Encryption algorithms are used for security purposes in many facets of today’s world. We can use them to keep our messages private, send photos we want to keep discrete and hide our location. But did you know the FBI has its own encryption system that is virtually uncrackable? This complicated algorithm uses a unique system that no one has ever broken.
Run a small business? Follow this end-of-the-year checklist before 2022 ends
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The new year is right around the corner, which means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, paperwork filing and holiday vacations. For busy business owners, there’s a lot to keep track of. Make sure you don’t forget anything important with this small business checklist.
We put together some of the most important steps you should take before the year ends. Now is the time to tie up loose ends, take an inventory of your business and sniff out any weak spots holding you back. It’s important to take some time at the end of each year to do a thorough review of your company.
It doesn’t have to be too hard; just do everything on this checklist and you’ll be fine. You may uncover some hidden fees costing your small business money. Scroll down to make sure you aren’t holding yourself back.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, NetSuite. Read to the end to see how NetSuite can transform your business.
There are just 7 steps in our small business checklist for 2022
Here’s what to do to end the year the right way.
1. Check the books
Bookkeeping mistakes can haunt you throughout the new year, holding you back when you want to move forward. That’s why you should review all of your insurance policies, accounts and more.
To close the books, check your:
- Invoices.
- Business expenses.
- Bills.
- Contractor payments.
- Bank account statements.
- Payroll taxes.
- Employee documents.
Basically, you want to make sure all of your papers are in order in case 2023 throws any curveballs, like employee litigation, natural disasters or E&O penalties. Make sure you have the proper coverage so your business can survive any scary surprises life throws your way.
2. Revisit your inventory
5 free alternatives to Microsoft Excel
When Excel first hit the market, businesses flocked to use it for their management needs. But it’s far from the only option. There are many free alternatives to Microsoft Excel you should know about.
Many people are so married to Excel they won’t consider other spreadsheets. At first glance, it seems like the perfect one-stop-shop for scheduling, accounting, compiling data, tracking sales and more. Tap or click here for three tips and tutorials that help you make the most out of Excel.
Have a website? Run it through these free online tests
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You could spend a lot of money designing the perfect website. But if you don’t have the right back-end systems in place, your website will go nowhere. Unless it’s intended to be a private website where only a select few can see it.
Tech tip: How to find anyone’s email address online
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Keeping up with your inbox feels never-ending some days. Between work, your personal life, and all that spam, you might have hundreds of emails to sift through.
Is junk mail getting you down? Do something about it. Spending a little time once will save you from clicking “trash” all day. Tap or click for five simple ways to stop spam.
An ATM glitch that gave one man infinite money
ATMs make getting cold hard cash from your bank account a breeze. Just pop in your card, click a few buttons and the cash is in your hand. But ATMs can make mistakes. Just ask the man who discovered a glitch that allowed him to withdraw a seemingly endless amount of money. So, how did he do it?
Free versions of Excel if you don’t want to pay for Microsoft 365
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Smart penny pinchers know there are a ton of freebies around the web. You have to be savvy about where you search since there are a ton of dangerous downloads lurking. We’re always here to share safe tools, like the top free Excel alternatives.
Find your perfect job match with these free online tools
If your career is stuck in a rut, try switching to a new job. Depending on your skill set, there are many careers you may not even know you’re qualified for. Finding jobs matching your skills is as easy as taking a few online career quizzes.
Tech tip: What really happens when you unsend a text on your iPhone
If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you’ve probably already updated to iOS 16. The latest operating system has many new security features you should be using.
A super-secure mode was designed for politicians, activists, and journalists. I think there’s a great case to suggest this iPhone option for the elderly and vulnerable people in your life. Tap or click here for a closer look at Lockdown Mode.
Take a minute to adjust these important Android privacy settings
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Security can be complicated with your smartphone, especially for Android users.
What are some of the best ways to keep your device (and yourself!) safe from nefarious actors, illegal surveillance, and malware?
Best smartwatches for emergency situations (SOS mode)
Smart home devices offer exceptional accessibility and can help during an emergency. Tap or click here for steps to use an Amazon Echo as an affordable Life Alert alternative.
But not everyone wants a smart assistant listening to every word spoken in their home. There is a solution. Your next best bet is a smartwatch. These smartwatches include SOS features to help in emergencies for everyone, especially seniors.
Google smarts: 5 ways to get more out of Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and Docs
Think Big Tech, and I bet Google comes to mind. They control our inboxes, calendars, document storage, cloud storage, routes, and more. Most of their products are free to use, which means you are the product they are selling.
Google Chrome is safe but here’s how to make it even safer to use
If I were a betting woman, I’d guess you use Google Chrome. It’s far and away the world’s most popular browser. It’s not my pick if you’re looking for the most privacy. Scan my list of browsers ranked by privacy.
Are hackers in your phone? Here’s how to find out
I’ve heard from many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today’s tech makes it all too easy.
Take Apple AirTags, for example. They’re cheap, small, and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are located. Here are six signs to look for if you suspect someone is tracking you this way.
5 ways to think like a hacker, starting today
The more we rely on our devices, the more vulnerable we are to attacks and scams. Your smartphone is a prime target. Tap or click here for three ways to secure it from hackers.
It’s not just passwords and sensitive details you need to protect. Think about all the photos and videos stored on your phone that you would be heartbroken to lose. Tap or click for the best ways to save your phone’s photos before it’s too late.
Have an older iPhone or iPad? You need to update NOW
Zoom became popular during the onset of the pandemic and still has millions of daily users. Are you one of them? A security flaw was recently discovered that could put your computer at risk. Tap or click here for our report on the critical vulnerability and how to avoid it.
5 Microsoft Surface tips that most people don’t know about
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Tablets are great for graphic design, art, gaming, and watching your favorite shows and viral video clips. Sure, your phone can do all that, but isn’t it better with a big screen? Tap or click here for the best tablets based on your needs and budget.
Need more storage? SD cards vs. micro SD cards and how to choose one
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Memory cards give you extra storage in your phone, DSLR camera, tablet or laptop. They’re versatile, cheap ways to store more photos, videos and music on your device.
SD cards have been around since the 90s. In that time (as with all technology), they have evolved into different formats, memory capacities and designs. Now they fit in your phone and have other formats for different uses.
Best timekeeping, accounting and money-management software
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Time is money, and every minute counts. Detailed time tracking and bookkeeping can seem like a hassle if you’re running things independently.
If a skeleton crew operates your business or you’re managing everything on your own, that means relying on the right tech to get the job done. Don’t waste your time and money on software that doesn’t work for your needs.
Money tight? 10 ways you're wasting cash (even when you think you're saving)
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You might think, “There’s no bad way to save money.” In reality, there’s a lot you can do wrong — no matter how good your intentions are. Tap or click here for five ways you’re wasting money on tech purchases.