August Benefits News and Posts

What Is Financial Freedom?

FROM MONEYFIT .ORG / By Jovia Sevilla

Attaining financial freedom is an objective for most individuals. Financial freedom usually means having enough savings, financial investments, and cash on hand to afford the kind of life we desire for ourselves and our families. It means growing savings that enable us to retire or pursue the career we want without being driven by earning a set salary each year. Financial freedom means our money is working for us rather than the other way around.

We are burdened with increasing debt, monetary emergencies, profligate spending, and other problems that hinder us from reaching our objectives. Such challenges confront everybody, but these habits can put you on the ideal path to financial wellness.

When money makes money, you’re on your way to financial freedom!

Key Points

Set life objectives, both large and small, monetary and lifestyle; create a plan for accomplishing those objectives.

Budget your funds so that you can cover all your needs; stick to this plan; pay your credit cards in full, so you carry as little debt as possible, and watch your credit.
Get a financial consultant and start investing; remain current on tax laws; develop automated contributions through your company's retirement plan; set up an emergency fund.
Live below your means; be frugal when possible; and do not be afraid to ask for or negotiate for better offers.
Take care of your personal belongings, since maintenance is more affordable than replacement; but more notably, take care of yourself and remain healthy.

Life Goal

Jot down just how much you must have in your savings account, the lifestyle you want, and the year by when you must achieve all these. The more specific your objectives, the higher the possibility of making them. Then, count backward to your present age and establish financial mileposts at regular intervals.

Budget

Making a month-to-month household spending plan and adhering to it is an important method to guarantee all bills are paid while cost savings are on track. It is likewise a monthly routine that strengthens your objectives and bolsters willpower versus letting yourself fall before the temptation to spend lavishly. Charge cards and high-interest consumer loans present hazards to your wealth-building.

Pay your dues and debts

Student loans, mortgages, and similar loans usually have a much lower rate of interest, making them less dangerous to your finances. With credit cards, on the other hand, it is common to amass thousands of dollars of high-interest debts, creating a situation where you might just find yourself drowning in debt for years.

Save

Pay yourself first. That is a standard recommendation from financial experts. Register for your employer's retirement plan and make full usage of any matching contribution benefit. It is likewise an excellent idea to have an automated deposit from your employer into an emergency fund (or an automated transfer from your checking) that can be tapped for unanticipated expenditures. Additionally, consider an automated contribution to a brokerage for an Individual Retirement Account.

Regardless, keep in mind that the suggested quantity to save is widely debated, and the suitability of such a fund is sometimes even in question given certain circumstances.

Invest

There is nothing much better, and no more tried and true way to grow your cash than through investing. Whether you choose a 401(k) or an IRA, now is the time to do your research and decide which direction you will start. But start! That is the most important step.

Monitor your credit

A person's credit report influences any interest rate related to car, truck, or home loans or refinances as well as credit cards and store cards. It likewise impacts unrelated things, such as car insurance and life insurance premiums. The line of reasoning is that someone who is reckless in their financial routines might also be careless in other areas of life, such as driving and consuming. The reality is that, as a group, individuals with lower credit ratings get into more accidents and submit larger claims to their insurance companies than individuals with higher credit ratings. This does not mean someone with poor credit is a bad driver, just as a male who is 23 years old and not married is not a poor driver. However, he will pay higher monthly premiums because he is young, single, and male. Poor credit is just one of many risk pools insurance companies use when determining your monthly premium.

Bargain

Many Americans are reluctant to negotiate for purchases and services, believing it makes them appear cheap. Many from other countries would recommend American’s conquer this cultural handicap. You might save thousands of dollars each year. Smaller merchants, in particular, tend to be open to negotiation. Purchasing in bulk or with repeated transactions can open the door to good discounts.

Learn what must be learned

Stay up-to-date with financial news and events in the stock exchange, and do not be reluctant to adjust your financial investment portfolio accordingly. Knowledge is the very best defense against those who victimize unsophisticated consumers to turn a quick buck. In terms of your credit card, make sure you know your credit limit so you do not overspend. It is your responsibility to stay aware of such details.

Take care of your things

Taking good care of your home and your possessions makes everything from automobiles and lawnmowers to shoes and clothing last longer. Imagine if you did not have to buy clothing and shoes as often as you do. You could hold on to your car longer, spending less in the process. Maintenance is the key to saving money.

Live BELOW to your means

Mastering a frugal way of life by having a mindset of living life to the maximum with less is not as difficult as it might seem. Many wealthy individuals lived frugally below earning their abundance. Frugality is not an obstacle or the adoption of a minimalist approach to life, nor is it a call to dumpster diving or to extreme hoarding. Frugality is the wise purchase of important items and the responsible stewardship of such possessions.

