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While choosing from the various kinds of retirement plans available, an employer or a company can choose a profit-sharing plan to provide retirement benefits for its employees.
What is a Profit-Sharing Plan?
Profit-sharing is a retirement plan that considers the employer’s discretionary income. Unlike other retirement plans that require employees to contribute to the retirement plan, a profit-sharing plan puts the entire responsibility of funding on the employer. The company can exercise its discretion while allocating its profits towards its employees’ retirement goals. It can choose the amount to contribute each year out of the profits available. As a result, they may avoid making contributions in a lousy year. A profit-sharing plan can be a powerful tool to boost employees’ retirement goals, improving morale and productivity. In addition, it is a sure way of appreciating an employee’s contribution to an organization.
Benefits:
Profit-sharing plans allow employers to distribute their discretionary profit to their employees, thereby boosting their motivation and improving employee retention in the process.
Employer contributions are tax-deferred and taxable at the time of withdrawal.
The money contributed helps secure the employee’s retirement plans. They are invested in stocks, shares, and other instruments to help provide for their financial future.
Drawbacks:
The primary drawback is that profit-sharing depends entirely on an employer’s discretion. Because of this, a profit-sharing plan typically comes in addition to a traditional retirement plan like 401(k).
It might attract a higher administrative cost.
How Profit-Sharing Plans Work
An employer shares its profit with its employees through the profit-sharing plan. When contributed to a specific employee fund, the funds become tax-deferred and are taxable only on withdrawal. An employer creates a fund with a financial institution to contribute a percentage of their profits to secure their employees’ retirement. A profit-sharing plan is at the employers’ discretion, usually in addition to a traditional retirement plan like 401(k). The company can distribute profits through either a tax-deferred stock option or a cash bonus. However, it does become taxable at the time of withdrawal.
Eligibility Criteria:
All employees are usually eligible to participate in the plan, although the company might exclude some employees when
They are below 21 years of age;
They do not have the necessary tenure of service (2 years in most cases)
Where they are members of a trade union, or,
In the case of certain non-resident aliens.
Allocation of Contribution
An employer determines the extent of contribution by following the comp-to-comp method. The steps are:
Determine the total compensation paid to all the employees.
Divide the actual compensation of each employee by the total employee compensation to get a fraction.
Multiply each employee’s fraction by the total contribution allocated by the employer.
The employer can allocate profits using any of the three methods:
Equal Contribution Plan:
Profit is distributed equally to all the participating employees.
Age-Based Plan:
Employers contribute to the plan based on the age and the years of service of each participating employee.
Variable-Rate Plan:
Employers can contribute varied rates to each group of employees based on the factors they decide.
Employers can use the profit-sharing plan by contributing tax-deferred income in funds of the participating employees or in the form of a cash bonus depending on the company’s profit in a particular year.
Maintaining Your Profit-Sharing Plan
A profit-sharing plan is made purely at the employer’s discretion, depending on how much of the profit they desire to allocate towards the individual employee’s retirement plans. Although the employer is free to allocate any amount they choose, the company must pay proportionately to all the participating employees of the company. The IRS has also fixed a limit on a company’s total amount towards an individual employee account.
Limits of Contribution
In 2022, a company can share its profits with employees to the extent of 100% of employee’s compensation or $61,000, whichever is less. Further, the company must fill out Form 5500 to disclose the plan’s details and its participating employees. Also, the company must report that it is not discriminating in favor of its highly paid employees in the process.
Withdrawing Funds
Funds deposited by the company towards profit sharing are tax-deferred at the time of contribution but will be taxable at withdrawal. Withdrawal of funds is allowed on attaining the age of 50 1/2 years. It would attract an additional tax of 10% if withdrawn earlier.
Takeaway
A profit-sharing plan is an effective tool in the hands of the employers to provide retirement benefits to the employees and get a tax advantage in the process.
What is a Profit-Sharing Plan?
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What is a Profit-Sharing Plan?
Suppose you are looking for a retirement plan that does not require contributions but allows a fixed income post-retirement based on your earnings or employment tenure. In that case, a defined benefit plan might work for you.
