I’ve had a few queries about these support payments lately, especially how to calculate the revenue drop. Remember that it is also a requirement to keep records of how this information has been calculated.
If you use Xero, creating the required reports is really simple however if you use MYOB or another software creating the reports can be quite difficult. You may need to run separate P&L’s as they do not let you add the correct comparison periods.
This requires your business to show a 30% drop in revenue over a 7-day period after an alert level change and you also need to meet the other eligibility criteria. This revenue drop is compared to a typical 7 day period within 6 weeks prior to the alert level increase. If your business is seasonal you will need to compare this to a similar week in the previous year to show the 30% decrease.
There are currently 5 RSP’s open. If you haven’t applied for any payments and your business was eligible you can apply for all 5 now. Check the IRD Website to see what dates each payment covers.
If your business is GST Registered you need to include the RSP in your GST return.
For those using Xero navigate to the Profit & Loss report. Set the date range for a 7 day period (e.g. 24th August to the 31st August) and add comparison periods. For the August dates this would be 7 periods to show the 6 periods prior to the 17th August. This report can be run on cash or Accrual basis depending on how your business works, Hospitality businesses would be based on daily sales so cash basis whereas a business that invoices it’s clients for payment later could run on accrual basis. This report can then be exported and published to save as evidence of the revenue drop.
To apply for the Wage Subsidy your business needs to show a 40% drop in revenue over a 14 day period (e.g. 17 august 2021 – 30 August 2021), and this needs to be compared to a typical consecutive 14 day period in the 6 weeks prior to the alert level increase on the 17th August.
The Wage subsidy opens every 2 weeks and you need to reapply every 2 weeks. Don’t apply early or this will not be approved and you can’t apply for any previous wage subsidies as these have a close date. There is no GST in the wage subsidy so ensure that this is not included in your GST return.
You can run the same reports as above for the RSP however just change the date range to a 14 day period and save the reports. MSD and IRD do ask for more information if you business is new and you haven’t filed a return before or if they want to check that you aren’t applying for the support payment when you aren’t entitled to them.
Make sure you run your reports and ensure that you are entitled to the support before applying. Check close dates for Wage subsidies and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss out. Also the Resurgence support payments may come to an end when we move to the traffic light system so ensure you have applied if you business is suffering as these support payments could end at the end of November.
The H5N1 bird flu virus has been raising fears across the country and has spread into dairy cattle.
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The federal government announced Wednesday that it is cancelling a contract to develop a vaccine to protect people against flu viruses that could cause pandemics, including the bird flu virus that’s been spreading among dairy cows in the U.S., citing concerns about the safety of the mRNA technology being used.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it is terminating a $766 million contract with the vaccine company Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine to protect people against flu strains with pandemic potential, including the H5N1 bird flu virus that’s been raising fears.
“After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna’s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable,” HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon said in a statement.
“This is not simply about efficacy — it’s about safety, integrity, and trust. The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested, and we are not going to spend taxpayer dollars repeating the mistakes of the last administration, which concealed legitimate safety concerns from the public,” Nixon said.
He added that “the move signals a shift in federal vaccine funding priorities toward platforms with better-established safety profiles and transparent data practices. HHS remains committed to advancing pandemic preparedness through technologies that are evidence-based, ethically grounded, and publicly accountable.” The official did not provide any additional details.
Jennifer Nuzzo, the director of Brown University’s Pandemic Center, said the decision was “disappointing, but unsurprising given the politically-motivated, evidence-free rhetoric that tries to paint mRNA vaccines as being dangerous.”
“While there are other means of making flu vaccines in a pandemic, they are slower and some rely on eggs, which may be in short supply,” Nuzzo added in an email. “What we learned clearly during the last influenza pandemic is there are only a few companies in the world that make flu vaccines, which means in a pandemic there won’t be enough to go around. If the U.S. wants to make sure it can get enough vaccines for every American who wants them during a pandemic, it should invest in multiple types of vaccines instead of putting all of our eggs in one basket.”
The cancellation comes even though Moderna says a study involving 300 healthy adults had produced “positive interim” results and the company “had previously expected to advance the program to late-stage development.”
“While the termination of funding from HHS adds uncertainty, we are pleased by the robust immune response and safety profile observed in this interim analysis of the Phase 1/2 study of our H5 avian flu vaccine and we will explore alternative paths forward for the program,” Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “These clinical data in pandemic influenza underscore the critical role mRNA technology has played as a countermeasure to emerging health threats.”
