As the holidays approach, gift cards remain a popular gift option, but they’re also a target for scammers. These fraudsters use tactics like phishing and tampering with physical gift cards to steal funds before they can be used. To protect yourself and your loved ones this season, it’s important to stay aware of these risks.
Having a well-stocked emergency fund is important. But so is saving for retirement. So how do you know which one to focus on? Well, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know.
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it can also bring a scare to your wallet if you're not careful. From costumes to decorations and treats, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s how to manage your Halloween budget and keep your spending under control while still enjoying the festivities.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
Summer is the perfect time for small businesses to gain a competitive advantage. It’s like overtaking a runner in a race while they’re stopping for a water break; you have an opportunity to gain an edge while others are slowing down.
When the weather heats up, here are five ways you can get the edge on the competition:
This is the halfway point in the calendar year, so it’s the perfect time to take an accounting of where your business is compared to the goals you set at the start of the year. Then, you can adjust your plans for the second half of the year to meet or exceed those goals.
Take advantage of available ad inventory and mindshare. When competitors slow down their marketing and advertising efforts in the summer, you have the perfect chance to increase your brand awareness while also negotiating lower rates for available space. Less competition means more visibility for your business at a reduced price. It’s a win-win!
Leverage smaller audiences to get more face-time with event hosts and presenters. In addition to getting more hands-on attention for learning subject matter at hand, take the opportunity to network for business and referrals. Be sure to bring business cards to every class!
This is a great time to try out new offers and promotions, or to roll out a test of a new product or service. You’ll have time to put a few different versions out there. See what’s the best fit for your customers as well as your business; later in the year after the kinks have been worked out, you’ll be all set to do the full launch.
Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? Time off to relax and recharge will help you come up with better ideas, and will give you the energy and motivation to implement them. While the pressure is off a bit in the summer months, take a few hours to walk outside and recharge. Skip out for a long weekend at the beach, or opt for a “stay-cation” to get organized at home. You’ll come back refreshed, well-rested, and ready to take on the world!
Merrimack Valley Credit Union and Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, offer a range of financing options for small business owners looking to steady their cash flow or invest in a capital project. Learn more about our comprehensive business solutions!