What is a Defined Benefit Plan?
A defined benefit plan is an employer-determined guaranteed retirement plan. This plan provides a fixed benefit, often based on an employee’s earnings or career, to employees at the time of retirement. According to this plan, employers can set up a pension fund for their employees which puts a fixed amount towards their retirement savings every year. The amount contributed is tax-deferred and is then taxable at distribution. An employer can pay the retirement benefits in the form of:
A pension.
An employer pays a monthly income calculated per a fixed rate on an employee’s retirement.
A cash balance.
An employer pays the entire amount as a lump sum.
Your employer needs to inform you about the plan’s details to make an informed decision. The total amount received by the employee is fixed and decided through a formula based on the employee’s earnings or career.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The benefits of a defined benefit plan are:
You, as an employee, do not contribute to the fund. The employer contributes and manages the pension fund for you.
Your employer is responsible for the risks associated with the investment and planning of the fund.
You receive a guaranteed income at retirement based on a formula that is fixed and easy to understand.
Some of the drawbacks of a defined benefit plan are:
Employers generally avoid the plan as it involves substantial costs and a complex administrative procedure.
You have less control over the contribution amount or your withdrawal period as the fund is entirely sponsored and managed by the employer.
You might need to work for the employer for a long time to satisfy the pension plan benefits rules.
Choosing a Defined Benefit Plan
You can choose how to receive the retirement benefits in the following ways:
A single lumpsum amount.
You will be paid a single lumpsum amount at retirement.
Monthly payments for life.
You will get monthly payments calculated based on the length of your career or your income.
An annuity covering yourself and your surviving spouse.
You will receive a monthly payment for your lifetime, and after that, your spouse will receive at least 50 percent of the monthly payment for the rest of their life.
Calculating Defined Benefit Plan Payments
In a defined benefit plan, an employer decides on the amount for employees based on an agreed formula. To determine the earnings for your benefits, you will need to average out the past couple of years’ salary before retirement. In addition, you could also take the average of an employee’s salary during their career. You can receive these earnings in either a lump sum or monthly payments. An employer can calculate monthly payments in two ways:
Pay a specific amount per month for retirement.
For example, an employer deposits $150 per month for every year of the employee’s service. If the employee has worked for 20 years on retirement, they will receive $3,000 ($150x 20) per month as a retirement benefit.
Base retirement payments on the average income of an employee.
Suppose an employee earns an average income of $5,000 per month. In that case, the employer can provide monthly retirement benefits like 20% of the average income, i.e., $1,000 (20% of $5,000) per month.
Maintaining Your Defined Benefit Plan
Although your employer controls and maintains the terms of your defined benefit plan, they still must follow specific rules:
A contribution made to the fund is tax-deferred but becomes taxable at the time of distribution.
No distribution of benefits before the age of 59 1/2 years.
Requires reporting of the plan in Form 5500.
An employer must have an enrolled actuary to determine the level of funding.
Takeaway
Employers can use a defined benefit plan to provide tax-deferred retirement benefits to their employees. It can be a secure way to meet your retirement goals. You can receive the benefits as a monthly plan or lump sum payment on retirement.
What is a Defined Benefit Plan?
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What is a Defined Benefit Plan?
Payroll taxes are taxes that both employees and employers pay based on employees’ wages, tips, commissions, and salaries. The employees’ portion is deducted from each paycheck, and the employer pays their portion directly to the IRS.
Types of Payroll Taxes
Payroll taxes fund Federal social insurance programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and unemployment. While you will also see payroll deductions on your pay stub for Federal, state, and local income taxes and deductions to pay for things like health insurance or 401(k) contributions. They are not considered payroll taxes and have no corresponding employer payments. The following are payroll taxes:
Social Security and Medicare.
