Big Words start conversations and open doors to new places.
Author: anwaryusef
Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath.
Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics.
Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.
Two focuses of my blog are Creating Ecosystems of Success and Health/Wellness. A key to life is understanding how to properly spend your spare time, as it can’t all be spent working. The following contributed post is entitled, Simple Ways To Spend Your Spare Time.
Looking for a way to pass your spare time? You’re in luck. Of course, different people are going to have different interests and hobbies, so there’s unlimited scope for different types of activities to take up your time. But here are a few suggestions that could help to get the ball rolling. You’ll have plenty to occupy yourself with in next to no time!
Gaming
Gaming is one of the most commonly engaged with pastimes. It allows you to take a step back from the real world and immerse yourself in some escapism that allows you to explore different areas and skills. From family friendly games to puzzle games, shooter games, team games or the best gambling apps to win money, there’s a sea of different options out there. Only you can determine which options tick your boxes and which you might rather avoid. You can even get involved in gaming communities if you want to add a social element to your gaming ventures.
Instruments
Ever considered picking up an instrument? Why not try it out now? Sure, we may associate learning musical instruments with children and children’s hobbies or extracurricular activities, but there’s absolutely no reason you can’t pick this up as an adult. Sure, we might not have quite as much time to dedicate to practice, but you can definitely get on board with the basics and improve your skills over time in your spare time. The world is your oyster on this one. You can follow free online video tutorials and blog posts, which are abundant nowadays, or you could go all in and hire a tutor or teacher who can get you off to the best start possible. Choose someone with good reviews in your local area who is also available to match your time schedule. This can become a strong and lasting bond that sees you develop a truly unique new life skill and hobby!
Days Out
Many of us get roped into the same old routines, engaging with the same activities on an ongoing basis, over and over. Why not try heading out on a different day out to what you’re used to? This could stray outside of the realms of meals out and the cinema. Instead, why not consider visiting a local sight or cultural attraction. Museums, art galleries, science centres, castles, landmarks… the list goes on. Alternatively, an activity like water sports, winter sports or team sports can be fun too. Ice skating, archery, basketball, fencing. The world is your oyster. Try heading out alone, with friends or even on planned group excursions. If you have more time on your hands, you can even plan trips, such as vacations, holidays, camping, road trips and more. These require more planning, but tend to create truly lasting experiences and memories.
Niche Hobbies
Have you been wanting to pick up a hobby for a while? Now is the time to explore it. Look into local groups, pick up any equipment you need and carve out time in your schedule to accommodate it. Whether that’s night time, outdoor activities with a pvs 14, pottery classes at a college or community centre or joining hiking groups with people in the local area. Whatever has been interesting you, take some time to explore it!
Relaxation
We all need some time for some rest and relaxation. So, make sure to create time for it in your busy schedule. Different people relax in different ways, so this one will be entirely subjective, but take some time to think and determine what you like to do when letting your hair down. This could be a spa day, a relaxing bath, a film on the sofa, a walk in the countryside or anything else that brings a smile to your face.
Freelancing
Got spare time and want to generate some extra money? Why not consider building and developing a freelance skill? This can not only be something you enjoy, but something you’re financially rewarded for too. Now, there are measures you need to take before diving into the deep end with this. First and foremost, you’ll need to register yourself as self employed. This will see you receive a UTR number which will allow you to file a self assessment at the end of the tax year, ensuring you pay your taxes correctly and that the government can track your income. Next, you need to determine what skill you’re going to cash in on. Good examples include copywriting, graphic design, accounting and so much more. Next, you need to find some clients. This means getting your name out there. Look for advertisements on job boards or professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. Create yourself a website with a portfolio if you have more money to put into the venture.
There really is a lot to do besides sitting at home feeling bored. So, why not try out some of the options highlighted above, or use these as a springboard to start researching alternative activities you can get involved in.
Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. A major part of any business is its bookkeeping which allows for effective tracking of dollars. A powerful tool for this is QuickBooks. The following sponsored post is entitled, How Does QuickBooks Make Business Management Efficient?
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Having a complex chart of accounts can be a pain. If you have Quickbooks enterprise solutions, you’ll be glad to know that the payroll function can automate recurring payments, reduce the burden of data entry, and improve your overall business management. Here are some other ways to make QuickBooks work for you. Let us take a look at some of the most important features. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to implement them in your own company.
Multidimensional reporting eliminates the need for a complex chart of accounts
Multidimensional reporting in Quickbooks is useful for tracking transactions, inventory, and other details at the transaction level, and it eliminates the need for a complex chart of accounts. With this feature, you can view transaction details at a transaction level, making it easier to identify the source of any given expense. This feature is not available in all Quickbooks versions, but it offers many advantages.
For multidimensional reporting, the chart of accounts is organized according to the account’s type, name, and detail. These details determine the information shown on the key financial reports. The chart also displays the balance, transaction history, and account status. It also enables users to create sub-accounts to analyze and compare the financial performance of multiple entities. The chart of accounts is essential for analyzing a company’s financial performance.
