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During back-to-school season, many commonly used office supplies are considerably cheaper than other times of the year. You may think that only school supplies like crayons and glue are on sale, but if you look at the sales, you can find some great deals on other supplies that most people need for their home office or for professional settings.

Where to look

Back-to-school season is a huge deal to big box retailers. They want people in the stores to buy as much as possible, which is why they often have great sales on basic office supplies. Look for copy paper, pens, notebooks and sticky notes. Think of the things you reach for every day while working and you can probably find a great deal on those items in late summer and early fall. Sometimes, big box stores offer better deals than buying these items in bulk. Office supply stores also have great sales during this time of year, and they may be a better option if you need to buy a lot of any one item.

Loss leaders can save a lot of money

A loss leader is an item priced at or below what the retailer paid for it. They price these items cheaply and advertise them to get you in the door. But be aware that not all sale items are loss leaders so it’s usually best to shop around at different retailers if you’re able, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

Shop for big-ticket items

Office furniture, electronics and other big-ticket office must-haves may be significantly discounted in the last weeks of summer and into early fall. Storage containers of all sizes can also be found cheaply during back-to-school sales. Check the ads of your local office supply stores to see if they offer any specials. If you can wait until later in the fall, many of these large items will be further discounted in an attempt to clear space for next season’s merchandise.

Office supplies can be expensive, but they are essential for people who work at home and for businesses of all types. During back-to-school sales, you can find many office supplies, and they are likely significantly cheaper than other times of the year. Restock your office during these times to prevent overpaying or running out of the essentials you need.

If your work requires you to sit at a desk for long hours each day, you probably already know how important a good chair is. Without a supportive and comfortable office chair, you may end with a sore back at the end of your workday. Plus, when you’re not comfortable, it can make it hard to concentrate and stay productive. If you’re thinking of purchasing a new office chair, the following tips may help you find one that fits your needs.

Adjustability is important

Many higher-end office chairs are adjustable in several different ways. Being able to adjust the height of the chair is important, especially for anyone who is taller or shorter than average. Some chairs also have adjustable armrests and backrests, allowing you to completely customize the chair for support and comfort.

Support is key

A good office chair should have a comfortable seat and backrest. Some chairs even have memory foam which can be a good supportive material to prevent pain. Armrests may also be padded. Consider whether you want or need armrests on your chair. Some people prefer chairs with no armrests which tend to be smaller, lighter and easier to move around.

Stay cool

If you tend to overheat easily or work in an environment that can get hot during the day, consider buying a chair with a mesh back. This allows for airflow and can help keep you cool. Some types of foam and padding can trap heat and make you uncomfortable.

Other things to consider

If you need to move around a lot, be sure to choose a chair that has smooth rolling casters. Fabric chairs can get dirty easily and they may wear out faster than other materials. Leather is ideal for many, but it can be pricey and may not hold up as well as some synthetic materials. Reclining is another feature that many people look for, and not all chairs are designed to recline comfortably.

Many people don’t give much thought to their office chair; however, a good chair can make the workday easier. Office chairs can be quite an investment, but a good one is worth the money if it keeps you comfortable and allows you to work efficiently all day. Read consumer reviews and consider what features are most important to you when shopping for your next office chair.

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee. It’s not uncommon to have several cups per day, especially for those who particularly enjoy coffee. But there are conflicting opinions on drinking coffee regularly. Some believe it to be healthy while others are concerned about the short or long-term health issues associated with drinking one or more cups of coffee every day. There seems to be no definitive answer to the benefits or drawbacks of daily coffee consumption. This may mean that your coffee habit is just fine, especially if it helps you start your day in a positive way.

The type of coffee matters

There are so many different types of coffee, and the type you’re drinking matters if you’re concerned about health. Coffee contains caffeine that can help you feel refreshed and awake. Plus, it has antioxidants that may offer some health benefits. But if you’re adding a lot of sugar and other additives to your morning cup of Joe, you may be contributing to weight gain, blood sugar spikes and other health concerns. Not everyone enjoys plain black coffee, so if you enjoy adding flavors and sweeteners, be aware of the ingredients and try to choose the ones that align with your nutritional goals.

