administrative burdens. Compliance Notices: Guarantee timely distribution of required notices regarding compliance changes to avoid penalties and potential plan disqualification. Strategies for Effective 401(k) Administration To guarantee the smooth administration of a 401(k) plan, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that minimize errors and improve compliance with regulatory requirements. Start by comprehending how to set up a 401(k) and ensuring that all employees are informed about their 401k contribution options. Simplifying plan design can reduce administrative burdens, whereas digital tools can help synchronize payroll and retirement systems, decreasing the risk of mistakes. Engage a 3(16) fiduciary to alleviate your administrative responsibilities and focus on business priorities. Remember, employer contributions affect 401k limits, so stay informed about contribution rules. Regularly review compliance requirements to avoid costly mistakes, as even small errors, like incorrect deferral rates, can complicate audits and lead to penalties. The Benefits of Professional Administration Services Employers looking to optimize their 401(k) plans can greatly benefit from professional administration services. These services help guarantee compliance with complex regulations, which is vital for avoiding costly compliance failures. Here are some key benefits: They assure timely deposits of employee contributions within the required five-day window, reducing the risk of penalties. Professional administrators assume fiduciary responsibility, alleviating personal liability for plan sponsors. They improve participant satisfaction by enhancing communication and support for employees regarding their accounts. Expert oversight minimizes errors, guaranteeing accurate processing of 401(k) contributions and distributions. Utilizing these services not just streamlines plan management but also cultivates a more compliant and engaged workforce, eventually benefiting your organization’s bottom line. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Role of a 401K Administrator? As a 401(k) administrator, you oversee the retirement plan, ensuring compliance with legal requirements like ERISA. Your role includes processing contributions, maintaining accurate records, and communicating investment options to employees. You’re responsible for timely deposits within five days and addressing inquiries about account statuses. What Is 401K Administration? 401(k) administration involves managing a company’s retirement plan to guarantee it runs smoothly and complies with legal standards. You’re responsible for processing employee contributions, distributing funds when requested, and keeping accurate records. This includes notifying employees about their eligibility, timely deposits, and managing loans. Regular audits and compliance checks are essential to avoid penalties. By overseeing these tasks, you help employees effectively save for retirement while minimizing legal risks for the company. What Is a 401K and Why Is It Important? A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that allows you to save a portion of your paycheck before taxes. It’s important as it often includes employer matching contributions, enhancing your savings. This plan grows tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay taxes on the money until you withdraw it in retirement. How Do 401K Administrators Make Money? 401(k) administrators make money primarily through fees charged to plan sponsors. These can include administrative fees, which typically range from $500 to $2,000 annually, depending on the plan’s complexity. Many likewise charge per-participant fees, which can be between $10 and $100 each year. Furthermore, some administrators earn commissions on financial products offered within the plan, aligning their income with the investment choices participants make. This revenue model can generate significant income within the retirement services market. Conclusion In conclusion, effective 401(k) administration is essential for ensuring compliance, protecting employee assets, and minimizing legal risks. By grasping the key responsibilities and challenges involved, you can implement strategies that improve plan management. Utilizing professional administration services can streamline processes and provide expertise, helping your organization navigate complex regulations. In the end, prioritizing effective administration not just supports your employees’ retirement goals but additionally safeguards your organization from costly penalties and audits, ensuring a secure financial future for everyone involved. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is 401k Administration and Its Importance?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