The administration’s move drew sharp criticism from outside experts.
“This decision puts the lives and health of the American people at risk,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown School of Public Health, who served as President Biden’s COVID-19 response coordinator.
“Bird Flu is a well known threat and the virus has continued to evolve. If the virus develops the ability to spread from person to person, we could see a large number of people get sick and die from this infection,” Jha said. “The program to develop the next generation of vaccines was essential to protecting Americans. The attack by the Administration on the mRNA vaccine platform is absurd.”
Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota agreed.
“This decision will make our country far less prepared to respond to the next influenza pandemic,” he said in an email. “This is a dangerous course to follow.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H5N1 flu virus has spread to 41 dairy herds, and 24 poultry farms and culling operations, and caused 70 human cases. While the virus has had a high mortality rate in other countries, so far H5N1 has only caused one death in the U.S. and has not shown any signs of spreading easily from one person to another. But infectious disease experts are concerned that the more the virus spreads, the greater the chance it could mutate into a form that would spread from person to person, which would increase the risk of a pandemic.
By Loretta L. Worters, Vice President of Media Relations, Triple-I
When Karla Scott first entered the insurance industry, she didn’t set out with a grand plan to become a leader in marine underwriting.
“I fell into it,” she admits. Starting at a brokerage firm focused on logistics insurance, she quickly discovered a passion for global trade and cargo underwriting.
“It’s different every day,” says Scott, who is global logistics product leader and senior managing director, Ocean Marine, The Hartford. She joined the company after The Hartford acquired Navigators in 2019.
“The technical work keeps my skills sharp, while the camaraderie and shared purpose offer personal and professional fulfillment.”
– Karla Scott
Scott works with clients, agents, and brokers around the world to ensure that businesses have the protection they need through the product’s entire supply-chain life cycle. Her team insures raw materials and finished goods that are transported on containerships, planes, trains, and trucks. From geopolitics to commodity shifts, it’s an ever-evolving, complex industry that demands constant awareness and adaptation.
Now, with 24 years in marine insurance, Scott reflects on a career shaped by resilience, strong mentorship, and a deep commitment to community. Her journey underscores both the opportunities and challenges faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“Disrupting trade with…China, Canada, or Mexico would affect cost and the availability of insurance coverage.”
– Karla Scott
A Sea Change for Women
“Fifteen years ago, I sat at a table with 35 industry leaders and was the only woman,” Scott says. “But progress is happening. While marine insurance remains a niche within the broader insurance world, more women are entering the field and rising into leadership roles.”
There continues to be a gender pay gap and lack of career advancement opportunities, but Scott says “part of the reason, frankly, is that women tend not to self-advocate. It’s critical in the marine insurance space to promote yourself, but women often feel uncomfortable doing that. Self-advocacy is not boastfulness. No one is going to put you in the spotlight unless you step into it. Those are the skills we need to teach women coming up in this business.”
Being a woman on the West Coast in an East Coast-dominated industry meant navigating additional hurdles.
“There’s a current you swim against,” she says.
Overcoming Barriers
Support from forward-thinking male mentors and advisors helped her stay the course.
“I am indebted to three mentors who presented different strengths,” Scott says. “I learned how to manage people, to motivate people, technical skills, how important your reputation is in this industry, and how to push hard and be aggressive in certain situations and not aggressive in other situations.”
She also candidly addresses the internal battles many women face — imposter syndrome.
“I’ve experienced it myself and have reached out to my mentors, who are great at listening to my frustrations,” she says. “Having a strong network can help you work through those issues. Now that I’m on the other side, I’m pushing my mentees through those obstacles, helping them find their voice and teaching them to self-advocate—skills critical to closing the gender pay gap.”
The Power of Community
Scott’s involvement with the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) and the Board of Marine Underwriters in San Francisco has been instrumental in her career. She has served as president of the latter twice and speaks passionately about the importance of collaboration in the insurance industry.
“One of the most unique parts of marine insurance is that we work in partnership with competitors to solve industry problems,” she says. “The technical work keeps my skills sharp, while the camaraderie and shared purpose offer personal and professional fulfillment.”
Trade Tensions and Industry Impacts
As global trade faces increasing scrutiny and tariff battles, Scott is already seeing the effects.
“Clients are canceling freight contracts, and volumes are dropping,” she says. “The result means lower trade volume, higher valuation of goods, and potential inflationary cycles may hit consumers hard.”
She points out that the lack of federal stimulus (unlike during the pandemic) leaves little room for economic cushioning.
