Category: education

education

Types of Continuing Professional EducationTypes of Continuing Professional Education


Most of us have likely heard that education never stops, and in the professional world, that is absolutely true if you want to advance in your career. Continuing professional education can keep you in touch with the latest trends in your industry, better compete for jobs, and refresh or hone your skills. In many fields, continuing professional education (CPE) can be required as many programs will award certifications for having passed the training or course. 

What is Continuing Professional Education?

Continuing professional education, or CPE, is a general term for what is learned after a program, course, or training is completed. An example of CPE is a professional taking courses to keep or earn a license or certification. Many fields, such as medical and accounting, require those with a license to practice their specialties to take annual courses to keep their skills current. Other people may choose to take professional education programs or participate in conferences to gain new skill sets for a promotion or higher salary. Some CPA courses are offered by colleges and universities while others may be given through group internet-based CPA training programs or in-person CPA programs.

Types of CPE

There are dozens upon dozens of types of continuing professional development courses out there, too many to mention in fact, but there are two primary types of continuing professional education courses:

  • Professional licensing
  • General development/learning

General development programs are the type of programs that don’t help or offer a professional credential. They will help develop new skills or refresh current ones and can help boost your profession. For example, a graphic designer taking a course to learn the latest programs and tools available that can enhance their resume and make them a more desirable hire. 

Professional licensing courses are as they sound. These CPE programs offer development as well as certifications that prove you have taken them and know the necessary skills to maintain your license or possess it in the first place. 

Benefits of Professional Education Programs

There is a wide range of benefits that come with professional education continuing. While the specific advantages depend on what the continuing education program is and why you’re signing up for it, there are three core benefits to taking CPE courses:

  • Career Advancement: Continuing education for professionals can make your resume stand out from the competition when job hunting or seeking a promotion. Having training and courses listed, along with the certifications given, demonstrates a serious attitude towards your career and helps you accumulate more advanced skills which are both attractive to employers.
  • New Skills: While we’ve been discussing CPE in terms of career advancement and finding jobs, not all courses are about that. There are many areas of study that can be fulfilling for their own sake while potentially contributing to career advancement, like learning a new language or learning accounting to better balance the home budget. 
  • Keeps You Sharp: It’s easy to Become intellectually lazy and rest on what you already know that has gotten you to where you are, the problem is that learning becomes an area of necessity rather than an investment in yourself. Taking courses or CPE development training keeps your mind active and challenged, bringing a confidence boost while bettering your skillset. Continuing education, whether for work or pleasure, is a nice reminder that there is more to know and that you’re able to know it. 

Certificates for CPE Professionals

Whether you’re interested in a CPE program or looking for easier ways to recognize your students, granting acknowledgment and certifications should be as difficult as the training itself. We at SimpleCert put giving awards and certifications on easy street by streamlining the Process from signing up to delivery. Our certificate Management program can be paired with a wide range of data collection platforms from MailChimp to Google Forms and offers easy-to-use design features to make your certificate as unique as your program. 

Discover the simple way to grant certifications to your professionals with SimpleCert certificate maker.

SimpleCert | Continuing Professional Education


Navigating the Social Security Earnings LimitNavigating the Social Security Earnings Limit


Imagine, you’ve just clocked in your last hour at work. You’re ready to leave the working life behind and savor the rewards of your efforts. But then, there’s a sudden shift – whispers about the Social security earnings limit 2023.

You think, “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment! I deserve every penny.” Well that’s where things get interesting.

Navigating retirement isn’t as simple as kicking back on a beach somewhere. It’s like stepping into an intricate dance with Uncle Sam – one wrong move and you could be leaving money on the table.

This post is your dance guide; helping ensure each step towards maximizing your Social Security benefits is right in rhythm with the rules set by our friends over at SSA (Social Security Administration).

Are you ready? Let’s delve into understanding how these limits impact retirees and explore various Strategies.

Understanding the Social Security Earnings Limit 2023

If you’re eyeing retirement in 2023, knowing your Social Security earnings limit is key. This limit, set by the Social Security Administration, dictates how much Income you can earn without impacting your social security benefits.

The annual earnings limit for individuals not yet at full retirement age is $21, 240. That means if you haven’t reached that magic age but still want to work part-time or even full-time while receiving social security, keep an eye on those paychecks. For every $2 earned above this amount, expect a reduction of $1 from your benefit payment.