Get expert advice

Even if you are not yet at a point where you have begun amassing wealth, getting expert financial advice to educate yourself and help make good choices will help you prevent problems. From nonprofit credit counseling agencies to your local county extension specialist to accredited financial counselors, there are plenty of reliable experts available to help you at no cost or for minimal fees.

Stay Healthy

Some companies offer limited sick days, so it is a noteworthy loss of income once those days are used up. Weight problems and ailments lead to skyrocketing insurance premiums, and poor health may require earlier retirement with lower monthly benefits. Taking care of your health will not solve all your cash problems, but it will assist you in developing practical habits that can get you on the course to financial freedom.

In the end

Ask yourself if you are doing everything on the list now. Then ask if you have the ability to do every item on this list. Chances are your answers will be “no” then “yes.”

Your likelihood of achieving financial freedom increase dramatically if you can save money, control your credit and minimize your debt. You will be better able to provide for your family and yourself, not to mention the awesome feeling of being debt-free.

Todd BellistriJuly 6, 2021August Benefits

Why not start off this selling season leading into the holidays on the right foot? One way to do that is to finally give some thinking to smart marketing. We don’t need to be the ones to tell you it’s very competitive out there (but we will), what with tons of start ups and side hustles all over the landscape. By developing a legit marketing program you are giving yourself a true foot up on the competition. So read on, you’ll see that its not as daunting as you think and the upside is well worth it.

FROM FORBES / BY DOMINIQUE HARROCH

In today's digital landscape the right approach to small business marketing combines advanced technology, data-driven insights, and effective digital platforms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to small business marketing to companies navigate the current marketing trends and tools that can drive business success.

Key marketing tools for small businesses

Following is a summary of 11 key marketing tools that small and growing businesses should consider when leveraging owned, earned and paid media:

1. An optimized small business website

A high-performing website is crucial for marketing today. An optimized site increases your page rank on Google and other search engines, and in today's world, fewer than 1% of searches go to the second page of a search. Key elements of an effective small business site include:

Memorable domain name: Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to recall.
User-friendly design: Ensure your site is visually appealing and intuitive. Sites should have a clear structure, intuitive navigation and information that is easy to access.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Implement SEO best practices to rank higher in search engine results.
Mobile optimization: Since over 55% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, you’ll want to ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
Valuable content: Regularly update your site with engaging content like blogs and articles that address your audience's interests and needs.
Fast loading times: Optimize page speeds to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
Secure hosting: Use reputable hosting services to protect your site’s data and performance.

Additionally, integrating tools like Google Analytics (now called GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC) can provide valuable insights into your site's performance and user behavior.

2. Paid search engine marketing (SEM)

Paid search engine marketing, in which you pay if a keyword is clicked on that drives traffic to your website, remains a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to:

Bid on keywords: Use tools like Google keyword planner to select high-value keywords relevant to your business.
Control costs: Set daily and monthly budgets, and adjust bids based on performance.
Analyze performance: Track key metrics to assess and refine your campaigns.

3. Paid listings and display ads

Paid listings on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Pinterest can boost visibility. Use Google’s Display Network to target ads based on user interests and behavior. This approach allows you to:

Choose ad formats: Use banners, text ads, or video ads to capture attention.
Track return on investment (ROI): Monitor clicks and conversions to measure effectiveness. Track your costs, record and monitor revenue, and record all expenses. Make sure to measure lead generation numbers, customer acquisition, and sales metrics as valuable insights into your marketing effectiveness.
Testing: By experimenting with different ad copy, targeting options, and formats, businesses can identify what resonates most with their audience, refine their strategies, and ultimately improve click-through rates and conversions. This can include A/B testing, target audience variations, ad copy variations, call-to-action (CTA) testing or visual elements where you test different images or videos to determine which visual elements attract more attention and engagement.

4. Content marketing

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital strategies. Key tactics include:

Blogging: Regularly post optimized content to drive organic traffic. Nine out of ten marketers use blogs as part of their content strategy.
Guest posting: Publish articles on popular platforms such as Medium and AllBusiness.com to enhance your reach and SEO. Strive to create “evergreen” articles, which are designed to remain relevant and valuable over a long period of time, regardless of current events or trends. Unlike timely articles that focus on current news or trends, evergreen content addresses topics that have enduring interest and utility.
Video content: In 2023, individuals spent an average of 17 hours a week watching videos online. Utilize platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage your audience.
Content platforms: Leverage content recommendation platforms like Outbrain to expand your content’s reach.

5. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience. Focus on platforms such as:

Facebook: Effective for broad audience reach and targeted ads.
Instagram: Ideal for visual content and influencer partnerships.
LinkedIn: Best for B2B marketing and professional networking.
TikTok: Useful for viral video content and younger demographics.