“It’s a ‘hold your breath’ kind of moment,” Scott says.
Cargo theft is another growing concern.
“It spikes when inflation rises,” Scott notes, pointing out how easy it has become to resell stolen goods on platforms like Amazon and eBay.
Talk of reshoring manufacturing often overlooks the complexity of global trade.
“You can’t flip a light switch and manufacture everything in the U.S.,” she explains. “Machinery to build those goods often comes from Germany or Japan.
“Disrupting trade with top partners like China, Canada, or Mexico would significantly affect both cost and the availability of insurance coverage,” Scott says. “If consumer confidence drops and trade volumes fall, insurance demand will, too.”
Scott also highlights a deeper economic risk: the potential erosion of the U.S. dollar’s dominance in global trade. “If that shifts, the American economy could face even greater challenges.”
SPY vs. VOO vs. IVV: a faceoff between three large, popular index funds, all tracking the S&P 500. But what’s the difference if they all track the same index? And how can you decide which is best for you?
Let’s start with the basics.
SPY vs VOO vs IVV: By the Numbers
SPY
VOO
IVV
FullName
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Index Tracked
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Index
Assets Under Management*
$403.3 billion
$339.7 billion
$352.1 billion
Average Daily Volume (shares)
10,989,786 (30-day average)
4,089,646 (50 day average)
4,627,769 (30-day average)
Number of Holdings
503
507
507
Expense Ratio
0.0945%
0.03%
0.03%
Dividend Yield*
1.61%
1.56%
1.58%
Issuer
State Street Global Advisors SPDR
Vanguard
iShares / Blackrock
* As of October. 2023
Five-Year Performance
SPY vs VOO vs IVV: Overview
All three follow the same S&P 500 index, which is composed of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the US. That means the three funds will be holding essentially the same stocks in the same proportions. The only differences are in the details.
The S&P 500 index and the ETFs that track them are market cap weighted. That means that they give larger companies a heavier weight.
SPY is the largest S&P 500 index, slightly ahead of the others in total assets under management and daily trading volume compared to the other two combined. It also has the largest expense ratio, 3x higher than VOO and IVV.
VOO is by a small margin the S&P 500 ETF with the smallest amount of assets under management and the smallest trading volume.
IVV Is very similar to VOO but slightly larger in assets and trading volume.
All three ETFs have an almost identical exposure as they follow the same index. The only difference is that VOO and IVV contain a few more stocks, as they are authorized to only partially follow the S&P 500 composition while trying to replicate the index, hence the slightly higher number of stocks held.
Because they are so similar, it is easy to get confused about which S&P 500 ETF to choose.
The first choice to make is between SPY and VOO/IVV. This is because SPY has a much higher expense ratio, more than 3 times higher. So why is SPY the largest of the three if it costs more to own it?
This is because the expense ratio only tells part of the story about an ETF’s costs. The expense ratio defines the costs you will pay when you own the ETF. However, the spread (the difference between buying and selling price) also affects the actual cost of owning shares in an ETF.
SPY has the most liquidity and the lowest spread, making it the favorite S&P 500 ETF for the largest financial institutions.
If you want to buy and hold, you want the lowest expense ratio possible and will prefer VOO or IVV. But if you intend to trade in and out of this position often enough, you’ll ultimately pay lower fees with SPY.
The choice between VOO and IVV is more difficult. Both have the same expense ratio, and the dividend yield only differs by a microscopic 0.02%.
One factor could be a preference for one issuer over the other. Both Vanguard and Blackrock are large and well-respected institutions.
While almost at the same price in 2020, VOO has somewhat lagged behind IVV since, trading at a lower price. This is due to small differences in how the ETF is managed and when it was created.
However, taking a long-term view (20+ years), it seems this difference is not getting greater over time. So it is not very likely to affect the performance of your portfolio in actual practice.
Which Is Best for You?
The first thing to decide is why you are interested in buying an S&P 500 ETF.
📈 If you plan to trade the ETF regularly, SPY is probably the best for you because of its higher liquidity and lower trading costs, even with a higher expense ratio.
📈 If this is for a diversified buy-and-hold strategy, VOO or IVV are a better choice, due to their lower expense ratios.
There’s very little difference between IVV and VOO. But if you worry about the slight but persistent discount of VOO compared to the other 2 large S&P 500 indexes, you might prefer IVV. A preference for Vanguard vs Blackrock could also decide for one against the other.
