Month: February 2023

Stats: London lost £1.2 million to pyramid scheme scams in 2022

Reading Time: 2 mins

New figures show London residents lost the most to pyramid scheme scams last year, with over a whopping £1.2 million (£1,292,540.74) lost per 100,000 people. This is 13 times more than neighbour county Essex, which lost £92,941 per 100,000 residents. 

Despite losing the most to pyramid scheme scams, London had the lowest report rate. Only 8.03 reports were filed per 100,000 people. This is almost four times fewer reports than the Welsh region of Gwent, which showed an average of 28.36 reports per 100,000 of the population. 

Wales also saw the fewest overall reports, at just 2 reports per 100k of the population. 

 

What is a pyramid scheme?

According to Investopedia, a pyramid scheme is a ‘fraudulent and unsustainable investment pitch that relies on promising unrealistic returns from imaginary investments’. It is called a pyramid scheme due to the different levels within the company, with the money trickling down the pyramid, benefiting those at the ‘top’ more than those at the ‘bottom’

For example, early investors in the company will get paid big returns, which leads to them recommending the scheme to others. Returns are paid by new money flowing in from new recruits, who may struggle to recruit others and make money.

Pyramid schemes may or may not involve the sale of products. In all pyramid schemes, however, the sale of a product is far less important than recruiting new investors.

areas that lost the most in 2022

pyramid scheme scams  

Areas that lost the least in 2022

 Consumer Leasing

Avoiding pyramid scams

  • Does it seem too good to be true? It probably is! If someone is offering you huge amounts of money every month, or says you could earn thousands alongside your day job, it may be worth reconsidering getting involved.
  • If there are huge upfront costs, it may be a scam. Remember, you shouldn’t have to pay to earn money! Many pyramid schemes will ask you to pay for your products to then sell them at a higher cost. On average, only 10% of people profit from these schemes. 
  • The products sold are overpriced and low quality. If this is the case, it could be a front for a scam to make the business seem more legitimate. The products will also be harder to sell, meaning you may lost out on money.
  • If you think you have been scammed, contact Action Fraud or your local police authority. 

 

Have you been the victim of a pyramid scheme scam? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below or email isobel@moneymagpie.com.

 

The post Stats: London lost £1.2 million to pyramid scheme scams in 2022 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/stats-london-lost-1-2-million-to-pyramid-scheme-scams-in-2022

Stats: London lost £1.2 million to pyramid scheme scams in 2022

Reading Time: 2 mins

New figures show London residents lost the most to pyramid scheme scams last year, with over a whopping £1.2 million (£1,292,540.74) lost per 100,000 people. This is 13 times more than neighbour county Essex, which lost £92,941 per 100,000 residents. 

Despite losing the most to pyramid scheme scams, London had the lowest report rate. Only 8.03 reports were filed per 100,000 people. This is almost four times fewer reports than the Welsh region of Gwent, which showed an average of 28.36 reports per 100,000 of the population. 

Wales also saw the fewest overall reports, at just 2 reports per 100k of the population. 

 

What is a pyramid scheme?

According to Investopedia, a pyramid scheme is a ‘fraudulent and unsustainable investment pitch that relies on promising unrealistic returns from imaginary investments’. It is called a pyramid scheme due to the different levels within the company, with the money trickling down the pyramid, benefiting those at the ‘top’ more than those at the ‘bottom’

For example, early investors in the company will get paid big returns, which leads to them recommending the scheme to others. Returns are paid by new money flowing in from new recruits, who may struggle to recruit others and make money.

