An activity cost driver is anything that causes a company’s variable costs to either reduce or grow. Since measuring an activity cost driver is a way to streamline the administration of managing production costs, it’s an integral part of activity-based costing.
Examples of activity-cost drivers are warehouse expenses, modifying engineering designs, and retooling, setup, and maintenance costs for machining needs. This can include higher warehouse expenses due to increased rents or leases, which add to the final amount of the product or service’s sales price. Machining costs include initial setups for initial production and ongoing maintenance costs for continued runs. If production needs to be re-engineered to different production parameters, those professional revision costs need to be added to the ultimate product or service cost calculations.
These cost drivers are used as a starting point to project the business’ operational and profitability goals through the use of activity-based costing (ABC), a type of managerial accounting.
ABC accounting is a way to determine the expenses of each output by looking at the inputs used during the company’s operations, be it power for the machinery, Information Technology (IT) needs, or labor.
It’s important to know that one variable expense can impact multiple single activity cost drivers. For example, wage costs and machining expenses can be identified as activity cost drivers in connection with production. The first step is looking at how ABC accounting can determine indirect costs.
Activity-Based Costing Illustration
A business wants to look at how its production space and its lease or real estate and property tax costs are attributable to individual widgets or services, based on the percentage dedicated to the respective product or service. If it’s not allocated properly, determining sales prices and profitability can be negatively impacted.
If a company has two product lines with the same retail prices and production quotas, with direct costs of $700 and $250, it’s important to see how the production area for each product impacts the company’s overall operations. If the first item uses 40 percent of the production area and the second item uses 60 percent of the production area, and the rent is $1,500, the rent needs to be factored in. The first item would see an additional cost of $600 plus the original $700, or a total of $1,300. The second item’s cost would be $900 for the rent and $250 for the item, or a total of $1,150. While the initial direct cost for the first item seems higher than the second item, when factoring in all costs, this time it’s still true – but that’s not always the case.
Once this has been established, and then a company receives a new order, the following illustrates how measuring an activity cost driver, such as performing maintenance on machines after a production run, will cost the company to have it ready for their next order. If it costs a company $200 for machine maintenance and it produces 1,000 widgets, a $0.20/widget cost would be factored into margins and retail pricing.
While this provides an overview of how activity cost drivers work, it is part of a comprehensive approach to how businesses measure their margins and ultimately profitability.
Defining An Activity Cost Driver
January 1, 2026 · Blog, General Business News
⏱ 3 min read
An activity cost driver is anything that causes a company’s variable costs to either reduce or grow. Since measuring an activity cost driver is a way to streamline the administration of managing production costs, it’s an integral part of activity-based costing.
Examples of activity-cost drivers are warehouse expenses, modifying engineering designs, and retooling, setup, and maintenance costs for machining needs. This can include higher warehouse expenses due to increased rents or leases, which add to the final amount of the product or service’s sales price. Machining costs include initial setups for initial production and ongoing maintenance costs for continued runs. If production needs to be re-engineered to different production parameters, those professional revision costs need to be added to the ultimate product or service cost calculations.
These cost drivers are used as a starting point to project the business’ operational and profitability goals through the use of activity-based costing (ABC), a type of managerial accounting.
ABC accounting is a way to determine the expenses of each output by looking at the inputs used during the company’s operations, be it power for the machinery, Information Technology (IT) needs, or labor.
It’s important to know that one variable expense can impact multiple single activity cost drivers. For example, wage costs and machining expenses can be identified as activity cost drivers in connection with production. The first step is looking at how ABC accounting can determine indirect costs.
Activity-Based Costing Illustration
A business wants to look at how its production space and its lease or real estate and property tax costs are attributable to individual widgets or services, based on the percentage dedicated to the respective product or service. If it’s not allocated properly, determining sales prices and profitability can be negatively impacted.
If a company has two product lines with the same retail prices and production quotas, with direct costs of $700 and $250, it’s important to see how the production area for each product impacts the company’s overall operations. If the first item uses 40 percent of the production area and the second item uses 60 percent of the production area, and the rent is $1,500, the rent needs to be factored in. The first item would see an additional cost of $600 plus the original $700, or a total of $1,300. The second item’s cost would be $900 for the rent and $250 for the item, or a total of $1,150. While the initial direct cost for the first item seems higher than the second item, when factoring in all costs, this time it’s still true – but that’s not always the case.