No matter which you choose, any of these ETFs will give you diversified exposure to the top 500 publicly listed companies in the US. If you intend to hold for many years, lower fees might make a real difference, especially if you hold the ETF in a retirement account.
If you want to diversify your S&P 500 ETF with other ETFs, you’ll have plenty of options. We’ve already looked at SPY vs QQQ, an SPX fund vs top NASDAQ 100 fund, and VTI vs VOO, a major SPX fund against a fund tracking the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index. Any of these funds will provide broad, inexpensive exposure to the US markets.
Kettlebells aren’t new, but in an era of high-tech fitness trends, they still stand as one of the most timeless, versatile, and effective training tools out there. Why is kettlebell training so effective? What makes these simple ball-shaped weights with a handle so useful?
Whether you’re a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, or strength coach, incorporating kettlebells into strength training programs can unlock a wide range of benefits for your clients. From improving strength and endurance to enhancing mobility and core stability, kettlebell workouts deliver functional results that carry over to real-life activities.
This article discusses why kettlebells might deserve a prime spot in your training toolbox, exploring the benefits of working out with kettlebells and how to effectively use kettlebell exercises to maximize client results.
The Kettlebell Advantage: Functional Fitness That Works
Unlike dumbbells or barbells, kettlebells are designed to be swung, pressed, and carried in ways that mimic the dynamic movements of everyday life. When you pick up a kettlebell, you’re not just lifting weight—you’re engaging multiple muscle groups, stabilizing through your core, and challenging your balance and coordination.
Why kettlebell training is effective comes down to the combination of strength, power, endurance, and mobility packed into each movement. Exercises like kettlebell swings, Turkish get-ups, presses, and snatches train the body to move as a connected unit rather than isolating individual muscles. This functional, full-body approach makes kettlebell workouts an ideal choice for both athletic performance and general fitness.
Impact on Athletic Performance
A 2024 systematic review published in Cureus examined how kettlebell training impacts athletic performance across strength, power, endurance, agility, and injury prevention. It revealed that kettlebell exercises activate key muscle groups—including the hips, thighs, core, and lower back—in ways that enhance neuromuscular coordination and functional strength.
Whether used in preseason conditioning, injury prevention, or high-intensity interval routines, kettlebell workouts deliver measurable gains in agility, flexibility, and resilience. Importantly, their dynamic, full-body nature helps athletes translate raw strength into sport-specific power, making kettlebells a versatile and cost-effective addition to any training plan.
Kettlebell Exercise Benefits That Go Beyond Strength
While many people associate kettlebells with strength, the benefits of kettlebell training go far beyond just building muscle. Research and trainer experience consistently show that kettlebell workouts improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, flexibility, and even mental focus.
For trainers leading kettlebell classes, the benefits extend to client retention and satisfaction. Kettlebell workouts are inherently engaging—dynamic movements like cleans, snatches, and swings keep participants mentally and physically challenged, helping prevent boredom and plateau. Plus, the compact size of kettlebells makes them ideal for small studios, home gyms, or outdoor sessions, offering maximum versatility with minimal space or equipment investment.
Another major bonus? Kettlebell workouts burn a lot of calories. Thanks to the combination of strength and cardio, kettlebell workouts can deliver calorie-burning benefits similar to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), helping clients meet body composition goals and support metabolic health.
Real-World Benefits of Working Out with Kettlebells
One of the most exciting advantages of kettlebell training is how effectively it prepares clients for real-world challenges. Carrying groceries, lifting kids, sprinting to catch a bus—these are the kinds of movements that kettlebell workouts mimic and strengthen.
Trainers who understand and leverage the benefits of working out with kettlebells are equipping clients not just for the gym, but for life. Kettlebell movements improve grip strength, shoulder stability, hip mobility, and overall coordination, all of which contribute to better performance in daily activities, sports, and even injury prevention.
Plus, kettlebells offer a unique blend of strength and cardio, making them an efficient option for clients with limited time. A 20- to 30-minute kettlebell session can deliver full-body conditioning, strength, and fat-burning benefits in one compact workout.
The Essential Kettlebell Course—Learn It, Use It, Coach It
Master kettlebell fundamentals and the Iron Cardio method, a proven system for building strength, endurance, and control, in as little as a weekend.
Benefits for Older Adults
Kettlebell training also offers additional benefits for older adults aiming to maintain mobility and independence. One standout example is the Ballistic Exercise of the Lower Limb (BELL) trial, a study that investigated how regular kettlebell workouts impact adults aged 59–79. Over three months, participants followed a structured kettlebell program designed to improve functional strength and daily movement ability.