Pyramid schemes may or may not involve the sale of products. In all pyramid schemes, however, the sale of a product is far less important than recruiting new investors.

areas that lost the most in 2022

pyramid scheme scams  

Areas that lost the least in 2022

 internet marketing

Avoiding pyramid scams

  • Does it seem too good to be true? It probably is! If someone is offering you huge amounts of money every month, or says you could earn thousands alongside your day job, it may be worth reconsidering getting involved.
  • If there are huge upfront costs, it may be a scam. Remember, you shouldn’t have to pay to earn money! Many pyramid schemes will ask you to pay for your products to then sell them at a higher cost. On average, only 10% of people profit from these schemes. 
  • The products sold are overpriced and low quality. If this is the case, it could be a front for a scam to make the business seem more legitimate. The products will also be harder to sell, meaning you may lost out on money.
  • If you think you have been scammed, contact Action Fraud or your local police authority. 

 

Have you been the victim of a pyramid scheme scam? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below or email isobel@moneymagpie.com.

 

The post Stats: London lost £1.2 million to pyramid scheme scams in 2022 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/stats-london-lost-1-2-million-to-pyramid-scheme-scams-in-2022

Get paid to watch Derry Girls

Reading Time: 2 mins

Get paid to watch Derry Girls.

Did someone say dream job? No, this is not a joke. You could become a Derry Girls critic from the comfort of your own home. Belfast-based news outlet Meanwhile In Ireland is recruiting one lucky person to watch Derry Girls – and get paid for it! 

The official job description is ‘Derry Girls TV Show Critic’ – very fancy. It is a short-term temporary contract, and is open globally – as long as you’re a Derry Girls fan, you can apply! 

Meanwhile In Ireland was launched in 2014, and covers everything from Irish pop culture and bizarre news to comedy, travel and satire. The site reaches over half a million viewers per day, with this popular site a great one to add to your CV. 

Joining a thriving team, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to one of Ireland’s most popular websites. 

 

the role

The iconic series first took to our screens in 2018, with the final series ending in 2022. It follows the lives of four Derry teens and an English boy as they navigate their primitive years. It quickly became a favourite, not only in Ireland but worldwide. Even famous director Martin Scorsese is a fan! 

Now, Meanwhile In Ireland are on the lookout for a fan who knows Derry Girls inside and out to creative a definitive ranking of the best Derry Girls episodes. You will be required to analyse every single episode, putting them in order to create the ultimate guide. 

If you have previously worked as a critic, or want to kickstart your career, this may be the role for you. 

Duties include: 

  • Short-term temporary contract. 
  • Expected hours: 4-6 per week. 
  • Term: 3 weeks. 
  • Watch and review all Derry Girls episodes. 
  • The research will include detailed notes on each episode of the series, ranking them accordingly. 

The ideal candidate: 

  • Knowledgeable in TV and film. 
  • Self-confessed Derry Girls fanatic. 
  • Analytical and observant. 
  • Fluency in spoken and written English. 
  • Confident in working remotely to deadlines. 
  • Partial to the craic (i.e. an understanding of Irish banter). 
  • Must be 16 years or older. 
  • Critic experience (preferable). 

Benefits: 

  • Pay: €15/£13.25 per hour. 
  • This is a dream job; a once in a lifetime role which is short but unique. 
  • This will be a remote role; you will not be required to commute, so you can work from anywhere! 
  • Join a thriving team with an excellent culture. 

The Process: 

  • Closing date is 10/03/2023 
  • Interviews start 20/03/2023 (aiming for a 27/03/2023 start date) 
  • The first stage will be a short assessment 

The final stage will be a Zoom interview.

How to apply 

Submit the following to jobs@meanwhileinireland.com. 

  • Include an up-to-date CV 
  • Write a cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the role. 
  • Provide a 300-word summary of your favourite Derry Girls scene and why 

The post Get paid to watch Derry Girls appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/get-paid-to-watch-derry-girls

3 ways to strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue by Cynthia Ramsaran

Home Business

Research has shown time and time again that existing customers are 50% more likely to try new products of yours and spend 31% more with you when compared to new customers. So how are you fostering these relationships and delivering repeatable and measurable revenue?

In this session, marketing experts will share how you can build customer relationships that not only scale but drive revenue for 2023 and beyond.

