@Isabella said in Can I grow my business without a formal marketing plan?:

Since my main strengths are super-fast delivery and my own hands-on service, I’m concerned about how this can actually scale. If the business relies this much on me personally, what happens if demand explodes or I need to step away? Can I even grow it without a formal marketing plan or a defined product?

You’re definitely onto something by thinking about scaling now. If you don’t, you might end up slowing down your own business.

First off, try writing down how you do things so that someone else can follow your "secret sauce." Once you've got that laid out, consider bringing on a small team to help with the workload while you keep the quality in check.

And don’t worry about needing a big budget — just start testing a few local marketing ideas to see what works. Keeping your services simple will make it way easier to grow and a lot less stressful too.

@SophiaK said in How to avoid big tax bills when forming a Delaware C-Corp?:

I've heard that messing up a Delaware C-Corp can lead to huge tax bills, but I also know investors hate LLCs. Since I’m new to startups, wouldn't it make sense to just use Stripe Atlas or Clerky instead of trying to DIY the legal stuff and risking a disaster?

If you're starting your own business, I recommend using Stripe Atlas or Clerky instead of navigating everything on your own. They simplify the setup of your Delaware C-Corp and compliance issues from the beginning.

Investors typically favor a C-Corp for stock options and funding, so hiring professionals demonstrates your commitment. Doing it yourself may save money at first, but a minor mistake with taxes could result in serious and costly problems later on.

@AvaB I’m so sorry you're dealing with this — that sounds incredibly frustrating. The good news is that you actually have some solid rights here. In the U.S., insurance companies aren't allowed to just surprise you with rate hikes; they’re legally required to disclose premium changes and cancellation terms in writing before they happen.

If I were in your shoes, I’d start by demanding a clear written explanation from The General and digging through your policy’s disclosure fine print. If they aren't playing ball or are billing you for a canceled policy, don't hesitate to file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. It’s also a good idea to dispute those charges now so they don't end up affecting your credit.

Hey, @Emma don’t stress about that Zillow number! It’s just an automated look at the market, not a real appraisal, and it's totally normal for prices to dip a bit in the U.S. sometimes. A random drop here and there isn't the end of the world; it's usually just a little blip in the market. Instead of obsessing over the daily price, try to keep your focus on the real value of your home and your long-term equity. When it comes to real estate, a bit of patience and perspective usually wins out over relying on just one online estimate.

@O_livia3 I’d definitely give this a shot first. Before you look into high-interest loans or anything too drastic, try talking directly to U.S. Bank or the folks at Zwicker. You’d be surprised how many people actually manage to negotiate a way out.

You could ask them for a hardship plan that fits your current income or even offer a lump-sum settlement that’s lower than what you actually owe. Look into getting temporary relief to avoid escalation to garnishment.

Be honest about your situation, have your income documents ready, and remain polite yet assertive. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but it’s definitely worth a try before you commit to more expensive options.

@Liam Since you’re only 22 and have plenty of time on your side, keeping things simple is honestly the best move. A really solid "set-it-and-forget-it" mix could look like this:

60% VTI: This covers the entire U.S. market for long-term growth. 20% VXUS: This gives you international exposure, so you aren't just betting on one country. 10% BND: A small slice of bonds to act as a stabilizer. 10% SCHD: This adds some steady dividend income to the mix.

These are all low-cost and super easy to manage. At your age, the goal is to let long-term compounding work its magic without getting distracted by all the daily market noise.

hey @Ethan that’s a great question, and honestly, a lot of people in the U.S. get hung up on the same thing. It helps to think of it like this: Ethereum is decentralized in how it operates — no single person runs the network — but its price is still at the mercy of global markets.

In the U.S., big institutional players and ETFs drive most of the trading. So when the Fed moves interest rates or the economy feels shaky, people’s "risk appetite" changes, and ETH's price moves right along with everything else. Decentralization keeps the technology running fairly, but it doesn't control how humans value it on an exchange.

@Jackson Treasuries are a handy tool, but how you use them really depends on what you’re after. Choosing the right Treasury strategy comes down to matching your investments to your goals. Here is a breakdown of how to think about it:

For Short-Term Needs: If you just need a safe place to stash extra cash, T-bills are an excellent choice. They are highly liquid (easy to sell) and currently offer solid returns with low risk.

For Long-Term Stability: If you’re building a lasting portfolio, longer-dated bonds serve as a great "anchor." They provide much-needed stability to balance things out when the stock market becomes volatile.

Focus on Your Timeline: Since you’re just getting started, don’t worry about trying to "time" or predict the market. Instead, keep it simple and choose the bond that aligns with when you actually need the money back.

For context, as of today, December 23, 2025, the 3-month T-bill is yielding about 3.60%, while the 10-year Treasury is yielding around 4.15%.

@Mason said in 1040-NR Delays with IRS:

I filed a 1040-NR using a temporary SSN and have been waiting for a long time. At this point, is calling the IRS repeatedly actually helping? Should I try contacting a Taxpayer Advocate or re-file electronically? Has anyone else in this exact situation found a real solution to this long delay?

Long delays with 1040-NR filings and temporary SSNs are a huge headache in the U.S. Calling the IRS usually doesn't help once things hit manual review, but reaching out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service can be a lifesaver if the wait is hurting you financially.

And hey, don’t re-file electronically unless they tell you to; it just complicates things. Just stay organized with your records and keep an eye on your transcripts for any updates.

@David said in Is my new U.S. Bank login linked to an old account?:

I keep getting an error when setting up my new U.S. Bank login. Does this mean the system is still linked to my old, locked account details? Did anyone else encounter this issue, and did customer support actually resolve it, or did they just keep transferring you around?

It sounds like U.S. Bank’s system is still flagging your information from that old, locked account, which is likely why it won’t let you set up a new login. To fix this, try clearing your browser cache or switching devices. Also, make sure you're entering your details exactly as they appear on your new paperwork. Since standard support representatives often get stuck in a loop, politely ask for a tech specialist to clear your old profile for a proper fix.

@Sam In the U.S., cash back from debit transactions is usually included in the total charge, which is very frustrating. The fastest way to clear it up is to check your bank app for a "merchant note" or digital receipt. If that doesn't work, a quick chat with your bank's support can confirm the breakdown instantly. You could also swing by the store and ask them to reprint your receipt.

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Capital One — these major U.S. banks don't have a specific "Digital Receipt" button for every debit purchase, but they do have tools to help you find that missing cash back information.

If the app can't provide an answer, a quick chat with your bank's customer support can usually clarify things right away. You can always visit the store for a reprint of your original receipt, which will show the cash back as a separate transaction.

@Avery It’s very common for U.S. Bank Focus cards to get locked after a flurry of small transactions. Most people find themselves stuck in a "24-hour waiting room," with customer service insisting there’s no way to speed it up.

Since these are prepaid payroll cards, the system is simply being extra cautious about fraud. Unfortunately, there aren't many secret workarounds — usually, you just have to wait it out or use a backup card for anything urgent until the lock clears.

@Camerone It's a good idea to really check out your pension right now — make sure you know where you stand with your vesting and what the new payouts look like. You might try using a retirement calculator to see if there are any income gaps that you need to worry about. If you find any, consider increasing your IRA or 401(k) contributions to help fill those gaps.

It's beneficial to diversify your investments by including low-cost index funds and maintaining an emergency fund. Create a personalized plan that suits your long-term goals and makes you feel comfortable.

@Riley said in Is Google Voice safe in the long term for important accounts?:

I'm moving abroad and want to keep my U.S. number with Google Voice for OTPs. Is it possible that my bank or other key services might eventually stop accepting VoIP numbers for security reasons, making it unreliable in the long term?

The risk you're worried about is definitely real and is only getting tougher in the U.S. More banks, brokerages, and even the IRS are now blocking Google Voice or other VoIP numbers for security codes. Even if it works today, they could lock you out tomorrow without warning. For total peace of mind, it’s much safer to keep a physical U.S. SIM active or to switch to authenticator apps, and you should definitely update your accounts before you head out.

@Casey18 If you’re a teen just getting started, a regular bank account is great for learning how to handle money and keep track of your day-to-day spending.

But if you're thinking about the future, a Fidelity account could really help you grow your savings and make it easier to dive into investing in stocks down the line.

You can think of the bank as your "training wheels" for picking up good habits, while Fidelity is like the "next level" for growing your wealth. Many parents believe that starting with a bank account and then moving to Fidelity later is the perfect combination.

Look @Jordan your CPA is going to need more than just a 1099 to get this right — they really need the "nitty-gritty" details of your transactions. This means tracking exactly when you bought on PayPal, what it was worth in USD the moment you sent it to Stake, and any fees you incurred along the way.

The good news? Moving your own crypto between wallets isn't a taxable event. However, the IRS definitely wants its cut of your staking rewards and any time you sell or spend your coins. The simplest way to manage this without stress is to export CSV files from your platforms and use crypto tax software. It will save you a ton of manual math and help keep the taxman happy.

@Alex
GameStop's $9.2 million unrealized Bitcoin loss highlights the volatility of crypto, especially during downturns. Many firms use Bitcoin for diversification or inflation hedging, though outcomes vary widely. The key isn't to eschew crypto but to focus on effective risk management. Companies should establish clear policies and determine appropriate allocation sizes that align with their long-term objectives.

Many companies have followed in GameStop’s footsteps, but they all have very different strategies for holding Bitcoin.

The Public Companies: Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), Tesla, Block, Inc. (formerly Square) The Specialized Players: Marathon Digital (MARA), Coinbase, Metaplanet

@Morgan said in Dental coverage and vision services available in UnitedHealthcare Plans:

Since dental and vision plans vary so much, So what you suggest, should I prioritize a premium plan for wider coverage or first figure out whether my actual yearly needs even justify paying for those extra benefits?

Hey @Morgan Here is a breakdown of how to choose the right U.S. dental or vision plan:

Audit Your Habits: Start by listing the services you actually use, such as annual cleanings, eye exams, or contact lenses.

Assess Your Health: If you rarely need work done, a basic plan or an HSA/FSA is often cheaper than high monthly premiums.

Plan for Major Work: If you anticipate needing braces, crowns, or surgeries, a premium plan provides better financial protection.

Check the Fine Print: Verify that your preferred doctors are in-network, and confirm the "annual maximum" that the plan will pay out.

Focus on Value: Choosing a plan based on your actual medical history prevents you from overpaying for coverage you won’t use.

@Dean said in Are Silo Market perks an overlooked opportunity?:

Silo Market rewards are tiny. As a new investor, should I really be focusing on these small perks, or would my time be better spent concentrating on core investments that actually help build real portfolio value?

Honestly, chasing tiny Silo Market rewards usually isn’t worth the effort when you’re just starting out. It’s fine to grab them if they’re easy, but don’t let them distract you. Your real wealth will come from focusing on solid core investments like diversified index funds, ETFs, or blue-chip stocks. These are what actually build long-term value. View these rewards as a small "extra" rather than the foundation of your financial growth and future success.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are both solid bets, but they play different roles. Think of Bitcoin as "digital gold" — it’s the go-to option if you want a simpler, more stable store of value.

Ethereum, however, is all about its ecosystem of apps and decentralized finance, offering higher growth potential but with more moving parts and risk. Most people find that holding a mix of both strikes the best balance between playing it safe and chasing future innovations.