The results were striking: participants increased their predicted one-rep max (1RM) deadlift by 23%, showing meaningful gains in lifting strength—critical for safely handling everyday tasks. They also completed the five-times floor transfer 14% faster, a key indicator of agility and fall-prevention capability.
Participants also improved cardiovascular fitness, walking 7% farther in a six-minute test, and reported greater confidence in stair climbing and lifting objects. Impressively, the program also increased lean muscle mass, supporting healthier body composition and metabolism.
Perhaps most important, these benefits came with high adherence and only minor, non-serious adverse events, underscoring kettlebell training as not only effective but also safe and enjoyable for older adults. This study highlights kettlebells as a promising approach for promoting healthy aging and empowering older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent.
Why Trainers Should Incorporate Kettlebells
If you’re wondering why you should start incorporating kettlebells into strength training sessions, consider this: kettlebells fill the gaps that traditional gym equipment often misses.
Most standard strength training focuses on linear, controlled movements. Machines isolate single muscles, and even free weights often follow predictable planes of motion. Kettlebells, on the other hand, invite rotation, acceleration, and deceleration—just like real life. This makes kettlebell training especially valuable for developing functional strength and injury resilience.
Kettlebell core exercises, for example, challenge deep stabilizing muscles that protect the spine and improve posture. Moves like kettlebell windmills, suitcase carries, and kettlebell halos aren’t just for building abs; they develop the kind of core control that enhances athletic performance and reduces injury risk.
The Science Behind Kettlebell Training Programs
Kettlebell training isn’t just popular because it looks cool or feels different—there’s solid scientific research showing why it works. Studies have demonstrated that kettlebell workouts can meaningfully improve aerobic capacity, muscular strength, endurance, and explosive power, making them a versatile addition to both strength and conditioning programs.
For example, a 2015 study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research examined Division I female soccer players who completed a four-week kettlebell snatch protocol (the “15:15 MVO₂” method). Participants trained with kettlebells three times a week alongside their regular off-season program.
The results were clear: the kettlebell group saw a significant 6% increase in VO₂ max, while a control group doing circuit weight training showed no change. This suggests that kettlebell training isn’t just about strength—it can also meaningfully improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Another study compared the metabolic demands of kettlebell swings to treadmill running at equivalent perceived exertion levels. Interestingly, while treadmill running resulted in higher oxygen consumption and calorie burn, the kettlebell workout still elevated heart rates to over 85% of age-predicted maximum—enough to meet the standards needed for improving aerobic capacity.
This highlights that kettlebell workouts can deliver robust cardiovascular and metabolic conditioning, making them a viable alternative to more traditional aerobic training like running or cycling.
How to Use Kettlebells Safely and Effectively
Knowing how to use kettlebells is crucial for maximizing benefits and avoiding injury. Proper technique matters, especially for dynamic movements like swings and snatches. Trainers should prioritize teaching foundational mechanics, such as hip hinging and shoulder packing, before progressing clients to more advanced exercises.
It’s also essential to select the right weight. While kettlebells may look small, they pack a punch—especially during ballistic movements. Start clients with lighter kettlebell weights and gradually progress as their strength and coordination improve.
In a well-designed kettlebell training program, exercises can be scaled up or down to match each client’s ability level, making kettlebells accessible to beginners and challenging for advanced athletes alike.
Building a Balanced Kettlebell Training Program
Designing a balanced kettlebell training program means incorporating a mix of push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry movements. Think of pairing exercises like kettlebell swings (hinge) with goblet squats (squat), or Turkish get-ups (total-body coordination) with overhead presses (push).
For clients new to kettlebells, start simple. Focus on foundational movements and build mastery before introducing more complex lifts or combinations. As clients progress, you can increase intensity by adding reps, sets, or heavier weights—or by integrating kettlebells into metabolic circuits for added challenge.
Understanding how to exercise with kettlebell weights isn’t just about following a list of moves; it’s about creating thoughtful programming that aligns with client goals, addresses imbalances, and promotes sustainable progress.
Why Kettlebell Training Is Here to Stay
It’s no surprise that kettlebells have stood the test of time. From their origins in 18th-century Russia to their current status as a fitness staple, kettlebells have proven their worth across generations and training styles.
The benefits of kettlebell training—from improving strength and endurance to enhancing mobility, core stability, and functional fitness—make them a must-have tool for today’s trainers. And with the growing popularity of kettlebell classes and small-group training, the demand for knowledgeable instructors who can deliver safe, effective, and engaging kettlebell workouts is higher than ever.