401(k) administration is essential for managing retirement plans effectively and ensuring compliance with regulations like ERISA. It involves overseeing employee contributions, maintaining accurate records, and communicating investment options. Effective administration protects participant assets, minimizes fiduciary liabilities, and helps avoid costly penalties. By comprehending the key responsibilities and challenges in this area, you can better support employees in achieving their retirement goals. So, what specific strategies can improve your 401(k) administration efforts? Key Takeaways 401(k) administration involves managing retirement plans, ensuring compliance with ERISA, and overseeing employee contributions to protect plan integrity. Timely deposits and accurate record-keeping are crucial to avoid costly penalties and maintain fiduciary responsibility. Compliance with regulatory requirements, such as nondiscrimination testing and Form 5500 preparation, safeguards participants’ assets. Effective communication and educational resources enhance employee understanding of their retirement options and improve plan participation. Engaging professional administration services can streamline management, minimize errors, and alleviate administrative burdens for plan sponsors. Understanding 401(k) Administration Comprehension of 401(k) administration is vital for effectively managing a company’s retirement plan and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. As a 401(k) plan administrator, you oversee employee contributions, ensuring their timely deposit within five days to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Compliance with ERISA is fundamental, as it protects the plan’s integrity and minimizes personal liability for fiduciaries. The 401(k) administration involves not just processing contributions but also keeping accurate records and notifying employees about their eligibility. Failing to adhere to these responsibilities can lead to significant penalties, including excise taxes. Engaging a 3(16) fiduciary can help alleviate administrative burdens, ensuring you meet fiduciary responsibilities while maintaining compliance and safeguarding the interests of your employees. Key Responsibilities of a 401(k) Administrator Managing a 401(k) plan involves a range of responsibilities that demand attention to detail and adherence to regulatory requirements. You’ll need to guarantee timely deposits of employee contributions within five days to avoid penalties. Regular communication with employees about their account status and investment options is fundamental. Moreover, you must manage 401(k) loan requests, documenting and processing them accurately to prevent financial liabilities. Compliance with annual tasks is critical, including conducting nondiscrimination testing and preparing Form 5500, which helps avoid audits and penalties. Maintaining accurate records and guaranteeing alignment between payroll and the 401(k) provider are essential for compliance with 401k employer match rules and successful 401k contributions to 401k plans. The Role of Compliance in 401(k) Administration Compliance with ERISA is crucial for ensuring the integrity of your 401(k) plan and protecting participant assets. With 66% of DOL investigations resulting in enforcement actions last year, it’s clear that strict adherence to compliance regulations can prevent significant financial repercussions. ERISA Compliance Requirements ERISA compliance is crucial for the successful administration of a 401(k) plan, guaranteeing that both plan sponsors and administrators avoid potential penalties and maintain the plan’s integrity. Comprehending the 401k plankmeaning helps you appreciate the 401k advantages it offers, such as tax benefits and retirement savings. Compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act requires timely depositing deferrals and conducting nondiscrimination testing to confirm equitable benefits. Accurate completion of Form 5500 is critical to avoid audits and financial penalties. To simplify compliance tasks, consider hiring a 3(16) fiduciary, who can efficiently manage administrative responsibilities, making certain that all requirements are met and reducing the risk of costly mistakes, in the end protecting your plan’s integrity. DOL Investigation Statistics The significance of compliance in 401(k) administration becomes even clearer when examining the statistics from the Department of Labor (DOL). In 2022, 66% of DOL investigations led to enforcement actions, showcasing the risks 401(k) plan administrators face. The DOL recovered $900 million as a result of compliance failures, emphasizing the financial ramifications of not adhering to regulations. Compliance with ERISA is essential for safeguarding employee retirement savings and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. Late deposits can incur severe penalties, making it critical to stay compliant. Year Investigations Enforcement Actions 2020 500 300 2021 600 400 2022 700 462 2023 800 TBD 2024 TBD TBD Importance of Accuracy When managing a 401(k) plan, accuracy is paramount, as even small errors can lead to significant consequences. Compliance failures can result in costly penalties and audits, making it vital to maintain precision. Here are four key areas where accuracy is critical: Loan Processing: Errors can lead to financial liabilities for your company. Late Deposits: These may incur excise taxes and fines. Nondiscrimination Testing: Failing this can require corrective distributions or contributions. Form 5500: Mistakes can trigger government audits and substantial financial penalties. Ensuring accuracy in 401(k) administration not merely protects your organization from DOL investigations but additionally preserves the integrity of the retirement plan for all participants. Common Challenges in 401(k) Management When managing a 401(k), you’ll face several common challenges that can impact the plan’s effectiveness. Regulatory compliance issues can lead to costly penalties if not addressed quickly, whereas the administrative burden often overwhelms those responsible for maintaining the plan. Furthermore, participant communication challenges can create confusion, making it vital to guarantee clear and timely information is shared with all employees involved. Regulatory Compliance Issues Maneuvering