Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities on the job? Do you wonder how you got where you are and how you will continue to move ahead? Do feelings of inadequacy hinder your ability to take on new, more challenging work?
These are all signs of imposter syndrome, which can be a big roadblock in your career. The good news is that many successful people face it. The bad news is that you have to address it. Otherwise, it could wind up costing you future promotions or opportunities.
To help you grow in confidence and kick imposter syndrome to the curb, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Think about what you’ve achieved.
You likely have many successes and wins over the years. Think about these and even write them down, so you can reflect on them and absorb your many achievements. This isn’t about bragging. It is about how you see yourself, so you can begin to form a more positive self-image, one you can turn to when the negative self-talk creeps in.
Keep a “win” file.
Beyond simply thinking about your achievements, document your successes, as well, whether it’s writing them down or saving files or documents of positive performance reviews or feedback from a customer. Not only will this help you boost your confidence, but it will help you stand out when you’re looking to get promoted or find a new job.
Get positive feedback from people you trust.
If you really are having trouble with imposter syndrome and it’s holding you back, seek some feedback from those you trust, whether it’s colleagues or family, or friends. They can work with you to provide positive affirmations and help you to see the accomplished professional you are.
Many successful professionals, even at the highest levels, experience imposter syndrome. So don’t let it get you down. Do, however, deal with it so it doesn’t have a negative impact on your career progression.
Ready to move up and out in your job?
Turn to Provisional Recruiting. As a leading employment agency serving the Spokane, WA area and Coeur d’Alene, ID, we can connect you with rewarding jobs that are the right fit for you. Search our jobs now with the link below.
Joshua Shuemake IT Consulting: Unlocking the Power of Technology for Your Business
Running a successful business in today’s Digital era requires not only a strong vision but also a solid technological foundation. This is where IT consulting comes into play. IT consulting services offer businesses expert guidance and support to leverage the latest technologies, optimize their IT infrastructure, and align their strategies with their business goals. In this article, we will explore the world of IT consulting, its benefits, and how to find the right consulting services for your business.
Understanding IT Consulting
Joshua Shuemake’s IT consulting, or information technology consulting, refers to the practice of providing businesses with expert advice and assistance in utilizing information technology to achieve their objectives. IT consultants are professionals who analyze a company’s IT needs, evaluate existing systems, and propose recommendations to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. They bring in-depth knowledge and experience to help businesses make informed decisions about their IT infrastructure.
The Importance of IT Consulting
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, IT consulting plays a crucial role in the success of businesses. Here are a few reasons why IT consulting services are essential:
Enhancing Technological Capabilities: IT consultants help businesses identify the right technologies to improve their operations and stay competitive.
Optimizing IT Infrastructure: Consultants assess existing IT systems, identify inefficiencies, and recommend solutions to streamline processes and reduce costs.
Addressing Security Concerns: With cyber threats on the rise, IT consultants help businesses implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance.
Aligning IT Strategies: IT consulting services assist in aligning IT strategies with overall business goals, ensuring that technology investments contribute to long-term success.
Reasons to Consider IT Consulting Services
Now that we understand the importance of IT consulting, let’s dive deeper into the specific benefits it offers:
Enhancing Technological Capabilities
Keeping up with the ever-evolving technology landscape can be challenging for businesses. IT consultants stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations, allowing them to suggest the most appropriate technologies for your business. By investing in the right tools and systems, you can gain a competitive edge and improve operational efficiency.
Optimizing IT Infrastructure and Resource Management
IT consulting services can assess your current IT infrastructure and identify areas that need improvement. This could include optimizing network architecture, improving data management processes, or implementing cloud computing solutions. By streamlining your IT infrastructure, you can reduce costs, increase scalability, and ensure smoother day-to-day operations.
Factors to Consider When Hiring IT Consulting Services
Choosing the right IT consulting services can significantly impact the success and effectiveness of your IT initiatives. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a consulting firm:
Evaluating Specific Needs
Understand your business’s specific IT needs and objectives before hiring an IT consulting firm. Determine whether you need assistance in strategic planning, infrastructure optimization, cybersecurity, or other areas. This will help you find a consulting firm with expertise in your desired areas.
