Monthly Archives: July 2021

Maurie Backman| The Motley Fool

There may come a point when you outgrow a credit card -- say, because you get newer cards with more generous perks and rewards programs. If you have a credit card that no longer pays to use, you may be tempted to just close the account rather than leave it open.

But before you do, ask yourself these important questions to see if that's really the right call.

Closing a card that's been open for a year or less shouldn't have much of an impact on your credit score. Closing a card you've had for many years, however, is a different story.

>The length of your credit history is a factor that goes into determining what your credit score looks like. If you close an account you've had open for a long time, leaving yourself with newer accounts only, your score could tumble, so you shouldn't necessarily rush to close a card you've maintained for years.

Another important factor that goes into calculating your credit score is your credit utilization ratio, which measures the amount of available credit you're using at once. When that ratio climbs above 30%, you put your credit score in danger of dropping. And that's why it's important to not close a credit card with a generous spending limit.

Say you owe $3,000 on your credit cards but have a total spending limit of $10,000. Since you're right at that 30% utilization mark, you should be OK from a credit score perspective. But what if closing one of your cards brings your total spending limit down to $7,000? Suddenly, you're looking at a credit utilization ratio of about 43%, which could drag your score down.

Though there are certain situations where paying an annual fee is worth it, there's generally no sense in paying a fee for a card you don't really use or get much benefit from. But if you're thinking of closing a credit card that doesn't impose a fee, then you might as well keep it open, since you basically have nothing to lose by hanging onto it.

You might think that the more credit cards you have open, the greater your chances of falling victim to financial fraud. And there is some truth to that -- the more cards you own, the more card numbers a criminal could try to steal.

But often, it can work to your advantage to keep a credit card open, even if you really don't use it. And if you're worried about fraud, make a point to check your credit report several times a year. That should alert you to suspicious activity you can follow up on. You should also, as a general rule, log in to each credit card account you have monthly to make sure you don't see anything suspicious related to your account. But either way, keeping an old credit card could work to your financial benefit, so don't be too quick to cancel an account you no longer need.

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The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Should you close that credit card account? First, assess the fallout for your credit score - USA TODAY

Jane Siebert| The Hutchinson News

As we continue to wait out this pandemic, churches are struggling with what to expect for the rest of 2021 and on. Reports suggest that the average churchs reopening attendance has been around 36% of previous levels (Tony Morgans Q3 Unstuck Church Report). People have enjoyed watching services on-line or on TV in their living rooms with an extra cup of coffee. Some are still nervous about coming back in the sanctuary and some say they really have not missed church.

It is a difficult time to be in church leadership. When numbers drop in the pews, it is often the minister that gets blamed. There are many factors, and this pandemic has shot holes in everything.

A couple positive things have emerged. Many churches scrambled and figured how a way to offer virtual services, if they werent before, and have found numbers of people they were able to reach has actually increased. Also, some members are hungry to come back as they missed the community and value face to face worship more than before. Sometimes we have to lose something or go without, to appreciate what we have.

The reality is physical church attendance has been in decline for decades and Covid-19 has accelerated the decline. The question before us is now how to count all who might be engaging and how to include them in the community sitting in the pews. How do we define what is the church?

Jesus is recorded as speaking about church only twice in Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 18:15-17, and the Greek word for church in these verses can also be translated as community. He is telling Peter, …on this rock I will build my community. A rock often corresponds to truth. And the truth Jesus teaches is love of one another as found in the Golden Rule Jesus gave us to live by.

Jesus didnt tell us how to build the church or organize the community. Maybe Jesus knew what might happen if we all became organizations or churches defined by what we think is right, creating exclusion, instead of inclusion. Maybe that is why Jesus last prayer before being arrested was that we all might be one, united, not divided by thinking we know best what The Bible, the Word of God, really says. Maybe that is what this pandemic is teaching us, to care for one another, not just worry about what we think is right for us.

Maybe….

The Rev. Jane Siebert is president of the Swedenborgian Church.

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Siebert: Defining the church post COVID - The Hutchinson News

Maurie Backman| The Motley Fool

COVID-19: Who is unemployed? The unemployment rate explained

Job loss numbers skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not everyone was counted as unemployed. Here's how the unemployment rate is measured.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

The delta variant of COVID-19 has caused an uptick in cases, worrying health experts. Scientists say the variant is considerably more transmissible than previous versions of the coronavirus that have circulated over the past year and a half.

If the delta variant causes a large outbreak, it could force a return of regional and even national restrictions. Those could include mask mandates, capacity limits at businesses, and even the shuttering of bars, nightclubs, and other crowded places.

All of this could hinder our broad economic recovery. Though the national unemployment rate has dropped in recent months, returning to restrictions that limit how businesses can operate could mean the shedding of more jobs.

All of this comes when federal unemployment benefits are headed for expiration. In March, the American Rescue Plan a relief bill that put stimulus checks into millions of bank accounts extended federal jobless benefits through Labor Day. People receiving unemployed benefits gained a $300 weekly boost, and the self-employed (not normally eligible for unemployment benefits) have also been entitled to payments.