regulatory compliance issues in 401(k) management is crucial for plan sponsors, as failing to meet requirements can lead to significant penalties and enforcement actions. Here are some common challenges you may face: Timely deposits of contributions, which must be made within five days of payroll. Accurate processing of loan requests to prevent financial liabilities for your organization. Adhering to nondiscrimination testing requirements to guarantee equitable benefits and avoid penalties. Completing and submitting Form 5500 accurately to prevent audits and financial repercussions. Compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is critical to maintain the integrity of your 401(k) plan. Addressing these issues proactively can help safeguard against costly penalties and guarantee smooth plan operations. Administrative Burden Managing a 401(k) plan comes with a host of administrative burdens that can overwhelm even the most diligent plan administrators. You face strict deadlines, such as the timely deposit of deferrals within five days, to avoid penalties. Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can lead to costly consequences, illustrated by the 66% of DOL investigations resulting in enforcement actions. Moreover, annual nondiscrimination testing adds complexity, as failing these tests may require corrective actions. Maintaining accurate data synchronization between payroll and the 401(k) provider is essential, as manual data transfers heighten the risk of compliance failures. Challenge Impact Solution Timely Deposit of Deferrals Penalties for late deposits Automate deposits Regulatory Compliance Enforcement actions Regular audits Nondiscrimination Testing Corrective contributions needed Hire compliance experts Data Synchronization Increased risk of errors Use integrated systems Participant Communication Challenges Effective communication with participants is a fundamental aspect of 401(k) management that often presents its own set of challenges. These participant communication challenges can lead to misunderstandings about 401(k) options, contributing to employee dissatisfaction. To tackle these issues, consider the following strategies: Regular Updates: Keep participants informed about contribution rates and eligibility to prevent missed opportunities. Clear Educational Resources: Provide accessible information about the 401(k) plan and investment strategies to help employees make informed decisions. Prompt Responses: Address inquiries and complaints quickly to maintain trust and reduce administrative burdens. Compliance Notices: Guarantee timely distribution of required notices regarding compliance changes to avoid penalties and potential plan disqualification. Strategies for Effective 401(k) Administration To guarantee the smooth administration of a 401(k) plan, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that minimize errors and improve compliance with regulatory requirements. Start by comprehending how to set up a 401(k) and ensuring that all employees are informed about their 401k contribution options. Simplifying plan design can reduce administrative burdens, whereas digital tools can help synchronize payroll and retirement systems, decreasing the risk of mistakes. Engage a 3(16) fiduciary to alleviate your administrative responsibilities and focus on business priorities. Remember, employer contributions affect 401k limits, so stay informed about contribution rules. Regularly review compliance requirements to avoid costly mistakes, as even small errors, like incorrect deferral rates, can complicate audits and lead to penalties. The Benefits of Professional Administration Services Employers looking to optimize their 401(k) plans can greatly benefit from professional administration services. These services help guarantee compliance with complex regulations, which is vital for avoiding costly compliance failures. Here are some key benefits: They assure timely deposits of employee contributions within the required five-day window, reducing the risk of penalties. Professional administrators assume fiduciary responsibility, alleviating personal liability for plan sponsors. They improve participant satisfaction by enhancing communication and support for employees regarding their accounts. Expert oversight minimizes errors, guaranteeing accurate processing of 401(k) contributions and distributions. Utilizing these services not just streamlines plan management but also cultivates a more compliant and engaged workforce, eventually benefiting your organization’s bottom line. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Role of a 401K Administrator? As a 401(k) administrator, you oversee the retirement plan, ensuring compliance with legal requirements like ERISA. Your role includes processing contributions, maintaining accurate records, and communicating investment options to employees. You’re responsible for timely deposits within five days and addressing inquiries about account statuses. What Is 401K Administration? 401(k) administration involves managing a company’s retirement plan to guarantee it runs smoothly and complies with legal standards. You’re responsible for processing employee contributions, distributing funds when requested, and keeping accurate records. This includes notifying employees about their eligibility, timely deposits, and managing loans. Regular audits and compliance checks are essential to avoid penalties. By overseeing these tasks, you help employees effectively save for retirement while minimizing legal risks for the company. What Is a 401K and Why Is It Important? A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that allows you to save a portion of your paycheck before taxes. It’s important as it often includes employer matching contributions, enhancing your savings. This plan grows tax-deferred, meaning you won’t pay taxes on the money until you withdraw it in retirement. How Do 401K Administrators Make Money? 