Assessing Expertise and Experience
Look for consulting firms with a strong track record and experience in delivering successful IT projects. Check their credentials, client testimonials, and case studies to ensure they have the expertise and capabilities to address your unique requirements.
Cost vs. Benefits
Consider the cost vs. benefits of engaging an IT consulting firm. While it is essential to set a budget, shifting the focus solely on cost may compromise the quality of service you receive. Find a balance between cost and the value the consulting firm can bring to your business.
Compatibility and Cultural Fit
Establishing a good working relationship with your IT consulting firm is crucial. Ensure that their values align with yours, and their communication style matches your company’s culture. Effective collaboration and seamless integration with your team will lead to more successful outcomes.
Track Record and Client Testimonials
Research the track record of the consulting firm you are considering and look for client testimonials or recommendations. Hearing from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the firm’s capabilities, work ethics, and customer satisfaction levels.
Cost vs. Quality Considerations
Businesses often struggle to find the right balance between the cost of IT consulting services and the quality of outcomes. Understanding the value that consulting services can provide and carefully evaluating the return on investment is essential.
When it comes to getting a new vehicle, many people are left with the dilemma of whether to rent or to buy. Leasing is often compared to a long-term rental, where you make a down payment and follow it up with Monthly payments in exchange for the use of the car for a predetermined period (typically 24, 36, or 48 months). On the other hand, buying a car means paying for the full cost of the vehicle, either outright or through a car loan. Both options have their pros and cons. This article aims to give you in-depth insight into when to rent and when to buy a vehicle, as well as information on how to find a good renting offer and make an informed decision.
Renting a Car: Pros and Cons for Self-Employed and Private Individuals
Benefits of Leasing
Leasing a car can be appealing, especially to self-employed individuals, who can take advantage of fixed monthly payments that fit into their budget. Furthermore, certain rental agreements may offer special conditions, such as free maintenance, that can be tax-deductible. This helps reduce the overall cost of car ownership. Private individuals may also find leasing financially advantageous. Renting often has lower monthly payments compared to buying, and it allows people to drive a new car every few years without the significant upfront cost of purchasing. This means being able to enjoy the latest technologies and advancements without breaking the bank.
Drawbacks of Renting
Despite the benefits mentioned above, renting a car comes with some disadvantages. For one, the vehicle is never truly yours. You make monthly payments with no real end in sight unless you decide to pay off the remainder to purchase the car. Secondly, lease agreements usually come with strict mileage limits, and exceeding those limits can result in additional fees.
Identifying a Good Rental Offer
To find the best leasing deal, you need to consider several factors. Here are the main aspects to look out for:
The Leasing Factor
The leasing factor is a crucial element to compare and identify good leasing offers. It is an objective comparison value calculated from several relevant renting parameters such as the renting rate, residual value, special payments, rental term, and list price of the car. A lower leasing factor usually indicates a better offer.
One-Time Additional Costs
Be aware of the one-time additional costs that may accompany a rental agreement. These costs may include down payment options and various fees such as documentation and acquisition fees. Make sure to account for these when calculating the overall cost of leasing.
Lease Term, Mileage, and Residual Value
Another critical factor to consider is the rental term, which determines the length of the rental agreement. Shorter terms usually come with higher monthly payments, while longer terms may have lower monthly payments but higher total costs. Make sure to also consider if the annual mileage allowance is sufficient for your needs, and if there are any implications due to the estimated residual value of the vehicle at the end of the lease.
Leasing vs. Buying a Vehicle for Private Individuals
To decide whether leasing or buying a vehicle is the right choice for you as a private individual, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and Financial circumstances. Leasing may be cheaper in the short term, but remember to consider all the costs involved, including monthly payments, insurance, and the potential for a shortfall in the estimated residual value of the car at the end of the lease.