If you’re a trainer looking to elevate your offerings, investing in kettlebell education and integrating these powerful tools into your programs can set you apart and deliver unmatched value to your clients.
AFPA’s Kettlebell Essentials: The Iron Cardio Approach is an accessible, affordable option that allows you to learn directly from Brett Jones, a top strength coach, and walk away ready to integrate kettlebells into any fitness routine with confidence.
Real, Lasting Results with Kettlebells
Kettlebells are more than just trendy pieces of equipment—they’re powerhouse tools that deliver real, measurable results. These compact weights offer a complete fitness solution in one simple package. By learning how to use kettlebells effectively and incorporating them into your clients’ routines, you’re not just offering variety—you’re providing a smarter, more functional path to strength, resilience, and long-term health.
Whether you’re helping clients master kettlebell core exercises, find a minimalistic fitness routine, or boost performance through a tailored kettlebell training program, one thing is clear: kettlebells are here to stay.
Reviewed by
Diane Vives, M.S.
Senior Director, Health & Wellness Professional Education
Beginner-Friendly, 101-Level Kettlebell Training
Learn directly from Brett Jones, a top strength coach, and walk away ready to integrate kettlebells into any fitness routine with confidence.
The job of Shark Tank is to deliver customers, audiences and excitement to budding entrepreneurs, and of course the Sharks invest their time, energy and money in helping them be ready for their ‘moment in the sun’. However with only 237,000 viewers for the first episode of this current series I am disappointed for all concerned. Smart Company asked me to write a piece of advice and reflection as the show moves to a different phase. I have re posted here.
On the cusp of a new season of Shark Tank it has given me a moment to reflect on Angel Investing in Australia. What works and what doesn’t work…. And it all starts with the ‘pitch’… but once that is over then the critical piece for any business is its ability to find customers (or audiences) cost effectively.
PITCH PREPARATION
It is said ‘never forget that you only have one opportunity to make a first impression – with investors, with customers, with PR and with marketing.’
I am in the fortunate position of having seen hundreds of ideas pitched, both as a Shark Tank investor and as an angel investor in a variety of industries. The one question that always sits in the back of my mind is ‘how big is the customer base for this idea?’ And can you find them cost effectively.
The level of investment being sought may well determine the overall approach. It does not matter who is being pitched to – remember that heart is just as important as the head. It is often the passion of the founder that encourages those listening (or reading) to be engaged and interested to begin the journey of investment.
If you are pitching, then research who you’re pitching to. Every potential investor has a different reason for investing. What do they believe in? What is their background and experience? What is their area of expertise? Do the work and find out as much as you can about the people behind the ‘investor’ label.
People do business with people, and investors invest in people.
FINDING CUSTOMERS
Shark Tank has a special place in many people’s hearts. We love the concept that someone with an idea can make it big. We love to watch people put their hearts on their sleeves, risk it all to show Australian audiences what is possible. I read a statistic once that 9 out of every 10 adults in Australia has a business idea – but does not know what to do with it.
When I think about the role of angel investors, it is not just the experience, contacts and business know how that the right investor provides it is also audience. I think of the wonderful Remarkable Accelerator program and the reason that it works is that inventors, founders and scientists have access to the greater community through the Cerebral Palsy Alliance – a ready-made customer base. If you are bringing a disability invention to market then you can test, fine tune, and ultimately sell your product to a very accessible audience.
People pitching on Shark Tank come with a similar expectation. That on the night that their episode appears people will be watching. This is why the show works in the US, they have massive audiences, and if the product is ready, they will sell millions on the night. It is the job of the network to deliver audience and customers to the investors and the inventors – it is an essential part to make the concept work.
I will be watching with my fingers crossed hoping that the network does its job in what is the Aussie dream of invention.
Let the great game of business begin, and let’s hope they find the audiences and customers needed to make Shark Tank Australia viable.
SOLID WASTES. A portion of the 8.4 metric tons of plastic waste collected from residents in 15 localities across La Union. (Photo courtesy of the provincial government of La Union)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — The provincial government of La Union has collected 8.4 metric tons of plastic waste from residents across 15 localities.
The action was done through its “Trash to Goods Program” where plastic waste is exchanged for canned goods.
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Of the total waste gathered, 4.4 metric tons were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, while 3.9 metric tons were mixed plastics.
