10 Simple Steps For Your Estate Executor’s Duties During the Probate Process Family Tree Estate Planning has created this helpful infographic and document explaining the 10 simple steps to help your Estate Executor’s duties throughout the Probate process. Here’s a PDF version of the Estate Executor’s Duties:
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Tax Attorney or a CPA via @UpCounsel Blog
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Tax Attorney or a CPA This article was originally published on UpCounsel. I see or talk to my CPA about once a week. That may seem a little extreme, but it’s because he’s brilliant, he gives great advice, and because he’s also my dad. Many […]
What to Do If Your Business Is Selected for a Tax Audit via @UpCounsel Blog
What to Do If Your Business Is Selected for a Tax Audit This article was originally published on UpCounsel. By UpCounsel Business Attorney Leah Jacobs Don’t Panic This is my first bit of advice to anyone who has a business selected for a tax audit. Whether you are a small business CEO or a […]
What Does the New Tax Bill Mean for C-Corporations? via @UpCounsel Blog
What Does the New Tax Bill Mean for C-Corporations? This article was originally published on UpCounsel. By UpCounsel Business Attorney Ramsey Taylor Startup founders often have a lot of questions, but one of the most common is whether they should set up a C-Corporation for their new business. Alternatives usually considered are the […]
Tax Business Plan Template: Everything You Need to Know via @UpCounsel Blog
Tax Business Plan Template: Everything You Need to Know This article was originally published on UpCounsel. Its a strategy for all aspects of your business. It is a necessity for those looking to start a tax preparation or tax consulting business.3 min read A tax business plan template is a strategy for all […]
What is a Contract? Everything You Need to Know via @UpCounsel Blog
What is a Contract? Everything You Need to Know This article was originally published on UpCounsel. What is a contract? Contracts are a part of our everyday world. A contract might include a simple transaction at the local store.3 min read What is a contract? Contracts are a part of our everyday world. […]
Type of Corporations for Small Business via @UpCounsel Blog
Type of Corporations for Small Business This article was originally published on UpCounsel. There are five types of corporations for small business to select from. They include sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, C corporation, and S corporation.3 min read There are five types of corporations for small business to select from. They include sole […]
How to Hire a Great Business Lawyer? via @UpCounsel Blog
How to Hire a Great Business Lawyer? Written by Arleen Atienza This article was originally published on UpCounsel. A good foundation is crucial in starting any business and one of the pillars that keep a business stout and upright is a great business lawyer. As a business owner, you want to allot your […]
Online Estate Planning: How To Make a Will For Your Digital Life – via @AZCentral
Online Estate Planning: How To Make a Will For Your Digital Life This article was originally published on AZCentral. Big-name websites and companies can track your activities to deliver targeted advertising and build up an astonishingly detailed profile. Question: Do you have suggestions for creating a digital will? Answer: Estate planning is one of […]
Research: Shifting the Power Balance with an Abusive Boss
Executive Summary When confronting an abusive supervisor, employees often assume they have two choices: confrontation or avoidance. But new research suggests a third option: Targets of abuse can flip the script, shifting the balance of power in their favor when bosses make life miserable. As subordinates gain leverage over time, they can strategically influence supervisors to stop […]
Do You Need a Formal Degree, or Will a MOOC Do?
Executive Summary We all know that in the modern economy, we can’t just stop learning. But how to keep educating ourselves is a complicated question. Is it a worthwhile investment to get a formal degree, like an MBA or PhD? Should you take a more targeted approach, with a short-term executive education program? Or perhaps DIY […]
Women and pain: Disparities in experience and treatment
In August, The New York Times published a guest op-ed by a man named David Roberts who suffered from severe chronic pain for many years before finally finding relief. The piece immediately went viral, with distinguished news journalist and personality Dan Rather posting it to his Facebook page with the addendum that it could “offer […]
Making Time to Really Listen to Your Patients
Executive Summary Modern medicine’s true healing potential depends on a resource that is being systematically depleted: the time and capacity to truly listen to patients, hear their stories, and learn not only what’s the matter with them but also what matters to them. Some health professionals claim that workload and other factors have compressed medical encounters to […]
Data From 3.5 Million Employees Shows How Innovation Really Works
Executive Summary The variables that make for a successful innovation program are independent of whether the company is seeking disruptive or incremental innovations. It doesn’t matter whether they’re asking for process or product innovation, what industry the company is in, or even, for the most part, whether the company is large or small. That’s according to […]
Why Retailers Should Retire Holiday Shopping Season
Executive Summary It’s time that retailers re-think their approach to the holiday shopping season. It no longer makes sense to rely on disproportionate revenue from the holiday season to make up for softness in sales during the rest of the year. Customers don’t want retailers to dictate their shopping schedule; wealthy customers are getting used […]
How to Plan for the Unforeseen
The financial effects of unexpected events like death or illness can be blunted or controlled with some preparation, advisers say. Source: NYTimes How to Plan for the Unforeseen