Conclusion
The decision to lease or buy a vehicle ultimately depends on your personal needs, financial resources, and long-term plans. Consider all the factors mentioned in this article and calculate the overall costs of both options before making the decision. If you enjoy driving a new vehicle every few years without the large upfront expense of purchasing, renting could be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer the idea of owning your vehicle outright and not having mileage limitations, buying may be the better option.
“An amount that you will pay for your Medicare Part B and D coverage when your modified adjusted gross income is above the certain thresholds.”
IRMAA is a tax on your income through Medicare Part B and Part D coverage if you have too much income while in retirement.
Will you actually enter IRMAA:
According to the 2022 Medicare Board of Trustees Report, currently, there are over 6.8 million people in IRMAA. These people in IRMAA make up 16.63% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
By 2031, according to recent reports the number of people in IRMAA will double to 13.8 million eligible people in IRMAA.
IRMAA is a revenue generator for both the Medicare and Social Security programs.
For the Medicare Program, IRMAA is an added cost that the person in it must pay. This added cost provides more money each year for the program.
As for Social Security, according to Congress, all IRMAA costs are automatically deducted from any Social Security benefit a person is receiving. Thus, for those who enter IRMAA, Social Security has to pay out less to them which reduces that program’s obligation to pay benefits.
With both Medicare and Social Security projected by the government to be insolvent (unable to pay) in less than 8 years the easiest way to save these programs is to make sure more people are in IRMAA.
How do you reach an IRMAA bracket:
IRMAA is all about your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
The more of it you have the higher the chances that you have to reaching IRMAA while having less of an MAGI reduces the chance of you reaching IRMAA.
What counts towards your MAGI:
According to Social Security your MAGI is the total of your adjusted gross income (AGI) and any tax-exempt interest you may have.
Both of these can be found on lines 2a and 11 of your 2022 IRS tax form 1040.
Some examples of where your MAGI will come from are:
Taxable Social Security benefits
Traditional 401(k) Withdrawals
Wages
Traditional IRA Withdrawals
Pension & Rental Income
Traditional 403(b) Withdrawals
Capital Gains
Qualified Annuities
Dividends
Interest
If you want to avoid IRMAA all together then the goal is to generate an income from financial instruments that do not count towards your MAGI and they are:
Roth Account Withdrawals
Life Insurance Loans
Non-Qualified Annuities*
Health Saving Account Withdrawals
401(h) Plans
Home Loans or Reverse Mortgages
*Non-Qualified Annuities – depending on certain factors a certain portion of all income you will receive from them can be completely tax free. Please see an IRMAA Certified Professional for more information on which Annuity is best for you.
If you feel you shouldn’t be subject to IRMAA, you can file an appeal. What you do comes down to how you want to appeal.
For Medicare enrollees with a qualifying life changing event:
All that needs to be done is for you to fill out the SSA-44 form by competing the first 3 pages and then submit it with your corresponding proof of your life changing event to your local SSA office.
Once the paperwork is submitted all correspondence about your appeal will be mailed to you from the SSA. If the result is not satisfactory you can request a hearing which can also be done through your local SSA office.
For Medicare enrollees without a qualifying life changing event but who want to appeal based on an updated tax-return or income discrepancy:
Appealing IRMAA is even simpler than have a qualifying life changing event as all that is needed to be done is for you to request an appeal at your local SSA office.
Explain to the local field Representative that you have a received an IRMAA notification and that you like to appeal based on updated tax information.
A case number will be assigned to you as well as Field Agent, which could be the person at your local office, so always be nice and any correspondence about your case ill be mailed to you by the SSA.
If the IRMAA result is not satisfactory you can always request a hearing at your local SSA office too.
At the point of request your local agent will be able to submit your appeal and a case number at that moment should be assigned to you. As your case is evolving you will have to provide documentation that disproves the information that the IRS has provided which can be a corrected or amended tax-return or even a more update one
Conclusion:
The 2024 IRMAA Brackets are, by law, going to increase, but the odds of you or someone you know reaching IRMAA at some point are also increasing.