But what about folks reaching their golden years? They get a bit more wiggle room. The earning ceiling increases to $56, 520 in the year they reach full retirement age and deductions occur only after surpassing this threshold – with one dollar deducted for each three dollars earned over it until hitting that all-important birthday.

To better understand these reductions and plan ahead financially, check out this helpful guide provided by SSA detailing how work affects benefits.

Deductions Don’t Spell Doom.

You might be thinking: “Wait up. Does exceeding my yearly earnings limit mean I’m kissing goodbye to my hard-earned bucks?” Not necessarily so. It’s important to note that any deduction made due to excess earnings isn’t lost forever. Once you hit full retirement age (FRA), there’s good news as no matter how high your annual income may climb – skies are truly limitless here – it will no longer reduce those precious monthly payments.

A Silver Lining

Furthermore, if you have been working while receiving social security benefits and your latest year of earnings turns out to be one of your highest years, there’s a silver lining. The Social Security Administration will recalculate and potentially increase your retirement benefits.

retirement. Getting to grips with the Social Security Earnings Limit for 2023 might feel like a bit of a maze, but it’s just one more step on your journey towards smooth and stress-free retirement days.


Good Agency: Your Strategic Partner for Service DevelopmentGood Agency: Your Strategic Partner for Service Development


In today’s affordable service landscape, achieving continual growth requires greater than a top Quality service or product; it necessitates calculated marketing, a clear message, and a dependable companion. [dcl= 3021] embodies this suitable, using an extensive suite of advertising and marketing services made to aid companies flourish. Improved principles of quality and integrity, [dcl= 3021] identifies itself as a credible guide for companies aiming to boost their market presence and attain significant development.

The Good Agency Advantage

Good Agency’s mission is to encourage business leaders with the confidence and assistance essential to navigate the crowded market successfully. Their dedication to excellence and integrity penetrates every aspect of their work, changing thousands of Organizations from really feeling unclear to certain in their advertising and marketing techniques.

Why Choose Good Agency?

Strategic, Results-Driven Marketing

Good Agency’s strategy surpasses showy ads and trendy methods. Their advertising and marketing is deeply calculated, establishing a solid foundation that allows organizations to range effectively. This calculated focus appears in their varied service offerings, from high-converting StoryBrand internet sites to award-winning video production.

Proven Success

With over 14 years of experience, [dcl= 3021] has actually developed an excellent profile and a strong reputation for delivering concrete results. Their clients have attained over $10 billion in growth, showing Good Agency’s capability to drive significant organization results.

Client-Centered Approach

Good Agency focuses on recognizing each customer’s one-of-a-kind needs and goals. This client-focused strategy makes sure that every advertising and marketing strategy is personalized to maximize the potential for success.

Comprehensive Marketing Services

[dcl= 3021] offers a wide variety of services created to address the diverse requirements of their clients. Each service boosts different elements of a company’s advertising efforts, ensuring an alternative technique to development.

Site Design and Development

An organization’s website frequently functions as the first factor of get in touch with for possible consumers. Good Agency focuses on developing responsive, mobile-friendly websites that are visually attractive and enhanced for efficiency, making certain a durable online visibility that transforms visitors right into consumers.

Award-Winning Video Production

Video material is a powerful device for involving target markets and successfully communicating messages. Good Agency’s acclaimed video clip production solutions assist companies develop engaging advertising videos and site content that catch focus and drive activity.

StoryBrand Messaging

Clearness in marketing is vital, and Good Agency excels in assisting organizations fine-tune their message through the StoryBrand structure. This approach ensures that marketing messages are clear, compelling, and enhanced for distribution across different networks.

Specialist Photography

High-grade images are vital for producing a specialist and trustworthy brand name image. Good Agency supplies professional digital photography solutions that capture the significance of a firm far better than stock images, including an individual touch to advertising and marketing materials.

Digital Advertising

Reaching the appropriate audience at the correct time is vital for efficient marketing. Good Agency’s electronic marketing solutions, consisting of Amazon Ads, Google Ads, retargeting advertisements, and Social networks advertisements, are developed to take full advantage of reach and involvement.

Email Marketing

Email advertising remains a very efficient channel for nurturing leads and keeping customer connections. Good Agency provides automated e-mail campaigns that record clients and drive ongoing engagement.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Visibility in search engines is essential for bring in organic website traffic. Good Agency’s SEO services improve a site’s search preference, ensuring businesses are conveniently found by possible clients.

Graphic Design.

A strong brand name identification is foundational to effective advertising. Good Agency’s graphic layout solutions, consisting of brand identity overviews, logo designs, and lead generator styles, aid services develop a cohesive and impactful brand name image.

