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From an original article by Mark Fowser, WDEL

A college degree is still the key to opening the door to financial security. The question these days is whether or not they can afford the escalating cost of higher education. According to a recent survey, young adults who have tried college but were unable to attain a degree were more likely to have financial concerns – even more than those who had a high school diploma.

Other interesting results from the survey include:

• 75 percent of degree holders who did not borrow for college believe their education was worthwhile, compared to 43 percent who did not complete college.
• 50 percent of degree holders own a home, compared to 34 percent of non-degree holders.
• 67 percent of degree holders who reported growing up in a low- or middle-income household now earn a middle or high personal income.

Millennials were also found to save more for short-term concerns such as immediate expenses or a trip instead of long-term goals such as retirement.

For more details on the mindset of Millennials when it comes to higher education and financial well-being, read the full article.

From an original article by John Rampton, Entrepreneur

Security is important to your customers; therefore, it’s also crucial to the success of your business. If a customer has their credit card information stolen as a result of doing business with you, how likely are they to continue to support your business? As consumers continue to make more payments online, providing that option is essential to offering customers the convenience they expect and demand. But with that convenience comes extra risk.

Here are some tips to keep credit card information safe and secure:

• Be compliant with PCI-DSS, a collection of compliance regulations that are mandated by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.
• Don’t store customer payment data. 95% of credit card breaches come from small businesses.
• Educate yourself and employees. A majority of data breaches are due to human error.
• Keep your systems updated. Outdated systems are more prone to cyber attacks.

For more details and security tips, read the full article.

From an original article by America Saves

Money is the master of the disappearing act. Poof! Where did it go? Well, the easiest way to keep track of your money is to create a budget – keeping track of how much you’re spending and, just as important, how much you’re saving. There are a variety of ways to create a budget. The key is to pick the method that works for you and stick with it.

Here are a few steps you can take to manage your money effectively:

• Keep track of what you spend – These days, there are free online tools that can help you track spending. If you’re old-school, no worries, a paper worksheet works well too.
• Create your budget – Once you know where your money is going, it’s time to figure out where it should be going. Where can you cut back to pay down high-interest debts?
• Stick to your budget – The easy part is done. Now you must stick to it! Whether you choose an online tool, a mobile app, or the tried-and-true pen and paper, putting an end to vanishing funds is essential to your financial health.

For more details on creating a budget, read the full article.

From an original article by Jennifer Post, Business News Daily Contributor

Customer service has never been more important than it is today. It is so easy for customers to share their opinion, positive or negative, with others. Keeping your customers satisfied and coming back is a challenge. Avoiding these common customer service mistakes can help:

• Over-automation – Just because it can be automated doesn’t mean it should be. Balance cost savings with the opportunity to provide personal service.
• Failing to listen – Don’t assume, listen.
• Being reactive instead of proactive – Seek improvement and avoid complacency.
• Undervaluing customer service staff – Be sure to reward staff for providing great service.
• Not giving customers what they want – Deliver quick, efficient and respectful solutions, even if it is not ideal.

For a more in-depth look at the importance of providing exceptional customer service, read the full article.

From an original article by Karen Peacock, America’s SBDC

As a small business owner, it’s easy to feel isolated at times. Who do you turn to with questions about business challenges? Just because you’re a leader doesn’t mean you have all of the answers. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help and broaden your network. A recent study found that 41 percent of small business owners feel lonely in their work life. That same survey found that 70 percent of small business owners say networking with other business owners is important.

It’s possible that, at the moment, you may not have a specific question. It’s still beneficial to listen to how others solved challenges. Surround yourself with people you can learn from, whether you know them well or not. Find local organizations that are made up of like-minded professionals who can answer questions or provide helpful contacts – like America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). It’s a great way to learn something new, connect with others, and strengthen your business know-how.

For more information on finding answers and building your business, read the full article.

From an original article by Nick Candito, Small Biz Daily

You’d be surprised how many companies still use paper processes. According to The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM), 92 percent of companies say that removing paper processes is a constant objective.

If your business has yet to make the change, here are five reasons to do so as soon as possible:

Information security – Digital documents can be protected in ways paper documents can’t, such as remotely via the cloud or an off-site hard drive.

Accessibility – Find your document in a few clicks instead of flipping through binders or digging through a desk.

Adherence – Collaboration is easier when everyone can access essential documents.

Real-time visibility – Keep tasks on track and quickly identify problems.

Optimized performance – When you improve collaboration, security, adherence, and visibility, your customers will naturally benefit from it. And when they benefit, your bottom line benefits.

For a more in-depth look at the benefits of going paperless, read the full article.