These items were exchanged for over 175 boxes of canned goods.
The initiative was led by the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) in partnership with HOPE Business for Good and Century Tuna.
It aims to promote responsible waste management and environmental sustainability through recycling.
Launched in April 2023, the program encourages residents to trade recyclable items like plastic bottles, tarpaulins, and styrofoam for canned goods, with exchanges based on weight.
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The activity is conducted annually in designated locations.
“This program ensures that waste materials are reintegrated into the economy, instead of being discarded, ensuring sustainability and solid waste reduction,” Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said in a statement on Wednesday.
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“This also proves the strength and unity of our responsible constituents towards the preservation of the environment,” she added.
PG-ENRO head Annalyn Rosario-Valdez said the initiative not only strengthens waste management but also encourages reduced plastic use and proper segregation.
An information education campaign was also held on May 21.
The campaign was meant to educate tourism stakeholders on Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Plastic Code of La Union, and the process of conducting a plastic brand audit.
The program serves as a strategic intervention of the provincial government to support the implementation and preservation of the province’s 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan.
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The collected recyclable plastic wastes will be delivered to accredited recycling centers./apl
If you have dependents—or just loved ones who you want to take care of after you die—life insurance is critical. This coverage helps ensure your lost income doesn’t translate to tangible material losses for your family once you’re gone.
But how much life insurance is enough? That’s a question whose answer can change significantly over your lifetime, and an important one to answer correctly.
You may be underinsured with life insurance coverage if…
1. Your only life insurance coverage is through your employer.
While some life insurance is certainly better than no life insurance, if your only coverage is through your employer, you may not have enough. These plans generally offer very limited coverage (like a year’s worth of your salary, maybe two), which is unlikely to be enough to meet your family’s needs if you have any significant debts or children whose college educations you’re hoping to help fund.
Furthermore, life insurance offered through your employer is usually contingent on you keeping that job, so if you leave your position for any reason, the coverage disappears.
Finally, buying an individual policy gives you access to different types of life insurance policies, including permanent life insurance, which has living benefits you can use while you’re alive.
2. Your income went up.
Getting a raise is almost always a good thing, but if you’re making significantly more income today than you were when you first bought your life insurance policy, you may find yourself underinsured. A higher income usually comes with associated lifestyle changes, and learning how to live with less is likely the last thing your loved ones will want to do if you depart unexpectedly.
3. Your stay-at-home spouse doesn’t have life insurance.
If your stay-at-home spouse doesn’t have life insurance coverage, you’ll want to consider getting them a policy. Even if they don’t make an income that would need replacing, they perform valuable services like childcare that would need to be paid for if they’re no longer there.
Watch the Virgen family’s Real Life Story to see just how critical life insurance was for a family who, thankfully, insured Teresa, a stay-at-home mom. If not for the insurance, they’re certain that they would have lost their home.
4. You had a child.
As every parent knows, having a child is expensive—in fact, in 2023, raising a child costs more than $21,000 per year on average. (And that’s before you factor in college!)
All of which is to say, if you’re a new parent or you brought an additional child into your family, it’s a good time to review your life insurance coverage and ensure you have enough to meet your dependents’ long-term needs, including food, shelter and education, until they’re of age. Given the high cost of childcare (and the precarious financial position of an underinsured single parent), even one child can increase your life insurance needs significantly.
5. You bought a new home.
Paying the mortgage is one of the most pressing financial needs for any family—and more pressing, still, for a newly widowed spouse. If you purchased a new home since you first got your life insurance policy, you may find that you need more coverage to help ensure your loved ones can successfully pay down that debt. After all, moving is never fun, especially in the face of a tragic loss.
While it can feel overwhelming to determine how much life insurance coverage you need as your financial situation changes over time, it’s also well within your power to ensure you’re sufficiently covered. Life Happens’ Life Insurance Needs Calculator is a great starting point for estimating how much coverage you need. A half hour of work today can translate to years’ worth of financial stability in the future.
February 10, 2023 Posted By: growth-rapidly Tag:
Banking
PNC Bank Near Me
Where to find the closest PNC Bank near me? If you are a PNC bank customer, that is a question you might find yourself asking. If that’s the case, then below you will find some of the ways to locate locations of branches and ATMs of PNC Bank nearby.
To find the closest branches with ATMs at PNC Bank, go to their website at https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking.html. Then click on “Locations” at the top (right). There, you will find a search bar, as shown below, where you can enter your city, state or zip code to find any PNC bank ATMs around you.