Register today for “3 Ways to Strengthen Customer Relationships and Drive Revenue,” presented by Sendoso.

Click here to view more Search Engine Land webinars.

The post 3 ways to strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/3-ways-to-strengthen-customer-relationships-and-drive-revenue-393574

How to Find a Market to Sell Your Stuff Online

Home Business Magazine Online

Online selling platforms have boomed over the past decade, leaving prospective sellers with plenty of choices on where to sell their goods. Each platform has different perks and functions. It’s down to you to decide which best suits your circumstances. For example, you might want to sell clothes or a larger item like furniture.

You might want to sell your item as soon as possible, which some platforms can facilitate better than others. While some have set couriers that they work with, you may choose another courier that can cater to same day delivery. Here’s a breakdown on some of the most popular online selling platforms in the UK today.

Facebook Groups

An option that shouldn’t be underestimated, Facebook Groups can be like gold dust when it comes to selling your items. You can post listings in local area groups or something more specific like parent and baby groups. You can list an item and invite people to show their interest either by commenting or privately messaging you to arrange the details. The exchange is entirely down to the two of you, instead of through a third party.

Ebay

eBay allows you to sell items using their ‘Auction’ or ‘Buy It Now’ functions. The former involves people bidding on your item over a set period, while the latter involves listing your item at a set price, allowing people to buy as and when they please. eBay has had somewhat of a resurgence, thanks to its game changing partnership with reality TV show Love Island. The premise of the partnership is to encourage fans of the show to choose pre-loved items over fast fashion.

Gumtree

People tend to sell larger items like cars, furniture or larger household items on Gumtree. Sellers can list an ad and other users are free to message with any queries about the item before deciding whether or not to buy. If all is well and they purchase the item, the exchange will happen through PayPal. It is then up to the seller to send the item.

Preloved

Preloved is another site where people can sell a wide variety of second-hand items. From cabinets to jewellery, guitars to sofas, you can buy and sell all sorts of products. They even have a ‘Freeloved’ section where sellers can give items away for free, which comes in handy if you need to get rid of an item at short notice.

Vinted

Sites like Vinted have grown on a massive scale in recent years, with more and more shoppers buying second-hand clothing. The app is designed in a way that makes it easy to scroll through clothes, much like you would on a fashion ecommerce site, except the clothing is pre-loved. As a seller, you can add hashtags and optimise your description copy to help potential buyers discover your items.

The post How to Find a Market to Sell Your Stuff Online appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/sales/how-to-guides-sales/how-to-find-market-sell-stuff-online/

Loft Conversions 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Project

Home Business Magazine Online

Thinking of having your loft converted? You’re in great company. Loft conversions are transforming the lives of homeowners across the UK, providing a bright, beautiful and functional space to be used in endless ways, and that can enhance the financial value of the home by tens of thousands (around 20% of the home’s value on average).

Of course, loft conversions do cost a substantial amount of money up front — they are an investment. They can cost anything from £15,000 – £25,000, all the way up to £80,000 and more depending on the kind of conversion you have had, any extras you have added like ensuites or kitchens, and the specific structural factors relating to your property.

The returns you get in exchange for this financial output are phenomenal. Before you get to that point, there’s a lot you need to be aware of before you start your project. A project so substantial has to be planned properly.

In this 101, we have all you need to know before the work begins, so you get the best possible results. Have the most stress-free experience whilst the loft construction company gets the work done. Let’s take a closer look:

Structural Integrity

When you have a loft converted, there is often a need for a structural engineer to be involved in the planning. This is because extra weight is being added to the home, and even just a small increase can change the structural integrity of the house. It was built with a certain design based on it being used in the way that it was designed. When you change that design and intended use, new calculations need to be made to check the foundations and other weight-bearing parts can handle that change. If not, adaptations can be made, including underpinning, which can add quite a lot more to the overall cost and disruption of the project, so has to be considered very early on.