Moderation is important

Drinking a lot of coffee can make you feel jittery and decrease your ability to focus. It’s important to know how much caffeine your body can handle before it starts to react negatively. Some people can drink coffee all day without feeling the effects while others may only tolerate one cup. Studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation can help some people reduce their risk of certain heart diseases, liver conditions and diabetes. It can also promote mental well-being. To get the most from your daily coffee habit, moderate your intake.

That first cup of coffee in the morning can help you start your day on the right foot. Whether you make your coffee at home or visit a coffee shop, it’s important to be aware of your coffee consumption if you feel like it’s impacting your body in a negative way. Drinking coffee in moderation may have health benefits and it can be something to look forward to when you get out of bed in the morning.

Audit can be a scary word, especially if you’ve never dealt with the IRS in that capacity before. But audits can happen anytime, and they can be somewhat common when you have a small business where tax-keeping procedures may not be as straightforward as in other situations. Audits can be completely random, but they also often occur because of a red flag. It’s best to do everything possible to avoid any red flags in your tax documents but also be prepared in case an audit does happen.

Practice good record-keeping

An audit is done to ensure that your business is complying with all legalities and that you are operating under the proper regulations related to your industry. It’s important to keep good records of all business transactions. This includes expense receipts, payroll information, records of income and statements from all financial institutions where you have business accounts. Most audits simply require you to send the IRS documentation, but in-person audits do also happen on occasion. Keeping your records organized can greatly lessen the stress if you’re asked to provide additional documentation.

Seek advice from professionals

Even if you feel comfortable completing your business-related tax documents, it doesn’t hurt to seek advice from a professional. You may want to do a consultation every few years with a business-minded accountant who can help you find any issues that may need to be corrected. Some professional services can come with audit protection, which could help you immensely if you ever did have to undergo an IRS audit.

Don’t panic

Small business audits are not common, but they do happen. If you receive a letter from the IRS, don’t panic. If you don’t understand exactly what they are requesting, seek help from an expert. Keep copies of everything you receive along with a copy of the documents you send them. In most cases, audits must be done within three years so it’s important to keep your tax information from each year for at least three years, although some recommend you keep the information for up to seven years.

Audits are never fun, but with good record keeping, you can be prepared. Keep your business-related financial records for the recommended time based on your situation. If you do have to go through an audit, ask for help from a professional if you need it.

Cloud storage is not a new concept. It has been around for years, and businesses and individuals have used it for storing information since the concept started. But to those unfamiliar with cloud storage, the benefits of using it may not be obvious. There are also some downsides to consider when you’re trying to decide where to store your important files.

What is cloud storage?

When you use cloud storage, you can upload your files to a cloud-based server, which means essentially that your files are stored online. This makes it easy to access your information anywhere as long as you have internet access. Most cloud-based servers can be accessed from any internet-capable device, which means if you have your cellphone and internet access, you can get to your files from anywhere. Cloud storage can be used for personal and professional files.
Using cloud storage in a professional capacity allows others to access relevant files from their devices. This makes it easy to share files between colleagues. It can save a lot of time and effort since you don’t have to keep up with files stored on your devices and you don’t have to send them to others since you can allow authorized users to access the files as needed.

The downsides of using cloud-based storage

One of the main issues with cloud-based storage is that you may not be able to access your files in situations where you don’t have internet access. In case of an internet outage or network issue, you wouldn’t be able to find your cloud-based files, which could be problematic in many situations. Some cloud-based services require you to pay to use the service, especially if you’re storing a lot of files. Lastly, security can be a concern, especially when it comes to sensitive information.

Cloud storage is a great option for many. You can store a larger number of files without taking up space on your personal devices. It works well for personal and professional use. If you’re aware of the perks and the limitations of cloud storage, you can choose the best way to store your personal or professional files.

It may seem like summer just started, but many stores are already displaying back to school supplies. Kids probably don’t want to think about going back to school yet, but parents can benefit from thinking ahead and buying supplies as they go on sale. Back to school shopping can be expensive, and the costs can increase as kids get older. However, by shopping early and taking advantage of sales and promotions, you can save a lot of money on everything your kids need to head back to the classroom this fall.