Social Security and Medicare taxes make up FICA, which stands for the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Employers and employees pay FICA taxes, supporting Medicare and Social Security programs. Your paycheck will include a deduction of 6.2% of your total compensation for Social Security and an additional 1.45% to pay for Medicare. Together they total 7.65 percent. That means that for every $1,000 you earn, you will pay $76.50. Your employer is also responsible for making equal contributions. They will pay an additional 6.2% of your total wages and salaries for Social Security and an additional 1.45% for Medicare. Only the social security tax has a wage base limit. That wage base limit is the maximum subject to tax for that year. For 2022, the base limit is $147,000. That limit is adjusted each year by the IRS. There is no wage base limit for Medicare tax payments.
Additional Medicare.
An employee’s income must exceed $200,000 to have an additional Medicare tax withheld. The additional tax rate is 0.9%, or 2.35%, of all income over the threshold ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for joint filers, and $125,000 for married persons filing separately). The employee is solely responsible for paying the additional amount.
Tax Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA).
FUTA supports terminated employees. The program helps states fund their unemployment programs and is not part of federal income tax. The employer is solely responsible for paying this tax. In 2022, the FUTA rate is 6%, with a taxable wage base of $7,000.
Your employer is responsible for making all payroll tax payments to the IRS.
If You are Self-Employed
Self-employment tax is a Medicare and Social Security tax for self-employed individuals. In addition, self-employed individuals must pay both the employer and employee portion of Medicare and Social Security taxes. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% of net earnings, consisting of a 12.4% Social Security tax and a 2.9% Medicare tax on net profits. The same 2022 wage base limit of $147,000 applies to self-employed individuals to pay Social Security taxes.
Takeaway
Unfortunately, payroll taxes reduces your total gross income. So, your listed salary won’t necessarily reflect the amount you take home. Additional income tax payments and automatic deductions for retirement and healthcare will further reduce your take-home pay. Unlike some other taxes, payroll taxes fund your future Social Security and Medicare benefits when you retire.
Understanding Payroll Taxes
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Understanding Payroll Taxes
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more parents transitioned to homeschooling their children compared to previous years. Though homeschooling seems easy to an outsider, there may be legal requirements, hidden costs, and other unknown factors. Therefore, conducting outside research or getting information and helpful tips from other homeschooling families in your community is best.
Homeschooling Expenses: What to Expect
The decision to remove your children from a public school setting can be difficult for many parents. Most private schools require costly tuition fees, making homeschooling more enticing to families. However, you might not be aware of all the expenses and costs of homeschooling. Homeschooling expenses consist of:
Curriculum
There are some free options for homeschooling; however, most options are not free. You might also need to purchase student workbooks, teaching materials, and other learning materials required to complete the classwork. Typically, curriculum requirements vary state by state, so it’s essential to research your state’s requirements before committing to one source.
School Supplies
Homeschooling requires school supplies, like pens, pencils, notebooks, and other supplies pertinent to learning, reading, writing, and more.
Extracurricular Activities
Homeschooling necessarily does not mean you’re learning from home at all times. For example, you might need to plan for field trip expenses, sports, arts and crafts, and other activities outside the house.
Additional Fees
In addition, you might face other fees throughout the school year, such as state-mandated testing fees or tutoring, for example.
Homeschool Planning and Budgeting
You might notice how quickly homeschooling expenses and fees add up, especially with multiple children at home. Before you remove your children from school, ensure that you’re well-researched regarding the options and curriculums available. Then, once you’ve estimated the price range of your expenses, make sure to read through your state’s rules and regulations so you’ll find a curriculum that fits your child’s needs.
Homeschool Budgeting Tips
Spend extra time researching curriculum options that fit your child’s needs and your budget.
Purchase second-hand curriculum packages. Buying a used curriculum may still require the purchase of workbooks; however, the teaching material is often in excellent condition.
Look into all-in-one curriculums. If you plan on homeschooling your children from kindergarten to graduation, try looking for a K-12 curriculum. Although the expenses might be large upfront, it can save you money along the way.
Purchase your school supplies in bulk or during a sale to ensure you’re saving money.
Check out your local public library and get a library card. A library card can give you access to learning materials and can offer free or low-cost printing to help reduce your expenses.