Before anything is done, though, first the structural engineer, and potentially a building control officer will need to be involved to ensure the planned changes are safe and legal.

Head Height

Head height can be quite restrictive in some lofts. According to Building Regulations you should have at least 2.2 metres from the floor to stand, but more is advised for optimum comfort. There are ways to add more height, including lowering the ceilings of the top floor of your home, and considering options like dormer conversions and mansard conversions which add extra head height. Knowing your options is important because your initial plans for a simple skylight conversion may not be possible. Conversions that add more head height and room will cost more and take longer, so knowing what those options are and the associated implications early on gives you the best capacity for planning ahead.

The Legalities

The legalities of a loft construction are often very simple, but they still need to be considered a priority so that the work is all done above board. Building Regulations, 3rd Party Wall Agreements, loft conversion Planning Permission and legal issues related to conservation and Listed Buildings can all come into play. By using a trusted loft construction company, you can benefit from a lot of guidance with the paperwork, making sure you have all the permissions and legalities in line before any work begins.

No Need for a Project Manager

Most great loft construction companies will have a site manager who will give you regular updates on the work and keep you informed on the progress. All elements of the build are coordinated well, so you don’t need to manage the build yourself or hire a project manager. It’s important to know this so you save yourself the stress and cost of hiring a PM for this particular home improvement.

Building Work Impact on Home Life

Loft conversions are not as impactful on your home life as extensions — nowhere near. The work is completed at the top of the house, and so you can usually enjoy your kitchen, living room and other ground floor rooms with ease. We spend about three years of our life cooking, and when the cooking space is taken away temporarily because of building works, the impact on family life can be huge.

The preservation of daily living is such a great aspect of having a loft conversion rather than an extension, but it is important to understand that there will be some impact on your home life. Sometimes the ceilings of your highest floor have to be lowered to allow for more headspace in the loft room itself, which can mean those rooms are out of bounds for a short time.

The noise of work being done will impact higher levels of the house, too, so if you have a home office up there, or a nursery, you may need to rework the way the house is used for a short time. Lastly, the construction work can impact parking, entry access, and the noise and work may impact your neighbours.

A great loft construction company will be more than happy to discuss the way that your home and neighbourhood may be impacted by the work, and how you should prepare for that far in advance of the work being done.

The Details of Design

There are some exciting opportunities to elevate your loft beyond a standard design. It’s great to think about these options before you make a concrete plan for a build, as it ensures the results will be as specific to your taste and needs as possible. Windows, kitchens and kitchenettes, ensuites, balconies — there is a lot to think about. Will you be using the space as an Airbnb rental? Do you have specific views you want to access from the loft space? There are lots of things to think about as you plan your conversion.

A professional loft conversion company can help you recognise the true potential in your loft space and let you know different options that you have.

Keeping It Fire Safe

Many people don’t realise how impactful fire safety is on a loft build. There are some detailed regulations and recommendations relating to windows, stairs, insulation materials, plaster and more. They have to be done correctly to ensure that your home is completely safe with this new functional space added. A good loft construction company will be able to help with the fire safety considerations and will ensure that the regulations are a top priority when designing your conversion.

The Importance of a Great Loft Construction Company

A fantastic loft construction company is the key to all of the above and more to being as easy as possible when you’re planning your conversion. Legalities, design, disruption, cost, management — expect everything to be an open conversion when you choose the best loft construction company in your area. They will be able to bring all their experience, skills and customer service to the process so that you feel assured that your plans are legal, safe and will result in the stunning, functional conversion you have always dreamed of.

Consider speaking to Clapham Construction Service today to get more information about the loft conversion possibilities for your home. With over 20 years of experience and a highly experienced team, they may have everything you need for the thorough and easy planning and installation of your perfect loft space.