Its payroll function automates
Recurring payments are necessary to maintain a smooth operation in today’s world. A payroll function of QuickBooks can schedule and process recurring payments for employees and customers. In addition, its payroll function helps you automate recurring payments through ACH, an electronic payment network that connects U.S. financial institutions. It allows you to automate recurring payments in QuickBooks and save yourself a great deal of time and money.
Managing payroll requires accurate and timely data. QuickBooks offers several options for recurring payments, including direct deposit, paper check, and schedule pay. All of these options will simplify the process and make business management efficient. In addition, you can choose to have recurring payments auto-addressed to specific employees. QuickBooks also supports recurring payments through QuickBooks Business Network. If you have a business in the U.S., this feature is free to your clients and accountants.
Printing checks reduce data entry hassles
While you may have been using online banking for years to process your business’s transactions, you may not have printed checks for your customers. While this may be a hassle, software that allows you to print checks can make your life much easier. You can now easily handle multiple accounts and print checks at the click of a button. By minimizing data entry hassles and improving your business’s efficiency, you can save time and money while printing checks.
The first step in printing checks in QuickBooks is to set up the program to enable this feature. To do this, go to the Vendors tab and click the ‘+’ sign. Then, click Print Checks and select the layout that you’d like. You’ll have a check printed out for all your customers when you’re finished. Printing checks will reduce your data entry headaches in QuickBooks by allowing you to print a single check for your customers.
Inventory management
Advanced inventory functionality in QuickBooks Enterprise allows users to monitor costs and prioritize sales orders. The inventory level updates in real-time and purchase orders are automatically generated. A well-designed inventory management system will maximize company growth and income. To maximize productivity, inventory management should be easy and simple.
Accurate data is important for inventory management. If you are handling multiple inventory levels, everyone on your team must use the same system. Incorrect data can lead to excess inventory and displeased customers. Quickbooks inventory management helps you maintain accurate data, preventing errors and miscalculations. In addition, inventory management is easier to track than ever before. And as a business owner, time is money, and you don’t have to wait until you have sales to see what your inventory is worth.
Billing capabilities
Integrated sales, finance, and fulfillment teams work together to improve accuracy and eliminate billing errors. Its billing capabilities help companies meet accounting standards while strengthening revenue recognition processes and driving fulfillment accuracy.
Smart business features help you stay abreast of your finances with ease. QuickBooks provides automatic notifications of changes to revenues. It also allows company officials to view their financials at any time. Whether your company is growing rapidly or starting, Its billing capabilities can help you manage your finances efficiently. While many business management systems are limited to a single system, its flexibility means it can grow with your business.
Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. Whether your business is a startup or if it’s already up and running, you always have to think about ways to improve. The following contributed post is entitled, Are There Ways To Improve Your Business?
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Always. The answer to the title of this article is that there are always going to be ways that you can improve your business. It might not feel like it right now, and you might struggle to work out exactly where you can improve, but we promise you that there is something that you can do. When you are in the thick of things all the time, it can be tough to see things from an outside perspective and it can cloud our judgment, but you need to try to avoid letting this happen. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that you need to look at because they could be where you can improve. Keep reading if you would like to find out more about this topic.
One of the problems could be that you are not managing your finances as well as you can be. This happens sometimes, especially if you are trying to handle the finance side of things all on your own as well as everything else. Ideally, you should have someone who is willing and able to do this for you. Hiring an accountant is likely the best way to go as they will be able to get you on the right track. They can go through all of your finances, see where things are going wrong and get you on a better path.
You might think that the way you are managing your finances right now is absolutely fine, but are all of your departments correctly funded? Is there money available for everyone who needs it? Do you find yourself struggling sometimes? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself.
Consider saving money by outsourcing some tasks
When running a small business, it is important to be mindful of both costs and efficiency. Outsourcing some departments can be a great way to save money and increase operational efficiency. By utilizing outside companies and professionals like Dorothy Wete to do certain tasks, you are delegating the responsibility of that task to experts in the field. This means more work can get done in less time, with higher quality outputs than if performed by your own employees who might not have the same level of expertise. Furthermore, outsourcing allows you as the business owner to remain focused on the overall success and growth of the company while leaving some aspects of operations in the hands of those more qualified – saving significantly on training and development resources!
Customer Service Is Essential
Customer service is one of the most important parts of any business, so if you think that this could be somewhere that you are lacking, this needs to change as soon as possible. Nobody is going to want to use your business if you are either not providing a good quality of customer service, or if your customers feel as though they are a burden more than a part of the company family.
But, how can you improve customer service? First, you can send your employees on regular customer service training courses to ensure that they know what is expected of them. Everyone should be on the same page about how to offer the best customer service, and this will really help set out your expectations. As well as this, you can try adding another channel by which they can contact you when they have a problem. Some people don’t like talking on the phone, but they also don’t want to wait five working days for an email reply, so perhaps adding a web chat option is a good idea to consider.