Some states have pulled the plug on federal benefits ahead of the early September expiration date (though Indiana and Maryland residents successfully sued to reinstate them). But as that aid runs out on a national level, it raises questions. Will the delta variant cause a huge economic setback? If so, will the government extend unemployment boosts?

Congress may need to rethink ending federal unemployment benefits in early September if the delta variant causes another shutdown. In recent days, 58% of U.S. COVID-19 cases have stemmed from the delta variant, according to the CDC. And in some regions, those numbers were higher.

If the current outbreak gets worse, and the country takes a step backward in its reopening plans, that could make the case for extending federal unemployment beyond September. That said, we're in a very different situation now than when the American Rescue Plan became law. Vaccines are widely available, and barring health issues or other contraindications, anyone who wants one can get it.

At this point, almost 60% of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. But given the large number of people who aren't, it's possible the pandemic will continue to rage and impact economic progress. Another variable is children under the age of 12, who aren't eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine. If school outbreaks start, districts may revert to remote learning. That could, in turn, force some people to step away from their jobs to cover childcare.

There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the delta variant and the trajectory of the pandemic. It's too soon to say whether the economic situation will necessitate extending federal unemployment benefits. But it's something lawmakers should certainly put on the radar.

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Readour free review

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Could the delta variant prompt Congress to extend federal unemployment benefits? - Times Record News

If theres one social media platform that's undoubtedly in full swing, its TikTok. Brands have become desperate to get their employees on TikTok, and luxury companies are putting all their marketing efforts into hiring TikTok influencers. Meanwhile, small and medium-sized businesses are left to pick through a motley assortment of low-tier influencers to stir brand awareness.

TikTok's popularity with retailers is fueled by the type of content it promotes: short, amateur-style videos that can quickly go viral if they hit the nail on the head. Yet, many brands are still racking their brains over the magic behind the types of videos that ultimately perform well on the platform i.e., fostering the desired brand awareness and advocacy.

To solve this mystery, we've compiled a short but sweet guide on how to use TikTok for social media marketing.

Before posting their content, brands need to understand two things: TikToks user demographics and how its algorithm works.

The golden rule of TikTok is content over followers. TikToks algorithm evaluates each piece of content individually according to its engagement rate by identifying items that people stream several times and share with friends who live in the same area and speak the same language.

Instagram has 689 million monthly active users and nearly 100 million in the U.S. alone. Nearly half (47.5 percent) of TikTok users in the U.S. are between the ages of 10 and 29. This age group simply enjoys watching entertaining content such as lip syncs and dance videos. Still, they're also interested in creatively designed content about everyday topics such as traveling, sports, products and politics.

But what incentivizes users to engage with retailers' content? Lets delve deeper.

TikTok is a great marketing tool because you can demonstrate your product, brand and service in a short video format. However, a challenge retailers face is that promotional content should make up no more than 20 percent of branded content. The other eight out of 10 times, brands must provide real value to the viewers. For example, lets imagine you are a skincare company. By sharing a funny video about a common skincare problem, you can attract a crowd that resonates with the issue. Later, you can create a video that shows your product as a solution to this specific skin problem, and even stitch a few seconds from the first video as a reference.

With that in mind, educational content such as recommendations, tips and business insights works very well on TikTok and can gain your brand a lot of traction. Check out these examples for inspiration: Candle store GGscandleshares how it makes its candle designs, engaging viewers with decorative ideas and DIY candle making. The team at Pulse Physiotherapy regularly shares the best exercises for your body, attracting fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike to engage with its videos. Both brands use educational content to create brand awareness and remembrance.

Another key to creating content worth sharing is jumping on TikTok trends. Trends usually encompass hashtags, songs, and TikTok challenges. You can find trending topics via the discovery area in the TikTok app. When you've identified a trend that matches your product and content intent, focus on the trend itself instead of marketing your company. Lets say you choose to jump on a popular song trend. Embed your product with a supporting role, such as the photographer Jordi does with Banana by Shaggy.

One surefire strategy to get the right target audience is by hiring TikTok influencers. Influencer marketing has helped even the smallest companies, like NerdyNuts or hismile, make a name for themselves and strengthen brand advocacy rapidly.

Influencers create trust in brands if they post content with brands products. An influencer will also understand your brands audience and their pain points as they grew their followers based on sharing posts addressing them. Keep in mind that your influencer must match your brand values. Lets say you sell organic foods. People who promote a healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyle will help you reach the right audience.

To find influencers, either use the search bar with keywords, usernames and hashtags. Or, to speed up this process, you can use an influencer marketing platform that can save you time and effort in your search for influencers in your industry.

TikTok marketing takes some thought, but its not rocket science. Instead of promoting your products, you should look for indirect ways of including your product into your channel, provide your audience with real value, and focus on content collaborations to build brand advocacy.

Kyle Dulay is the co-founder of Collabstr, a platform allowing brands to find and hire influencers for various social media sites.