The post Loft Conversions 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Your Project appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/lifestyles/home-improvement/loft-conversions-101-everything-need-know-before-starting-project/

Musk gave engineers one week to make Twitter’s ad targeting work like Google

Despite announcing an end to layoffs at a meeting held on November 21st, Elon Musk has continued to terminate Twitter employees, even after already forcing out approximately two-thirds of the workforce in just a few weeks.

What’s happening. Musk intends to revamp Twitter’s ad targeting system to resemble that of Google’s search ads, which primarily focus on keywords searched for rather than a user’s activity or profile data. Although this approach has proven successful for search engines, where users seek out specific information, it has yet to prove effective for social media businesses.

Set up for failure. Following his recent termination from his position as engineering manager for monetization at Twitter, Marcin Kadluczka suggested in a tweet on Saturday that the one-week deadline imposed by Elon Musk was impractical, stating that he believed it would take 2-3 months for Twitter to genuinely enhance its advertising capabilities. My sources have confirmed that Musk set this demanding timeline just before dismissing Kadluczka, as well as other employees in the ads, consumer, and sales departments last Friday.

Musk has been trying to improve Twitter ads since he acquired the company. While it’s uncertain whether altering Twitter’s ad targeting system to prioritize keywords, similar to Google ads, will result in better quality advertising, experts in the field have raised questions and identified potential drawbacks

Why we care. If the new targeting strategy fails to produce satisfactory results (which is the most likely scenario), advertisers could be wasting their advertising budgets on ineffective campaigns.

Additionally, any changes to Twitter’s advertising platform could have broader implications for the social media advertising industry as a whole, potentially leading to changes in advertising best practices across multiple platforms. The uncertainty and changes could cause the few advertisers still on Twitter could leave the platform.

The post Musk gave engineers one week to make Twitter’s ad targeting work like Google appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/musk-gave-engineers-one-week-to-make-twitters-ad-targeting-work-like-google-393457

Social media engagement hits a new low, except for TikTok

Social media as we’ve known it seems to be in its dying days – with one notable exception, Tiktok. That’s according to a new social media engagement rate benchmark report.

TLDR. There are five important takeaways for brands from the 2023 Social Media Benchmark Report, which was released today by Rival IQ:

  1. Organic engagement: falling or flatlining. Engagement rates declined on Instagram for the third straight year but have held pretty steady for Facebook and Twitter.
  2. Posting frequency declining. Post frequency was flat on Instagram but took a ~20% dive on Facebook and Twitter.
  3. Hot holiday hashtags. Almost every industry earned top engagement rates from holiday-hashtagged posts, while contests and giveaways were less popular than in other years.
  4. Reels rule on Instagram. Reels dethroned carousels in multiple industries to become the most engaging post type.
  5. TikTok tops the charts. With a median engagement rate of 5.69%, TikTok was every industry’s best friend this year.

Why we care. The report provides valuable information that can help advertisers gauge the effectiveness of their social media strategies and identify areas for improvement. By comparing their own brand’s engagement rates to the industry averages, you can determine whether your social media performance is above or below par and make necessary adjustments to optimize their campaigns for better engagement and conversion rates.

About the report. It examined the mean engagement rates for different brand verticals across major social media networks.

It’s important to note that Rival IQ chose 150 companies, at random, from each of the 14 industries they studied, including:

  • Media
  • Nonprofits
  • Food & beverage
  • Retail
  • Travel

The companies they analyzed had active presences on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter as of January 2022, and had Facebook fan counts between 25,000 and 1,000,000 and minimum Instagram, TikTok, Twitter followers of 5,000 as of the same date.

Interesting statistic. Among all industries, the average engagement rate for Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter never goes higher than 0.47% (Instagram). Even still, Instagram took a 30% dip in 2022 compared to 2021, while Facebook and Twitter remained flat.

The rate of weekly posts on Instagram remained steady in 2022, while it decreased on Twitter and Facebook, likely due to reduced investment by brands.

artificial intelligence

TikTok’s engagement rate, on the other hand, comes in at a whopping 5.69%. But brands are posting less frequently on TikTok than any other channel.

