🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readAccording to the March 2022 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the forecast is for high energy prices in 2022. The report found that Brent crude oil, used as a benchmark ex-U.S., is expected to see prices of $116 per barrel in Q2 of 2022. West … Continue reading “How Will Oil Prices and Consumer Spending Impact Markets?”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readCybersecurity experts estimate that there is a ransomware attack every 11 seconds. This makes it a challenge to individuals, businesses, and even governments. In ransomware attacks, cybercriminals encrypt a victim’s network or data, making it inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Despite organizations’ efforts to reduce the attacks, cybercriminals also are … Continue reading “The Rise in Ransomware Attacks and How to Keep Safe”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (HR 2471) – This legislation will fund the federal government through September 2022, but also includes a plethora of other bills folded within for the purpose of quick passage by both the House and Senate. Among them is the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and … Continue reading “Banning Masks, Banning Russian Oil, Making Lynching a Federal Hate Crime and Saving Sunshine”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readIf you really want to make impact in your new grad’s life, make an investment in his or her future with a 529 College Savings account. There are two versions: an investment account and a prepaid account. Assuming you are opening an account now and don’t have time for investment growth, … Continue reading “Give a College Savings 529 Plan For Graduation”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe IRS is currently suffering a severe backlog in processing returns from 2021 for the 2020 tax year. As of Dec. 31, there were still more than 6 million unprocessed individual returns with notices and pending refunds. There are a few things every taxpayer should know that can help them navigate … Continue reading “What Every Taxpayer Needs to Know This Season”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThere’s much uncertainty surrounding if, how and when the Federal Reserve will raise its rates, end its bond and mortgage-backed security purchases, and wind down its balance sheet. For the March 16 Fed Meeting, the CME FedWatch Tool has a 47.9 percent probability of a 25 to 50 basis point increase, … Continue reading “How Soon and Fast Will the Fed Raise Rates?”
🖨 Print⏱ 3 min readAmache National Historic Site Act (HR 2497) – This Act was introduced by Rep. Joe Negusa (D-CO) on April 24, 2021. The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire land in Colorado in order to establish a park called the Amache National Historic Site. It is to be included … Continue reading “Relief for USPS Financial Requirements, Plus Support for Victims of Sexual Harassment and Online Child Exploitation”
🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readAccording to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the level of usage and data swirling around the internet is expanding at an accelerating pace. The amount of data on the internet globally during 2020 amounted to 3 trillion gigabytes; and 2022’s traffic is expected to increase to 4.5 trillion gigabytes. As a … Continue reading “How Businesses Can Stay Current with the Digital Economy”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readMetaverse has become a buzzword with much debate on its potential implications once it is fully realized. As far as businesses are concerned, the metaverse presents new opportunities and challenges, especially for marketing, branding and communication professionals. Understanding Metaverse Metaverse became a hot topic thanks to Facebook announcing its rebrand to … Continue reading “What Does the Metaverse Mean for Businesses”
🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readOne of the easiest ways to save for retirement is to participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. You simply select a percentage of your paycheck that you would like transferred to your 401(k) (or similar) account. Not only does your employer make the transfer for you, but it comes out of … Continue reading “How To Maximize the Potential of Your 401(k) Plan”