PNC Bank Near Me
PNC Bank Branch Near Me
To find branches of PNC Bank location in your area, you can perform the same search as detailed above, by using the PNC bank locator at the bank’s website. You can also go to the App store as well as Google Play on your smartphone or tablet, download it to your phone and search for all PNC locations, including branches, ATMs, and Partner ATMs. Also, note that Partner ATMs are not owned by PNC, and therefore cash withdrawal may be limited.
So, to find a PNC banking location that suits your needs, the best way to go by doing it is to use the PNC locator at the bank’s website. For example, if you type in “Chicago” as shown below, the tool will give you several locations at PNC branches and ATMs closest to you. Alternatively, you can use your complete address, state or zip code to perform the search.
PNC Bank Near Me
As you can see in the picture above, when you type in your city, for example “Chicago”, the tool will search for all PNC bank locations including branches, ATMs, Partner ATMs. But the tools give you options on what you are looking for specifically. For example, if you’re only looking for PNC Bank “ATMs,” you can then uncheck “Branches” and “Partner ATMs.” If you do that, then the tool will only search all PNC Bank ATMs near you.
Where is the closest PNC Bank ATM near me?
As you can see in the picture above, when you checked only ATMs in Chicago, the results returns 39 PNC Bank ATMs. You can scroll down the results and find the PNC Bank ATM closest to you.
Viewing the Details of the Closest PNC Bank Near Me
Another interesting feature about the PNC locator is that after your search results, you can click on “View Branch Details” or “View ATM details” at the bottom of each addresses to obtain more information. For example, if you click on “View Branch Details,” you can get information on not only the address, but also you will get the driving directions. You will be able to see schedule an appointment with a banker by clicking on “Schedule an Appointment.” On the Branch Details, you will also see PNC bank’s hours of operations for that specific branch. You will also see the types of services that PNC bank branch offers including: ATM, cashier’s check, wire transfers, loans, etc.
PNC branch, PNC bank locations near mePNC branch near me, PNC atm near me, PNC bank hours near me
Filtering the type of services offered by the closest PNC Bank Near Me?
The PNC bank locator has a “Filter” option as well to help you further search for the types of services a specific branch or ATM near you are offering. For example, you can search by the number of miles the branch or ATM is located. You can search for the type of services they offer. For example, whether that specific PNC branch offers instant debit card, drive through, handicapped access, safe deposit box, WiFi, Sunday hours, Service in Spanish, etc.
About PNC Bank
PNC bank is one of the largest and popular banks in the United States. In fact, it is the sixth largest bank in the United States. It provides all financial services including but not limited to: checking accounts, credit cards, savings accounts, mortgage loans, auto loans, small business loans, etc. PNC Bank has over 2,300 branch locations across United States and there over 18,000 PNC and Partner ATMs available for your banking needs. You can find the bank hours of operation below.
Customer service
To contact PNC Bank’s customer service department, call 1-888-762-2265. Representatives are available: Monday – Friday 7am – 10 pm ET; Saturday – Sunday: 8:am – 5 pm.
Hours of operation
PNC Bank’s general hours are from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Other Bank Branches & ATMs Nearby
20 Questions to Know If You’re Ready for Retirement
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Hi friends! Happy Friday! How are you? I hope you’re having a wonderful start to the weekend. We’re back in Barcelona after an amazing Disney cruise around the Mediterranean. I have a full recap going up next week, but in the meantime, here are some pics of the fun!
I hope that you have a lovely and fun weekend ahead.
It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web, and I always love to hear what you’re loving. Please share any recent favorite finds in the comments section below.
5.23 Friday Faves
Fashion + beauty + random:
These supplement containers! I had to pack a lot of supplements for this trip but definitely didn’t want to pack tons of bottles in my suitcase. Two of these + a little container I already had supplied me with 60 days of supplements using minimal space. BOOM.
Spain nails! I had my dip nails taken off a couple of weeks ago because I knew I didn’t want to mess with dip on the trip. (It lasts so well on my nails but I didn’t want to get them done while we’re gone.) I was giong for something super low maintenance that can last for 6-8 without the grow-out being obvious. She did such an amazing job.
(Tucson friends: I go to Gelish nails and have seen at least five different people who have all been amazing)
MDW sales. So many great sales this weekend, but here are some of my top picks:
HigherDOSE – 20% off sitewide with the code FITNESSISTA20. This is the time to get a sauna blanket, PEMF Go Mat, Red Light face mask, or red light hat. Shop it up here.