Higher Ed, for example, posts the least, but sees the highest engagement, whereas retail, influencers, and beauty post more frequently, but

“Higher Ed sees epic engagement rates on TikTok but is one of the least frequent posters, while Media brands’ lagging engagement rates prove once again that more posting isn’t necessarily better.”

Rival IQ

The bigger picture. Organic social, in general, has been trending downward in terms of traffic and engagement for years. Which is why brands have been flocking to TikTok (which arguably isn’t even a “social network” as it’s more about content discovery).

Enter AI. In addition to playing a key role in ChatGPT, AI and machine learning created some new possibilities for social networks.

“At first, social networks showed you stuff your friends thought was interesting — the Facebook model. Then they started showing you stuff based on the people that you chose to follow, whether you were friends or not — the Twitter model.

TikTok’s innovation was to show you stuff using only algorithmic predictions, regardless of who your friends are or who you followed. It soon became the most downloaded app in the world.

TikTok’s innovation was to show you stuff using only algorithmic predictions, regardless of who your friends are or who you follow. It soon became the most downloaded app in the world.”

Casey Newton, Platformer

Which gets us back to where we started. Facebook, Twitter and other social networks are trying to catch up (read: emulate) TikTok. Meanwhile, advertiser budgets have also followed. And TikTok continues to find new ways to improve reach for brands.

Dig deeper. You can download the report from Rival IQ here.

The post Social media engagement hits a new low, except for TikTok appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/social-media-engagement-hits-a-new-low-except-for-tiktok-393395

Sainsbury’s launch £2 ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ boxes

Reading Time: 2 mins

Sainsbury’s launch £2 ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ boxes. 

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is introducing boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables to over 200 of its stores. This will allow customers to purchase surplus products at a reduced price. This is part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to halve its food waste by 2030. It will also help customers access healthy, affordable and sustainable food. 

Customers will be able to purchase these boxes, for just £2 from this week onwards. Within the box will be a variety of loose fruit and veg. This follows a successful trial of the boxes in January. 

The ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ boxes will be sold at the lower price to ensure customers can get hold of affordable and nutritious food, as the cost of living continues to soar. These boxes can be found in the fresh produce aisles of the store. All products included will be carefully selected to ensure they are still fresh to consume. 

Other initiatives

Just last year, Sainsbury’s began removing ‘best before’ dates from over 100 lines. This included pears, onions, tomatoes and citrus fruits. 130 more product lines are to follow. This is to encourage customers to use their initiative and the look, smell and feel of the fruits to determine whether they are okay to eat. This is done in hopes of reducing food waste at home.  

The supermarket boasts many initiatives which help customers access affordable fruit and veg. Sainsbury’s is currently offering £2 coupons as part of the Government-funded NHS Healthy Start scheme. This helps low-income families in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to purchase fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables. 

Sainsbury’s has also committed to invest £550 million by March 2023 in order to help customers manage the rising cost of living by ensuring the products bought most often are affordable. 

Richard Crampton, Director of Fresh Food, at Sainsbury’s said:

“At Sainsbury’s we’re committed to helping our customers access tasty, nutritious food that’s better for them and the planet too. It’s great to see that shoppers have been enjoying the ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ boxes, which is why we’re really pleased to roll out the trial to over 200 supermarkets, helping even more people across the country. We believe that everyone deserves to eat well at an affordable price, and we hope this additional support will ensure that good quality food doesn’t go to waste.” 

The post Sainsbury’s launch £2 ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ boxes appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/sainsburys-launch-2-taste-me-dont-waste-me-boxes

Todd Leopold Shares a Look Back on Local Government Spending in 2022

Home Business Magazine Online

2022 marked an important milestone in the history of local government spending. In this era, technology had become a significant factor in how public funds were allocated and managed. Experts like Todd Leopold in Rocklin, CA, say new budgeting techniques and streamlined processes made it easier for governments to make wise investments that ensured citizens’ needs were met adequately with minimal financial resources being wasted. This article looks at the fundamental changes in local government spending that year and how they shaped public policy in 2022.