What is your website like? Is it enhanced to offer the best possible user experience? Does it work on mobile devices? What is the load time like? How easy is it to use? If you were a customer, would you want to use your website? These are all questions that you need to be asking yourself as they will help determine how good your website is. It might be the case that you need to scrap it all and start from the bottom. A website builder like Vert will be able to help you create a successful website but this is going to take some time and dedication. You have to work out exactly what you want for your business site and then go for it. The main goal should be to make it stand out, while also being fully functional.
Some people don’t want to take the time to do this themselves, and they are worried that they will mess it up even if they do. If this sounds like you, then you should think about hiring a professional web designer. It’s the best option for you if you’re worried about success as they will have done this before, leaving little room for you to panic.
Quality Of Your Product Or Service
Another thing that you should be checking is the quality of your product or service. You want to be offering the highest quality possible in every single thing that you do, and that is what you need to be guaranteeing to your customers. They are not going to recommend or reuse your business if you are not willing to put the effort in for them. This is a common problem that you will face if you do not have a quality control section of your business.
Your customers need to be confident that you are going to deliver consistently, and if this is not happening then they are no longer going to be able to trust your company to deliver for them. This is going to damage your business to an almost irreparable extent, and this is not what you need. Instead of allowing this to happen, you simply need to take the time to check that everything leaving your business is the standard that you expect it to be.
Would you say that there is some truth in the fact that your business employees could be better? Or, even just a couple of people that are letting the whole team down perhaps? If you know this to be true, then you need to start replacing the people who are not pulling their weight. Every single business is supposed to be a team effort, and if there is someone who is intent on sinking the ship then they need to get off the boat. You do not have the time to be constantly asking them to do the job that you have hired them to do.
Everyone should be pulling their weight simply because it is their job to do so. If they are not, then you should have a conversation with them initially. Find out if there is a problem and if there is anything that you can do to help. If it continues, then it’s time to find someone else who is willing to actually work for your business.
Your Leadership
We’re not saying that you are not a good leader, but there is always room for improvement. You cannot hand on heart say that you are the perfect leader because nobody can, because we are all human. Everyone is going to make mistakes, but if you are a business owner and leader then you have got to be constantly trying to improve yourself. The better your leadership is, the better the business as a whole is going to be. It might be your communication, your availability, the amount in which you engage with the business or so many other things, but you need to identify them and then work on them. You can even look into taking a leadership course if you think that it will help. Someone like Caitlin Brodie has had success doing this in the past, and the lessons that she has to teach have been useful to previous leaders. Admitting that you can improve your leadership is not a weakness, but a strength as it will help your business improve going forward.
Invest In The Right Software
Finally, you should be investing in the right software to help your business grow. This is something that a lot of businesses miss out on, and it’s why they don’t get as far as they can. There are so many different types of software out there now that can do unique things, and if you want to make sure that your business is running like clockwork, then you need to find the right one for you. For example, suppose your business is based on rental equipment. In that case, you may want to invest in rental equipment management software that helps to manage your inventory, or if you’re a marketing company, then finding the right CRM is essential. So, if you want to ensure that your business is going in the right direction, it’s worth investing in the right software.
A lot of business owners don’t want to admit that they could improve, but it’s your business that’s going to pay the price for your ego if you are not careful.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you could possibly do in order to improve your business. Improving the business should always be your goal, and you should be open to any and all suggestions. Sometimes, we spend so long looking at other people that we forget to look at ourselves. Or, we are so blinded by what we think we know, that we forget to look at the facts. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to improve your business for the better soon!
Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Political Discussions. Many campaigns start on the grassroots level. There are keys to starting campaigns on this level and not everyone can do it. The following contributed post is entitled, Tips For Grassroots Political Campaigning.
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Operating at the grassroots level can be a challenge for lots of aspiring politicians and activists, but it’s where the votes are truly won and lost. It’s important to consider your strategy for grassroots campaigning and how you might ultimately get to where you want to be. We’re going to take a look today at some of the tips and strategies that’ll help most, so read on and learn more.
Develop Some Objectives
First of all, you should try to develop some objectives that you and your team can work towards. What are you actually trying to achieve and how do you see yourself eventually achieving it? If you can answer those questions, it’ll ultimately be a lot easier for you to start working on strategies that’ll help you get to where you want to be.
If You’re Leading a Group, Utilize Each Person’s Strengths
One of the toughest things to be in politics is a leader, there’s no doubt about it. That’s why it’s so important to hone your leadership skills if this is a role you want to assume. A huge part of being a good leader is knowing how to utilize the people you’re leading. Making the most of each person’s key strengths and capabilities will be what ultimately helps you stand out as a strong leader.
Listen to People
An underrated skill in politics is being able to listen. After all, you’re looking to represent people, do positive things, and hopefully make a difference in peoples’ lives. And in order to do all of those things, you need to be willing to listen to people and what they have to say. Only then can you get your ideas across and address the issues that matter to ordinary voters.
Simply getting your ideas out there and making your strategy known will make the biggest impact. Good posters, political stickers and signs can have a real impact when placed strategically. It’s all about spreading the word and raising awareness. If you can do that, your political campaigning will end up being far more effective in the long run. There are plenty of resources out there for getting this right.
Build Connections with Other People and Groups
Building connections is something that can matter a lot when you’re building grassroots political campaigns. Networking and collaborating with people who have similar aims and interest is how you build a broader consensus and ultimately get your ideas and messages in front of more people. And that’s a huge deal in politics when you’re trying to grow a movement and ultimately achieve something significant.
If you’re looking to make an impact politically, whether that means as a candidate in an election yourself or simply raising the profile of political topics and subjects that are important to you, the ideas above will help you make an impact. Grassroot political campaigning is tough, but it’s often worth it in the end.
Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. Today technology is a part of all our lives in varying capacities. It is especially critical in the business world and if you’re not maximizing your usage of it, you’re likely falling behind. The following guest post is entitled, Business Technology Tools: Secrets to Success.
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With continuous technological advancements, businesses are under constant pressure to adopt the latest tools and platforms to stay ahead of the competition. However, with a plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to identify which technologies will be most beneficial for your business.
Below are some must-have technologies that can help take your business to the next level.
Recruitment Software
Of course, every business needs employees to function. However, the process of recruiting can be time-consuming and expensive. Luckily, many recruitment software simplifies the process by automating repetitive tasks such as posting job ads and sorting through resumes. It allows you to spend more time interviewing candidates and making the best hiring decisions for your business.
So if you don’t have one yet, it’s time to get a hold of this technology tool. Many providers offer this tool at an affordable price, usually around $45 to $950 a month, depending on your needed features.
But if you’re on the tighter end of the budget, don’t fret. You can find many recruitment management software for free. So, there’s no excuse not to use this tool.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
CRM software helps businesses manage their customer relationships effectively. It provides a 360-degree view of customers, captures customer interactions, and stores essential customer information such as contact details and purchase history. This valuable data can help identify trends, improve marketing strategies, and boost sales.
Suppose you’re not using a CRM system yet. In that case, you’re missing out on many opportunities to understand better and serve your customers. Like most applications, CRM software is available in both free and paid versions. However, suppose you want more features and customization options. In that case, you’ll need to opt for the paid versions, which can cost anywhere from $12 to $300 per month.
Whichever CRM system you choose, ensure it integrates smoothly with your business’s existing systems and processes. You can avoid disruptions and get the most out of this tool.
Social Media Marketing
With over 4 billion active social media users worldwide, businesses can no longer afford to ignore the power of social media marketing. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide firms with an incredibly effective way to reach out to their target audience.
Businesses can build a solid social media presence by creating engaging and relevant content. It will help them boost brand awareness, drive traffic to their website, and generate leads. That’s why it’s essential to have a social media marketing strategy in place.
Many companies now offer services to help businesses with their social media marketing efforts. So, if you don’t have the time or resources to do it yourself, consider outsourcing this critical task to a reliable agency. This way, you can focus on running your business while leaving the social media marketing to the experts.
Data Analytics
Data is one of the most critical assets for any business. With the help of data analytics tools, companies can make sense of large data sets and glean valuable insights. It can help improve their decision-making process.
Data analytics tools help businesses track and analyze customer behavior, understand market trends, and optimize their marketing and sales strategies. This way, they can make more informed decisions to help grow their business.
And since a computer predicts the future better than any human, businesses that use data analytics will have a significant competitive advantage over those that don’t.
Many data analytics tools are available on the market, so, regardless of your budget and needs, you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
Task Tracking Software
Before the internet, it was nearly impossible for businesses to track the progress of their employees’ tasks. But now, with task tracking software, companies can easily monitor employee performance and productivity.
This type of software allows managers to assign tasks to employees, set deadlines, and track the progress of each job. This way, they can ensure that tasks get completed on time and that employees are working efficiently.
Many task-tracking software applications are available, so it’s essential to find one that fits your business’s needs. Some of the most popular options include Asana, Trello, and Basecamp. Whichever one you choose, make sure it’s easy to use and that it integrates seamlessly with your business’s existing systems.
The above are just a few essential technologies that can help businesses grow. By investing in these tools, you’ll be able to understand your customers better, track employee performance, and make more informed decisions. So, don’t wait any longer; get started today and see the difference for yourself.
A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. An important part of our lives is our experiences and memories. A key to these is effectively capturing them. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Capture The Big Family Moments Forever: A Guide For Those Who Worry About Losing Their Memories.
