ResidentialBusiness

Gen Xers, born between 1965 and 1980, grew up with MTV and empty houses, earning them the name “latchkey kids.” The first generation who logged onto AOL Instant Messenger and played video games while still enjoying the freedom that came before helicopter parents took over is fascinating. But as a small generation that falls between baby boomers and millennials, they’re often overlooked. When it comes to their spending power, however, Gen X is small but mighty. According to a new report from ICSC, a trade association for retail real estate, Gen X may have more spending power than brands realize. While Gen X only makes up around 19% of the U.S. population, the demographic is responsible for 31% of online and in-person spending, the report finds. Not only do Gen Xers buy more in stores than baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z across categories (luxury, fitness, and total retail costs), they’re also driving spending on dining out. Per the report, Gen X is responsible for nearly one-third of all restaurant spending. Tom McGee, president and CEO of ICSC, said in a press release that Gen X is “the powerhouse driving today’s retail economy, spending more per shopper than all other generations.” Outsized spending impact in five states According to the report, Gen Xers are such powerful spenders that their mere presence in locations across the United States actually has a major impact on the market in that area. More than one-third of the generation’s population lives in just five states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, and their spending is impactful. It’s especially evident in Florida cities like Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, as well as Houston, Texas, and more. We know that younger shoppers tend to be deeply loyal to the brands they love. But Gen X is exceptionally set in their ways, too. No big surprise. I mean, have you ever met a Gen Xer? You can’t convince them to love something they hate and vice-versa. That’s likely why 81% of latchkey kids say they are loyal to the brands they trust—and they probably always will be. “Gen X is pragmatic, loyal to brands they trust, and influential decision-makers for themselves, their children, and their parents,” ​​McGee says. “For retailers, there is no bigger near-term growth opportunity than winning the loyalty and the dollars of Gen X.” Gen X isn’t just spending more than other generations. They’re also plugged in online, as they are massively tech-savvy, using online tools like social media regularly. According to the report, 92% of the generation is on social media daily. Still, brands aren’t marketing to them. Only 5% of brand influencing spending targets Gen X, which experts say is a huge mistake. “They’ve got wealth . . . They may be looking to start to make that semi-retirement-type transition,” Ryan Marshall, president and CEO of PulteGroup, a homebuilder, says in the report, “but they still consider themselves to be very young and active.” Those factors definitely seem to promote spending. But soon, that may be especially true of Gen X, as a major transfer of wealth is about to take place. Around one in three Gen Xers expect to receive an inheritance, which could come out to around $308 billion annually in spending. While Gen X’s lingo may be lowkey dated, their currency still works. Brands may be focused on appealing to on-trend millennials and Gen Zers, but they’d be wise not to write off the MTV kids just yet. 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. Samsung announced the latest Galaxy S25 Series back in January, and later that same month, teased a fourth, thinner phone, the Galaxy S25 Edge. In May we learned more about the device Samsung is calling the "slimmest Galaxy S Series ever." The phone came out at the end of that month, and surprisingly, it's already 40% off, matching the lowest price it has ever reached according to price tracking tools. Yes, right now you can get the 512GB Galaxy S25 Edge for $729.99 (originally $1,219.99). It's a great price for a lightweight yet powerful phone. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge 512GB Unlocked AI Phone (Titanium JetBlack) $729.99 at Amazon $1,219.99 Save $490.00 Get Deal Get Deal $729.99 at Amazon $1,219.99 Save $490.00 The Galaxy S25 Edge has impressed since its release, with excellent reviews from many tech sites, including PCMag. The reviews praise its thin design (around 5.84mm), which doesn't come at the expense of battery life or performance. You can expect over 16 hours of use on a single charge (tests conducted with YouTube videos playing at full brightness), which is the longest of all the latest S Series phones. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, comes with 12GB of RAM, and starts with 128GB of storage, although this deal is for the 512GB model. It also has a dual camera setup with a 200 MP wide lens and 12 MP ultra-wide and front lenses, but no telephoto camera. The AI features are what you'd expect from Samsung: enhanced multitasking tools, a desktop mode (Dex), and Galaxy AI. A big plus is Samsung's promise to give this phone seven generations of OS updates and seven years of security fixes (through May 31, 2032). If you're looking for a deal on a thin and lightweight Android phone that excels in battery life, performance, and will be around for many years, consider the Galaxy S25 Edge for $729.99. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 2 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $169.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Shark AV2501AE AI XL Hepa- Safe Self-Emptying Base Robot Vacuum — $299.99 (List Price $649.99) Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, White with Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen), White — $59.99 (List Price $99.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $29.99 (List Price $69.99) Blink Mini 2 1080p Indoor Security Camera (2-Pack, White) — $27.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with Ring Chime Pro — $149.99 (List Price $259.99) Introducing Amazon Fire TV 55" Omni Mini-LED Series, QLED 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, 144hz gaming mode, Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa, 2024 release — $699.99 (List Price $819.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 2-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $51.99 (List Price $129.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. According to ResiClub’s analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s new annual data, 40.3% of U.S. owner-occupied housing units are now mortgage-free, marking a new high for this data series. That’s up from 39.8% in 2023. The portion of homeowners with no mortgage has ticked up almost every year since 2010—when it was 32.8%. A key factor driving the rise in mortgage-free homeownership is demographics. Older homeowners are more likely to be mortgage-free, and as Americans live longer and the massive Baby Boomer generation ages into their senior years, the U.S. population has skewed older—pushing up the share of homeowners without mortgages. According to ResiClub’s analysis, 54% of the 35 million U.S. homeowners who are mortgage-free are 65 years old or older. People aged 65 and older make up more than a third (34.1%) of current U.S. homeowners. Among those 65 and older, 64% own their primary homes free and clear. Across the country, mortgage-free status varies A LOT. Regions with lower home values and areas with a higher proportion of older populations tend to have a slightly higher percentage of homeowners without mortgages. Among the 200 largest U.S. metros by population, these 5 have the HIGHEST percentage of mortgage-free homeowners: 61.8% —> McAllen, TX 57.8% —> Brownsville, TX 57.1% —> Beaumont, TX 56.2% —> Kingsport, TN 55.8% —> Longview, TX Among the 200 largest U.S. metros by population, these 5 have the LOWEST percentage of mortgage-free homeowners: 26.4% —> Washington, DC 27.0% —> Provo, UT 27.1% —> Denver, CO 27.2% —> Greeley, CO 28.8% —> Ogden, UT Click here to view an interactive version of the map below Mortgage-free homeownership has reached a new high. Demographics—particularly the aging of Baby Boomers—is a key force behind this trend. In the years ahead, ResiClub expects more equity products (such as reverse mortgages) to emerge and expand, as some older mortgage-free homeowners look to tap into the equity they’ve built without selling their homes. View the full article