Once this has been established, and then a company receives a new order, the following illustrates how measuring an activity cost driver, such as performing maintenance on machines after a production run, will cost the company to have it ready for their next order. If it costs a company $200 for machine maintenance and it produces 1,000 widgets, a $0.20/widget cost would be factored into margins and retail pricing.
While this provides an overview of how activity cost drivers work, it is part of a comprehensive approach to how businesses measure their margins and ultimately profitability.
Disclaimer
These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
The way people interact with the web is changing fast. Attention spans are shorter, app fatigue is real, and users no longer want to download, sign up, or navigate complex interfaces just to engage with content. New technologies like frictionless web-based augmented reality (WebAR) are emerging as powerful solutions.
This shift opens great opportunities for creators, brands, and small businesses.
What is Frictionless WebAR?
Every extra step between a user and an experience reduces engagement. Downloading apps, dealing with permissions, updates, and onboarding screens all create friction. However, frictionless WebAR is delivered directly through a web browser. It uses web standards like WebXR and WebGL to deliver digital content without downloads or installations. With a shift in how value is created, communicated, and converted, it is possible to have interactive storytelling, experiential funnels, immersive education, and hyper-local marketing. All this is without the costs and complexity involved in traditional AR.
Transitioning from the attention economy to the experience economy has been driven by content overload from content, ads, and interfaces competing for clicks. As a result:
Users avoid downloading new apps
Click-through rates are declining
Trust is harder to build through a flat screen alone
Static content struggles to hold attention
Frictionless WebAR addresses these barriers.
Users can easily scan a QR code or tap a link and instantly see a product, explore a story in 3D form, or interact with information visually.
From a business perspective, the value lies in zero-friction entry, instant immersion, and seamless connection between physical and digital worlds. This is because WebAR does not require large development teams or app store approvals. It is lightweight, fast, and accessible. This makes it viable not only for big brands but also for solo creators and small businesses.
From Passive Content to Active Experiences
With most digital content, users scroll, read, watch, and move on. Frictionless WebAR is built to turn audiences into participants. Instead of reading about a product, users can see it in a 3D model. Instead of watching a story, they can step inside it. When audiences interact with something in their own environment:
Engagement time increases
Emotional connections deepen
Information is remembered longer
Purchase confidence improves
Practical Opportunities for Creators
For filmmakers, artists, game developers, and content creators, frictionless WebAR transforms static content into dynamic, interactive narratives. For instance, scanning a QR code in a physical comic book brings a character to life. This deepens immersion and extends the narrative beyond the printed book. Other examples include AR-enhanced portfolios that showcase work in 3D, behind-the-scenes experiences tied to a QR code, and interactive course previews.
Creators can also monetize WebAR by offering premium AR experiences, bundling AR with digital products, launching interactive experiences for sponsors, and enhancing membership or community access. This makes WebAR part of a creator’s intellectual property and not just a marketing tool.
Practical Opportunities for Brands
Brands leverage WebAR for immersive marketing. Experiential funnels leverage WebAR, allowing brands to engage customers in ways traditional advertising cannot. A good example is a brand launching a new shoe, and customers can scan a QR code on a poster and “try on” the virtual sneakers to see how they look in real time. Luxury brands can offer “virtual showroom” experiences with interactions that deepen the emotional connection.
The low-barrier interaction means higher engagement rates as potential customers are more likely to participate in an experience that doesn’t demand an app download or login.
Practical Opportunities for Small Businesses
Small businesses often struggle to compete with larger brands online. However, now they can access cost-effective WebAR without native app development. This equalizer offers sophisticated marketing and customer engagement tools without the need for a massive budget or IT team. This saves on resources and enables quick campaigns like seasonal promotions.
Since WebAR works through web browsers, a business can gain detailed analytics, such as user behavior. For instance, getting detailed data on dwell time or how long people engage in the experience can indicate how compelling the content is. Spatial analytics, on the other hand, measure how much time users spend on specific scenes, helping make necessary tweaks to optimize user experience. The data collected helps better understand customers and how they engage with content.
Conclusion
Frictionless WebAR represents a fundamental change in how value is delivered online. For creators, brands, and small businesses, it offers a way to stand out by inviting people into meaningful experiences.
In a crowded digital space, ease of access is a competitive advantage.