The Rise of Technology in Local Government Spending

Todd Leopold said in 2022, technology played a crucial role in how public funds were allocated and managed. Many local governments adopted digital systems that enabled them to keep track of public spending more accurately and efficiently than ever before. This allowed them to monitor better where the money was going and ensure it was being used for its intended purpose. Additionally, many towns and cities also used predictive analytics to help them anticipate future needs and plan accordingly. This allowed them to allocate resources strategically and ensure their citizens were getting the most out of public funds.

How Budgeting Has Changed Over the Years

Over the years, local government budgeting has changed drastically. In 2022, budgeting was much more focused on long-term planning than in years past. Governments no longer simply allocated funds for the next fiscal year but instead looked at the bigger picture and made investments that would benefit citizens over several years. Additionally, local governments began to use more creative budgeting techniques such as pay-as-you-go financing schemes which allowed them to spread out the costs of large-scale projects over a more extended period, making them more affordable in the long run.

New Projects That Were Undertaken in 2022

Todd Leopold says in 2022, local governments invested in various new projects designed to improve public services and quality of life for citizens. This included the construction of new public parks and recreational spaces, the development of intelligent cities that used modern technology to improve infrastructure and public safety, and creating green energy projects such as solar and wind farms. Many governments also invested heavily in education and healthcare initiatives to reduce poverty levels and improve citizens’ overall quality of life.

Changes in Taxation and How It Affects Citizens

Taxation also underwent a significant overhaul in 2022. Local governments were much more focused on targeting their resources at those who truly needed assistance and reducing the burden of taxes on middle-class citizens. This was achieved through increased tax breaks, credits, and deductions which enabled many to save money on their tax bills while ensuring that local governments still received the necessary funds to operate.

Property taxes were also increased to 5%, raising revenue for local governments while encouraging citizens to invest more in their own communities. Additionally, fees and surcharges were implemented on specific services such as garbage collection and vehicle registration, providing additional income for towns and cities.

Changes in the Economy in 2022

In 2022, the economy was largely stable, but there were still some areas of concern. Unemployment remained a problem in many parts of the country, and wages were often lower than people needed to meet ends. Inflation also became an issue due to higher fuel, food, and housing costs. However, overall the economy was strong, and local governments could invest in public services, allowing citizens to benefit from improved quality of life.

Local Governments Revenue and Spending

In 2022, local governments saw an increase in revenue, about $1.2 trillion, due to higher property taxes, fees, and surcharges, as well as improved financial management. This allowed them to invest in public services such as infrastructure, education, and health care, directly impacting citizens’ quality of life. Additionally, they could pay down debt and set aside money for emergencies. This was a significant improvement compared to previous years when governments had little money for public services and relied on citizens’ donations to keep the lights on.

Overall, Todd Leopold says local government spending in 2022 was largely successful, with cities and towns seeing improvements in the quality of life for their citizens. This was made possible through better budgeting practices, increased taxation revenue, and improved financial management. Despite some areas of concern, such as unemployment and inflation, local governments were able to make significant investments in public services, which had a direct impact on citizens’ quality of life. This is a testament to their effectiveness in managing resources and making wise investments that benefit all members of society.

Final Thoughts

Local government spending in 2022 was largely successful and allowed local governments to invest in public services, significantly improving citizens’ quality of life. The increased revenue from higher taxes, fees, and surcharges enabled them to allocate resources strategically and ensure their citizens were getting the most out of public funds. Going forward, it will be necessary for local governments to continue investing in public services while staying on top of budgeting and spending.

The post Todd Leopold Shares a Look Back on Local Government Spending in 2022 appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/money-management/todd-leopold-shares-look-back-local-government-spending-2022/