Doctors Feel Excluded from Health Care Value Efforts
Executive Summary U.S. hospitals and healthcare groups have experimented over the past decade with new management structures and alternative payment models to provide quality healthcare at lower cost. But physicians have been slow to embrace these for a host of reasons. Chief among them, Bain and Company research shows, is that they feel excluded from […]
Forming Stronger Bonds with People at Work
Executive Summary The pressure of tight deadlines and the pace of technology mean that fewer Americans are finding friendship in the workplace. But connecting with others at work shouldn’t be a nice to have. Research shows that having high-quality connections can help us be more creative, resilient, and even live longer. To connect, you need […]
How to Gain Credibility When You Have Little Experience
Executive Summary To be successful, young workers need to be seen as credible before they have had the opportunity to build expertise from the ground up. It’s an incredibly difficult obstacle for younger workers in their first job to overcome. But there are five activities that young professionals can do to jumpstart their career trajectories: leverage your research […]
CEOs Explain How They Gender-Balanced Their Boards
Executive Summary Despite more evidence about the benefits of the increasing the number women on boards, 2016 saw a decline in the percent of women on U.S. corporate boards. Considering how much influence CEOs have over board appointments, they can do a better job of advocating for getting more women on the board. Interviews with […]
A doctor’s recipe for a healthy breakfast
When I look at the typical breakfast food offerings at many restaurants, supermarkets, and food trucks, and I think about the health of our nation, I want to cry. Muffins, bagels, donuts, pancakes, waffles, French toast sticks… Want some bacon, sausage, or fried potatoes with that, ma’am? Then there’s what marketing tells you is a […]
America's Top Restaurants Announced
The Michelin stars, however, are the coveted prize. They will be unveiled this month on separate days for each city, perpetuating the drama that surrounds them in the industry. San Francisco’s stars will be announced Oct. 12; Washington’s, Oct. 17; Chicago’s, Oct. 20; and New York’s, Oct. 30. The guidebooks will be available in print […]
Social Security Numbers Could Be Replaced
Joyce’s remarks came a month after Equifax hackers gained access to the Social Security numbers and birth dates of more than 145 million Americans. He said the Social Security number has “outlived its usefulness,” according to the Hill newspaper. “It’s a flawed system that we can’t roll back after a breach.” Another problem, he said, is that once a […]
How Successful Solopreneurs Make Money
Dorie Clark, a marketing strategy consultant, answers a burning question: how do people make money off of what they know? She outlines the options for experts who want to monetize their knowledge. Clark explains, using herself and other successful solopreneurs as examples, how to earn revenue from public speaking, podcasting, e-books, and online courses. She […]
The Key to Campbell Soup’s Turnaround? Civility.
Executive Summary The best way to truly win the hearts and minds of people, and generate huge returns for your organization and its stakeholders, is by leading with civility. This means spending a considerable amount of effort acknowledging people’s contributions, listening better, respecting others’ time, and making people feel valued. Research has shown that prioritizing civility can […]
The “Smart Society” of the Future Doesn’t Look Like Science Fiction
What is a “smart” society? While flights of imagination from science-fiction writers, filmmakers, and techno-futurists involve things like flying cars and teleportation, in practice smart technology is making inroads in a piecemeal fashion, often in rather banal circumstances. In Chicago, for example, predictive analytics is improving health inspections schedules in restaurants, while in Boston city […]
The secret to happiness? Here’s some advice from the longest-running study on happiness
I have always considered myself a happy person, even though I may not always look it thanks to inheriting my father’s furrowed brow. Are there times when I’m not happy? Of course. Do I wish I could be happier more often? Who wouldn’t? While it seems everyone is looking for the answer to the age-old […]
Why Is CEO Pay Rising? Maybe There Aren’t Enough Good CEOs
Executive Summary Rarely do people ask, “How many people can actually run a large, publicly traded company?” The answer to this question is critical in determining whether CEO pay is excessive, because an important part of the value equation for any CEO position is how many well-qualified executives make up the labor pool of viable […]
The Real Reason Superstar Firms Are Pulling Ahead
Executive Summary Across industries and across countries, a small number of “superstar” firms are pulling away from the competition. But why are these companies doing so well? One answer shows up in study after study: superstar firms are succeeding in large part due to information technology. However, superstars aren’t succeeding because of IT per se, but because […]
Blockchain Could Help Us Reclaim Control of Our Personal Data
Executive Summary It’s a strange world we live in when large companies such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are able to store huge quantities of our personal data and profit from it in a way that doesn’t benefit us. And when those same companies lose our personal data and make us susceptible to identity theft, […]
FTC Advises Consumers to Block Suspicious Robocalls
“Which app works for you might depend on your phone’s operating system,” FTC consumer education specialist Alesha Hernandez advised in an article on the agency’s website. “Before you consider downloading any app, think about the call protection that you need and do your research.” She referred consumers to the CTIA, a trade association that has a comprehensive list […]
Survey Says Greenville, S.C., Has The Country's Smartest Spenders
Jon Lovette/Getty Images A recent study ranked the South Carolina city tops among places in America where residents are best at living within their means. The residents of Greenville, S.C., are the best among America’s metro areas at keeping their spending within their means, according to a new study by online loan marketplace LendingTree. The […]
Why you can’t get a song out of your head and what to do about it
“Earworms” are unwanted catchy tunes that repeat in your head. These relentless tunes play in a loop in up to 98% of people in the western world. For two-thirds of people they are neutral to positive, but the remaining third find it disturbing or annoying when these songs wriggle their way into the brain’s memory […]
The Great Recession Drastically Changed the Skills Employers Want
Executive Summary The employment shift from occupations in the middle of the skill distribution toward those at the high and low ends is one of the most important trends in the U.S. labor market over the past 30 years. Previous research has suggested that a primary driver of this job polarization is something called routine-biased technological […]
5 Research-Based Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination
Executive Summary Why do we procrastinate, even though we know it’s against our best interests? And how can we overcome it? A careful look at the science behind procrastination reveals five tips. First, figure out which of seven triggers are set off by the task you want to avoid. Is it boring, frustrating, or difficult? […]
Fees For Getting Cash From An ATM Keep Rising
Bankrate.com surveyed the 10 biggest banks in the top 25 metro areas in the U.S. The most expensive city in which to make an out-of-network withdrawal is Pittsburgh, where the average transaction will set you back $5.19. The cheapest place to withdraw cash among the 25 biggest metro areas? Dallas, where a transaction costs you […]
How AI Will Change Strategy: A Thought Experiment
Executive Summary AI is a prediction technology. Its improvement is akin to turning up the volume knob on a speaker dial. But rather than volume, you’re turning up the AI’s prediction accuracy. What happens to Amazon’s strategy as their data scientists, engineers, and machine learning experts work tirelessly to dial up the accuracy on the prediction […]
What Science Says About Identifying High-Potential Employees
Executive Summary Scientific studies have long suggested that investing in the right people will maximize organizations’ returns. In a world of unlimited resources, organizations would surely invest in everyone.In the real world, however, limited budgets force organizations to be much more selective, which explains the growing interest in high potential (HiPo) identification. If we are […]
Why parents should use responsive feeding with their babies
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire The habits we learn early can stay with us for a lifetime — which is why it’s better to learn good habits early, not bad ones. This is especially true with eating habits. More and more, research shows that overweight babies grow into overweight children, who grow into overweight adults. […]
The Critical Skills for Leading Major Change in America’s Health System
At a time of profound volatility in the U.S. health system, change management is an essential skill for public and private leaders alike. For these leaders — and young people aspiring to careers as health care managers — one very practical question emerges. What are the critical skills for leading major change in our health system? As […]
How to Design Your IT Organization for Constant Evolution – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM DXC TECHNOLOGY
By Glen Robinson, Emerging Technology Advisor, Leading Edge Forum, DXC Technology We have moved from the Internet era in the early 2000s to the cloud era today; however, we will soon transition into the Matrix era – the Matrix being the term the Leading Edge Forum (LEF) uses to describe the intersection of multiple game-changing […]
Is Your Company Adapting Fast Enough to Thrive in an Increasingly Digital World? – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM DXC TECHNOLOGY
As digital technologies permeate all aspects of their operations, companies around the world anticipate the need for massive change over the next five years, according to a new global survey by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services. But can these organizations adapt fast enough? Almost all of the 376 business leaders in the survey said they […]
Whiteboard Session: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
About Us Careers Privacy Policy Copyright Information Trademark Policy Harvard Business Publishing: Higher Education Corporate Learning Harvard Business Review Copyright © 2017 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School. Source: HBR Whiteboard Session: How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
Mower Mishaps Among Strange Insurance Claims
Amino, a health care start-up that gathers data from insurance claims, culled these and many other unusual happenings from the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revised Edition. Medical providers must determine a code for reimbursement purposes, and the publication lists every diagnosis for a medical condition and the corresponding code. It covers […]
Research: For Better Brainstorming, Tell an Embarrassing Story
Executive Summary Researchers have long studied how to make brainstorming sessions more effective — for example, by setting quantity goals, instead of quality ones. A recent study indicates that people can also be primed for more creative idea generation when they kick-off such sessions by sharing embarrassing stories, which lowers their inhibitions and, thus, improves […]
The mysterious rise in knee osteoarthritis