Shop early

Supply chain issues are nothing new, and it’s possible that we may see some empty shelves or lack of variety when it comes to school supplies. If you know what your kids need for school, it’s helpful to make a list and shop for those things early. Sales can start as soon as stores get supplies in stock. Most stores rotate sales each week, so you can buy items at their cheapest point and stock up slowly with everything your kids need to have on hand.

Be aware of promotions and sales

Office supply stores and other retailers have great discounts in the weeks leading up to common school start dates, usually from late July through August. You may have to visit a few different stores to get what you need, but most school supplies will go on sale during this time. Some states also offer a tax-free weekend where you can buy clothes, shoes and electronics needed for school, and avoiding sales tax is very helpful when you’re buying a lot of supplies. You can also find some basic supplies at discount stores and dollar stores, but it’s important to compare those products based on quality and/or quantity of the packages in comparison to those at other retailers.

School shopping can be a chore, especially if you have a long list of items to get or you have multiple kids to shop for. You can end up spending a lot of money if you don’t plan head and shop around. Be sure to make a list of everything your kids need for school and start your shopping with a plan. Take advantage of promotions and sales to get the most out of your money.

Summer is here and you may have kids who are already bored and looking for things to do. While many families like to take a summer vacation, with the increase in gas prices and inflation leading to many other necessities costing much more than normal, a long family vacation may not be possible. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap things you can do that will make the kids happy and provide some summer fun.

Explore your hometown

Even if you’ve lived in the same area for many years, there may be things you haven’t yet discovered. One of the best ways to find undiscovered gems in your area is to do a quick search on a travel site. You may find attractions and activities that you weren’t aware of. Plus, you can save a lot on gas by not traveling far.

Free outdoor fun

During the summer, many organizations hold festivals and free outdoor events, and a most of these are family friendly. Look into local concerts, food festivals or summer camps. Consider packing a picnic to take with you to a local park or lake. Hiking or biking on local trails is not only a great workout but also free in most places.

Other ideas

Check your library’s summer calendar. Many hold camps and other events for children throughout the summer. Some parks suspend admission fees during the summer months, and they may have some programs for kids to enjoy. Farmer’s markets are fun for all ages. You can check out local produce and let the kids pick up some fresh peaches or berries. Pay special attention around to the time leading up to summer holidays as many towns and organizations may hold themed events for special occasions and even for back-to-school.

With the higher cost of gas, many families are choosing to forgo a summer vacation. There are plenty of other ways to spend your time, and many summer activities are cheap or free. Check into local activities in your area and try to find new places to explore so you don’t have to spend a lot of money on gas or a lot of time traveling to your destination.

There are many reasons behind the popularity of streaming services. Lots of people have gone away from cable and satellite TV service in favor of using one or more of the many streaming services available. However, there are a lot to choose from, and they all have their positives and negatives. Price is an important factor, especially if you’re on a budget, but the available channels and added features should also be considered when you’re choosing the best streaming service.

Consider what you enjoy watching

Some streaming services offer new releases while others may give you access to classic shows and movies. Many people enjoy using more than one streaming service, which can provide plenty of variety when it comes to different things to watch. Some streaming services also have exclusive content that’s not available elsewhere, and many of the shows and movies can become quite popular. If you enjoy watching sports, be sure to find a service that offers those channels.

Other important features

Many of the most popular streaming services offer a free trial, which can give you some time to try the service before you buy. Check out the cancellation process and understand how they will bill you each month, as many services bill and renew automatically. Some services may allow you to upgrade to premium channels, commercial-free shows and movies, along with allowing you to DVR your favorites so you never miss anything. If you have young children, there are services with kid-friendly channels, and most services allow you to lock certain channels or shows to prevent young kids from accessing them.

The downsides

Streaming services require a strong and constant internet connection. You may have issues streaming content during certain times or during extreme weather, especially if you have spotty internet. Plus, some services may require you to purchase special devices or equipment to allow you to stream their content.

Streaming services are great for many, especially if you don’t watch a lot of TV and you enjoy specific content. You can save a lot of money when compared to what you might spend on cable or satellite, but there are some negatives. If you want to try a streaming service, check out one that offers a free trial to see how well it works for you.