Hidden Costs for Homeschooling
Most fees associated with homeschooling are upfront and easy to decipher. However, hidden fees still exist. These fees can include anything from supplies for the classroom to an increase in your grocery bill. While you might expect to purchase items like pencils, markers, binders, and notebooks, you’ll also need items for other activities. Examples include science lab experiments, art class, or physical education to maintain a healthy homeschooling lifestyle. In addition, you can expect an increase in your grocery bill since your child will consume more snacks and meals at home. Even though there are plenty of free homeschooling curriculums, people tend not to discuss that other options can cost families over $1,000 or more per school year. However, if you are a family with multiple school-aged children, consider reusing curriculums as your children grow.
Takeaway
According to Investopedia, the average price per year for homeschooling one child can be upwards of $1,800. If you decide on homeschooling your children, ensure you spend an ample amount of time researching and understanding the laws of your state. Also, keep in mind the average of a curriculum and ensure you’re budgeting for any unexpected expenses for the school year.
The Cost of Homeschooling
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The Cost of Homeschooling
Skimming is a form of identity theft that extracts credit card information when you use the card in a modified public card reader. Skimmers are typically installed on ATMs or any point-of-sale technology and then read your credit card data to defraud you.
How Skimming Works
Skimming can happen when a fraudster modifies a device on an ATM, gas pump, or point of sale terminal to read your card data when you swipe your credit card. Fraudsters then use the data to create fake credit cards to steal from the victim’s accounts. With the advent of more sophisticated technology, skimmers can be as thin as a credit card, making it impossible for authorities to identify them. Criminals will typically install skimming devices on ATMs with cameras. The skimming device can also be in the form of keypad overlays, which can go on top of the factory-installed keypad. The keypad overlay is capable of capturing your PIN. Gas stations usually have their card readers outside near the gas pumps away from the checkout counters, making them an easy target to install skimmers.
Types of Skimming
Skimming has become more sophisticated and can happen in the following ways:
ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminals
ATMs are the prime location that fraudsters use for skimming devices because the devices are easy to hide so victims won’t notice. Some scammers place hidden pinhole cameras to record the person’s keystrokes as they put in their PIN. Others use keypad overlays attached to the original keypads to record the keystrokes when users enter their PIN. Skimming devices will store the data and transfer it wirelessly for later use.
Gas Stations Terminals
In gas stations, scammers install skimmers in the internal wiring of the POS machines, making them invisible to card users. The skimmers then record the card details and transmit them electronically to be used to defraud the victims.
Avoid Getting Skimmed
Skimmers can be attached to any ATM and POS terminals to read and later misuse your card details to defraud you. Taking certain precautions when using your credit cards in public places can be the only way you can prevent such crimes.
Tips for ATM and POS Use
Before inserting your credit card in an ATM, POS, or another card reader, inspect the machine for any unusual crack, crooked, or broken surface that can hold a skimmer.
Before putting your PIN, pull out the edges of the keypad to check for a keypad overlay.
Always cover the keypad by hand while putting in your PIN.
Use ATMs in well-lit areas, preferably indoors, as they are less vulnerable targets.
Use debit and credit cards with chip technology as they are less susceptible to fraud than magnetic strips.
Use credit cards instead of debit cards when you have linked accounts.
Contact your financial institution immediately if the ATM does not return the credit card after completing the transaction.
Tips for Gas Station Use
When paying in gas stations, choose terminals that employees can see.
Cover the keys when you key in the PIN.
Consider paying inside the station to an attendant rather than through the terminals.
Some other precautions you can take to protect your card information from skimmers are:
To ensure your money is safe, monitor your balances and inform your financial institution if you locate any suspicious activity.
Carefully observe the card reader before use and report to the bank if you suspect a skimmer attached to them.
Takeaway
To protect yourself from skimmers, be alert and observant when using a card reader in public areas and report anything suspicious to the authorities.
What Is Skimming?
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What Is Skimming?
Credit cards are everywhere; not only do most people have one, but many have several. Unfortunately, some individuals are looking to steal your credit card information and use it for their benefit.
What Is a Credit Card Dump?
