Q3 2023 Thrive Newsletter
The IRS issued a warning about a new scam mailing that aims to deceive taxpayers into believing they have an unclaimed refund. Below is a brief summary so you can stay alert.
The scam involves a mailing in a cardboard envelope with an IRS masthead and misleading wording.
The letter includes contact information and a phone number that do not belong to the IRS.
The scam requests sensitive personal information, including detailed pictures of driver's licenses, to be used for identity theft and obtaining tax refunds.
The scam letter contains warning signs such as odd punctuation, mixed fonts, and inaccuracies.
Taxpayers should be aware of fake communications posing as legitimate organizations, including the IRS, and be cautious of unsolicited texts or emails.
The IRS never initiates contact through email, text, or social media regarding bills or tax refunds.
Scams can be reported to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
In a world that constantly demands our attention and pushes us to go faster, slower living is a remedy to the chaotic pace of modern life. Slow living is about intentionally choosing a more deliberate and mindful approach to our daily routines, allowing us to find balance, peace, and joy. We examine the principles of slow living and provide practical tips on how to integrate them into your life.
Slow living is a lifestyle philosophy that encourages individuals to intentionally slow down the pace of their lives, live in the moment, and cultivate a sense of mindfulness and balance. It emphasizes the importance of being present, simplifying, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Slow living is a response to the fast-paced and hectic nature of modern society, where busyness and constant stimulation can lead to stress, burnout, and a disconnection from oneself and the world.
At its core, slow living is about shifting our focus from quantity to quality, valuing experiences over material possessions, and nurturing deeper connections with ourselves and others. It encourages us to create space for rest, reflection, and self-care, allowing us to recharge and find inner peace. Slow living also promotes a more conscious and sustainable approach to life, encouraging individuals to make intentional choices and reduce their environmental footprint.
Practicing slow living involves embracing mindfulness in daily activities, such as enjoying meals, engaging in slow and deliberate movements, and taking time for self-reflection and introspection. It also means simplifying our schedules and prioritizing activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.
Ultimately, slow living is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. It's about finding our own rhythm, embracing a slower pace that aligns with our values and priorities, and creating a life that brings us true happiness, contentment, and fulfillment.
In recent months artificial intelligence (AI) has been all over the news with companies like micro chip makers like Nvidia seeing their stock prices surge. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has experienced a surge in popularity and widespread adoption in recent years. Advancements in AI technology, coupled with increased data availability and computing power, have propelled its growth and integration into various industries and everyday life.
AI has also made significant strides in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and robotics. It has revolutionized fields like healthcare, finance, transportation, customer service, and manufacturing, offering improved efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.
In the healthcare sector, AI has been used for diagnostics, drug discovery, personalized medicine, and patient monitoring. In finance, AI-powered algorithms assist in fraud detection on your credit card, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. Autonomous vehicles and smart transportation systems rely on AI to enhance safety and optimize traffic flow.
Additionally, AI has gained popularity through consumer applications like voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa), personalized recommendations (e.g., streaming platforms, e-commerce), and social media algorithms. These AI-driven technologies have become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, enhancing convenience and personalized experiences.
The rise in AI popularity has also sparked discussions around ethics, privacy, and the future of work. Concerns regarding AI bias, data privacy, and the impact on job markets have prompted policymakers, organizations, and researchers to address these issues and develop responsible AI practices.
As AI continues to evolve and demonstrate its potential, its popularity and uses are expected to grow. Microchip makers, data storage and software companies will be major participants in the development which could positively impact their earnings in the future.