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. Osteoarthritis is the form of joint disease that’s often called “wear-and-tear” or “age-related,” although it’s more complicated than that. While it tends to affect older adults, it is not a matter of “wearing out” […]
Manage Your Stress by Monitoring Your Body’s Reactions to It
Jack is well-known in his company for delivering growth through high-performing, cross-functional teams. Where others get stuck in silos, he fosters innovation through collaboration. But these days, when you exit the elevator on his floor, you sense fear wafting through the halls. He’s nine months into a new role as Business Unit Leader, and a […]
Startup Accelerators Have Become More Popular in Emerging Markets — and They’re Working
Executive Summary For decades, we have heard that emerging markets are poised for huge growth that will yield even greater prosperity. But a long list of obstacles always seems to be getting in the way of realizing this potential. Startup accelerator programs have been touted as one path to faster progress. But is the boost that accelerators give in […]
How Energy and Economic Resilience Are Moving to the Top of the Corporate Agenda – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM SIEMENS
Corporate leaders are increasingly concerned about energy, seeing it not just as a cost to be managed but as a key to the future sustainability of their companies. Climate change also is a major concern. How are leading organizations dealing with this challenge? In this edition of the Quick Take, insights from the latest Harvard […]
A better way to be rich and happy – AARP The Magazine
Among their savings secrets: Live cell-phone free (“It’s a quality-of-life issue, too”), wear your clothing until it’s truly worn (“It’s like losing a friend when we consign a shirt to the rag bin”), and save twice the amount needed for a major purchase before you buy it (“It lets you make sure you really want […]
Should You Use a Credit Card or Debit Card
Though debit and credit cards look virtually identical, they aren’t. A debit card is essentially a check. As soon as you use it at a retailer, the funds are gone from your checking account and you have spent your own money. When you buy something on a credit card, you are spending someone else’s money […]
How to Teach Employees Skills They Don’t Know They Lack
Executive Summary Despite the billions of dollars companies spend on employee training, research shows that workers are unconsciously incompetent in 20% to 40% of areas critical to their performance. How can you teach people skills and knowledge they don’t know they lack? By redesigning corporate learning programs so they are adaptive and force users to […]
Samsung, Lee Jae-yong’s Conviction, and How Business in South Korea Is Changing
Executive Summary In late August, Lee Jae-yong, the heir apparent of Samsung, was sentenced to five years in prison. It was once unthinkable that the head of South Korea’s largest conglomerate could be sent to prison; Lee’s father, Lee Kun-hee, was twice pardoned by the government. But public sentiment, which used to hold that what […]
My Competitiveness Was Hurting My Sales Team. Here’s How I Realized It
Executive Summary Want to be surrounded by some of the most competitive people on the planet? Work in sales, where paychecks, bonuses, promotions, and stature are usually tied directly to organizational quotas and individual results. A little competition can be a good thing. But often it goes too far — and ironically, performance can suffer […]
Time to rethink the debate on PSA testing
For most of us, whether to screen for cancer is a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want a simple test to prevent cancer or identify it at an earlier, more treatable stage? However, as with many things, the screening decision is more complex than it may appear. For example, the test may not be particularly “simple,” such […]
Super Saver Tips, Budget Travel Tips
If you travel much on your own — as Evelyn Hannon has since her divorce 30-some years ago — it’s crucial to find ways to save. The blogger, called by some the grandmother of women’s travel, is founder of Journeywoman.com, which seeks to inspire women to explore the world. Although she’s reached a point where […]
Imposter Scams: IRS Scams, Online Dating Scams, Military Scams
Welcome to what experts call the illusion of invulnerability — the belief that frauds happen to others but not you. Overconfidence in your ability to spot bad guys is a dangerous thing. Impostor fraud is among the fastest-growing scam types precisely because so many of us think we are immune to it. To help, here […]
Microsoft’s CEO on Rediscovering the Company’s Soul
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s third CEO, opens up about his effort to refresh the culture of the company and renew its focus on the future. He reflects on important life lessons he learned growing up in India, immigrating to the U.S., and working for Microsoft for 25 years. Nadella thinks of the past, he says, for […]
How to Stay Focused When You’re Working from Home
Executive Summary When you’re working from home, you can easily be distracted by household chores, personal priorities, and even friends and family. To focus more effectively, you need to set boundaries. Here are some tips for how you can make remote work more productive and satisfying, whether it’s an everyday occurrence or an occasional day […]
What We Can Learn About Resilience from Female Leaders of the UN
Executive Summary It’s difficult enough to stay resilient in the face of high demands and changing circumstances. Imagine adding extreme physical conditions, threats to personal safety, natural disasters, armed conflict, large numbers of traumatized people, minimal infrastructure, and complex, multi-stakeholder relations to your list of challenges. While most of us do not face situations this […]
Diabetes: Adding lifestyle changes to medication can deliver a knockout punch
Plenty of research supports the common-sense notion that a healthy lifestyle can prevent or treat many diseases. A diet high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and plant protein and low in processed carbs, added sugars, saturated fats; regular physical activity; and emotional well-being are the potent treatments that can prevent the need for or even […]