What Frictionless WebAR Means for Creators, Brands and Small Businesses
January 1, 2026 · Blog, What's New in Technology
⏱ 4 min read
The way people interact with the web is changing fast. Attention spans are shorter, app fatigue is real, and users no longer want to download, sign up, or navigate complex interfaces just to engage with content. New technologies like frictionless web-based augmented reality (WebAR) are emerging as powerful solutions.
This shift opens great opportunities for creators, brands, and small businesses.
What is Frictionless WebAR?
Every extra step between a user and an experience reduces engagement. Downloading apps, dealing with permissions, updates, and onboarding screens all create friction. However, frictionless WebAR is delivered directly through a web browser. It uses web standards like WebXR and WebGL to deliver digital content without downloads or installations. With a shift in how value is created, communicated, and converted, it is possible to have interactive storytelling, experiential funnels, immersive education, and hyper-local marketing. All this is without the costs and complexity involved in traditional AR.
Transitioning from the attention economy to the experience economy has been driven by content overload from content, ads, and interfaces competing for clicks. As a result:
Users avoid downloading new apps
Click-through rates are declining
Trust is harder to build through a flat screen alone
Static content struggles to hold attention
Frictionless WebAR addresses these barriers.
Users can easily scan a QR code or tap a link and instantly see a product, explore a story in 3D form, or interact with information visually.
From a business perspective, the value lies in zero-friction entry, instant immersion, and seamless connection between physical and digital worlds. This is because WebAR does not require large development teams or app store approvals. It is lightweight, fast, and accessible. This makes it viable not only for big brands but also for solo creators and small businesses.
From Passive Content to Active Experiences
With most digital content, users scroll, read, watch, and move on. Frictionless WebAR is built to turn audiences into participants. Instead of reading about a product, users can see it in a 3D model. Instead of watching a story, they can step inside it. When audiences interact with something in their own environment:
Engagement time increases
Emotional connections deepen
Information is remembered longer
Purchase confidence improves
Practical Opportunities for Creators
For filmmakers, artists, game developers, and content creators, frictionless WebAR transforms static content into dynamic, interactive narratives. For instance, scanning a QR code in a physical comic book brings a character to life. This deepens immersion and extends the narrative beyond the printed book. Other examples include AR-enhanced portfolios that showcase work in 3D, behind-the-scenes experiences tied to a QR code, and interactive course previews.
Creators can also monetize WebAR by offering premium AR experiences, bundling AR with digital products, launching interactive experiences for sponsors, and enhancing membership or community access. This makes WebAR part of a creator’s intellectual property and not just a marketing tool.
Practical Opportunities for Brands
Brands leverage WebAR for immersive marketing. Experiential funnels leverage WebAR, allowing brands to engage customers in ways traditional advertising cannot. A good example is a brand launching a new shoe, and customers can scan a QR code on a poster and “try on” the virtual sneakers to see how they look in real time. Luxury brands can offer “virtual showroom” experiences with interactions that deepen the emotional connection.
The low-barrier interaction means higher engagement rates as potential customers are more likely to participate in an experience that doesn’t demand an app download or login.
Practical Opportunities for Small Businesses
Small businesses often struggle to compete with larger brands online. However, now they can access cost-effective WebAR without native app development. This equalizer offers sophisticated marketing and customer engagement tools without the need for a massive budget or IT team. This saves on resources and enables quick campaigns like seasonal promotions.
Since WebAR works through web browsers, a business can gain detailed analytics, such as user behavior. For instance, getting detailed data on dwell time or how long people engage in the experience can indicate how compelling the content is. Spatial analytics, on the other hand, measure how much time users spend on specific scenes, helping make necessary tweaks to optimize user experience. The data collected helps better understand customers and how they engage with content.
Conclusion
Frictionless WebAR represents a fundamental change in how value is delivered online. For creators, brands, and small businesses, it offers a way to stand out by inviting people into meaningful experiences.
In a crowded digital space, ease of access is a competitive advantage.
Disclaimer
These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind, then passive income could be for you. While not a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a way to build systems that contribute to financial stability and extra money. It can even support long-term goals like early retirement. Here’s a high-level look at what it is and how it works.
Types of Passive Income Sources
Investment Income This includes individual stocks or mutual funds, interest payments from corporate bonds, or capital gains from selling securities at a profit. While they all involve risk, these types of investments can compound and grow over time.