With over 5 billion global social media users and growing, effective social media marketing can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement. To be effective, you must regularly post interesting content to obtain and keep followers.

6. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to promote products or services. These influencers, who can range from celebrities to niche content creators, leverage their credibility and relationship with their audience to drive brand awareness and influence purchasing decisions.

The impact of influencer marketing on broader marketing efforts can be profound, as it allows brands to tap into authentic, targeted communities that are often more receptive to recommendations from trusted (or at least known) voices.

This form of marketing can enhance brand credibility, expand reach, and generate higher engagement rates compared to traditional advertising. As consumers increasingly seek personalized and relatable content, influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way.

7. Online business directories

It’s important for business owners to list their companies in prominent and reputable business directories. Often these listings are free, but even if you must pay a small fee, it can be worth it.

The benefits include

Exposure to potential clients and customers.
Boosted SEO through backlinks.
Improved online presence and brand awareness.
Increased credibility for your business.
Low-cost or free marketing.

The following is a list of top business directories to consider listing your business:

AllBusiness.com
Better Business Bureau
Facebook Page
Google Business Profile
LinkedIn
Superpages
Bing Places for Business

8. Radio marketing

While less prominent today, radio can still be effective. Many people are in their cars during peak commute hours. To maximize radio advertising:

Targeted placement: Choose stations and time slots that align with your target audience.
Engaging content: Create memorable and concise ads.
Consider your market: Are you a B2C company (business to consumer) or B2B company (business to business)? Is your market local (like a neighborhood restaurant), national (such as selling payroll services), or international (such as selling unique clothing to multiple markets)?

The cost-effectiveness of radio compared to TV makes it a viable option for more localized campaigns.

9. Press releases

Press releases are valuable for announcing significant business updates. Ensure your release is:

Newsworthy: Focus on unique and timely information.
Well-structured: Include a strong headline, key details, and contact information.
Multimedia: Incorporate multimedia elements like images and videos to increase engagement.

10. Email marketing

Email marketing remains effective when executed correctly. Best practices include:

Segmenting: Personalize content based on customer preferences and behavior. Use data to segment your lists and target markets.
Offering engaging content: Provide valuable information, special offers, and updates.
Optimization: Use A/B testing to refine subject lines and content.
Using AI-driven tools: These can help automate and personalize email campaigns, improving engagement rates.

11. Direct mail marketing

Despite the digital age, direct mail still works for certain audiences. To optimize direct mail:

Use targeted lists: Use well-researched mailing lists to improve ROI.
Implement creative designs: Ensure your mail piece stands out and is easy to read.
Track mailings: Monitor responses and effectiveness.

More tips to enhance your marketing campaigns

Here are some additional tips to optimize your marketing campaigns:

Segment: Segment your target market to a specific audience. Segmentation can be done with respect to age, gender, income level, education, geography, purchase stage or brand loyalty, and more.
Business lists: Consider using high quality business lists such as Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, ZoomInfo or InfoUSA. These lists can be used in multiple channels as well, maximizing the value of the lists.
Track real time: Track your marketing campaigns in real-time to get immediate insights, make quick adjustments, and understand what is working or not.
Key metrics: Track the key metrics in your campaigns, such as click-through rate, engagement rate, conversion rate, sales, revenue, customer acquisition cost, market share, and churn rate.
Software and AI: Use software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for social media management, content creation and testing of alternative ads.
Budget: Allocate your budget wisely. Assess the performance of different marketing channels and allocate your budget to the ones that deliver the highest ROI. Continuously review and adjust your spending to focus on the most effective strategies.
Keep current: Stay updated with trends. Keep up with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Experiment with new platforms, tools, or strategies to stay ahead of the competition and reach your audience in innovative ways. Keep up to date with experts by seeking articles from reputable business sources such as AllBusiness.com.
Promote across channels: Share earned media coverage on your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters. For instance, if a major publication writes about your product, feature this article prominently on your homepage or social media profiles.
Showcase social proof: Use earned media as a form of social proof by highlighting positive reviews, testimonials, or features from reputable sources. This can build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Strengthen relationships with media: Build and maintain good relationships with journalists and influencers. This can lead to more favorable coverage in the future and expand your media network.
Repurpose content: Convert mentions and reviews into additional content, such as blog posts, case studies, and infographics. For example, if your company was featured in a popular tech blog, you could create a detailed blog post about the experience and its impact.

Ready to enhance your small business marketing strategy?

Developing a comprehensive and modern small business marketing strategy requires leveraging a mix of traditional and digital techniques. By integrating artificial intelligence tools, optimizing SEO, utilizing effective SEM strategies, and harnessing the power of social media, you can create a dynamic and effective marketing approach. Start by experimenting with different strategies, tracking your results, and refining your approach based on performance data.