Prior to the current pandemic, cash payments were becoming less pervasive in our society. Payments for merchandise, bills and services were increasingly being handled electronically, and payment systems were becoming more digitized. Today people are concerned about the safety of touching certain items and surfaces, making electronic payments a desirable way to affect transactions. Is cash really on the way out? Now that you can scan a payment from your smartphone or conduct your business all online, maybe cash is not necessary.
Weekly Focus
MARKET UPDATE FROM JOHN C. NEYLAND
This week John discusses what is to come with the stock market, including an ultimate good outcome, but some bumps in the road along the way. Volatility must be expected right now, and John reminds us that the stocks in which your money is invested do not have an unlimited downside. JCN has stop gap measures in place for times when a stock shows a downward trend. In other words, if a stock goes too low, JCN moves away from it. In this video John explains what types of stocks JCN is buying and why. There are documented advantages in buying undervalued stocks, John says, and in the two decades JCN Financial has been in business, this strategy has earned investors record profits. Also, John also walks you through his philosophy that the stock market and a tomato garden have a lot of similarities. By the way, have you signed up for BLT Fridays yet? Come on! Give us a call. Watch this week’s video:

One of the unfortunate results of the pandemic is that many American workers will not have the option of returning to their jobs. A number of industries will not be able to hire back a significant number of their employees. The good news is that the unemployment rate is slowly falling, but unfortunately more people are losing their jobs permanently. Industries such as travel, hospitality, restaurants and casinos continue to announce layoffs. For some people this is a time they will either have to or choose to change careers. But how can you change careers in the middle of a pandemic?

If you are getting tired of staying home, you are not alone. Many people thought by now we would be out and about more than we are. Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana will extend Phase 2 of the re-opening at least two weeks longer than expected. People over 65 and those with underlying health conditions are advised to stay home as much as possible. What do people miss most? Probably connecting with other people. With that in mind, here are a few easy ways to stay connected with others while at home.

Cities across the country are incrementally opening up, businesses are welcoming patrons and some people are going back to work. But what about traveling? Is it safe to fly, stay in a hotel, rent an AirBnB property? We are entering what are traditionally the heaviest travel months of the year, but experts urge caution and careful planning before venturing out for a vacation.

As the national unemployment rate continues in record numbers, many American workers wonder if and when they will go back to work. Among them are older workers, many of whom report they are considering early retirement, rather than accept their perceived health risks in the workplace. But is this the right time to retire? What are the advantages and downsides of considering early retirement? The Neyland Report takes a look at the consideration of this major life change.

Most of us rely pretty heavily on our smartphones, and especially those handy apps. The good news is that more and more apps are being developed that are perfect for seniors. Here are seven of our favorites:

A substantial portion of the American population is still working from home after four full months. Interestingly, many people find that they like the idea, and a number of U.S. companies have decided that many of their employees will continue to work from their homes for the foreseeable future. Several weeks ago, for example, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey announced that a huge percentage of his employees can work from home permanently. Other companies, including Facebook, made similar announcements. Is working from home the future of American industry?

The country is several weeks into the implementation of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the $2 trillion legislation designed to fast track direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, has strong implications for those with retirement savings plans.

Regular readers of the Neyland Report know that we always encourage you to empower yourself by taking charge of your personal finances. We often introduce you to new products that may be of some value to you in your efforts to control your spending, saving and daily financial decisions. This month Microsoft introduced “Money” in Excel.

It may not come as news to you that prolonged sitting can have adverse health effects. But now while so many of us are still staying home most of the time, many of us are doing a lot of sitting. Do some gardening, take a walk or better yet, have a regular workout routine, say health professionals. But exactly what are the health implications of too much sitting?

When giving to charitable organizations, some people elect to support through cash donations. Others, however, understand that supporting an organization may generate tax benefits. They may opt to follow techniques that can maximize both the gift and the potential tax benefit. Here’s a quick review of a few charitable choices:

Each week our Strength Science Studios manager and personal trainer Dawn Braud offers new exercises you can do at home. We don’t want you to become a couch potato, so Dawn is bringing you the next best thing — exercises you can do on your couch! This week Dawn focuses on the glutes and abdomen. We would love to hear from you in the comments section under the video. Let us know if there are particular parts of the body you need exercises for, or any general comments you may have about Dawn’s exercise at home program. Meanwhile…get on the couch! Watch: