July 7, 2020
The Small Business Administration on Monday released a redacted data on Paycheck Protection Program that categorizes key recipients and the specific jobs that are covered by the $659 billion program. The data is very specific on the program, which has been federal government’s main relief effort for small businesses. Although detailed, the new data is still not transparent enough. It does not recognize loan amounts; the data is categorized in sections spanning $150,000 to $350,000; $350,000 to $1 million; $1 million to $2 million; $2 million to $5 million; and $5 million to $10 million. The new data also includes loan recipient names, addresses, industry codes, business types and loan amount ranges for loans above $150,000. This data equals almost 14% of PPP loans, according to the SBA. For loans below the $150,000 total, the SBA shared totals by zip code, industry and […]
June 10, 2020
On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) was signed into law.The new act allows businesses with forgiven PPP loans to postpone Social Security taxes through the end of 2020. Before this new act was signed into law, any loan recipients were required to stop postponing Social Security taxes as soon as any portion of their loan was forgiven. The additional provisions include: Reducing of the percentage of loan funds to be spent on payroll from 75% to 60% Expanding the “covered period” for use of the loan from eight weeks to 24 weeks Expanding the period of time for employers to overturn reductions in employment that took place between February 15 and April 26, 2020 from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020 Increasing the loan maturity time period from two years to five years Allowing […]
May 28, 2020
REGISTER TODAY FOR OUR LIVE WEBINAR Thursday, June 4, 202010:00 AM (Arizona/PDT) / 1:00 PM EDT (One Hour) The pandemic has significantly altered consumer attitudes and behaviors in three key areas of the funeral and cemetery business – the buying and shopping process, the necessity of physical presence to support loved ones in their time of need, and the influence of technology on both. These new attitudes and behaviors will change the way funeral and cemetery professionals conduct and grow their business. Don’t be left behind!This according to The Foresight Companies 2020 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study. The pandemic has necessitated consumer use of technology to adapt their behaviors to a business steeped in tradition, and the survey makes clear that these behavior changes are here to stay. For example, 75% of consumers now want pricing online – a practice virtually unheard of today, and […]
May 27, 2020
New survey measures transformations to a historically unchanged industry with lasting implications on buying, celebrations, practices, and physical infrastructure The pandemic has significantly altered consumer attitudes and behaviors in three key areas of the funeral and cemetery business – the buying and shopping process, the necessity of physical presence to support loved ones in their time of need, and the influence of technology on both. This according to The Foresight Companies 2020 Funeral and Cemetery Consumer Behavior Study. The pandemic has necessitated consumer use of technology to adapt their behaviors to a business steeped in tradition, and the survey makes clear that these behavior changes are here to stay. For example, 75% of consumers now want pricing online – a practice virtually unheard of today, and many consumers will not do business with providers who do not deliver transparency. In […]
May 14, 2020
During these uncertain times, many individuals are unsure about how the financial markets will play out and are left not knowing how their personal and business finances will be affected. As part of our Foresight Roosevelt Wealth Management alliance, Roosevelt Investments put together a comprehensive checklist titled, “What Issues Should I Consider During A Recession Or Market Correction?” featuring issues and suggestions to consider in light of recent financial market changes. In general, this checklist can help you navigate and identify which opportunities to look at that may be beneficial to you. To view this checklist, click the button below. As we navigate through these times of uncertainty and adjust to our new normal, we here are at The Foresight Companies want to be your source for all topics related to your business operations. Please visit our COVID-19 Business Operations Resource Center frequently for updates. […]
May 12, 2020
Foresight’s Stephanie Ramsey recently chatted with American Funeral Director, to give some thoughts about common HR questions employers are asking surrounding this pandemic. We have posted and linked the interview below: Human Resources During COVID-19 By Patti Martin Bartsche, American Funeral Director Editor’s Note: This information is up to date as of press time. Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, additional clarifications regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as well as other government actions are possible. COVID-19 is forcing firms large and small to rapidly change their approach to work, raising crucial human resources concerns. While business owners arc acting to take necessary precautions. the pandemic offers an opportunity for firms to carefully review the strategies, policies and procedures they have in place to protect employees, customers and operations now and in the future. What impact does the Families […]
April 24, 2020
Many small business owners have already applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP was created as a way for businesses to be able to keep employees on payroll. Some borrowers have already received their funding. Although you may have already received your PPP loan, there are still some vital considerations to focus on. These will help borrowers maximize on the amount of loan forgiveness received. The actions borrowers take now will impact the amount of possible loan forgiveness and it is crucial to begin the planning process immediately. How Much of the Loan Is Forgiven? According to the SBA, loans can be forgiven if employees remain on payroll during the eight-week period after the loan is funded. The money can also be used to cover specific business-related expenses. Please note that the actual amount that is forgiven […]
April 3, 2020
During these uncertain times, many people are unsure about how the financial markets will play out and are left not knowing how their personal and business finances will be affected. Our affiliate, Roosevelt Investments, put together a comprehensive guide featuring seven financial planning opportunities to consider in light of recent financial market volatility. In general, this guide can help you navigate and identify which opportunities may be helpful to you. To view these opportunities, click the button below. As we are learning to navigate through these times of uncertainty and adjust to our new normal, we here are at The Foresight Companies want to be your go-to source for all topics related to your business operations. Please visit our COVID-19 Business Operations Resource Center frequently for updates. *Please note that as information is updated and modified, terms and conditions are subject to change. Wealth […]
March 31, 2020
You may be worried about how this pandemic will affect the finances of your funeral home and what steps you should be taking to address the business impact of COVID-19. Foresight’s Dan Isard participating in a round table discussion sponsored by The International Order of the Golden Rule. This discussion provided information on what you need to know now so that you can make the best business decisions during this time of economic uncertainty. Listen to the recording below to hear about various topics including: Conserving cash during the COVID-19 pandemic (Hint: It has to do with the bills you usually pay) Prepare to borrow money, possibly through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Steps to take to protect your staff financially Getting the right messaging out to your families and community How the way you handle funeral services […]
March 31, 2020
The CARES Act Section 2301 creates a new employee retention credit (the Retention Credit) for wages paid from March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2020, by employers that are subject to closure or significant economic downturn due to COVID-19. The credit amount takes into account up to 50% of qualified wages, up to $10,000. Thus, the maximum Retention Credit amount is $5,000 per employee. The Retention Credit applies to: The employer’s share of Social Security tax under IRC Section 3111(a) (6.2% of wages) The portion of the employer’s and employee representative’s share of RRTA tax under IRC Sections 3211(a) and 3221(a) that corresponds to the 6.2% Social Security tax rate due Qualified wages for employers with 100 or fewer employees qualify for the entire credit. To be eligible for the Retention Credit an employer must carry on a trade or […]
March 31, 2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of Social Security taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022: Employers can defer payment for the employer portion of payroll taxes incurred between the date the CARES Act is enacted, March 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. If deferred, the employer would instead pay 50% of this amount by December 31, 2021, and the remaining 50% by December 31, 2022. The eligible payroll taxes are the employer’s portion of Social Security taxes (6.2%). Payroll taxes are shouldered by workers and employers: Each pays 6.2% toward Social Security and 1.45% toward Medicare. Employers are still on the hook for paying the 1.45% of wages that goes toward funding […]
March 25, 2020
President Trump has signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) despite objections from some lawmakers that the act doesn’t offer enough assistance and could hurt some small businesses by mandating paid sick and family leave. The act includes a wide range of provisions, including: Insurance coverage Reimbursement of diagnostic testing costs Expanded safeguards for economically disadvantaged individuals For more information on this topic, please click here.