I have never had any interest in getting a hardware wallet like the new Ledger Nano Gen 5. But talking with Susan Kare—the designer of the original Apple Macintosh icons and an endless torrent wonderful pixel art—made me realize I need one. “The idea that an individual can really control their own assets without a government or anything political coming between you and your assets. I like that,” she tells me. The Ledger Nano is a 0.3-inch-thick credit card-sized block that keeps your digital assets secure by storing them offline. It has a frontal e-ink display that displays a grid of pixel art icons that look very much like the original Mac. For the Nano Gent 5, Kare worked with the French company to design a set of nine pixel-art icons that are laser-engraved onto small aluminum tags. These tags physically snap into a dedicated slot on the Nano Gen 5, allowing owners to customize their device with a satisfying click. Kare got involved thanks to Tony Fadell—”the Father of the Apple iPod” and board member of Ledger—who called her to see if she’d like to work on the project. It was a call between old friends; the two had worked together at General Magic, the secretive Silicon Valley startup founded in 1990 by Apple veterans Bill Atkinson, Andy Hertzfeld, and Marc Porat that tried to build the first smartphone decades too early. Fadell knows her taste, Kare says, and pitched the project as a high-concept design challenge she would enjoy, similar to the work she did for Asprey Studio. He kept the details intentionally mysterious, not even mentioning Ledger by name at first. The only hook was the promise of a fun, creative puzzle. For Kare, that was more than enough. “Of course, I wrote back immediately, like, tell me more,” she recalls. A meeting in San Francisco with Ariel Wengroff, Ledger’s EVP of Communications and Marketing, sealed the deal, and soon Kare was back at her digital drawing board.​​ Power and fun Kare’s collaboration comes as Ledger reinvents its flagship product. The new Ledger Nano Gen 5 is a significant evolution of the device used by eight million people in 165 countries. More than 20% of the world’s crypto assets are secured by its hardware wallets, the company tells me. Physically, Ledge Nano Gen 5 is larger and more refined, with a 2.76-inch E Ink touchscreen that now dominates its face. The new energy-efficient display enables advanced security features like “clear signing,” which gives you an unambiguous on-screen verification of any transaction or approval, and a “Transaction Check” function, a security feature that simulates a transaction to identify potential threats before you give final approval. The device, now officially called a “signer” to reflect its expanded role beyond just financial transactions, is built to be your key to a broader digital life. With Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC capabilities, it’s designed for on-the-go use, allowing you to securely manage your assets or verify your identity from anywhere. It connects to the revamped Ledger Wallet app, which acts as a secure control center for buying, swapping, and earning assets, and can now connect directly to popular decentralized apps, like 1inch, a service that searches across multiple cryptocurrency exchanges to find the best possible price for a token swap. The company claims that its devices have never been hacked, but every Nano Gen 5 includes a Ledger Recovery Key as a physical backup, just in case.​ While the technology is serious, the company claims it wanted to inject a dose of personality into the experience. That’s where Kare came in. Wengroff tells me that as our digital and physical lives blur, the team wanted to offer a form of personal expression. The idea was to create a series of collectible badges that would physically snap into the new Nano’s chassis. “We really thought, actually, the perfect person would be Susan Kare,” Wengroff says. She believes that Kare’s has a “legendary ability to create an emotional connection” for new technology using her pixel art. The badges themselves are small, laser-engraved aluminum tags, each featuring a new pixel-art icon from Kare, manufactured in Ledger’s own facility in Vierzon, France. They click into place with a satisfying snap, a small sensory experience. For Kare, the project was a perfect fit. “I usually jokingly say, you know, give me 16 by 16 and a concept and I will make it happen,” she says. The first step was deciding on the actual grid resolution. To ensure the designs were bold and clear on the small tags, she and the Ledger team opted for fewer, but larger, pixels, with each icon fitting within roughly an 18 by 20 pixel grid.​ Rather than being handed a specific list, the company just told Kare to do her thing. Any other thing would have been like asking David Bowie to write “something retro like Life on Mars” for you. She ultimately developed around 30 concepts for the team to choose from. Her goal was to create an assortment that felt fresh and spirited, steering clear of anything that felt like a standard emoji. Through weekly Zoom calls with Ledger’s creative director, they whittled the collection down to the final nine, which include a mischievous cherry, a magic 8-ball, a horseshoe, and a chihuahua the team has fittingly named Nano.​ But the best—and apparently everyone’s favorite—is the crowned frog. Wengroff believed it was a frog princess but Kare was thinking about the frog prince. “It’s funny because I thought it was a frog prince,” Kare says, referencing the fairy tale and the dating adage about having to “kiss a lot of frogs.” But, she adds, “it can totally be either. And I realized that that’s good.” Wengroff notes that everyone in the office has interpreted the icons differently and picked their own favorites, proving the designs’ power to evoke a personal response.​ In fact, everyone in Wengroff’s team was so focused on the badges that she says she constantly had to remind everyone that the launch was for a new device, not for the badges. Which I guess is exactly the whole point of this article and also the device itself. For Kare, this is the joy of her work. While the device itself is the point, it is “that little dab of something with a little feel of art or personality,” as Kare describes it, what makes it (clickity clack) click. It’s the same philosophy that has made her work timeless. And what makes the new Ledger Nano not just a powerful tool for securing your digital life, but a small canvas for expressing it.​ View the full article

Malloy Evans and Danielle McCoy are moving on as both Williamson and Tom Klein, deputy general counsel, take on their respective responsibilities for now. View the full article

Like clockwork, every few years viral relationship “tests” or “theories” will resurface online, prompting renewed discourse about the state of romantic unions. The latest test doing the rounds: the “bird theory.” The idea first went viral two years ago but has recently resurfaced on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The concept is simple: Point out something mundane to your partner, like spotting a bird, then watch how they react. If your partner matches your enthusiasm or reacts with curiosity, then congratulations—they’re a keeper. The thinking goes that if they respond with interest to your attempts at connection, they’re emotionally invested in the relationship. If they ignore you, react with indifference—or worse, get frustrated—well, your relationship might be in trouble. The theory resurfaced after a video by @keketherealmrsjones went viral this month. “The day I realize Husband doesn’t want me” the caption read, as the clip shows her trying, and failing, to engage her husband’s attention. The video currently has over 56 million views. “Before anyone gets married please test the bird theory,” one commenter wrote. “I keep telling people about the bird theory and they just won’t listen,” another added. Many have also jumped on the trend to test their unwitting partners, mostly to positive results. Turns out, the “bird theory” is not just TikTok pseudoscience: It’s grounded in real research by psychologist John Gottman. Gottman refers to bids (not birds) as “the fundamental unit of emotional communication.” His research suggests that the way in which partners respond to these bids—by “turning towards” and engaging with the bid or “turning away” and ignoring it—is a strong predictor of a relationship’s long-term success. A bid for attention, affirmation, affection, or any other positive connection, could be as simple as smiling, reaching for a hand, requesting help, or, yes, pointing out a bird. Gottman published a paper in the Journal of Marriage and the Family in 1998 sharing the results of a study based on 130 newlyweds. Six years later, the couples that were going from strength to strength were the ones who, 86% of the time, turned toward each other’s bids for connection. The couples who didn’t? Only 33% were still together. According to Gottman’s findings, couples who ignore each other’s bids about 50–80% of the time are far more likely to divorce. While microtesting your relationship isn’t always advised, use at your own risk. View the full article