Rental Income Depending on where your property is, this could be a cash cow. The money you earn can cover the mortgage, taxes, maintenance, and other miscellaneous expenses. The best part? You could earn a sweet sum of money.
REITs and Crowdfunded Real Estate REITs (real estate investment trusts) and crowdfunded real estate platforms allow you to invest in properties without having to buy them yourself. You earn net rental income in the form of dividends without the headache of managing the property. Not bad, right?
Business Income You earn this money by not actually participating in the operations. For example, you might invest in a restaurant. Others run the daily business while you receive a percentage of the profits. Sweet.
Intellectual Property Royalties Pen a book. Write a song. Create an online course. You’ll reap the rewards long after the work is completed.
High-Yield Savings Accounts Yes, this might yield small returns, but it’s a great way to put your money to work.
What are the benefits? There are many.
Wealth Building When you reinvest your dividends, save and invest your rental profits and royalties, you’ll steadily create a nest egg that will compound and grow, grow, grow.
Financial Freedom While this type of capital building takes time, it can supplement, if not replace, your day job.
Time Flexibility You don’t have to work on this revenue stream every day, which is the beauty of it. It clears up time for you to live your life.
Diversification When you have more than one income source, it can act as somewhat of a safety net, should your main way of earning a living dry up.
Risks and Taxes
While passive income can and does build wealth, it’s not without risks. Markets may fluctuate. Property values might decrease. Companies that are part of third-party crowdfunding could shut down. You’ll also have to pay taxes, as you must report your earnings. Selling stocks or properties can trigger capital gains.
Passive income has pros and cons. Only you can decide how risk-averse or tolerant you are. If this type of investing is for you, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll create financial security – and freedom.
Sources
https://www.crediful.com/what-is-passive-income/
Passive Income 101
January 1, 2026 · Blog, Tip of the Month
⏱ 3 min read
If you’re tired of the 9-to-5 grind, then passive income could be for you. While not a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a way to build systems that contribute to financial stability and extra money. It can even support long-term goals like early retirement. Here’s a high-level look at what it is and how it works.
Types of Passive Income Sources
Investment Income This includes individual stocks or mutual funds, interest payments from corporate bonds, or capital gains from selling securities at a profit. While they all involve risk, these types of investments can compound and grow over time.
Rental Income Depending on where your property is, this could be a cash cow. The money you earn can cover the mortgage, taxes, maintenance, and other miscellaneous expenses. The best part? You could earn a sweet sum of money.
REITs and Crowdfunded Real Estate REITs (real estate investment trusts) and crowdfunded real estate platforms allow you to invest in properties without having to buy them yourself. You earn net rental income in the form of dividends without the headache of managing the property. Not bad, right?
Business Income You earn this money by not actually participating in the operations. For example, you might invest in a restaurant. Others run the daily business while you receive a percentage of the profits. Sweet.
Intellectual Property Royalties Pen a book. Write a song. Create an online course. You’ll reap the rewards long after the work is completed.
High-Yield Savings Accounts Yes, this might yield small returns, but it’s a great way to put your money to work.
What are the benefits? There are many.
Wealth Building When you reinvest your dividends, save and invest your rental profits and royalties, you’ll steadily create a nest egg that will compound and grow, grow, grow.
Financial Freedom While this type of capital building takes time, it can supplement, if not replace, your day job.
Time Flexibility You don’t have to work on this revenue stream every day, which is the beauty of it. It clears up time for you to live your life.
Diversification When you have more than one income source, it can act as somewhat of a safety net, should your main way of earning a living dry up.
Risks and Taxes
While passive income can and does build wealth, it’s not without risks. Markets may fluctuate. Property values might decrease. Companies that are part of third-party crowdfunding could shut down. You’ll also have to pay taxes, as you must report your earnings. Selling stocks or properties can trigger capital gains.
Passive income has pros and cons. Only you can decide how risk-averse or tolerant you are. If this type of investing is for you, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll create financial security – and freedom.
Sources
https://www.crediful.com/what-is-passive-income/
Disclaimer
These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
In 2024, the median household income in the United States was $83,730. However, the national average annual cost of 24-hour paid long-term care (LTC) for a retiree age 65 and older was more than $125,000, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Moreover, one in five seniors will require care for more than five years.
Obviously, the math varies by household, but the reality is that the majority of older Americans who rely on paid caregiving will use much of their retirement savings and investments to pay for it. When considering insurance, there are presently two options: Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) and Hybrid Life Insurance with an LTC component. Be aware that each policy offers a throng of variations and exclusions, so it is important to dig into the details of individual policies before making a decision.