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So many pictures, so little time. If you are anything like me, you feel pressured to get the perfect shot every time and then store it away for later. The problem is that later never comes, and all of those beautiful family moments such as father’s day and high school graduation seem to slip through your fingers. It’s a constant struggle to capture the moment, from that first smile as a newborn baby to that last dance in high school graduation. So, how can we stop worrying about losing our memories so much and actually start preserving them forever? That’s why I have written this post – to share some simple tips on how you can capture the big family moments forever and ease your worries about losing those precious memories.
Family moments come at us fast. That’s why we need to plan ahead before they happen. For example, if you have a big family event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, plan ahead to capture it as best you can. One way to do that is to talk to the people involved in the event beforehand. See if they have any photos from the event you could use or if they have any suggestions on who to talk to. Another way to plan ahead is to set a reminder on your phone to take a photo of a certain event. For example, if you want to mark the first day of school for your children, set a reminder on your phone for that date, so you don’t forget. You could even plan to take a photo of each family member before they head off to school. This way, you can also mark their milestone as well.
Backup your photos
You don’t have to have an expensive camera to take great photos. But even with the best camera, they will disappear one day if you don’t back up those photos. That’s why it’s essential to back up all of your photos. You could store your photos on a cloud platform like iCloud or Google Photos. You could also back them up to a hard drive, external drive, or USB. If you want to be extra safe, consider a combination of both. One thing to remember is to not rely too much on one storage system. If something happens to the storage system, you will lose all those memories forever. If you mix both, you are lowering the risk of losing all those memories.
You should also make sure that you have a good quality camera and a fibre camera adapter. Having the right equipment will help ensure that your photographs are of good quality and will make the entire photography process easier on you on the big day.
Sometimes it’s not possible to take a photo at a certain moment. Maybe you are at a wedding, and it isn’t appropriate to whip out your camera. Or maybe you are in the hospital with a newborn and it isn’t appropriate to take out your cell phone. In these situations, you can preserve the moment through video. You could set your phone to record the entire event. Or you could set it to video the people talking or doing whatever event is happening. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a fancy video camera either. You can use your phone, laptop or tablet to record the event as long as the sound is clear. You could also record little segments throughout the event and put them together as a video later. These videos are great to look back on because you don’t have to worry about them as much as photos.
Use a print service
Sometimes you need to preserve the moment even more than a photo or video. That’s when you need to use a print service. These services will let you print out the moments using special paper and printers. That way, you can preserve the moment in a way that no one else has ever seen before. You can even use these printers to print out old photos you have at home. You can get the old photos printed out on special paper that has a high-quality finish. This will let you preserve the photos in a way that you couldn’t before.
Commit meaningful memories to photo essay formats
You don’t always have to take a photo or video to preserve the moment forever. If a certain part of your family event or life is particularly meaningful, you can commit it to photo essay formats. These formats are ones that are not easily forgotten. You can use them to share those special memories with your children or grandchildren. You can also use them to take a look back at your life and see how far you’ve come. Photo essays come in many different forms. Some people use a scrapbook or journal as a way to preserve memories. You could also use photo editing software to create stories with your photos. This way you can create a photo essay with photos and words. For example, you could create a photo essay of a big family event like a wedding or graduation. This way, you can preserve the moments forever in a way that no one else has ever seen before.
This personal money story for Father’s Day 2022 discusses the subject of taxes and once again is inspired by my father. Here on the Big Words Blog Site, I’ve crafted several stories discussing how Dad’s sage wisdom has impacted my life, whether through a direct lesson, or from my observations of him. Some of his most poignant lessons have involved money and arguably created my love for financial literacy, though he and I don’t see eye to eye on everything money related today. One of Dad’s most important lessons involves an area that is the bane of some people’s existence, while being a pillar to the wealth-building strategy of others, taxes.
We’re All Playing One Big Financial Game
Recently it occurred to me that we’re all playing one big financial game, now a video game in our modern technological age. Certainly, money isn’t the sole key to happiness, but life is certainly better when you have an abundance of it versus a scarcity. I would thus define winning this game as having an abundance of it versus just scraping by and financially struggling. Among the factors that go into winning the game include: the family you come from, personal (and family) life choices, your financial IQ, personal grit or ambition, delaying gratification and your current environment.
Your financial IQ may be the most important of all the factors I listed, and it can be impacted by the other factors. This concept is covered in numerous books. Your financial IQ includes your ability to earn money, your ability to save money, your ability to invest money, your understanding of credit, your understanding of insurance and understanding taxes. If you’re born into a high financial IQ family, you will likely learn all these principles starting from the crib. If not, you must learn them along the way, if at all. Furthermore, learning them is going to be impacted by your own personal drive and curiosity. For now, let’s focus on many people’s least favorite topic, taxes.