Research: Missing Product Information Doesn’t Bother Consumers as Much as It Should
Consider the following situations: A surgeon creates an online profile of her qualifications and experience for potential patients, but she does not include her patient mortality rates. After one of her patients dies on the operating table, a lawyer for the patient’s family discovers that the surgeon deliberately withheld the mortality data. You are eating […]
Here’s What Mindfulness Is (and Isn’t) Good For
Executive Summary While mindfulness doesn’t necessarily work the way the hype proclaims, there are some things that a good mindfulness practice can really help with: focus, stress response, working memory, and corporate citizenship. By better understanding when mindfulness is the right approach — and how it works — HR and training programs can better enhance both leader performance and employee well-being. […]
How Businesses Are Reducing Their Energy Costs and Building Resilience – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM SIEMENS
Business leaders have significant concerns about energy. A Harvard Business Review Analytic Services report, sponsored by Siemens in conjunction with a national series of seminars focused on energy innovation, found that approximately 90 percent of executives feel significant pressure to reduce their energy spend, and more than 80 percent said fluctuating energy prices are a […]
Some Caribbean Islands Unscarred After Hurricanes
Laura Plaze, 60, a regular visitor to St. John from Alexandria, Va., was stunned by post-Irma videos of her time-share unit. “You cannot believe it,” she says. “Every tree is broken, with leaves shorn off. The swimming pool is a mud bucket.” She is worried she may not be able to return even as late as […]
Quick Ways to Get Money: Coupons App, Claim Lost Money
2. Split your paycheck If you direct deposit your paycheck into a checking account, change to a split deposit, which will send a small amount to a savings, vacation or emergency fund. It’s worth it: Research shows that people save an extra $1,080 a year when they use divided deposits. If your company doesn’t offer […]
How to Navigate a Turf War at Work
You’re working on a cross-functional initiative that’s critical to your company. Given your position, you’ve assumed you’re in charge, but it seems your counterpart from another team has made the same assumption. And now you’re in the middle of a turf war. How do you determine who has authority? How do you navigate the situation with […]
Flu shots during pregnancy
Is your head already spinning from all of the confusing information about the safety of routine vaccinations? Well, news of the latest findings regarding the flu vaccine during pregnancy certainly won’t help things. A group of researchers recently reported an association between a pregnant woman getting the flu vaccine and having a miscarriage. The authors […]
Bruce Springsteen, Artful Leadership, and What Rock Star Bosses Do
There is a special kind of boss. The one who fills up every room with their big ego and even bigger heart. Who voices the hard truths without making you lose hope, and makes you work harder and feel lighter for it. We often call such bosses “rock stars,” to underscore their popular appeal. Some […]
5 Ways to Help Employees Keep Up with Digital Transformation
Executive Summary The consumer products landscape is in the midst of a significant digital shake up. Success of these new ideas and approaches depends on the abilities, skills, and mindset of the company’s workforce. Work with leading consumer products companies around the world shows that there are clear practices and investments that drive a greater […]
A 2×2 Matrix to Help You Prioritize the Skills to Learn Right Now
Executive Summary The modern worker has very little time for learning, and yet continuous learning is vital for anyone who wants to maintain their edge. There’s a significant pressure on us all to learn the right stuff, but how do we identify what that is? A time-utility analysis can help you decide what to prioritize. By examining […]
What is a Fixed-Index Annuity?
You buy the annuity with a lump sum, which goes into the insurer’s general fund. You are credited with a tax-deferred return that’s linked to the market — for example, to Standard & Poor’s index of 500 stocks. If the S&P rises over 12 months, you receive some of the gain. For example, your credits […]
Venmo vs. Zelle: Which is Better?
Venmo vs. Zelle The Platform Venmo: Operates through the Venmo app you download to your mobile device. Zelle: Operates through apps of participating banks and credit unions. How it Works Venmo: Transferring is easiest if both parties are on the app. You can “request” or “pay” other users and add a note or emoji as the […]
Vacation Planner, Travel Planning, Tips & Savings – AARP
‘My Digital Travel for Seniors’ Learn how to use computers, smartphones, or tablets to plan travel, manage your itinerary, and save money Source: AARP Travel Vacation Planner, Travel Planning, Tips & Savings – AARP
Homeowners Rush to Get Reverse Mortgages
“Our industry is currently inundated,” Julie Martinez, a housing counselor at the nonprofit agency HomeStrong USA, told the Register. “We have an enormous influx of calls and requests for appointments that’s unprecedented.” Reverse mortgages give 62-and-older owners a chance to make use of the equity in their homes to get cash to pay bills. Officials at […]
Traits of Scam Victims: Industriousness, Curiosity, Geniality
Industriousness Knowing you’re a diligent worker, scammers send out most malware-containing emails and mobile scams early in the business day, when you’re busiest or most distracted. The flow spikes right around lunchtime. Advice: Slow down. “Think before clicking on a link — especially during high activity times such as the upcoming holidays,” suggests Gary Davis […]
What Motivates Employees More: Rewards or Punishments?