Keeping construction costs under control is vital for every project, and a reliable construction expense tracker can help managers stay on budget and avoid costly overruns. These free construction expense tracker templates allow teams to record labor, materials, equipment and subcontractor expenses in one place. By using a construction expense tracker, project managers can identify spending patterns, forecast future costs and maintain financial oversight. Whether for small renovations or large-scale construction, these templates simplify expense tracking and reporting, helping ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. 1. Construction Budget Template A construction budget template helps project managers plan and allocate funds across labor, materials, equipment and subcontractor costs. By using a standardized template, teams can ensure all expenses are accounted for and reduce the risk of overspending. This template allows managers to break down costs by project phase, track variances and make informed decisions quickly. With clear visibility into projected versus actual spending, the construction budget template serves as a vital tool for maintaining control over a project’s financial health. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/construction-budget-for-excel-screenshot-600x160.png Construction budget templates also streamline reporting to stakeholders and allow for easy updates as project conditions change. Managers can quickly adjust line items, reallocate funds between categories and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that projects remain on budget and minimizes surprises at project closeout. Team members can access the same template to record expenses in real time, ensuring data accuracy and consistency throughout the construction process. Using ProjectManager is even more effective than static construction budget templates because it provides real-time dashboards, automated cost tracking and customizable reports. Managers can link budgets directly to tasks, resources and schedules, instantly see budget variances and forecast future costs. Our software also allows multiple team members to update expenses simultaneously from the field, improving accuracy and accountability. With built-in charts, alerts for overspending and AI analysis and recommendations, it replaces manual spreadsheets, making budget management faster, more collaborative and less prone to error. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AI-Project-Insights-Lightmode-Dashboard-CTA.pngLearn more 2. Construction Estimate Template A construction estimate template helps project managers forecast costs before a project begins. It breaks down expenses for labor, materials, equipment and subcontractors, providing a clear picture of anticipated spending. This template allows teams to allocate resources efficiently, plan budgets accurately and avoid financial surprises. Standardizing cost estimates across projects ensures consistency when comparing bids or preparing proposals. Managers can add assumptions, contingencies and notes, improving communication with stakeholders and subcontractors. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/construction-estimate-template-zoomed-600x284.jpg Historical data can be tracked to refine future estimates and enhance decision-making. The template highlights high-cost areas, enabling prioritization of spending. Using a construction estimate template streamlines planning, reduces errors and increases transparency throughout the project lifecycle. It ultimately helps teams save time, enhance accuracy and maintain control over project finances while supporting successful project delivery. 3. Cost Breakdown Template The cost breakdown template provides a detailed view of all project expenses. By categorizing costs into labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors and overhead, project managers gain visibility into where money is spent. This helps identify inefficiencies, reallocate resources and avoid budget overruns. It supports tracking actual expenditures against planned costs, highlighting areas that require adjustments. The template is useful for stakeholder reporting, ensuring financial accountability. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cost-breakdown-template-1-600x255.png Capturing historical data allows teams to benchmark performance and refine future estimates. Detailed line-item analysis improves prioritization of spending and identifies high-impact cost drivers. By using a structured cost breakdown template, managers maintain control over finances throughout the construction lifecycle, reduce overspending risks and promote transparency across departments. This helps keep projects on schedule and ensures budgets are adhered to effectively. 4. Schedule of Values Template A schedule of values template organizes a project’s total contract into individual line items linked to specific deliverables, milestones and payment schedules. This structure provides transparency into costs, helping managers monitor progress and align payments with completed work. It ensures accurate invoicing and reduces disputes between contractors and owners. By connecting costs to project phases and tasks, teams can track earned value and verify that spending matches work progress. /wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Schedule-of-Values-Template-600x199.png The template also aids financial forecasting, cash flow management and stakeholder reporting. Tracking historical schedules allows benchmarking and identification of trends in cost allocation, helping improve planning and resource efficiency. Using a schedule of values template creates a framework for managing finances and work progress, supporting timely payments and budget adherence throughout the construction project. 5. Construction Invoice Template A construction invoice template simplifies billing for completed work, labor, materials and equipment. It provides a structured format for itemizing charges, calculating totals and including taxes or additional fees. Standardizing invoices ensures consistency, reduces errors and facilitates timely payments. Contractors and project managers can communicate costs to clients, helping avoid misunderstandings and disputes. The template often includes fields for project details, client information, payment terms and due dates, which supports professional recordkeeping and transparency. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/construction-invoice-template-600x375.png Tracking invoices through the template allows teams to monitor payment status, reconcile accounts and maintain accurate financial records. Historical invoice data can be referenced for future projects, helping estimate costs and manage cash flow more effectively. Using a construction invoice template increases efficiency, promotes accountability and ensures proper documentation of all transactions throughout the project lifecycle. 6. Payment Tracker Template A payment tracker template provides a centralized way to monitor all incoming and outgoing payments related to a construction project. It tracks due dates, amounts, recipients, payment methods and status. This enables project managers to ensure contractors, subcontractors and suppliers are paid on time, while also confirming that client payments are received promptly. The template supports financial planning, reduces the risk of missed payments and maintains project cash flow. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Payment-Tracker-Template-600x187.png By consolidating all payment information in one place, the tracker makes it easier to generate reports, reconcile accounts and communicate financial progress to stakeholders. Historical payment patterns can be analyzed to improve budgeting and payment scheduling for future projects. Using a payment tracker template enhances transparency, accountability and overall financial management throughout the construction lifecycle. 7. Expense Report Template An expense report template allows project teams to document and categorize costs incurred during a construction project. It tracks spending on labor, materials, equipment, travel, permits and miscellaneous items. The template ensures all expenses are accounted for, facilitates approvals and supports reimbursement processes. Standardized expense reporting provides visibility into spending habits, helping managers identify cost-saving opportunities and maintain control over budgets. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/expense-report-template-600x233.png Aggregated expense data from the template can be used to analyze trends, benchmark future projects and inform financial decision-making. It also simplifies stakeholder reporting and ensures compliance with company policies or regulatory requirements. Using an expense report template increases efficiency, promotes transparency and enables project managers to keep construction costs aligned with the approved budget. 8. Construction Change Order Template A construction change order template helps manage alterations to the original project scope, schedule or budget. It documents the requested changes, including descriptions, reasons, cost implications and revised timelines. By standardizing this process, project managers can maintain control over project adjustments, communicate changes clearly to clients and contractors and prevent disputes. The template also includes fields for approvals and signatures, ensuring that all modifications are authorized before work begins. /wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Change-Order-Screenshot-600x475.jpg Using a change order template improves accountability and recordkeeping, allowing teams to track project evolution and related costs. It provides transparency for stakeholders and supports auditing or reporting requirements. The template also helps identify patterns in project modifications, enabling managers to improve planning and reduce unnecessary changes in future projects. 9. Purchase Order Template A purchase order template streamlines procurement by providing a standardized format for ordering materials, equipment and services. It includes supplier details, item descriptions, quantities, unit costs, total amounts and delivery instructions. By formalizing orders, the template ensures accuracy, prevents misunderstandings with vendors and establishes a clear record for payment and auditing purposes. It supports budget tracking by comparing actual expenditures to planned costs. /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Purchase-Order-Screenshot-600x369.jpg The template simplifies communication with suppliers and enables project managers to monitor procurement timelines and inventory needs effectively. Centralizing purchase orders improves efficiency, reduces errors and helps maintain compliance with financial and contractual obligations throughout the project lifecycle. 10. Bill of Quantities Template A bill of quantities (BOQ) template provides a detailed list of materials, labor and equipment required for a construction project, including estimated quantities and costs. It helps project teams prepare accurate bids, monitor expenses and plan resources effectively. The BOQ template ensures that all project elements are accounted for and allows for easier comparison of supplier quotes or subcontractor proposals. Standardizing this information improves clarity and transparency for stakeholders. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bill-of-quantities-template-1-600x293.jpg By using a BOQ template, project managers can track deviations between estimated and actual costs, supporting financial control and informed decision-making. The template also facilitates reporting, supports compliance and enables teams to manage resources efficiently while reducing risk of overspending or material shortages. ProjectManager Is a Robust Construction Expense Tracker ProjectManager serves as a comprehensive construction expense tracker, giving project managers complete visibility over budgets, costs and expenditures. Its intuitive interface allows users to input estimates, monitor actual expenses and categorize costs by project, phase or work package. By consolidating all financial data in one platform, teams can quickly spot variances, control overruns and ensure projects stay on budget. The software also supports collaboration across accounting, procurement and project teams, reducing miscommunication and streamlining approvals for purchases, invoices and change orders. Real-time updates ensure everyone has access to the most current financial information, enhancing accuracy and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Monitor Budgets and Resources Effectively ProjectManager enables project teams to monitor budgets and resources in detail, linking costs directly to tasks, materials and labor. Users can access the team page to monitor progress and priority daily or weekly, updating tasks as needed without leaving the page. Workload charts and the team page provide insights into labor costs and capacity, helping managers assign tasks efficiently while preventing over-allocation. By continuously tracking expenditures against the approved budget, the software empowers teams to make data-driven decisions, reduce waste and maximize profitability without losing sight of project timelines. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track and Report Financial Performance in Real Time The platform also excels in tracking and reporting financial performance in real time. Secure timesheets capture labor hours on site, while AI-powered reports automatically calculate cost variances, project burn rates and forecast remaining budgets. Customizable dashboards present this data visually, allowing stakeholders to quickly understand financial health and progress. Notifications and alerts help project managers react promptly to deviations, ensuring timely corrective action. By combining real-time data, advanced reporting and predictive analytics, ProjectManager functions as a powerful construction expense tracker that provides clarity, accountability and control across every project. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks.png Related Construction Project Management Content Construction expense tracker templates are important, but they’re only a part of the larger construction project management process. For readers who care to delve a little deeper into this subject, follow the links below. They lead to examples of different types of construction projects, methods and techniques, plus a lot more. 10 Types of Construction Projects with Examples 18 Construction Methods and Techniques How to Manage a Construction Project Step by Step Construction Contingency: A Quick Guide Critical Path Method (CPM) in Construction: A Quick Guide 10 Construction Project Delivery Methods with Pros & Cons ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 10 Free Construction Expense Tracker Templates appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