Long Term Care Insurance
Purchasing a long-term care insurance policy can help offset the cost of caregiving for either in-home care (in some cases, even payouts for family caregivers) or care outside the home (e.g., adult daycare services, assisted living, memory care, nursing home). However, it’s important to understand the following about LTCi.
It can be quite expensive.
Premiums can range from $2,000 a year for a man in his 50s to more than $12,000 a year for a woman in her 70s. Furthermore, premiums increase annually until benefits begin (premiums cease while benefits are paid).
It may not cover the full cost of care.
Unless care is needed for only a few hours a day, long-term care policies generally do not cover the full cost of paid caregiving. For example, let’s say a policy pays $150 a day, but the owner needs care for eight hours a day. His in-home caregiver charges $30 an hour. That means his cost is $240 a day, so he’ll have to pay the additional $90 a day out of his own pocket. That’s
up to $2,790 a month or $32,850 a year. So, while LTCi can help defray the cost, someone who needs extensive care must have other assets to cover the rest of the cost. For an elderly person who needs 24-hour home care, the cost can be exponential.
Many new policies cover only a handful of years.
When you purchase an LTCi policy, you choose from various options that increase or decrease your premium. For example, coverage periods may range from two years to five years to life. You may also select a waiting period before coverage begins after purchase, which could range from 30 days to 365 days. The longer the wait period, the lower the premium. If you have an immediate need for coverage, you might be denied coverage altogether. That is why it’s best to purchase coverage when you are younger (50s) and presumably healthy.
You don’t get to choose when to start benefits.
LTCi coverage doesn’t kick in until you qualify, which generally means you are no longer able to independently conduct some or all of the prescribed daily living activities. The five primary qualifiers are bathing, going to the toilet, dressing yourself, feeding yourself, and the ability to move from bed to chair/wheelchair. Qualification to begin taking LTCi benefits usually requires physician verification.
The downside of a standalone LTCi policy is that it is a “use-it-or-lose-it” type of contract, much like auto or homeowner’s insurance. In other words, you may pay for it for decades but never actually use it, so all the premiums paid are lost.
Hybrid Life/Long Term Care Insurance
On the other hand, a hybrid insurance policy will pay out some portion of unused proceeds to beneficiaries upon the death of the policyowner. A hybrid policy is basically a life insurance policy with an LTCi rider or an accelerated benefit clause, which, either way, means it will cost more.
First and foremost, it works just like life insurance – once the owner passes away, the beneficiary receives a payout. However, if the owner needs money to pay for long-term care while he is still alive, he can tap the rider or life insurance payout to pay for the care. Then, when he passes away, his heirs receive any amount of the unused proceeds. With this type of policy, the owner doesn’t pay for LTCi coverage he does not need, but it’s available if he does need it.
Premiums for a hybrid policy, like any life insurance, depend on the age, gender, health, and amount of insurance proceeds desired, as well as any additional charge for the LTCi rider. Some policies include LTC benefits as a standard feature.
Employer-Sponsored Benefit
If your employer offers long-term care insurance as a voluntary benefit, it’s worth considering because group rates are generally cheaper than on the individual market. However, while employer-sponsored LTCi policies are usually portable – meaning you can keep paying for it after you leave your employer – your premiums may increase when no longer part of the group policy.
As always, reach out to a professional when it comes to planning for you and your family’s future care.
Long Term Care Insurance Options
December 1, 2025 · Blog, Financial Planning
⏱ 5 min read
In 2024, the median household income in the United States was $83,730. However, the national average annual cost of 24-hour paid long-term care (LTC) for a retiree age 65 and older was more than $125,000, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Moreover, one in five seniors will require care for more than five years.
Obviously, the math varies by household, but the reality is that the majority of older Americans who rely on paid caregiving will use much of their retirement savings and investments to pay for it. When considering insurance, there are presently two options: Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) and Hybrid Life Insurance with an LTC component. Be aware that each policy offers a throng of variations and exclusions, so it is important to dig into the details of individual policies before making a decision.
Long Term Care Insurance
Purchasing a long-term care insurance policy can help offset the cost of caregiving for either in-home care (in some cases, even payouts for family caregivers) or care outside the home (e.g., adult daycare services, assisted living, memory care, nursing home). However, it’s important to understand the following about LTCi.