401(k) administrators make money primarily through fees charged to plan sponsors. These can include administrative fees, which typically range from $500 to $2,000 annually, depending on the plan’s complexity. Many likewise charge per-participant fees, which can be between $10 and $100 each year. Furthermore, some administrators earn commissions on financial products offered within the plan, aligning their income with the investment choices participants make. This revenue model can generate significant income within the retirement services market. Conclusion In conclusion, effective 401(k) administration is essential for ensuring compliance, protecting employee assets, and minimizing legal risks. By grasping the key responsibilities and challenges involved, you can implement strategies that improve plan management. Utilizing professional administration services can streamline processes and provide expertise, helping your organization navigate complex regulations. In the end, prioritizing effective administration not just supports your employees’ retirement goals but additionally safeguards your organization from costly penalties and audits, ensuring a secure financial future for everyone involved. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is 401k Administration and Its Importance?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Gifting season is coming up, and this affordable 2023 edition of the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet makes an easy, practical gift. A convenient way for kids aged 6-12 to consume Amazon content safely, it’s 45% off at $104.99 (originally $189.99) in three different colors, marking its lowest price ever. The tablet, which has won awards for its strong parental controls and earned an “Excellent” rating from PCMag, features built-in safeguards that enhance online security. It comes in a durable slim case with a kickstand handle and a 10.1-inch Full HD display (1920×1200) that kids can use for reading, playing games, or streaming their favorite shows. Camera quality is mediocre at 5 MP, but adequate for video calls. Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet $104.99 at Amazon $189.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal Get Deal $104.99 at Amazon $189.99 Save $85.00 An updated processor with two Arm Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05GHz and six Arm Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz makes it significantly faster than its predecessor, according to PCMag. The tablet can stream video for just under 10.5 hours on maximum brightness and takes around four hours to fully charge on a 9W power adaptor (closer to three hours with a 15W charger) It comes with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage (enough for everyday multitasking), as well as a free year of ad-free, Amazon Kids Plus content (otherwise $5 a month, or $8 for non-Prime members). It comes with a two-year warranty, which, along with the rugged case, can give you peace of mind for kids’ use. If you don’t want a tablet focused on Amazon-only content and services (or want one that they can grow into with more productivity apps and high-performance games), more versatile options like the iPad might be better (though they’ll come with a higher price tag). This tablet also doesn’t come with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E. That said, if your priorities are good hardware, a large, attractive screen, and enough processing power for multitasking, the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet is a budget-friendly option for monitored screen time or keeping kids entertained during car rides and flights. At around $100 right now, it’s one of the best kids’ tablets on the market. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds — $117.00 (List Price $129.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $294.99 (List Price $649.99) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (List Price $429.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Billionaire’s artificial intelligence company plans to raise $15bn View the full article

A new report compares Google rankings with citations from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, showing different overlap patterns. The post New Data Finds Gap Between Google Rankings And LLM Citations appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Minutes from central bank’s October meeting pointed to schism on direction of monetary policyView the full article