Taxes: What They’re For And Paying Your Fair Share
First, I want to admit that I don’t know everything about taxes. I would highly encourage readers to subscribe to economist, Antony Davies’, YouTube channel entitled Words & Numbers. It’s one of my new favorite channels because it’s not politics driven, but instead economics and facts driven. I’m currently reading his and James Harrigan’s book, Cooperation and Coercion. Upon listening to his content, one of the things that you immediately start to understand is that our politicians are not always honest with us about who pays what and how much in terms of taxes. Furthermore, they’re not always clear about the ramifications for the tax changes they promote. Often, in the pursuit of a political office, they incite class warfare.
In any case, while some taxes are necessary for our municipal, state and federal governments to perform their tasks, there can be too many taxes and they can have harmful effects on everyone. Furthermore, a part of one’s financial health is managing your taxes. The more you read, learn and start understanding about money, the more you start learning that in our ‘progressive’ tax system, not everyone is taxed the same and there are a number of reasons why.
As extensively covered in the Rich Dad Poor Dad books, employees are taxed differently than businesses (small and large). As an employee, your tax burden changes the more earned income you generate, and you start to lose deductions the more your salary increases. In the above-mentioned Rich Dad books, there is a clear distinction between high income professionals and business owners, and each has different rules in our current tax code. As employees, one of your tools for diminishing taxes is tax deductible gifts or donations.
Tax Deductible Giving
Around the time I moved in with Dad for my postdoctoral fellowship, a couple of things coalesced in my mind in this area. First, I got a copy of the Cashflow 101 e-game which I played regularly on my personal computer. Just briefly, the game is designed to teach you financial literacy and the goal is to get out of the ‘rat race‘ (the realm of working 9-5), and onto the ‘fast track‘, or the realm of the wealthy, where you can live on your investments and pursue your dreams. One of the things I realized when playing the game was that the rat race contained yellow ’donation’ squares. When you landed on those squares, you had the option of donating money.
If you chose this option, you received extra rolls of the dice with multiple dice. I refused the option initially and then realized that there was an advantage to making donations. You also received greater opportunities to earn and invest. Finally you increased your likelihood of passing over ‘downsized’ squares which meant you lost money and turns. The underlying lesson was that you ultimately received rewards for giving. I’m not saying that you should give strictly to get, but in our financial system the government does allow you to write off gifts to certain entities and thus lowering your tax.
“Did you get your taxes done yet? Did you get your taxes done yet? Did you get your taxes done yet?” That’s all I heard the first tax season I moved in with Dad just after finishing graduate school. He literally walked through the house asking me if I had done my taxes. I didn’t know why he cared so much, but it started to scare me. Just finishing my doctoral training, a period in which I didn’t have much money, I owed the IRS tax money that year. For those unfamiliar with the process, we had to pay estimated taxes on our $17,000 to $22,000 graduate stipends every year. So yes, the poor do pay taxes too.
Reducing Your Taxes
“I like to make gifts to things that are tax deductible!” One day we were at Dad’s desk, and he had a pile of solicitations from his alma mater and other charities. He made his poignant declaration as he pondered them. He prepared his tax returns himself at that time and it was quite the ritual every year as I observed him.
In hindsight, Dad was probably also feeling some anxiety himself. He lived in one of the highest taxed states in the country – New York. He also owned his home outright and probably wasn’t going to get much in way of homeowner related deductions. In other words, he was likely going to have to make payments to the federal and state governments.
This explains his preoccupation at that time with tax deductible gifts. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact verbiage, but we did have a talk about making charitable gifts to certain entities and lowering your tax payment. It was my first time learning these lessons and I was in my late 20s. I know that my mother put money into church in my younger years, but we never talked about the gifts being tax deductible.
Where Can You Make Tax Deductible Gifts?
Well, I just named a big one which will make a lot of people bristle in our increasingly secular society, church. Whether you want to admit it or not, churches are businesses, some bigger than others. Some also do more good than others. Not all pastors, for example, take the tithes and offerings to the church to buy expensive suits, fleets of fancy cars and private jets. Some churches actually use the money raised for missionary activities and helping the poor.
That said, if you belong to a church and give regularly, you will have the opportunity to deduct at least a portion of that money from your tax liability, regardless of what the pastor and the church do with it once you drop it in the plate or donate online. This also explained why Dad kept giving tithes and offerings to his church even when he stopped physically attending. Each week he dutifully wrote his check and put in the church’s envelope with the same smiley face on it. That smiley face always made me laugh. I or my then stepmother, would take it to the church on his behalf.
If you don’t attend church, what about making donations your alma mater? My alma maters are Johnson C. Smith University and the University of Michigan. Many people make generous donations to their alma maters every year. It’s the consistent donations from alumni that ensure that their alma maters maintain solid futures.
Other institutions experience anemic alumni giving and are not so fortunate, causing them to face a loss of accreditation and/or closure. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a good example of this. There are also scholarship funds like the United Negro College Fund. Furthermore, throughout the year and around the major holidays, there are regularly solicitations to feed the hungry, especially around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. When watching TV and now online, there are opportunities to give for pretty much any cause around the world whether it be feeding hungry people, or relief from wars.