A reader writes: I have an older male coworker who frequently asks me about my office hours and makes comments about my presence in the office. To provide some context, my department has a flexible attendance policy, while his department requires that he be in the office five days a week. I suspect his comments are passive-aggressive, especially since he has previously complained resentfully to me about other team members’ attendance and about his own in-office requirements. Some examples of comments he’s made to me: “What is your in-office schedule? Because I never know when you’re here.” “Are you in the office today, because I came to your desk earlier, but you weren’t there.” “Long time, no see.” “Hi there, stranger.” “I thought I saw you in the office this morning? Are you no longer in the office?” “Where were you yesterday?” As I mentioned, my department allows me to work a hybrid schedule. My department head works remotely from a different city and my manager rarely comes into the office. Sometimes he had made these comments to me when I was working in the office, but had to step away from my desk to attend a meeting. I suspect that his remarks are passive-aggressive, because in the past, he has approached me at my desk, pointed to my colleagues’ desks, and whispered under his breath, “They never come in, do they?” And then complained to me about how he is required to be in the office five days a week. I typically respond to his comments about my attendance by saying, “I’m always available via Teams or email if I am not in the office,” as I rarely work with him on tasks and am not obligated to share detailed information about my schedule. Despite this, his comments continue. It’s getting on my nerves, and I find it a little creepy (I’m a much younger woman). I would like to address this professionally and set clear boundaries. Could you offer advice on how to effectively and politely put an end to these questions and remarks? You have two basic paths here: be aggressive about Not Caring, or address it head-on. The first path would mean being pointedly cheerful or pointedly unconcerned about what his subtext might be. So: Him: “What is your in-office schedule? Because I never know when you’re here.” You: “Oh, it’s hybrid!” (It would be enjoyable to use a borderline-bubbly tone here.) Him: “Are you in the office today, because I came to your desk earlier, but you weren’t there.” You: “Nope, I’m out of the office today. What did you need?” Him: “Long time, no see.” You: “It’s been about a week.” (You could pair this with a “you’re being weird” look.) Him: “Hi there, stranger.” You: “Hello.” Him: “I thought I saw you in the office this morning? Are you no longer in the office?” You: “Not sure what you mean, but there hasn’t been a change to my schedule. Did you need something from me?” Him: “Where were you yesterday?” You: “Working, why?” The second option is to just call it out: Him: (any of the comments above) You: “You seem worried about my schedule. Is it causing some kind of issue for you?” He’ll presumably say no, at which point you can say, “It’s getting weird that you comment on it so much. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop. Thank you!” Say the “thank you” part cheerfully, like of course there will be no issue here now that you’ve called this to his attention. If “it’s getting weird that you comment on it so much” feels like too much for your office (or for the relationship), you could say, “You comment on my schedule a lot, but unless it’s causing an issue for you, I’d be grateful if you’d stop remarking on it every time I see you. I think you know my team is hybrid. Thank you!” From there, if he continues to comment anyway, you should feel free to just respond with an extremely weary look, as demonstrated here by Jennifer Lawrence: The post my coworker makes passive-aggressive comments about my hybrid schedule appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Bullion has slumped 9% from recent peak in move welcomed as ‘healthy correction’View the full article

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned Sunday that he is about make good on a threat to revoke millions in federal funds for California because he says the state is illegally issuing commercial driver’s licenses to noncitizens. In an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Duffy said Gov. Gavin Newsom has refused to comply with Department of Transportation rules that require the state to stop issuing such licenses and review those already issued. “So, one, I’m about to pull $160 million from California,” Duffy said. “And, as we pull more money, we also have the option of pulling California’s ability to issue commercial driver’s licenses.” Eva Spiegel, a spokesperson for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, said the The President administration “has no legitimate basis” to withhold federal highway transportation funds. “The federal government previously allowed commercial driver’s licenses for asylum seekers and refugees and on September 26 announced emergency regulations to cease this practice that went into effect on September 29. California is in compliance with these regulations and will remain in compliance with federal law,” Spiegel said via email. When Duffy threatened to revoke funds last month, a spokesperson for Newsom dismissed the attack and noted that CDL holders from California have a significantly lower rate of crashes than both the national average and that of Texas, which is the only state with more licensed commercial drivers. Last month the Transportation Department tightened commercial driver’s license requirements for noncitizens after three fatal crashes that officials said were caused by immigrant truck drivers. Only three specific classes of visa holders will be eligible for CDLs under the new rules and states must verify an applicant’s immigration status in a federal database. The licenses will be valid for up to one year unless the applicant’s visa expires sooner. Duffy said last month that California should never have issued 25% of 145 licenses investigators reviewed. He cited four California licenses that remained valid after the driver’s work permit expired — sometimes years after. The state had 30 days to come up with a plan to comply or lose funding. A nationwide commercial driver’s license audit began after officials say a driver in the country illegally made a U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. It found licenses that were issued improperly in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas and Washington. Duffy said Sunday that California has unlawfully issued tens of thousands of these licenses to noncitizens. “So you have 60,000 people on the roads who shouldn’t have licenses,” Duffy said. “They’re driving fuel tankers, they’re driving school buses, and we have seen some of the crashes on American roadways that come from these people who shouldn’t have these licenses.” Duffy said earlier this month that he would withhold $40 million from California because it is the only state that is failing to enforce English language requirements for truckers. California defended its practices in a formal response to the Transportation Department, but federal officials were not satisfied. The investigation launched after the Florida crash found what Duffy called significant failures in the way California is enforcing rules that took effect in June after one of President Donald The President’s executive orders. California had issued the driver a commercial license, but these English rules predate the crash. —Associated Press View the full article

Michele Rabà to take over in April from Lionel Assant, who will focus on co-chief investment officer role View the full article

The site formerly known as Twitter has been "X" for over two years now. Nevertheless, many of us still call the site by its old, iconic name. In fact, anytime I feel the need to visit, I go to twitter.com, not x.com—even though the site always redirects to the latter. Is it muscle memory? A small protest? Probably a little of both. But my days of typing "t" in Safari's address bar and clicking the autofilled twitter.com URL are likely coming to a close, as X seems poised to finally retire its Twitter domain for good. That news started with a post from X's "Safety" account on Friday. The post stated that, by Nov. 10, all accounts using a security key for two-factor authentication (2FA) should re-enroll their key to continue using X. The account says you can re-enroll an existing key, or enroll a new one, and that if you choose the latter, other security keys on your account will stop working unless you re-enroll them as well. If you don't take action, your account will be locked after the 10th. This change set off speculation that someone had compromised X's authorization infrastructure, which forced X's Safety account to make another post clarifying its reasoning for the security change. Not only was there no security concern, the issue only affected Yubikeys and passkeys, not authenticator apps or other 2FA protocols. But the lede was buried within this post: The keys are currently tied to the twitter.com domain: X plans to retire that domain, requiring users to re-enroll with the x.com domain. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. If X really does go ahead and retire the domain, it truly will be the end of an era. Nothing will change with the platform itself: X will still be a site for posting your thoughts and dodging the worst of humanity. But once twitter.com stops working, it really will become X through and through. Maybe that will be enough to finally get me to quit it. Of course, the immediate issue here is for users with security keys tied to Twitter, not X. Those users won't be able to access their accounts after Nov. 10—unless they take some simple steps to comply with the changes. Don't get locked out of XIf you'd like to make sure you can continue using X once the twitter.com domain is retired, you'll need to make sure your 2FA setup is compliant. X's Safety account says if you have a Yubikey or passkey that is affected, you will be prompted to automatically re-enroll with the x.com domain. However, you can also take it upon yourself to re-enroll, by heading to your X account's 2FA settings and following the on-screen instructions. If you don't want to re-enroll a key, you can instead choose a different 2FA method, or ditch 2FA entirely—though I strongly encourage you not to choose the last option, for the sake of your account's security. View the full article