A credit card dump is when someone makes an illegal and unauthorized digital copy of a credit card. Credit card dumps have existed for many years. However, they’re becoming increasingly popular and more widely used due to the increase in identity theft, credit card theft, credit card forgeries, and other cybercrimes. Credit card dumps happen when thieves physically copy your credit card information or hack into company payment databases that contain that information. Skimming is the most common method used to accomplish this. Skimming uses an illegal card reader to save a customer’s credit card information. Someone could place it on a real ATM or a card reader, like the ones you see at a gas station. Credit card dump attacks have been happening on a larger scale, sometimes affecting millions. Criminals will target a company’s computer database containing credit card data and copy all the information. Once they finish the process, the thieves will often sell that information to buyers on the black market or use it for personal gain.
Protecting Yourself From Credit Card Dumps
Nobody wants to be a victim of a credit card dump, but how can you protect yourself? Credit cards typically offer security features like a PIN or security chips to make theft more difficult. Here are some more easy ways to lower your risk of getting targeted for a credit card dump:
Only use secure websites when making online purchases. Secure websites begin with “https” rather than “http”. Your credit card information should otherwise remain private and not be shared online with anyone, including text and social media.
Keep your credit card in a secure location.
Whenever you’re out in public, ensure that you always have your card with or close to you. For example, if you need to use the restroom while you wait for your waiter to pick up your card to charge you, anyone could walk up and quickly write down your information.
Regularly review your credit card statements to look out for suspicious or unauthorized credit card use.
What If I’m Compromised?
If you believe someone has stolen your credit card information, immediately contact your credit card company. You’ll be able to cancel your card and review any unauthorized charges. Most credit card companies will not charge you for unauthorized purchases as they have a “zero liability” policy. Once your card is canceled and the statement reviewed, the next step is to go to IdentityTheft.gov. This website, run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will help you report and recover from your credit card fraud.
Takeaway
Unfortunately, credit card dumps are becoming a common occurrence. However, with knowledge tucked into your back pocket, there are ways to help secure your purchases so you won’t become a victim.
How Credit Card Dumps Work
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How Credit Card Dumps Work
Receiving matching contributions to your retirement plan from an employer is one of an employee’s best benefits for making the most out of their 401(k) plan. In addition, maximizing matched contributions will help grow your retirement plan faster.
What is a Matching Contribution?
Essentially, a matching contribution is the amount given by an employer whenever you contribute to your retirement plan. For example, suppose you use a 401(k) plan as a retirement savings vehicle. Your employer would make a matching contribution for every contribution you make to the plan in such a case. Every employee contributing a specific percentage of their income to their chosen retirement plan will receive a match from the employer for the same amount. An employer’s matching contribution is essentially free money for the employee since they do not earn it themselves.
How Matching Contributions Work
A typical example of a matching contribution occurs through a 401(k) retirement plan. Under this plan, an employee contributes a certain percentage of their income to a designated fund to get future retirement benefits and tax advantages on the contributed amount. For example, an employer’s matching contribution can be 50% of an employee’s contribution, limiting to 6% of their salary. Suppose your annual salary is $40,000, and you contribute $2,000 towards your 401(k) plan every year. Then, your employer’s matching contribution would be 50% of your contribution, i.e., $1,000 (50% of $2,000), subject to a cap of 6% of your annual pay, i.e., $2,400 (6% of $40,000). Matching contributions are not legally required, and not all employers provide this benefit. Still, it is usually the norm for employers to provide some matching contribution to boost an employee’s retirement benefits.
What Plans Are Available?
You can find matching contributions usually in 401(k) plans, although other retirement benefit programs, like simple IRAs, make use of them. 401(k) plans are primarily two types:
Traditional 401(k) Plan.
Traditional 401(k) plans require contributing a certain percentage of your income to a designated fund. Your employer then makes a matching contribution towards the account to fulfill the plan’s purpose. Matching contributions can be:
A partial match.
The maximum contribution by employers caps at a specified percentage of an employee’s annual income. Often, a matching contribution made is 50% of employees’ contribution, subject to a limit of 6% of their yearly pay. However, the exact employee matching terms can vary by plan.
