MKR Blog
The Covid-19 pandemic has proven to business owners that a major key to long-term growth and success is found in digital strategy. No matter your industry or niche, businesses need the following core attributes in order to prosper in a post-pandemic digital world....
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created in 2020 by the CARES Act to help small businesses withstand the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The recently passed PPP Extension Act of 2021 extends the deadline for PPP applications from March 31 to May...
The COVID-19 pandemic altered the way Americans shop. It also affected the way retail businesses reach customers and position their businesses for growth and prosperity. Looking forward, some of these changes are likely to stick around. Here are the trends small...
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Intended to facilitate the United States’ recovery from the devastating economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this economic rescue legislation is one of the...
The COVID-19 pandemic has been more than a health crisis—it’s been a financial crisis as well. Business closures, job loss, reduced hours, and limited financial relief led to many savings accounts taking a major hit. As a result, more than 2 million Americans took...
The pandemic lockdowns led to many professional service firms closing doors and, wherever possible, moving staff to home offices in anticipation of a temporary mode of operation. One year later, however, health safety concerns and economic uncertainty are still...
Last year construction contractors saw projects suspended indefinitely (or scrapped altogether) and escalated competition in the bidding process, both of which effectively stifled profit margins. It’s safe to say that the construction industry was not spared the...
President Trump recently signed a second stimulus package—called the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Act)—into law. The legislation includes over $300 billion in aid for small businesses. Below is a breakdown of some of the business tax changes and extenders in...
For the greater part of 2020, millions of Americans have faced furloughs and layoffs, subsequently relying on credit cards to keep their heads above water. Here’s how to get out from under those ballooning balances. The Coronavirus Effect on Debt When the stimulus...
A group of centrist lawmakers recently revealed an economic relief bill totaling approximately $908 billion. The plan has gained some traction among both congressional Democrats and Senate Republicans, getting talks moving again after Democrats and Republicans have...
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) could change your tax return in real ways. The bill offers potential relief for parents raising kids, workers earning tips or overtime, and seniors on fixed incomes. There are a few key areas to pay attention to. Here’s...
Running a veterinary clinic means juggling patient care, staff needs, and business operations. Technology can help ease that load, and in 2026, several trends are beginning to emerge for better efficiency, security, and staff and client support. Here are the...
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are one of the best tools for saving on healthcare costs. And beginning this year, more Americans than ever will qualify for HSAs, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which was passed last July. Read on to learn what’s changing,...
When you retire, you don’t have to move your 401(k) right away, and for many retirees, leaving it where it is could be a smart move. Employers are increasingly adding features that make staying in the plan more appealing. Why? Partly because when employees with large...
The construction industry enters 2026 facing both persistent headwinds and emerging opportunities. Rising material costs, ongoing labor shortages, and policy uncertainty continue to challenge business owners. But at the same time, there’s an undercurrent of guarded...
When it comes to increasing the value of a small business, focusing on top-line growth won’t give you the whole picture. Revenue alone doesn’t always equal value, and a bigger business isn’t always a better one. If your long-term goal is to build a valuable business...
The Trump administration enacted new tariffs on lumber and kitchen cabinets, adding pressure to construction budgets. The tariffs apply a 10% duty on softwood lumber and a 25% levy on imported kitchen cabinets. By 2026, the cabinet tariff is set to double to 50%. As a...
More Americans are turning to a 401(k) hardship withdrawal to cover urgent and unexpected expenses. By the end of 2024, about 5% of employees had taken a hardship withdrawal from their 401(k) accounts. That’s more than double the 2% who did so in 2018. With inflation,...
When the federal government shuts down, businesses across the nation feel the effects, especially for those that rely on federal programs, work directly with federal agencies, or operate near government properties. This article explains how government shutdowns affect...
When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it’s good news for borrowers and consumers, but not so much for savers. The Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut is a reminder that the annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)...