“Well, friends. I did it. I’ve now had my highest-income month of my life again.” So begins a TikTok video by content creator Chelsea Langenstam detailing her “$56,244 income month” breakdown, along with deductibles, as a solopreneur. Langenstam then outlines her various income streams: budget templates, brand deals, referral fees. “I don’t share to brag,” she says in the video, currently sitting at over 100,000 views. “I share because I want to show you what’s possible in real time.” Her videos are among hundreds on TikTok and Instagram, lifting the curtain on how much solopreneurs of all kinds actually earn month to month—and exactly where each dollar comes from. These “income breakdowns” sit within a wider trend toward financial transparency online. From “loud budgeting” to “no-spend challenges,” talking about money is no longer taboo for the online generation. They are bucking the decades-old trend of silence: 53% of Gen Zers and 58% of millennials say they would post how much money they make online. Show me the money Solopreneurs—or businesses with no paid employees—contribute $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy, representing 6.8% of total economic activity, according to recently published U.S. Census Bureau data. But when striking out on one’s own, the honest truth is that few have any idea what they’re doing at first, let alone where the next paycheck is coming from. Now, social media is democratizing the process, with a number of content creators breaking down the financials of running a business solo. Not every month is a five-figure month for Langenstam. She has also divulged what a lower-income month looks like, for the sake of transparency. Others reveal their financial particulars to advocate for the solopreneur life, breaking free from the corporate grind and embracing the freelance economy. Freelance social media manager Mila Holmes has been sharing her project rates since 2020, but only recently started opening up about income breakdowns. “The whole reason I make content on TikTok is to advocate for freelancing,” she says, explaining which streams of income made her $14,616.99 over the past three weeks. These include consulting calls, freelance influencer marketing, and hosting classes on brand partnerships. “I want people to know financial security and prosperity are possible through nontraditional means,” Holmes tells Fast Company. “I think a lot of people view freelancing and/or content creation as a temporary thing between real jobs. I believe it can be more than that. It’s one thing to tell them that’s possible, and another to actually show earnings.” A new model of transparency Income breakdowns push the needle further by modeling how the money is made, as well as how much. But, as with anything you see online, influencers announcing regular five-figure months should be taken with a grain of salt. In particular, you should be wary of any income breakdowns by those who try to sell you “quick fixes,” with a promise of achieving similar results. Still, that’s not to say solopreneurship can’t be lucrative. According to MBO Partners’ 2025 “State of Independence” report, 5.6 million independent workers reported earning more than $100,000 annually. This was up 19% from 2024, and nearly double the number of six-figure earners in 2020. The average U.S. worker salary, by comparison, is $66,000. “When I started freelancing, the idea of a $10,000 month felt like it was a world away, and a $20,000 month felt even further,” solopreneur Grace Lemire says in a TikTok video, reporting an income of $10,700 for the month. “But when I started to see other entrepreneurs break down their revenue streams, it started to feel within reach.” Lemire doesn’t reveal her top-line revenue, but she did start sharing what she charges clients, as well as certain monthly earnings, a few years ago. “I share because I want people to see what’s possible,” Lemire tells Fast Company. “I want to show people that there is more out there for them than they might be able to conceptualize with the information they have available to them.” For a younger generation already seeking a fast track to success, the allure of solopreneurship is clear. A 2023 study found that Gen Z places greater importance on being rich than any other age demographic. And with the traditional career ladder shakier than ever, young and ambitious workers are forging their own paths and not risking their future in anyone else’s hands. Thanks to social media, it’s never been easier to go it alone. Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and TikTok give solopreneurs a number of platforms to establish their brands and get their products or services in front of millions of people worldwide. That’s something these young female solopreneurs understand better than most. “Finance is a big player, and content earnings are high,” Holmes explains. “Creating under #financialtransparency, #income, #money, and #budgeting opens up a whole new world of opportunity for me. Not only on the brand partnership side, but also on the digital product side.” For young solo business owners online, sharing income breakdowns not only promotes financial transparency, but it’s also a smart business strategy. View the full article

Life with a fluctuating income is a lot like being left-handed: The world isn’t designed to meet your needs, so you need to adjust accordingly. Those who make the leap into solopreneurship are often struck by all the little things they took for granted as salaried employees. Things like having health benefits, taxes and retirement savings deducted from their earnings, knowing exactly when the next injection of cash is coming, or what they’ll make next month. Even monthly billing cycles for things like rent, student loans, and car payments are based on the assumption of predictable monthly earnings. Most don’t ditch the corporate life because they’re really good at finance and tax planning—unless, of course, they’re venturing off to become an independent accounting professional. For most, having to suddenly act as your own finance department is not just jarring, but also distracting from the countless other challenges that come with establishing an independent business. “Solopreneurs have so much on their plate already; adding money stress is siphoning off creativity that would be much better spent making their businesses successful,” says Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for budgeting software provider YNAB. “Once they get a handle on it, they tend to see more success.” Here are some expert tips to help solopreneurs put away the calculator and spreadsheets, and get back to the things they do best. (Unless, of course, that thing also involves a calculator and spreadsheet.) Know your baseline When you don’t know how much will be in the earnings column each month, it’s even more important to get a handle on expenses. According to Lapato, the first step is understanding the bare minimum you need to support your lifestyle. “That might not include your Netflix subscription, but it’s things like your mortgage, minimums on any debt, your car payment, and groceries,” she says. “Then add irregular expenses. Because once you make that leap into solopreneurship, those irregular expenses can feel like emergencies.” For example, if you travel to visit family each year, want to send your kids to summer camp, or have a big annual auto insurance bill, Lapato recommends breaking up those expenses and incorporating them into your baseline. Knowing that number, she says, allows solopreneurs to cover the necessities and then, once they earn that minimum, start saving for the next month. If, for example, that baseline is $8,000, Lapato says every dollar you earn in a given month after reaching that $8,000 minimum can be put toward next month’s baseline, longer-term savings, discretionary spending, or investing in the business. “I would want at least three months of baseline buffer covered before taking the leap” into full-time solopreneurship, she adds. Set up a legal entity There comes a point at which American solopreneurs can start seeing big tax savings by setting up a limited liability company (LLC) and registering as an S corporation, establishing a formal business for their solo venture in the United States—though similar tax structures exist elsewhere, too. “If you make $70,000 and you’re going to get to $100,000 in the next couple of years, it’s the right solution,” says Ran Harpaz, the CEO of Lettuce Financial, an accounting and tax software platform for solopreneurs earning six figures. “People on our platform see annual average savings of $15,000, so the S corp election and the structure of the company are very meaningful.” Harpaz explains that having an S corporation separates business earnings and expenses; your customers pay into the company, and the company pays you what the government considers a reasonable salary. The salary portion is subject to traditional tax requirements. The rest is taxed at much more favorable corporate rates. Creating a separate business entity also allows you to open business bank accounts and credit cards. “It’s the right thing to do compliance-wise, but it’s also the right thing to do for financial management,” Harpaz says, explaining that having separate accounts makes it easier to keep tax-exempt business expenses separate from personal spending. Put money aside for taxes There is perhaps nothing more sobering than seeing your first tax bill as a solopreneur. For those accustomed to having their taxes automatically deducted from paychecks, that bill will make you go numb, especially if you haven’t planned accordingly. Though it’s hard to predict how much you’ll owe when you don’t know how much you’ll make, solopreneurs can often make an educated, conservative estimate and save accordingly. “Every Monday, my wife and I fill out a sheet that says how much income we made [the previous week], how much we have to set aside for taxes, and what we spent,” says Justin Welsh, a content creator and author of The Saturday Solopreneur newsletter. “We pay our credit cards off, and then we set aside the money for taxes, we save and invest anything that’s left over, and that is a weekly recurring meeting that we’ve done for over five years.” Over time, Welsh says the weekly fluctuations can be used to calculate a more predictable average, which helps the couple anticipate which tax bracket they’ll fall into at the end of the year, and avoid overspending on the good weeks or panicking on the not-so-good ones. “The goal is never to get too high with the highs and too low with the lows,” he says. “You just pretend you’re average every single week.” Use tools, but keep it simple As the community of solopreneurs expands, so does the market for tools and technologies to make their lives easier—YNAB and Lettuce among them. Welsh, for his part, is bullish on AI, but warns solopreneurs not to over-subscribe themselves. “The whole goal of solopreneurship is simplicity,” he says. “I think you can do that through smart planning, using a simple spreadsheet and a thought partner in an LLM.” For example, Welsh says solopreneurs can input their income and expense details and ask an AI platform to create a customized financial plan for them, or a contingency plan for when earnings drop unexpectedly. “My advice to solopreneurs is to start simple and only add software or tools when it absolutely keeps you from making a big mistake or gives you a large percentage of your revenue back through tax optimization,” he says. “Other than that, just try and make as much as you can, try and keep as much as you can, and try and spend as little as you can.” View the full article