This holiday season, Canadian consumers will have a new way to shop—PayPal Pay in 4. This buy now, pay later (BNPL) option offers users the ability to split their purchases into four equal, interest-free payments, all without additional fees. As the latest addition to a growing trend in flexible payment options, this service arrives just in time for busy shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, allowing small businesses to enhance their customer experience. With millions of online retailers, including prominent names such as The Home Depot Canada and Ticketmaster opting into PayPal Pay in 4, consumers can expect simplified payment options for purchases ranging from $30 to $1,500. Automatic payments ensure that installments remain manageable, and with multiple funding options—debit, credit, or bank account—shoppers will find flexibility at checkout. Providing cost-effective options is crucial for small businesses looking to attract customers this holiday season. According to PayPal’s 2025 Festive Spending Survey, 60% of potential BNPL users said they would consider using the service if it came with no fees. This insight suggests significant demand among budget-conscious consumers. Michelle Gill, General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal, stated, “To meet demand for transparent and trusted payment options, PayPal’s Pay in 4 helps Canadians manage cash flow without late fees or hidden costs.” By offering this payment solution, small business owners can increase their conversion rates and sales. Studies indicate that businesses providing BNPL services see an 80% increase in average order values, which can significantly impact revenue during critical shopping periods. Shoppers are increasingly deliberate in their spending—74% of Canadians set a budget for holiday shopping and actively plan their purchases. Moreover, 31% express interest in using BNPL for appliances, and 30% for home décor and furniture. This trend suggests that offering BNPL could broaden the market for small retailers looking to cater to diverse consumer needs. While the benefits of adopting this payment method are compelling, small businesses should also evaluate potential challenges. Implementing a new payment option requires an assessment of whether their existing infrastructure can seamlessly integrate with PayPal Pay in 4. Businesses need to consider transaction fees and any necessary adjustments to their checkout processes. Remember, these fees can vary based on the merchant’s arrangement with PayPal. Moreover, consumer expectations are higher than ever; shoppers expect clarity and ease in payment options. Business owners must communicate the benefits of PayPal Pay in 4 clearly, ensuring customers understand there are no hidden fees involved. Small businesses should also harness marketing strategies to highlight this new offering, particularly during peak shopping seasons. Pattie Lovett-Reid, a financial commentator, emphasizes the importance of financial management during times of economic uncertainty: “Having flexible payment options that give you some breathing room, without fees or interest, is a great way to manage cash flow.” This sentiment underscores why small businesses might find value in adapting to consumer preferences for more flexible shopping solutions, especially as they prepare for the busy holiday season. In addition to enhancing the shopping experience, PayPal is collaborating with Cadillac Fairview to promote its Pay in 4 offering through festive in-person pop-ups in malls across key Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Such initiatives can attract more foot traffic and create additional visibility for participating businesses. For small business owners looking to thrive in a competitive retail environment, adopting PayPal Pay in 4 may not just be an advantage—it could become a necessity. By aligning with consumer demands for flexibility and cost transparency, businesses can position themselves more favorably as shopping habits evolve. For more details on PayPal Pay in 4, visit the official page here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "PayPal Launches No-Fee “Pay in 4” Option for Holiday Shoppers in Canada" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This holiday season, Canadian consumers will have a new way to shop—PayPal Pay in 4. This buy now, pay later (BNPL) option offers users the ability to split their purchases into four equal, interest-free payments, all without additional fees. As the latest addition to a growing trend in flexible payment options, this service arrives just in time for busy shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, allowing small businesses to enhance their customer experience. With millions of online retailers, including prominent names such as The Home Depot Canada and Ticketmaster opting into PayPal Pay in 4, consumers can expect simplified payment options for purchases ranging from $30 to $1,500. Automatic payments ensure that installments remain manageable, and with multiple funding options—debit, credit, or bank account—shoppers will find flexibility at checkout. Providing cost-effective options is crucial for small businesses looking to attract customers this holiday season. According to PayPal’s 2025 Festive Spending Survey, 60% of potential BNPL users said they would consider using the service if it came with no fees. This insight suggests significant demand among budget-conscious consumers. Michelle Gill, General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal, stated, “To meet demand for transparent and trusted payment options, PayPal’s Pay in 4 helps Canadians manage cash flow without late fees or hidden costs.” By offering this payment solution, small business owners can increase their conversion rates and sales. Studies indicate that businesses providing BNPL services see an 80% increase in average order values, which can significantly impact revenue during critical shopping periods. Shoppers are increasingly deliberate in their spending—74% of Canadians set a budget for holiday shopping and actively plan their purchases. Moreover, 31% express interest in using BNPL for appliances, and 30% for home décor and furniture. This trend suggests that offering BNPL could broaden the