Count on and Excellence in Marketing.

Good Agency thinks that every company should have a reputable marketing partner that runs with integrity and quality. Their dedication to these worths, integrated with their comprehensive service offerings and tested performance history, makes them a perfect partner for services looking to enhance their marketing initiatives and accomplish lasting growth.

In a market filled with advertising companies, Good Agency sticks out by concentrating on what absolutely matters: providing results via tactical, client-centered advertising and marketing. Whether you require a brand-new site, compelling video clip content, or a clear and reliable advertising and marketing message, Good Agency is equipped to lead your business to success.


2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and How2024 IRMAA Brackets: Amounts and How


How the IRMAA Brackets adjust:

When Congress created Medicare IRMAA back in 2003 through the passing of the Medicare Modernization Act, they ruled that the IRMAA Brackets would adjust by

“The percentage (if any) by which the average of the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (United States city average) for the 12-month period ending with August of the preceding calendar year exceeds such average for the 12-month period.”

So, if the CPI-U at the end of August of the current year is greater than the previous August then the IRMAA Brackets will increase. Note the inflation rate does not determine IRMAA costs.

By the way there is no language that would stop the IRMAA Brackets from going down if the CPI-U would actually deflate from year to year.

In terms of the all the Thresholds within the IRMAA Brackets, due to the passing of the Bi-Partisan Budget Act of 2018 the 5th Threshold in the IRMAA Brackets will not adjust for inflation until 2028.

What is IRMAA:

IRMAA is short for Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount which is according to the Code of Federal Regulations:

“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.

IRMAA - Medicare Logo

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.


Website Design in SA: The Importance of Intuitive Web CreationWebsite Design in SA: The Importance of Intuitive Web Creation


A superb - will aid South Australia companies in capturing and maintaining clients on the web. It will also facilitate potential customer nurturing and transaction growth. Look for a website creator who understands this and is able to accomplish the desired outcomes.

User-friendly

Developing a user-friendly website is essential to the achievement of any business. It entails ensuring the site is simple to browse and includes all the facts a prospective customer needs. It should additionally be visually appealing and possess a streamlined layout. A Online platform that is simple to browse will boost visitor flow and generate higher revenue.

A experienced expert such as - will utilize their proficiency to craft a bespoke website that is individual and customized to your SA enterprise. They will assist you in choosing the ideal color scheme, lettering, and imagery to create an representation that mirrors your company image. They will additionally ensure the site is responsive and enhanced for online search enhancement. These factors will guarantee visitors encounter your webpage on diverse devices, which include desktop computers and mobile phones.

The initial perception your business forms on the web is by means of its site. A subpar site could discourage prospective patrons and damage your image. Enlisting the Support of a digital design firm that recognizes the importance of easy-to-use creation and is able to deliver a high-Quality outcome is vital.

In addition to intuitive design, your site ought to be easy to modify. A webpage with a content management system will enable you to edit the content and include new webpages without requiring a expert creator. This will spare you time and money.

Responsive

Whether your clients utilize desktops, smartphones, or tablets, they anticipate your website to be mobile-friendly. It will modify its design and functionalities to accommodate the gadget. It will furthermore be optimized for each platform’s screen size and orientation.

A skillfully designed device-responsive site will provide an ideal visual interaction and stimulate guests to stay longer. Additionally, it will improve web search placements. Google’s algorithm rewards websites that are compatible with mobile devices and penalizes those that are not. A proficient web design company will assure that your webpage is adapted for different devices and optimized for SEO.

Responsive creation is a web development approach that utilizes fluid, proportion-based grids and elastic images to construct a sole webpage for various gadgets. It is a modern alternative to the traditional fixed-width, mobile-first method. Website creators utilize media queries and breakpoints to define how a webpage should respond at varying screen sizes. According to the platform, you may want to incorporate other image sizes and text styles.

Amongst the chief perks of adaptable web design is that it allows you to monitor your webpage’s progress in one interface. All your data is combined in one location, regardless of guests’ gadgets. It will also enable you to see the count of visitors you attract from individual device. It is a crucial part of your marketing strategy and will assist you in enhancing your search engine enhancement placement.

If your webpage is not responsive, it will be seen as amateurish and challenging to explore by your possible patrons. It can result in them not suggesting your business to others. It is vital to comprehend that mobile visitors have a limited focus, so sustaining your text brief and evident is vital. It will help you in holding onto your visitors and developing your enterprise.