In 2018, Joy DasGupta walked away from a steady job in marketing at Starbucks after 13 years to work for herself as a rewards program consultant. As a caregiver with a young child, DasGupta says the corporate life proved too inflexible, and the logistics of balancing her personal life and career were becoming overwhelming. Starbucks was also undergoing restructuring, and DasGupta’s once-secure corporate job was starting to feel a little shaky. She explains that for most working mothers, “if you get the opportunity to make as much money—maybe even a little less—and get flexibility, many will take that option.” She adds that “there aren’t enough companies that are innovating around ways to compensate people with time, as opposed to just money.” Instead, she’s earning what she calls a good income as a solopreneur, while enjoying the flexibility to structure her own schedule in a way that allows her to show up for her daughter and her clients. “The hourly [rate] is great in terms of the return on my time.” Between return to office mandates, AI-driven job insecurity, and a struggling labor market, American employees are feeling disengaged at work, inspiring many to seek an alternative. At the same time, solopreneurs—or those with full-time independent businesses and no desire to hire staff—are thriving. It pays to be a solopreneur According to a recent study conducted by online payroll and HR provider Gusto, solopreneurs typically earn about one-third less than similarly skilled employees in year one, but catch up quickly. “By year two, the average solopreneur is making about 15% more than a similarly-skilled employee, and that goes up to about 25% by year five,” says Gusto economist Nich Tremper. According to the study, the average solopreneur earns about $41,000 in year one—and over $83,000 by year three. The most popular industry for solopreneurs, according to the study, is professional, scientific, and technical services, followed closely by transportation and warehousing, each accounting for about 13%. Those in the information sector typically see the sharpest annual revenue growth at over 51% per year, followed by arts, entertainment, and recreation at about 30%. Real estate, rental, and leasing professionals placed third with nearly 12%. “When people think about small businesses, they tend to imagine folks that are on Main Street, with staff—little shops, little restaurants,” says Tremper. “In reality, 80% of small businesses don’t have any W2 employees, so solopreneurs are really foundational to the economy in a lot of ways.” Since the pandemic the United States has seen a significant spike in new businesses, and that entrepreneurial boom includes both traditional business owners and solopreneurs. Why more workers are going solo Not long ago, starting a business required a formal business plan, a loan, a lease, and a staff. Then the internet and mobile technology allowed individuals to open a digital storefront at almost no cost and connect with customers around the world. Now, AI is enabling solopreneurs to create professional quality marketing materials, websites, apps, presentations, proposals, and more without hiring help. “It’s become a solopreneur’s silent business partner,” says Caroline Castrillon, a Forbes senior contributor and founder of Corporate Escape Artist, which helps individuals transition into entrepreneurship. “What once required teams is now available to one person, so AI is really an equalizer.” But it’s not just tech that’s made the solopreneur lifestyle more appealing. “It really took off around the pandemic as people’s priorities and values changed,” Castrillon says. “Millennials and Gen Z in particular want autonomy, meaning and control. Work used to define our identities, now people are designing work around their identity.” An entrepreneurial pull, a corporate disengagement push As solopreneurship becomes more appealing—and more attainable, thanks to technology—perceptions of the corporate lifestyle have simultaneously moved in a more negative direction. “We have all these RTO mandates, there’s layoffs left and right, people don’t feel secure in their jobs, salaries aren’t keeping up with inflation, so what incentive is there to stay in the corporate world?” Castrillon says, adding that’s especially true for caregivers. “Companies often claim to support families, but they rarely back that up with meaningful programs, and for women especially, solopreneurship is one way to find the flexibility that they need.” That is ultimately what drove DasGupta from Starbucks to solopreneurship. Seven years later, she says she has no regrets. “Corporations are really meeting-centric, and there was this really amazing transition to actually being able to dedicate myself to producing work for people,” she says. “I wouldn’t trade it. It’s been a great experience.” View the full article

Google added Query groups to the Search Console Insights report. Query groups groups similar search queries together so you can quickly see the main topics your audience searches for. What Google said. Google wrote, “We are excited to announce Query groups, a powerful Search Console Insights feature that groups similar search queries.” “Query groups solve this problem by grouping similar queries. Instead of a long, cluttered list of individual queries, you will now see lists of queries representing the main groups that interest your audience. The groups are computed using AI; they may evolve and change over time. They are designed for providing a better high level perspective of your queries and don’t affect ranking,” Google added. What it looks like. Here is a sample screenshot of this new Query groups report: You can see that Google is lumping together “search engine optimization, seo optimization, seo website, seo optimierung, search engine optimization (seo), search …” into the “seo” query group in the second line. This shows the site overall is getting 9% fewer clicks on SEO related queries than it did previously. Availability. Google said query groups will be rolling out gradually over the coming weeks. It is a new card in the Search Console Insights report. Plus, query groups are available only to properties that have a large volume of queries, as the need to group queries is less relevant for sites with fewer queries. Why we care. Many SEOs have been grouping these queries into these clusters manually or through their own tools. Now, Google will do it for you, making it easier for more novie SEOs and beginner SEOs to understand. More details will be posted in this help document soon. View the full article

Dropbox has unveiled a significant upgrade to its Dropbox Dash tool, positioning it as a game changer for small business owners looking to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. The enhanced Dash now features advanced search capabilities for videos and images, along with AI-driven tools designed to expedite document creation. This evolution comes as small businesses increasingly seek ways to optimize their operations in a competitive landscape. According to Dropbox CEO Drew Houston, “Knowledge workers waste more than a month a year just looking for information and switching between apps. With the new Dash, we’re not just helping you find your content faster—we’re helping you put it to work.” This statement underscores the pressing need for tools that minimize time spent on administrative tasks, allowing small business owners to focus more on their core missions. The updated Dash is engineered to simplify the search for various content types. Small businesses often generate diverse media, from marketing videos to customer engagement images. The new search feature goes beyond text, making it easier to locate content that might otherwise be overlooked. Users can now quickly search for query phrases like “scanned release forms from our customer event” and receive instant results, making it less likely that important materials are lost in the shuffle. Moreover, the upgraded video and image search capabilities offer particular promise for businesses engaging in marketing, training, or client presentations. Business owners can now more effectively showcase past projects or visual content, aiding in faster decision-making and collaboration. The tool also enables identification of key teams or experts within the organization, potentially saving time spent in redundant meetings or emails. One of the standout features of the new Dash is its suite of AI writing tools aimed at accelerating the creation of drafts and summaries. For small business owners that often juggle multiple responsibilities, this can be a game changer. Instead of spending significant time sifting through reports or discussions to extract insights, users can prompt Dash with questions like “What were the key takeaways from our customer research last month?” Dash will then analyze previous content to generate comprehensive summaries in seconds. For project planning, small business owners can even request a “project plan for our Q3 marketing campaign” to quickly assemble a first draft that pulls information from various sources, including strategy documents and budgets. This reduction in manual work not only saves hours but can also improve the quality of final outputs, as teams are able to present cohesive documents that reflect a range of insights. Integration with popular collaboration tools is another significant enhancement. The updated Dash connects smoothly with platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, along with project management applications like Jira and Canva. This ensures that users can perform a seamless search across their work environment without being stuck in the tedious cycle of toggling between apps. For small teams, this could translate to more streamlined communication and quicker project turnaround times. However, while the benefits are numerous, small business owners should also consider the challenges that come with new technology implementations. For instance, integrating advanced tools like Dash may require initial time investments for training staff or adapting workflows. Additionally, it’s crucial for businesses to assess vendor trustworthiness and data privacy policies, especially since Dash includes advanced security features for sensitive information. Dropbox emphasizes that its platform remains GDPR compliant and offers options for self-hosted AI, which may be appealing for businesses concerned about data security. As more updates begin rolling out across teams using Dash, the potential for improved productivity and workflow efficiency becomes increasingly tangible for small businesses. The recent enhancements signal Dropbox’s commitment to providing best-in-class solutions that align with the evolving needs of its users. Small business owners can explore the new features by visiting Dropbox Dash and consider how they might integrate these capabilities into their operations to unlock new levels of efficiency. By prioritizing advanced search functionalities and intelligent content creation tools, Dropbox Dash sets the stage for small businesses to not only find information faster but also turn it into actionable insights swiftly. This could ultimately empower teams to focus on what truly matters: driving growth and fostering innovation within their companies. Image via Envanto This article, "Dropbox Dash Unveils Enhanced AI Tools for Smarter Content Creation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Dropbox has unveiled a significant upgrade to its Dropbox Dash tool, positioning it as a game changer for small business owners looking to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. The enhanced Dash now features advanced search capabilities for videos and images, along with AI-driven tools designed to expedite document creation. This evolution comes as small businesses increasingly seek ways to optimize their operations in a competitive landscape. According to Dropbox CEO Drew Houston, “Knowledge workers waste more than a month a year just looking for information and switching between apps. With the new Dash, we’re not just helping you find your content faster—we’re helping you put it to work.” This statement underscores the pressing need for tools that minimize time spent on administrative tasks, allowing small business owners to focus more on their core missions. The updated Dash is engineered to simplify the search for various content types. Small businesses often generate diverse media, from marketing videos to customer engagement images. The new search feature goes beyond text, making it easier to locate content that might otherwise be overlooked. Users can now quickly search for query phrases like “scanned release forms from our customer event” and receive instant results, making it less likely that important materials are lost in the shuffle. Moreover, the upgraded video and image search capabilities offer particular promise for businesses engaging in marketing, training, or client presentations. Business owners can now more effectively showcase past projects or visual content, aiding in faster decision-making and collaboration. The tool also enables identification of key teams or experts within the organization, potentially saving time spent in redundant meetings or emails. One of the standout features of the new Dash is its suite of AI writing tools aimed at accelerating the creation of drafts and summaries. For small business owners that often juggle multiple responsibilities, this can be a game changer. Instead of spending significant time sifting through reports or discussions to extract insights, users can prompt Dash with questions like “What were the key takeaways from our customer research last month?” Dash will then analyze previous content to generate comprehensive summaries in seconds. For project planning, small business owners can even request a “project plan for our Q3 marketing campaign” to quickly assemble a first draft that pulls information from various sources, including strategy documents and budgets. This reduction in manual work not only saves hours but can also improve the quality of final outputs, as teams are able to present cohesive documents that reflect a range of insights. Integration with popular collaboration tools is another significant enhancement. The updated Dash connects smoothly with platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, along with project management applications like Jira and Canva. This ensures that users can perform a seamless search across their work environment without being stuck in the tedious cycle of toggling between apps. For small teams, this could translate to more streamlined communication and quicker project turnaround times. However, while the benefits are numerous, small business owners should also consider the challenges that come with new technology implementations. For instance, integrating advanced tools like Dash may require initial time investments for training staff or adapting workflows. Additionally, it’s crucial for businesses to assess vendor trustworthiness and data privacy policies, especially since Dash includes advanced security features for sensitive information. Dropbox emphasizes that its platform remains GDPR compliant and offers options for self-hosted AI, which may be appealing for businesses concerned about data security. As more updates begin rolling out across teams using Dash, the potential for improved productivity and workflow efficiency becomes increasingly tangible for small businesses. The recent enhancements signal Dropbox’s commitment to providing best-in-class solutions that align with the evolving needs of its users. Small business owners can explore the new features by visiting Dropbox Dash and consider how they might integrate these capabilities into their operations to unlock new levels of efficiency. By prioritizing advanced search functionalities and intelligent content creation tools, Dropbox Dash sets the stage for small businesses to not only find information faster but also turn it into actionable insights swiftly. This could ultimately empower teams to focus on what truly matters: driving growth and fostering innovation within their companies. Image via Envanto This article, "Dropbox Dash Unveils Enhanced AI Tools for Smarter Content Creation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The profession's newest partners may be the most vulnerable. MOVE Like This With Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk. View the full article