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Create Successful Content and Reach the Right Audience on TikTok - Total Retail

Inclusion is good for people and business. I would like to thank Bob Harnish, Al Wakefield and Liz DiMarco Weinmann for their outreach to Gov. Phil Scott and town select boards across Vermont on the idea of Declaration of Inclusion. Not only is being welcoming and inclusive the right thing to do, it will also help Vermont rebuild a better economy after the pandemic. As a tourist destination, Vermont must continue to attract visitors. Vermont also needs more young people, families and small businesses. We want young people to stay in Vermont while also welcoming newcomers.

Thus far in Rutland County, the towns of Pittsford, Brandon, Pittsfield and Rutland City have adopted Declarations of Inclusion. Elsewhere in Vermont, so have Middlebury, Waterbury, Franklin and Moretown.

As a resident and taxpayer in Rutland Town, I am disappointed our Select Board did not adopt the Declaration of Inclusion presented at the May 25 Select Board meeting. I was not able to attend, but watched the meeting later via PEG-TVs YouTube channel.

First, the good news: I would like to thank the 10 citizens who joined the Zoom call in support of the Declaration of Inclusion, seven of whom spoke in support. You can view the citizen statements from Steve Dardick, Marcia, Steve Schindler, John Liccardi, Matt Getty, Joe Kraus and Karen Prescott from 2:30-18:15 in the video. I was impressed with their thoughtful and heartfelt comments. The Declaration of Inclusion was read by Steve Dardick from 3:00-4:00 in video.

Mr. Schindler described an incident while he played soccer (an international sport) on the Polo Field in Rutland Town, with a group that included some men of color and their children. During the soccer game, someone drove by yelling racial slurs, including the n-word.

Ms. Prescott, a retired teacher and school administrator, said, We dont always see what kids see and hear, but its real, its there every day. Were not always aware of whats happening, but the kids are. Its our job in the town to protect those kids.

Matthew Getty, Rutland Town moderator, said, I really appreciate the way that the Declaration was drafted I think if we can all agree on what the goal is as to the type of community that we want to foster and create, thats the first step. If we can agree on the general principles in this declaration, then when particular controversies arise from time to time as they will, we can debate those in a context of understanding that an inclusive community is what we are trying to create in Rutland Town. We may not always agree on how to get there, but we will at least agree on that baseline principle.

Joe Kraus, former moderator for Project VISION, said, We only get an opportunity to act on these sorts of things once in a lifetime. The statement that has been crafted is eminently reasonable. Its hard to find anything controversial or provocative about it. It states some very basic truths about life and the value of human life.

Now, the bad news: Not only did the Rutland Town Select Board not adopt the Declaration of Inclusion but on a 4-1 vote, they actually filibustered. In other words, the Select Board voted to not even discuss and vote on the Declaration of Inclusion itself.

If you watch the video from 18:16-39:22, you can hear the statements of Select Board Member 1 and his filibuster motion. He called the declaration a petition but it sounded to me more like a resolution or statement of values. He then went on about the various Oaths of Allegiance to Vermont and the U.S. Constitution he has taken, and expressed legalistic concerns. If you heard the actual declaration, you would notice there is no ordinance or legal penalties prescribed. Next, Select Board Member 2 does a roundabout seconding of the filibuster motion by Member 1 while at the same time throwing some shade onto Member 1. At different points during the filibuster motion, the back and forth between these two members continued.

As a Rutland Town resident, the Select Boards filibuster segment was embarrassing to watch. If I wasnt from Rutland Town, I would nominate this segment as fodder for a Saturday Night Live sketch.

I give kudos to Select Board Chair Mary Ashcroft, for voting No on the filibuster motion. In Ms. Ashcrofts statement (35:38 36:33), she quipped: Im sitting here looking at a copy of our Town of Rutland letterhead. Our town was incorporated Sept. 7, 1761. Last year in 2020 was the first time that a woman was elected as chair of the Select Board. So is there some history of discrimination? You tell me.

Four members of the Rutland Town Select Board dont believe this type of statement of values or resolution should be part of the business of the Town of Rutland. If the citizens who took time to speak could not convince them based on common decency (The Golden Rule), then maybe they might respond on economic terms.

Rutland Towns annual report booklet cover traditionally features a local business or development, rather than a mountain vista or scenic view, as do other towns. Businesses rely on customers. Customers expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Customers will take their business where they feel welcomed.

Before the pandemic, I worked four seasons as a part-time ski instructor at Killington, often teaching beginners from of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Ive taught people from Boston, New York City, Florida and California. I taught a college student from Mexico City and a Chinese grandmother who wanted to be able to ski with her grandchildren. I would love to see skiing and snowboarding continue in Vermont for the long run, and I welcome anyone who wants to enjoy Vermonts world-class ski resorts.

The Rutland Young Professionals and CEDRR (Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region) have also adopted Declarations of Inclusion. Why not business friendly Rutland Town?

I hope these Declarations of Inclusion will spread throughout Vermont and as a state and a people, we become more welcoming and inclusive, not only in word but in action.

Ron Pulcer lives in Rutland Town.

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Pulcer: Declaration of Inclusion | Commentary | rutlandherald.com - Rutland Herald