Executive Summary When we attempt to motivate people, we try to elicit an anticipation of pleasure by promising rewards (a bonus, a promotion, positive feedback, public recognition), or we try to warn of the pain of punishment (a demotion, negative feedback, public humiliation). But what’s not always clear is: Which should we be using — the […]
Thinking About a “Work from Anywhere” Arrangement? Ask These Questions First
Executive Summary Becoming location-independent and traveling the world is more possible than ever. With the internet and a laptop, scores of professions that were once desk-bound — consulting, writing, researching, designing, and more — are now free to conduct business from around the globe. But is the lifestyle right for you? Before making the decision, […]
4 ways to help your child get enough sleep
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire Children need sleep, plain and simple. We all do. Without enough sleep, we get cranky and, with time, unhealthy. But for children, it’s especially important because the effects of sleep deprivation can lead to lifelong problems. Studies have shown that not getting enough sleep can contribute to obesity. But even […]
Managing the Perks and Pitfalls of Proactive People
Executive Summary Companies need proactive employees. They are essential for suggesting, developing, and sustaining innovative new projects and for helping companies stay competitive. But organizations must make sure that proactive employees know the types of risks to take and those to avoid. On the one hand, top managers need to provide autonomy so that middle […]
Too Much Charisma Can Make Leaders Look Less Effective
Executive Summary Conventional wisdom suggests that the most charismatic leaders are also the best leaders. But research shows that, while at least a moderate level of charisma is important, too much may hinder a leader’s effectiveness. Three studies — involving 800 business leaders globally and around 7,500 of their superiors, peers, and subordinates — suggests that […]
Elderly Scams: Medicare Fraud, Social Security Scams
As a result, scammers stole tens of billions of dollars last year from older Americans and the programs that serve them. Medicare fraud alone is estimated at $60 billion annually. In July of this year, 412 people were busted by federal investigators in health care fraud schemes that netted $1.3 billion. So who are these […]
Social Security Numbers May Be Removed From Future W-2s
Employers are required to submit by Jan. 31 a W-2 statement spelling out the wages and tax withholdings for each taxpayer in the prior year. The proposed rules would allow, but not require, employers to truncate the Social Security numbers on W-2s. For decades, federal agencies, taxpayers and consumers have been stricken with widespread identity […]
Consumer Protection: Avoiding Scams, Fraud and Bad Deals
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Money Consumer Protection: Avoiding Scams, Fraud and Bad Deals
Piano History and Piano Removal, Reminiscing on a Steinway
Then the piano migrated to our home. Our two sons took lessons on it, too. When tuners would visit, they would end their work by playing a little Chopin or Bach, no doubt a calculated reminder of what a glorious musical instrument it is — a fact not well revealed by an 8-year-old begrudgingly learning […]
The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling What a difference a few years can make. Not long ago, I was learning about the dangers of coffee — how it could raise your blood pressure, make your heart race, impair sleep, and maybe even cause cancer. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) is taking coffee off the possible […]
How to Regain the Lost Art of Reflection
Executive Summary Executives spend too much time on information processing, reaction, and execution, and not enough on slow, deliberative, reflective thinking. But some CEOs have managed to resist these tendencies. Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg read extensively, safeguard time for personal development projects, and constantly seek new stimulus and perspectives. Leaders such as […]
As European Banks Retreat from the World Stage, China Is Stepping Up
Executive Summary It has been 10 years since the global financial crisis, and the fall-out continues in the industry that was at its epicentre: banking. There has been a truly dramatic retrenchment from foreign markets, making banking a rare case of an industry becoming less, rather than more, global. But as European banks retreat, China […]
Great Storytelling Connects Employees to Their Work
Executive Summary Let’s face it. Most of us go through the motions, phoning it in, but engage in our work less than we are capable of. The consequence is not just lower productivity; it is lower quality of life. Half-hearted effort isn’t fun. The first responsibility of leaders — whether front line supervisors, middle managers, […]
Why Scammers Love Social Media
Mark “would text me all the time, it was very flattering. He said he was a churchgoing man. And his story was really believable,” said Joan, embarrassed to disclose her real name and how little she actually knew about him. Scammers have long used the internet to target people with their phony sweepstakes and hard […]
Equifax and Why It’s So Hard to Sue a Company for Losing Your Personal Information
Executive Summary The Equifax breach is different from previous breaches. It isn’t the largest or the most embarrassing, but it involves personal data that people didn’t directly give to Equifax, which makes the nature of the breach unique. The company is facing a number of lawsuits, and Congress is demanding answers. But U.S. citizens may find […]
5 Ways to Focus Your Energy During a Work Crunch
Executive Summary Work invariably ebbs and flows, cycling between steady states, where we feel more in control of the pace and workload, and peak periods, where the work crunch hits us hard. Maintaining focus and managing energy levels become critical as tasks pile onto an already full load. When you’re in your next work crunch, […]
The Grocery Industry Confronts a New Problem: Only 10% of Americans Love Cooking
Executive Summary The food and grocery industry feels threatened by Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods, but it faces a bigger but quieter threat: the long-term decline of people’s interest in cooking. Instead of ignoring this behavioral shift, food companies should become more proactive by exiting categories that have no future, focusing on super-premium products, and using […]
Prioritize Your Opportunities with This Checklist
Executive Summary How do you evaluate the myriad of business opportunities you face every day? Should you speak at that event? Author a book? Attend a strategy summit? As you face an opportunity, or as you seek the opportunities you’d like to pursue, try ranking them according to five critical factors. 1.) Will this opportunity […]
Leaky gut: What is it, and what does it mean for you?