The profession's newest partners may be the most vulnerable. MOVE Like This With Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk. View the full article

Managing a construction budget takes careful organization, accurate forecasting and constant oversight. A construction cost breakdown helps project teams understand exactly where their money is going and whether spending aligns with expectations. By mapping out all costs from labor to materials, managers can control overruns and improve profitability across every project phase. This construction cost breakdown: how-to guide with example and template shows how clear cost segmentation leads to better financial control. It explains when to create a breakdown, who is responsible for preparing one and how using a construction cost breakdown template makes the process faster and more transparent. With the right approach, teams can turn complex project data into a powerful management tool. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cost-Breakdown-Structure.jpg Get your free Construction Cost Breakdown Template Use this free Construction Cost Breakdown Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template What Is a Construction Cost Breakdown? A construction cost breakdown organizes every expense in a construction project into defined categories such as materials, labor, equipment and subcontractor fees. It provides a clear view of how each cost contributes to the total budget and helps prevent hidden or unexpected expenses. Project managers use it to track, control and forecast spending through every stage of the build. Construction project management software improves this process by automating data entry, integrating budgets with schedules and allowing real-time cost tracking. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, teams can monitor performance, compare actual versus planned costs and generate accurate reports instantly. ProjectManager enhances construction cost breakdown management through advanced features like interactive Gantt charts, multiple project views and AI-informed reports. The Gantt chart connects costs directly to tasks and timelines, making it easy to see financial impact as schedules evolve. Real-time dashboards and timesheets help identify cost variances early, while resource allocation tools ensure teams stay within budget. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more When to Create a Construction Cost Breakdown A construction cost breakdown should be created during the early planning stages before project execution begins. Developing it at this stage ensures estimates are accurate, funding requirements are clear and stakeholders understand the financial scope. As the project progresses, the breakdown can be updated to reflect actual costs, allowing for better control and timely adjustments to keep budgets aligned with objectives. Why It’s Important to Create a Construction Cost Breakdown A construction cost breakdown is essential for maintaining financial control, improving decision-making and ensuring accountability. It allows managers to see where money is being spent and whether resources are being used efficiently. By dividing the project into cost components, it becomes easier to pinpoint overruns or inefficiencies before they escalate. It also helps with forecasting, contract management and communication among stakeholders, making it a key part of financial transparency. Additionally, a construction cost breakdown template simplifies reporting for compliance, audits and performance reviews, creating a structured framework that supports long-term project success. Related: 10 Free Construction Plan Templates for Excel & Word Who Is Responsible for Preparing a Construction Cost Breakdown? Typically, the project manager leads the creation of a construction cost breakdown, collaborating with estimators, accountants, engineers and procurement staff. Each department contributes data related to its area of responsibility, ensuring the final budget reflects all expected costs and contingencies. Clear ownership of cost elements helps maintain accuracy and accountability throughout the project. Project Tasks This section lists all major tasks associated with the project, breaking them into manageable components. Each task includes estimated labor, materials and equipment costs. Having this breakdown ensures teams understand the financial expectations tied to each activity, making it easier to monitor progress and cost performance as the work unfolds. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg Project Deliverables Deliverables define the tangible outcomes of each phase, such as completed structures or installed systems. Assigning specific costs to deliverables ensures accountability for scope and budget alignment. It also helps clients and stakeholders understand how resources are distributed across project milestones, which supports transparency in financial reporting. Cost of Materials This includes the cost of raw and finished materials used throughout the construction process, from concrete to electrical wiring. Accurate material tracking prevents shortages, delays and waste. Maintaining updated material costs within the construction cost breakdown allows for real-time adjustments if prices fluctuate during the project. General Labor Cost General labor costs account for wages, benefits and overtime for on-site personnel. Tracking labor costs ensures payroll stays aligned with project progress and prevents overspending. When paired with time-tracking tools, this part of the breakdown helps identify inefficiencies and supports better scheduling decisions. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks-600x326.pngLearn more Subcontractor Costs Subcontractor expenses include payments to specialized trades such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC services. Listing them in the construction project cost breakdown clarifies total outsourcing expenses. It also simplifies billing, contract management and performance tracking for external partners involved in the build. Equipment Costs Equipment costs capture expenses related to machinery purchase, rental and maintenance. This section helps determine whether owning or renting is more cost-effective for a given project. Keeping this data in a construction cost breakdown template ensures accurate forecasting and better long-term resource planning. Logistics Costs Logistics expenses cover transportation, delivery and storage of materials and equipment. Including logistics in the construction project cost breakdown example ensures that indirect costs are visible and accounted for. Proper tracking prevents schedule delays caused by supply chain bottlenecks or poor inventory management. Cost of Permits and Fees This category includes expenses for building permits, inspections, environmental assessments and other regulatory approvals. Including these in the cost breakdown ensures full compliance and helps prevent fines or delays. Accurate permit tracking also supports smooth communication with municipal authorities and inspectors. Contingency Reserve and Management Reserve These reserves cover unforeseen issues such as design errors, scope changes or weather delays. Including both contingency and management reserves in the breakdown ensures financial flexibility and risk preparedness. Monitoring these reserves helps project teams stay responsive when challenges arise. Profit Margin The profit margin represents the financial return expected after covering all project costs. Including this figure in the construction cost breakdown helps ensure profitability targets are maintained. Regularly reviewing the margin as part of ongoing cost tracking helps prevent erosion of profit due to scope changes or overruns. Construction Cost Breakdown Template Download this free construction cost breakdown template to help construction teams organize and manage their project expenses effectively. This Excel-based template allows users to categorize costs into labor, materials, equipment and subcontractor fees, providing a clear overview of where funds are allocated. It also includes sections for tracking quantities, unit costs and total amounts, facilitating accurate cost forecasting and budget management. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cost-Breakdown-Structure-Template.png Ideal for contractors, project managers and estimators, this template streamlines the proposal process by offering a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of projected versus actual costs. Its structured format aids in securing faster approvals and ensures better alignment with stakeholders. By using this template, teams can maintain financial control throughout the project lifecycle, from initial estimates to final reporting. Construction Cost Breakdown Example Imagine a mid-sized construction firm, Horizon Builders Ltd., managing a 2,500-square-foot commercial office project in Austin, Texas. To understand and control costs effectively, the team followed a structured approach to break down the project scope, identify resource requirements and track costs. Step 1: Break Down the Scope of Work The first step is to list all major project tasks and their corresponding deliverables, priorities and responsible teams. This creates a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and who is accountable for each phase. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Construction-cost-breakdown-scope-of-work-600x213.png In this example, Horizon Builders started with site preparation, followed by foundation work, structural framing, MEP rough-ins, interior finishes and landscaping. Each task was assigned to specialized crews, from the excavation team to the landscaping crew, ensuring accountability and clear division of labor. Step 2: Identify the Resource Requirements Once the scope of work was defined, the next step was to identify the key cost categories associated with each task, including materials, equipment and labor. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Construction-cost-breakdown-cost-categories.png To keep it simple, the table below outlines a few representative categories for each phase. For example, the excavation required gravel, sand and a bulldozer with five workers, while the framing involved steel beams, cranes and a ten-person crew. These details help project managers plan procurement, allocate labor efficiently and estimate overall resource consumption. Step 3: Compare Budgeted vs. Actual Costs The final step is to track financial performance by comparing the budgeted costs with the actual expenses. This reveals where the project stayed on target and where deviations occurred. In this case, the foundation work came in under budget by $2,000 thanks to efficient concrete use, while structural framing exceeded its estimate due to delayed steel deliveries and extra crane time. The MEP rough-ins saved $5,000 through coordinated installation, but landscaping overran costs after the client requested design upgrades. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Construction-cost-breakdown-actual-vs-budgeted-costs.png Overall, Horizon Builders finished the project with an actual cost of $229,000, just $4,000 (1.8%) above the initial budget; a small variance that demonstrates how a detailed cost breakdown can help identify and control cost drivers across all project stages. Free Related Construction Project Management Template These free templates help construction teams plan, track and manage projects more efficiently. They provide a structured approach to budgeting, estimating and invoicing, making it easier to maintain financial control, communicate with stakeholders and ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. Construction Budget Template Download this template to organize all project costs into clear categories such as labor, materials and equipment. By tracking planned versus actual expenses, teams can control overruns, forecast future spending and maintain profitability throughout the project lifecycle. It is ideal for creating a detailed financial roadmap for any construction project. Construction Estimate Template Use this free construction estimate template to create accurate cost projections for materials, labor and subcontractor work. It provides a line-by-line breakdown of quantities, unit costs and total expenses, simplifying the proposal process. Using this template ensures that estimates are transparent and aligned with client expectations, which helps secure faster approvals and reduces budget surprises. Construction Invoice Template This free template simplifies billing by generating professional invoices for completed work. It tracks payment schedules, amounts due and payment history, improving cash flow and record keeping. By standardizing the invoicing process, teams can focus on project execution while ensuring clients are billed accurately and on time. ProjectManager Is Ideal to Make a Construction Cost Breakdown ProjectManager is ideal for construction teams who need a centralized platform to plan, track and manage multiple projects at once. Its multiple project views allow managers to switch between Gantt charts, kanban boards and task lists, providing a clear picture of each project’s timeline and dependencies. The interactive Gantt chart links tasks directly to deadlines and budgets, while real-time dashboards display project health, progress and cost performance in a single view, helping teams make informed decisions quickly. Learn more about our time tracking tools in this short video below. Optimize Resource Management ProjectManager helps construction teams allocate resources efficiently by tracking labor, equipment and materials across all projects. Resource workload charts show which team members are overallocated or underutilized, while timesheets allow field teams to log hours on site using the mobile app. Managers can forecast staffing needs, schedule subcontractors and track material usage in real time, viewing team members’ tasks, progress and priority on the team page, ensuring projects stay on budget and resources are never wasted. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Enhance Tracking and Reporting Tracking progress and performance is easy with ProjectManager’s built-in tools. Users can monitor task completion, compare actual costs versus planned budgets and generate AI-informed reports for stakeholders. Alerts notify teams of potential delays or budget overruns, while customizable dashboards give project managers instant insight into project metrics. By using these features, teams maintain accountability, ensure transparency and can respond quickly to changes in schedule or scope. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AI-Insights-Light-Mode-Dashboard-GPT5.png Related Construction Project Management Content Construction cost breakdown is part of the larger construction project management process. For those who want to expand their knowledge and see costs in the context of the larger picture, check out the links below. There are articles on methods, techniques and more construction information. 32 Construction Documents (Templates Included) 10 Types of Construction Projects with Examples 18 Construction Methods and Techniques How to Make a Construction Plan Construction Phases: Documentation, Templates & Steps ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or at the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay up to date with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Construction Cost Breakdown: How-to Guide with Example & Template appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Every year, Search Engine Land is delighted to celebrate the best of search marketing by rewarding the agencies, in-house teams, and individuals worldwide for delivering exceptional results. Today, I’m excited to announce all 18 winners of the 11th annual Search Engine Land Awards. The 2025 Search Engine Land Awards winners Best Use Of AI Technology In Search Marketing 15x ROAS with AI: How CAMP Digital Redefined Paid Search for Home Services Best Overall PPC Initiative – Small Business Anchor Rides – Post-Hurricane PPC Comeback (AIMCLEAR) Best Overall PPC Initiative – Enterprise ATRA & Jason Stone Injury Lawyers – Leveraging CRM Data to Scale Case Volume Best Commerce Search Marketing Initiative – PPC Adwise & Azerty – 126% uplift in profit from paid advertising & 1 percent point net margin business uplift by advanced cross-channel bucketing Best Local Search Marketing Initiative – PPC How We Crushed Belron’s Lead Target by 238% With an AI-Powered Local Strategy (Adviso) Best B2B Search Marketing Initiative – PPC Blackbird PPC and Customer.io: Advanced Data Integration to Drive 239% Revenue Increase with 12% Greater Lead Efficiency, with MMM Future-Proofing 2025 Growth Best Integration Of Search Into Omnichannel Marketing How NBC used search to drive +2,573 accounts in a Full-Funnel Media Push (Adviso) Best Overall SEO Initiative – Small Business Digital Hitmen & Elite Tune: The Toyota Shift That Delivered 678% SEO ROI Best Overall SEO Initiative – Enterprise 825 Million Clicks, Zero Content Edits: How Amsive Engineered MSN’s Technical SEO Turnaround Best Commerce Search Marketing Initiative – SEO Scaling Non-Branded SEO for Assouline to Drive +26% Organic Revenue Uplift (Block & Tam) Best Local Search Marketing Initiative – SEO Building an Unbeatable Foundation for Success: Using Hyperlocal SEO to Build Exceptional ROI (Digital Hitmen) Best B2B Search Marketing Initiative – SEO Page One, Pipeline Won: The B2B SEO Playbook That Turned 320 Visitors into $10.75M in Pipeline (LeadCoverage) Agency Of The Year – PPC How LOCALiQ Drove Over 84,000 Leads in 2024 with Search and a 323% Uplift for a Charity That Needed It Most Mindgruve Super Bowl campaign increased lead goals by 139% and drove 14,000+ store visits on a sub-$18K budget How Rank Secure Achieved Over 6,400 Conversions at $87 CPA Through Smart Segmentation and Scalable PPC Strategy Marriott‘s Enterprise and Franchise Program Coordinate to Drive an Over 400% Increase in Bookings Through Innovative Automation (Razorfish) Driving Growth Where Search Happens: Stella Rising’s Paid Search Transformation Agency Of The Year – SEO How Amsive Rescued MSN’s Global Visibility Through Enterprise Technical SEO at Scale In-House Team Of The Year – SEO How the American Cancer Society’s Lean SEO Team Drove Enterprise-Wide Consolidation and AI Search Visibility Gains for Cancer.org Search Marketer Of The Year Mike King Small Agency Of The Year – PPC ATRA & Jason Stone Injury Lawyers – Leveraging CRM Data to Scale Case Volume Small Agency Of The Year – SEO From Zero to Top of the Leaderboard: Bloom Digital Drives Big Growth With Small SEO Budgets “I’m going to SMX Next!” Select winners of the 2025 Search Engine Land Awards will be invited to speak live at SMX Next during our two ask-me-anything-style sessions. Bring your burning SEO and PPC questions to ask this award-winning panel of search marketers! Register here for SMX Next (it’s free) if you haven’t yet. Congrats again to all the winners. And huge thank yous to everyone who entered the 2025 Search Engine Land Awards, the finalists, and our fantastic panel of judges for this year’s awards. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google local reviews are disappearing...View the full article

Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article