A dollar-for-dollar match.
In this case, employers’ contribution is 100% of an employee’s contribution, limited to a percentage of their annual pay. For example, your employer can contribute 100% of your contribution with a cap of 4% of your yearly pay.
A non-match.
These contributions, though rare, are made by employers on a profit-sharing basis, based on achieving particular business objectives. They are also limited to a specified percentage of an employee’s annual pay.
Roth 401(k) Plan.
In a Roth 401(k) plan, you contribute a specific percentage of your income after deducting taxes. In this plan, tax deductions occur before contributing to the fund. To provide matching contributions for a Roth 401(k) plan, employers need to create a separate traditional 401(k) account. According to this plan, employees make contributions post taxes, while employer contributions are charged taxes at the time of withdrawal.
Maximizing Your Matches
When you choose to contribute to a 401(k) plan, a matching contribution by your employer can allow you to multiply your savings to meet your retirement goals. You can take the following steps to make the most of the contributing matches:
Start contributing early.
Most companies will give you the full benefit of the plan when you start contributing early. However, some companies allow matching contributions by employers after a specific tenure of service.
Get the full match from your employer’s contribution.
Matching contributions from employers are primarily extra money for contributing to a 401(k) plan. Make contributions to ensure that you get the full match from your employer’s contribution.
Set your contribution on automatic mode.
Set your contribution on automatic mode to pay yourself first before incurring other expenses. This simple step will allow you to save consistently for your retirement in the future.
Avoid dipping into your retirement savings.
Saving for retirement is a long-term habit. You might dip into your fund to spend on some other immediate expenses, but that can eat away your future security in the long run.
Takeaway
Your employer’s matching contribution to your 401(k) plan provides you with free money that can help secure your retirement in the long run. So make sure to contribute to get the maximum advantage out of it.
Understanding Matching Contributions
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Understanding Matching Contributions
Pension plans can be a significant source of retirement income for many retirees. Employers often use pension plan benefits to attract and retain employees. Typically, they set aside money for each employee in a fund, which the money grows over the tenure of the employee’s time there. When employees reach retirement age or retire, they’ll receive their pension.
What Is a Pension Plan?
A pension plan is a retirement benefit plan where an employer pays their employee a set amount once they retire or after the termination of their service. The amount will also vary depending on the length of their service. At retirement, the employee can choose to receive a lump sum or get regular payments for life in the form of an annuity. To get a pension, an employee needs to put in the minimum time of service, which depends on each employer. They’ll forfeit their right to the pension fund if you leave before that. Vesting of pension money can be in two forms:
Cliff vesting:
Where they have no claims to the pension fund unless you have completed the specific years of service
Graded vesting:
A percentage of the pension fund gets vested with the employees every year until it reaches 100%
Public vs. Private Pensions
Although employers can offer a pension, it is typically more common in the public sector. The public sector is usually from government bodies, whether state, local, or federal. Private companies that offer pensions are less common. However, when provided by a private employer, the pension does have legal protections. Private companies are legally required to ensure that they fund their pensions adequately. In addition, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation will insure those pension funds. Public pension funds are not subject to such legal requirements, which can lead to severe underfunding, drastically reducing such benefits.
Calculating a Pension Fund
A pension can be calculated by:
Multiplying a fixed dollar amount with the number of years worked.
Using a formula that considers the employee’s final year’s salary, accrual rate, and total length of service with the company.