Again, giving is a wealth-building and maintenance strategy for certain demographics. Come election time, the wealthy regularly get demonized for not paying their ‘fair share’ of taxes relative to the middle and lower classes. I would once again point readers back to the above-mentioned book Cooperation and Coercion for a more substantive discussion of the validity of these claims. I’ll end this point by stating that the charitable giving and philanthropy these high net worth demographics make isn’t highlighted as much (or enough).
Giving Is A Personal Choice
There are several contexts for giving and generosity. It’s something I’ve had to conceptually piece together over my lifetime. My parents helped. The Rich Dad Poor Dad books helped. Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University curriculum helped. Life experiences have contributed as well. It’s been a process.
After finishing school and launching off into the adult world of work, one quickly learns that at any given time there can be multiple financial concerns and considerations pulling at you depending on your lifestyle. Perhaps you don’t earn that much money. Perhaps you’re just starting your career and live in an expensive metropolis. Perhaps you have a large student loan payment or are encumbered with some other massive debt. Perhaps your family is dependent on you as the breadwinner, and not just in the context of a nuclear family. In any case, sometimes you might have your hands full just getting your own financial house in order, and you don’t have money available to give.
It may not make sense to willingly give money away. I think the underlying principle in this world, though, is that when you bless others, you get blessed. As my mother often says, “It’s in the Bible,” and there are numerous scriptures which discuss this such as Proverbs 11:24-26 (Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves refreshed. People curse those who hoard their grain, but they bless the one who sells in time of need.) If you’re not into biblical scripture, just know that under our current progressive tax code as described above, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to deduct monetary gifts to nonprofit entities from your tax liability. And finally, there are advantages to paying fewer taxes or none at all.
Closing Thoughts On Tax Deductible Gifts
Thank you for reading this piece. I didn’t write this narrative to tell anyone how to give as everyone’s life is unique. Furthermore, I am not a financial professional, and I am not rendering advice. My intent is to present the information and let the reader decide. This story was rooted in one of many memorable experiences with my father, a retired educator, and it just so happens that I’m publishing it around Father’s Day 2022. Here on the Big Words Blog Site, most of the content published these days is from customers by way of shorter, informational pieces. As the owner of the site I like to publish something of my own from time to time. I started writing this piece months ago, and with the many other things I have to do, I was only able to finish it now.
Author’s Thoughts/Reflections
Tax deductible gifts are a really big deal, and many people give with their tax liabilities in mind. I’m recalling a couple of our Johnson C. Smith University Washington DC Alumni Chapter meetings where members wondered how their gifts to the school would be handled in terms of tax, if they were given through the chapter itself instead of independently.
We often learn a lot from our parents through observation. Many of the life lessons from my father have been money-related. Many of those lessons have involved being very careful with it which can be a strength in some contexts, while it can be a source of conflict and ire in others. As with most things in life, I’ve learned a balance is good and optimal.
The Big Words LLC Newsletter
For the next phase of my writing journey, I’ve started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. Regards.
Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. An important sector of our economy is the food and beverage industry. If you want to start in this sector, there are some tips that you need to be aware of. The following contributed post is entitled, Tips For Starting A Food And Beverage Manufacturing Business.
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Starting a food and beverage manufacturing business can be an incredibly lucrative endeavor. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind before getting started. The following blog will discuss some of the essential tips for starting your own food and beverage manufacturing business!
One of the most important things that you need to do when starting a food and beverage manufacturing business is to have a solid business plan in place. This business plan should include everything from your target market to your financial goals. Without a strong business plan, it will be challenging to make your business successful.
Make sure to do research and put together a comprehensive business plan before starting your food and beverage manufacturing business!
2) The Right Building Will Make All The Difference
Another important tip for starting a food and beverage manufacturing business is to make sure that you have the right building in place. The last thing that you want is to set up shop in an old, run-down warehouse. Not only will this give your customers a bad impression, but it could also lead to health code violations.
Make sure to find a clean, modern facility with urethane flooring that meets all of the necessary requirements for your food and beverage manufacturing business!
3) Invest In The Right Equipment
One of the most important investments you’ll make when starting a food and beverage manufacturing business is in the equipment you’ll need to get started. Depending on the products you plan on making, you’ll need to purchase specific types of machinery and equipment. Do your research to determine what type of equipment is best for your needs and budget. Once you have the right equipment, you’ll be able to produce high-quality products that will meet customer demands.
Another essential investment to consider is in packaging materials. You’ll need to find sturdy, reliable packaging that will protect your products during shipping and handling.
4) Hire Qualified Staff
One of the most important things you can do for your food and beverage manufacturing business is to hire qualified staff. You’ll need to find individuals who have experience in the food and beverage industry and who are passionate about what they do. These individuals will be responsible for ensuring that your products are of the highest quality and that they meet customer demands.
Make sure to take your time when hiring staff for your food and beverage manufacturing business. You want to ensure that you’re only bringing on board individuals who will help contribute to the success of your business!