Before the medical community had better understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease, doctors believed certain ailments could originate from imbalances in the stomach. This was called hypochondriasis. (In Ancient Greek, hypochondrium refers to the upper part of the abdomen, the region between the breastbone and the navel.) This concept was rejected as science evolved […]
Transcending Either-Or Decision Making
Jennifer Riel, an adjunct professor at the Rotman School of Management, presents a model way to solve problems: integrative thinking. It’s taking the best from two inadequate options to come up with a successful solution. She gives examples from the film industry to show how CEOs have put the process to work. Riel is the […]
How to Help an Employee Who Rubs People the Wrong Way
If you’ve ever cringed in a meeting when your direct report was talking, you know how tough it can be to watch a team member undermine themselves. Maybe the person is interrupting colleagues too often. Or being condescending, or even combative. No matter the specific behavior, your employee is clearly rubbing people the wrong way. […]
Do Tech Companies Really Need All That User Data?
Executive Summary The online economy — from search to email to social media — is built in large part on the fact that consumers are willing to give away their data in exchange for products that are free and easy to use. But a new working paper, released this week by Lesley Chiou of Occidental College and Catherine Tucker […]
Top Green and Environmental Cities for Tourism
In a survey released Tuesday, RewardExpert, a company that helps travelers maximize their mileage and points for travel, looked at 53 top destinations to see which one takes the prize as the greenest big city in the U.S. To make the determination, no plane trips were required. Data was gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau, Alliance […]
Loans Offered by SBA for Hurricane Victims
There are a number of types of relief available from the agency: physical business loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property; economic injury loans to help small businesses meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations; and home business loans to repair or replace disaster-damage real estate and personal property. Loans for physical businesses and economic injury […]
Best Time to Buy Cheap Thanksgiving Plane Tickets
If you wait until the last minute (zero to six days out), you’re likely to shell out more than 20 percent over the average ticket price. “Timing is a big factor in getting a good deal on airfare,” Sarah Gavin, vice president of global communications at Expedia, said in a statement. “People typically know pretty […]
Vacation Ideas and Places to Go – Tours, Trips to Plan- AARP
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
Men (back) at work
My father was ecstatic when he retired from the US Postal Service after 30 years. But it didn’t take long before he began to miss the packlike male bonding he took for granted: group lunches, team projects, water cooler banter. When they were gone, it left a big hole in his life. “Men acquire friends […]
What parents should know about tattoos
Follow me on Twitter @drClaire These days, tattoos are increasingly common. According to a 2015 Harris poll, three in 10 American adults have a tattoo — up from two in 10 in 2012. They are particularly popular in young people; among Millennials, nearly half have a tattoo. In most states, you have to be at […]
FBI Negotiation Tips for Navigating High-Pressure Situations – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM HBX
Your success at the negotiation table requires a blend of different techniques. Chris Voss, former lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI, spent his career navigating high-pressure situations. While most individuals will never be bargaining to save a human life like Voss did, each of us negotiates daily with colleagues, vendors, friends, and family members. […]
Midwest Cities to Visit – Heartland Vacations
A city is never all about one neighborhood, but an old German area in Cincinnati called Over-the-Rhine has managed to turn this town around — encouraging investment and drawing new residents to its gentrified coolness. OTR, as locals call it, is now a vibrant, carefully cultivated 319-acre mix of condos, apartments, restaurants, bars and shops, […]
Indoor Water Parks to Visit During Fall and Winter – AARP
Age doesn’t matter at Splash Lagoon. From spinning in the new Aqua Tumble to floating down the lazy river, there is plenty to do at this waterpark in Erie, Pa. Splash Lagoon has nine water slides, a wave pool, rope courses and much more. And to prove it’s a park for all ages, there’s Paradise Cove, a secluded whirlpool for adults […]
Why does hair turn gray?
Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling If you look at photos of President Obama taken before he ran for president and since he left office, you’ll notice a distinct difference: where there used to be only dark brown hair, there is now far more gray than brown. It seems that the stress of running a country […]
Is There An Echo In Here? What You Need To Consider About Privacy Protection
An “Echo Dot” device, left, and an “Echo” device stand on display during the U.K. launch event for the Amazon.com Inc. Echo voice-controlled home assistant speaker in London, U.K., on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016. The Seattle-based company today announced that its Echo product line will be available in the U.K. and Germany starting in the […]
Cruise Trips and Tips – Ships, Tips, Trips, Cruise Lines, Safety, Tours
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
Romantic Getaways, Trips and Vacations – AARP
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
Travel Tips, Vacation Planning and Advice for the 50-Plus Traveler …
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
Budget Travel – How to Save on Hotels, Flights, Cruises – AARP
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
IRS Extends Tax Relief to Hurricane Irma Victims
The announcement applies to Floridians in Alachua, Baker, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union and […]
Living On a Budget and Tips to Save Money – AARP
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Money Living On a Budget and Tips to Save […]
Saving and Investing – Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds & Investment …
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Money Saving and Investing – Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds […]
Credit, Personal Loans & Debt Relief – Reverse Mortgage, Credit …
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Money Credit, Personal Loans & Debt Relief – Reverse […]
Tax News – Tax Credits, IRS Policies, State & Federal Taxes, Filing …
Close You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Got it! Please don’t show me this again for 90 days. Source: AARP Money Tax News – Tax Credits, IRS Policies, State […]
Road Trip Planner – How to Prepare for a Long Drive – AARP
Avis & Budget Members save up to 25% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability). Grand European Travel Members save $100 per person on guided vacations and river cruises, plus receive a free gift. Hilton Hotels Members save up to 10% off the best […]
A blog post on blog posts: Fact, fiction, and friction
A blog by definition is a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or group, and is written in an informal or conversational style. As with any conversation, there is usually a blend of fact and opinion. In the case of a blog on medical topics, frequently the opinions are […]
Financial Impact of Florida Keys Shutting Down
The storm and subsequent closings are, of course, a massive blow to the area’s $2.7 billion tourism industry; the island chain is typically abuzz with visitors snorkeling, fishing and dolphin-spotting. Hotels are reimbursing visitors who’ve already paid for rooms, according to Ashley Serrate, a representative from the Keys’ Tourism Development Council. The businesses here have […]
Scam Alert: Anti-Aging Snake Oil, Lawsuits, Wrinkles – AARP Bulletin
But even if Harry’s Supreme Formula HGH and Youthful Vigor HGH actually contained human growth hormone, consider this bit of knowledge: When taken in pill form—and not injected—real HGH is degraded by enzymes in the intestines before it can reach the bloodstream, rendering it useless, says Marc R. Blackman, M.D., of the National Center for […]
Feeling okay about feeling bad is good for your mental health
When you have a negative emotion, are you upset or disappointed in yourself? Do you feel “bad” or “guilty” about this emotion? If so, you may be at risk for poorer longer-term psychological health. A study in the July 2017 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology looked at the psychological health of people who accept, […]
Options to Repair Damaged Homes After Hurricanes
This assistance can be especially important for those who lacked flood insurance when the disaster struck. A poll by the Insurance Information Institute found that only 12 percent of U.S. homeowners had a flood insurance policy in 2016, down 2 percent from the previous year. Homeowners and renters who hold standard insurance policies are covered […]
Cruise Lines Re-Routes Ships West After Hurricane Irma
Some lines have been diverting ships to deliver relief supplies to the most-devastated areas. Meanwhile, the big lines, such as Carnival, Disney and Norwegian, are “rejiggering their schedules,” says Chris Gray Faust, senior editor at CruiseCritic.com. One alternative to sailing the eastern Caribbean is to move upcoming sailings westward. While hugely popular cruise destinations in those eastern […]
How To Avoid Storm-Related Scams and Fraud
“Cybercriminals are opportunists and, sadly, events like Harvey and Irma are prime examples of their preying on humanity’s empathy and trust,’’ says Zack Allen, manager of threat operations at security consultant ZeroFox. “People all over the world quickly rushed to their social media accounts to find the best avenues to donate to victims, but these […]
Equifax Data Breach – 143 Million U.S. Consumers Affected
Equifax is one of three major consumer credit-reporting agencies, with data on more than 820 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. “Given the kind of data, the potential for financial fraud, and identity theft is quite high,’’ said cybersecurity expert Mark Nunnikhoven of security software firm Trend Micro. Equifax has created a website (equifaxsecurity2017.com) where consumers can […]
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