Pension Plan vs. 401(k)
Nowadays, a 401(k) plan has largely replaced the traditional pension plan, especially in the private sector. A 401(k) is a defined contribution retirement plan where the employee contributes a certain percentage of their salary to the fund that the employer creates. Typically, the employer can either match their contributions partially or fully. Employees can choose the type of investment plan that they want to fund. Then, they’ll be able to make withdrawals once they hit retirement. In contrast, a traditional pension fund will have funds set aside by the employer once the employee hits retirement. In addition, employees have the option to not contribute to the fund and will receive funds based on the number of years of service. Although the employer creates the pension fund for the benefit of the employees, the amount is vested in the employees after fulfilling certain conditions. The main differences between 401(k) and pension funds are:
Pension Funds
Employees are guaranteed pension on retirement
Employer funds the account
Employees have no control over the investment of the fund
Employees may choose to contribute to the plan
401(k) Plan
No guaranteed retirement benefits
Created by the employer and funded with deductions from the employee’s salary
Employees choose their investment plans
Employers may match the employees’ contributions either partially or fully
Risks of a Pension Plan
A pension plan, being a retirement benefit, can have the following risks:
Since employees do not have control over the fund’s investment, a bad investment by the employer can lead to insufficient funds at retirement.
As pension funds are under the employer’s control, they can change the plan’s terms, which could lead to reducing the plan’s benefits.
While private pension funds have specific legal requirements, public pension funds do not. Bankruptcy or other economic issues from the government can make a dent in retirement benefits.
Takeaway
A pension fund can be a great retirement benefit if employees plan to stay with their company for the long haul. If they’re looking for a fixed income after retirement, a well-invested pension plan from their employer will help ensure a stable financial future.
Understanding Pension Plans
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Understanding Pension Plans
If you’ve been on social media and scrolled through your various feeds, you have most likely seen social commerce at work. Social commerce is when brands advertise and promote their products through social media platforms. For example, if you follow any celebrities or influencers, you’ve probably seen them promote a brand’s product, typically one they use. Social commerce is the newest branch of traditional eCommerce. Rather than relying exclusively on advertising, search engines, or their website, social commerce brings the brand’s product directly to the social media user’s feed. Below, we’ll dive more into social commerce and what you need to know about it.
Understanding Social Commerce
Social commerce is buying and selling products or services on social media or networking platforms. Typically, it’s common on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Here are some statistics provided by the consulting firm Accenture to help you understand just how quickly social commerce is growing:
By 2025, social commerce expects to grow to $1.2 trillion.
Social commerce is growing three times faster than traditional commerce.
Roughly 62% of its growth is from millennials and Gen-Z.
Social Commerce vs. eCommerce
It’s easy to mix up social commerce and eCommerce; however, social commerce is simply a part of eCommerce. eCommerce encompasses all online shopping. Before social commerce, companies would promote and sell their products online. Now, companies are bringing their products to social media spaces, often encouraging customers to interact with their platforms. In addition, companies can hire influencers and celebrities to help promote their product to that person’s audience. As consumers shift their shopping habits from online to social media, we’ll eventually see a more significant portion of eCommerce sales being social commerce. There are multiple reasons to help explain this rise:
Audience and Reach
Social commerce allows companies to cater to specific audiences and expand their reach. Traditionally, online advertising utilizes the user’s data to show products you might have seen on your phone or on different websites. Likewise, television ads typically cater to the shows or channels’ demographics. However, with social commerce, companies can target specific audiences. For example, suppose a user follows a beauty influencer. In that case, beauty companies can pay influencers to promote their product on their platform and companies often allow influencers to have a promo code to generate sales further.
Genuine Promotion
Social commerce blurs the line between buyers and sellers. It has enabled companies to connect with their customer directly, while traditional advertising lacks this connection. For example, brands can easily hire influencers, celebrities, or anyone with a large following to promote their product. Typically, this results in posts or videos that seem genuine.
Change in Ad Space
Social commerce has changed the game for ad space. Usually, a user will hit a wall of ads on YouTube or any streaming platform that they’ll try to skip or ignore as they look at their phone. Essentially, people don’t enjoy watching ads. Social commerce has made it so that ads aren’t as intrusive because they’re something the user doesn’t mind seeing. For example, on TikTok, you can find comedy accounts that act out funny skits. Many of these accounts partner with brands and incorporate branded products into their funny videos. So, instead of scrolling past the video, a user might watch it and possibly get a laugh or two out of it.
Ads Are Everywhere
With the rise of social commerce, ads are inescapable while browsing any social media platform. Users can scroll for a few moments and be hit by an ad or two and users may not even be aware that what they saw was an ad. Typically, this increases exposure while changing and commodifying the social media space.