In conclusion, these are just a few tips to keep in mind when starting a food and beverage manufacturing business. Be sure to have a solid business plan in place, invest in the right equipment, find the perfect facility, and hire qualified staff. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making your food and beverage manufacturing business a success!
Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. If you have a yard, it’s a major of your homeownership as you’ll want it to be properly managed and manicured. The following contributed post is entitled, What Equipment You’ll Need For Your Backyard Landscaping Project.
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If you’re planning to take on a backyard landscaping project this year, then it’s essential to make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Not having the right tools can cause delays in your project and may even lead to frustration. The following blog will outline all of the equipment you’ll need for your backyard landscaping project.
This is probably the essential piece of equipment you’ll need for your project. A good-quality lawn mower will make it much easier to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. There are a variety of different types of lawn mowers on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
-Gasoline Powered Lawn Mowers: These are the most common type of lawn mower, and they’re ideal for larger yards. They’re also relatively easy to operate. However, they can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain.
-Electric Lawn Mowers: These are becoming increasingly popular as they’re more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered mowers. They’re also very quiet, which can be a significant advantage if you live in a busy neighborhood. However, they may not be powerful enough for large yards, and they can be quite expensive to purchase.
2) Mini Excavators
If you’re planning to do any landscaping that involves digging, then you’ll need a mini excavator. This piece of equipment is essential for any serious landscaping project. Mini excavators can be rented from most construction equipment rental companies.
-Bobcats: Bobcats are a type of mini excavator that is very popular for backyard landscaping projects. They’re relatively easy to operate, and they’re small enough to maneuver in tight spaces. However, they can be quite expensive to rent.
-Backhoes: Backhoes are another type of mini excavator that can be used for backyard landscaping projects. They’re larger than bobcats, and they’re more powerful, but they can be more challenging to operate.
Whatever type of mini excavator you choose, be sure to familiarize yourself with the controls before using them and be sure to Click here for more information.
3) A Good Quality Weed Whacker
A weed whacker is an essential piece of equipment for any backyard landscaping project. A good quality weed whacker will make it much easier to keep your lawn looking neat. There are a variety of different types of weed whackers on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
-Gasoline Powered Weed Whackers: These are the most common type of weed whacker, and they’re ideal for larger yards. They’re also relatively easy to operate. However, they can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain.
-Electric Weed Whackers: These are becoming increasingly popular as they’re more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered weed whackers. They’re also very quiet, which can be a significant advantage.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the pieces of equipment you’ll need for your backyard landscaping project. Be sure to do your research and purchase quality equipment that will last. With the right tools, your backyard landscaping project will be a success!
Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. In addition to buying your new house in the smartest way, you also want to decorate it to your satisfaction. The following contributed post is entitled, Tips For Decorating The Interior Of Your New House.
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When you are moving into a new house, interior decoration can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider – what style should you go for, what colors should you choose, and where should everything go? Another important question is what is the best place to order furniture online? The following blog will give you some tips on how to decorate the interior of your new house stylishly and cohesively.
1) Take A Look At The Overall Layout Of Your New House
Before you start decorating, it is essential to take a look at the overall layout of your new house. This will help you decide on the best way to utilize the space and how to create a flow between different rooms. For example, if you have an open-plan living area, you might want to consider creating separate zones for different activities.
If you are unsure about the layout of your new house, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a professional interior designer. They will be able to give you expert advice on how to make the most of your space.
2) Choose A Color Scheme
One of the most important aspects of interior decoration is choosing a color scheme. This will be the foundation of your entire design, so it is essential to take some time to think about what colors you would like to use.
If you are struggling to decide on a color scheme, many online resources can help you. Alternatively, you could ask for help from a professional interior designer. They can give you expert advice on which colors would work well in your new house.
Once you have chosen a color scheme, it is essential to stick to it when selecting furniture and other decorative items. This will create a cohesive look throughout your house.
3) Make Sure You Choose The Right Fabric
When you are choosing fabric, from a fabric sample book, for your new house, it is essential to think about both practicality and style. You will need to consider things like how often the fabric will be used, whether it needs to be durable, and whether it is easy to clean.
It is also essential to consider your new house’s style when selecting fabric. For example, if you are going for a more traditional look, you might want to choose fabrics with floral patterns or rich colors. Alternatively, if you want a more modern look, you might want to choose simple fabrics with geometric patterns.
4) Add Some Personal Touches
One of the best things about decorating your new house is that you can add personal touches to make it feel like home. This could be anything from family photos to pieces of art that you have collected over the years.
Adding personal touches will make your house feel more comfortable and inviting. It is also a great way to show off your personality and style.
In conclusion, these are just a few tips to help you decorate the interior of your new house in a stylish and cohesive way. By taking the time to plan your design and choose the right colors and fabrics, you can create a beautiful home that is perfect for you and your family.