market for small retailers looking to cater to diverse consumer needs. While the benefits of adopting this payment method are compelling, small businesses should also evaluate potential challenges. Implementing a new payment option requires an assessment of whether their existing infrastructure can seamlessly integrate with PayPal Pay in 4. Businesses need to consider transaction fees and any necessary adjustments to their checkout processes. Remember, these fees can vary based on the merchant’s arrangement with PayPal. Moreover, consumer expectations are higher than ever; shoppers expect clarity and ease in payment options. Business owners must communicate the benefits of PayPal Pay in 4 clearly, ensuring customers understand there are no hidden fees involved. Small businesses should also harness marketing strategies to highlight this new offering, particularly during peak shopping seasons. Pattie Lovett-Reid, a financial commentator, emphasizes the importance of financial management during times of economic uncertainty: “Having flexible payment options that give you some breathing room, without fees or interest, is a great way to manage cash flow.” This sentiment underscores why small businesses might find value in adapting to consumer preferences for more flexible shopping solutions, especially as they prepare for the busy holiday season. In addition to enhancing the shopping experience, PayPal is collaborating with Cadillac Fairview to promote its Pay in 4 offering through festive in-person pop-ups in malls across key Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Such initiatives can attract more foot traffic and create additional visibility for participating businesses. For small business owners looking to thrive in a competitive retail environment, adopting PayPal Pay in 4 may not just be an advantage—it could become a necessity. By aligning with consumer demands for flexibility and cost transparency, businesses can position themselves more favorably as shopping habits evolve. For more details on PayPal Pay in 4, visit the official page here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "PayPal Launches No-Fee “Pay in 4” Option for Holiday Shoppers in Canada" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A lot of people are wrong about low testosterone. The "low testosterone" hashtag on TikTok features over 20,000 videos from real doctors, fake doctors, real doctors who seem like fake doctors, bodybuilders, wellness weirdoes, straight-up scammers, and, seemingly, everyone else. Some of the content is accurate, some is wildly inaccurate, some is in the middle, but the overall impression is a confusing miasma where solid medical information is given equal space with people recommending boosting your testosterone by exposing your privates to direct sunlight for 10 minutes a day. So let's clear this up a little. What low testosterone actually isTestosterone is a hormone produced mainly in the testicles (and in smaller amounts in ovaries and adrenal glands) that helps regulate muscle growth, energy, sex drive, mood, and overall reproductive health. So it's important. Low testosterone, also known as clinical hypogonadism, is a medical syndrome defined by persistently low testosterone levels in the blood, coupled with the presence of specific, debilitating symptoms like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained loss of muscle mass. It's a real medical condition, most common in older men, men with obesity, and is associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes. It's difficult to determine how common low testosterone is because different studies are counting different things in different populations and the definition of "low" varies. Be warned: It's going to get a little technical, but there's a difference between biochemical hypogonadism and clinical hypogonadism. If you're looking at people with both low levels of testosterone in their blood and specific symptoms, estimates range from 2% of men aged 40–79, according to a European cross-sectional study published in the New England Journal of Medicine to 5.6% according to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS). If you're strictly looking at testosterone levels in blood in men over 45, with no regard to symptoms, the same MMAS study says that 38.7% have "low testosterone," using MMAS-specific lab cutoffs. These are the kinds of blurry lines that let people claim "nearly 40% of men suffer from low T!" and be telling something like the truth, but not really. Why your doctor doesn't routinely screen your testosterone levelsWhen you get a physical, doctors generally don't check your testosterone level. This has led to an online conspiracy theory around testosterone that doctors are deliberately keeping patients from being diagnosed. The conspiracy theory goes like this: "The medical establishment, influenced by Big Pharma and insurance companies, is keeping a miracle cure from people because: A) It's more profitable to treat other diseases. B) Society is inherently biased against men acting manly. C) Reverse vampires told them to." As with all conspiracy theories, the truth is much more mundane: You're not routinely screened for low testosterone because the prevalence of hypogonadism in the general population, without clear symptoms, is very low; test results are highly unreliable and prone to false positives unless done under strict conditions; and having low testosterone levels isn't even a medical problem unless you have specific, debilitating symptoms. If you do have symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or loss of muscle mass, and you have low testosterone, it could still be because of other health issues like stress, poor sleep, diabetes, obesity, or sleep apnea. What low testosterone is notHypogonadism is not the same thing as "toxic masculinity." It doesn't cause people to "follow random girls on social media." It cannot be diagnosed with "one clue." It doesn't make you more likely to seek validation from others. Low testosterone doesn't make you a "whiny bitch." High testosterone doesn't make you more jealous of your wife, either. Most importantly, low testosterone is not the reason you feel run down, stressed out, or depressed—probably. That "probably" is really the issue, the wedge that makes "low testosterone" the perfect breeding ground for health misinformation. Having less energy and a lower libido are solidly on the "normal human experience" spectrum, but because they could be caused by low testosterone, some people are drawn to that explanation, and the idea of a quick fix for aging and/or general malaise. Others see an opportunity to make some cash. Historical precedent: snake oil and goat ballsThe discourse may be happening on TikTok and instagram, but scammy "low testosterone" sales pitches originate with 19th-century medicine shows and the patent medicine salesmen that followed. If you read between the lines of much online testosterone talk, the promise is to treat lack of strength, lack of energy, lack of virility, or overall lack of "manliness"— concerns that have been monetized for a long time. Back in the 1800s, it was literal snake oil. In 1920s, lack of virility was sometimes treated by surgical introduction of goat glands in the testicles. In the 2020s, we're taking Tongkat Ali, ginger, Jamaican Chaney Root, and literally hundreds of other "supplements" marketed as testosterone boosters instead. Despite testimony from satisfied customers back in the Jazz Age, goat tissue doesn't actually engraft or function when injected into the testicles, so it doesn't make men more goat-like. Herbs probably don't work either, no matter what that bodybuilder on Instagram says. A review of 32 studies of 13 different herbs meant to raise testosterone concluded that only two (Fenugreek and Ashwagandha) showed any promise, but like many studies on herbal supplements, the research is shaky: The sample sizes are too small, and test subjects didn't have a diagnosed clinical condition so the results may not apply to men who are genuinely deficient. So we have extremely scant evidence that herbs could raise your testosterone, and basically no evidence that raising your testosterone would provide a benefit anyway. When should you ask your doctor about your testosterone levels?If you actually suspect you have clinical hypogonadism, do not take herbs or listen to influencers. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms: Significant, unexplained decrease in libido Erectile dysfunction Depression Gynecomastia (unexplained swelling or tenderness of the breast tissue) Unexplained loss of body or facial hair Loss of muscle mass and strength (not explained by changes in your exercise routine) Infertility Other symptoms, like not enjoying bitter food, or not "not getting a boner when you're holding hands," likely have other causes. If you want to dig deeper into symptoms of hypogonadism, check out the Mayo Clinic's page. How can you raise testosterone levels? If you're basically healthy, but you still think there's something to the whole "I need more testosterone, now!" there's good news and bad news. The good news is that it's possible to raise testosterone levels without hormone replacement or taking supplements. The bad news: There is solid scientific research to support the idea that you can raise testosterone levels by losing weight, exercise, and getting enough sleep. View the full article

President The President nominated Stuart Levenbach as the next director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, choosing a person who has no banking or financial services experience to run a bureau that has been effectively inoperable since The President was sworn into office. Levenbach is currently an associate director inside the Office of Management and Budget, handling issues related to natural resources, energy, science and water issues. Levenbach’s resume shows significant experience dealing with science and natural resources issues, acting as chief of staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during The President’s first term. The CFPB has been nonfunctional much of the year. Many of its employees have been ordered not to work, and the only major work the bureau is doing is unwinding the regulations and rules it put into place during President The President’s first term and during the Biden administration. The bureau’s current acting director is Russell Vought, President The President’s budget director and Levenbach’s boss. Under the Vacancies Act, Vought can only act as acting director for 210 days, but now that President The President has nominated someone to the position, that clock has now been suspended until the Senate approves or denies Levenbach’s confirmation as director. The bureau was created after the 2008 financial crisis as part of the Dodd-Frank Act, a law passed to overhaul the financial system and require banks to hold more capital to avoid another financial crisis. The CFPB was created to be a independent advocate for consumers to help them avoid bad actors in the financial system. —Ken Sweet, AP business writer View the full article