Where to Shop
You can find a place to shop on a few social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram. You’ll most likely find links and promotions on your favorite’s social media feed that make shopping easy.
Takeaway
Social media has changed our lives in countless ways. As companies note the limitless benefits of promoting and selling on social media platforms, the rise in social commerce will come as no surprise.
What Is Social Commerce?
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What Is Social Commerce?
Having roadside assistance insurance can give you peace of mind if you worry about how a flat tire or a dead battery can leave you stranded on the road. Roadside assistance coverage can help you resolve any breakdown issues in no time while reimbursing you some of the costs.
What Is Roadside Assistance Insurance?
Roadside assistance insurance can help you get assistance and payment when your vehicle breaks down or becomes disabled. Typically, you’ll pay an annual fee for this service. The primary benefits of getting roadside assistance coverage are:
Policyholders can receive emergency roadside service whenever their car breaks down, runs out of fuel, gets a flat tire, or needs a tow to a repair center.
The policy also assists in payment for car repairs in case of a breakdown.
A roadside assistance policy, like auto insurance, requires the policyholder to pay a premium for their desired coverage. However, if your car breaks down, the policy will pay for the emergency services up to the coverage limit.
Roadside Assistance Coverage
Your roadside assistance policy will typically cover:
Battery jump start.
Towing services.
Transportation of your damaged car and passengers.
Tire change.
Lockout services.
Gas refueling service.
In addition to the regular services, the roadside assistance policy can also cover additional services depending on the terms of your policy.
Reimbursement in case of legal procedure.
When you need an attorney to represent you for a traffic violation, your policy can reimburse the legal costs up to the prescribed limit.
Guaranteed arrest bond:
Whenever you face traffic violation charges, the policy can pay for the bond up to the prescribed limit.
Reimbursement of lodging due to breakdown.
Whenever you need to stay in a hotel or motel because your car broke down, you can reimburse the lodging expenses up to the policy limit.
Benefits of Roadside Assistance Insurance
A roadside assistance policy can help you safely get back home if your car breaks down on the road. It can also cover the payment of emergency services for towing and repairing stranded vehicles. While everyone can benefit from having roadside insurance coverage, it is most advantageous to have the policy in the following situations:
Young drivers with new licenses.
When you have infants or young children in the car.
For elderly drivers.
When you drive a vehicle over 12 years old.
If you take frequent long-distance trips.
When you regularly drive more than 20 miles.
For people who live in remote areas.
Obtaining Roadside Assistance Insurance
You can get roadside assistance insurance from several places like:
Auto insurance companies.
The best way to get roadside assistance coverage is through your auto insurance company. Typically, you can add it to your auto insurance premium. Some auto insurance policies also have roadside assistance as a part of their package.
Auto clubs.
Auto membership organizations like AAA and Good Sam specialize in roadside assistance. They have many members and often provide DMV and travel-related services.
Credit card companies.
Premium credit card companies like Visa provide roadside assistance services to their members subject to a pre-negotiated fee.
Car manufacturers.
If you buy a new car or a certified pre-owned vehicle, it may come with complimentary roadside assistance service during the warranty period.
Rules and Exclusions:
Although getting roadside assistance coverage may benefit you greatly, there are specific rules and exclusions you should consider:
While roadside assistance coverage can assist you in the case of non-emergency car breakdowns, it is not a substitute for car insurance and it will not cover serious emergencies. For that, you need a collision and comprehensive coverage plan.
Roadside assistance coverage will cover only your vehicle. If your friend’s car breaks down while driving, you will not get assistance.
You can also purchase roadside assistance for your RVs, boats, and motorcycles.
You need to provide your membership card and other valid identification when you call roadside assistance.
Takeaway
Driving your car on the road can lead to minor hazards that can leave you stranded. Having roadside assistance insurance can help you get assistance to get back on the road again.
Understanding Roadside Assistance Insurance
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Understanding Roadside Assistance Insurance
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