It can be quite expensive.
Premiums can range from $2,000 a year for a man in his 50s to more than $12,000 a year for a woman in her 70s. Furthermore, premiums increase annually until benefits begin (premiums cease while benefits are paid).
It may not cover the full cost of care.
Unless care is needed for only a few hours a day, long-term care policies generally do not cover the full cost of paid caregiving. For example, let’s say a policy pays $150 a day, but the owner needs care for eight hours a day. His in-home caregiver charges $30 an hour. That means his cost is $240 a day, so he’ll have to pay the additional $90 a day out of his own pocket. That’s
up to $2,790 a month or $32,850 a year. So, while LTCi can help defray the cost, someone who needs extensive care must have other assets to cover the rest of the cost. For an elderly person who needs 24-hour home care, the cost can be exponential.
Many new policies cover only a handful of years.
When you purchase an LTCi policy, you choose from various options that increase or decrease your premium. For example, coverage periods may range from two years to five years to life. You may also select a waiting period before coverage begins after purchase, which could range from 30 days to 365 days. The longer the wait period, the lower the premium. If you have an immediate need for coverage, you might be denied coverage altogether. That is why it’s best to purchase coverage when you are younger (50s) and presumably healthy.
You don’t get to choose when to start benefits.
LTCi coverage doesn’t kick in until you qualify, which generally means you are no longer able to independently conduct some or all of the prescribed daily living activities. The five primary qualifiers are bathing, going to the toilet, dressing yourself, feeding yourself, and the ability to move from bed to chair/wheelchair. Qualification to begin taking LTCi benefits usually requires physician verification.
The downside of a standalone LTCi policy is that it is a “use-it-or-lose-it” type of contract, much like auto or homeowner’s insurance. In other words, you may pay for it for decades but never actually use it, so all the premiums paid are lost.
Hybrid Life/Long Term Care Insurance
On the other hand, a hybrid insurance policy will pay out some portion of unused proceeds to beneficiaries upon the death of the policyowner. A hybrid policy is basically a life insurance policy with an LTCi rider or an accelerated benefit clause, which, either way, means it will cost more.
First and foremost, it works just like life insurance – once the owner passes away, the beneficiary receives a payout. However, if the owner needs money to pay for long-term care while he is still alive, he can tap the rider or life insurance payout to pay for the care. Then, when he passes away, his heirs receive any amount of the unused proceeds. With this type of policy, the owner doesn’t pay for LTCi coverage he does not need, but it’s available if he does need it.
Premiums for a hybrid policy, like any life insurance, depend on the age, gender, health, and amount of insurance proceeds desired, as well as any additional charge for the LTCi rider. Some policies include LTC benefits as a standard feature.
Employer-Sponsored Benefit
If your employer offers long-term care insurance as a voluntary benefit, it’s worth considering because group rates are generally cheaper than on the individual market. However, while employer-sponsored LTCi policies are usually portable – meaning you can keep paying for it after you leave your employer – your premiums may increase when no longer part of the group policy.
As always, reach out to a professional when it comes to planning for you and your family’s future care.
Disclaimer
These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
Epstein Files Transparency Act (HR 4405) – The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records in its possession of investigations and court cases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and also faced new sex trafficking charges prior to his 2019 death in custody. The files are expected to reveal the names of other people involved in the sex trafficking scheme. The act was initially introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on July 15. It was updated and passed in the House on Nov. 18, in the Senate the next day, with only one opposing vote between the two chambers. The bill was signed into law by the president on Nov. 19. The DOJ has up to 30 days to release the documents, which may be lightly redacted to protect against unwarranted invasion of privacy, such as victim names and medical data.
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (HR 5371) – This is the bill that ended the federal government shutdown. It includes funding for the remainder of the fiscal year for the food assistance program SNAP, the Department of Agriculture, the FDA, the military, Veterans Affairs, and Congress through Sept. 30, 2026. However, it stops short of funding approval beyond Jan. 30, 2026, for Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS); Defense, Energy and Water; Financial Services and General Government (FSGG); Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS); State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs; Transportation; and Housing and Urban Development. The continuing resolution did contain a few ancillary provisions, including mandatory backpay and rehiring of all federal employees furloughed or laid off during the shutdown. The original version of the bill was introduced on Sept. 16 by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK). It passed in the House on Sept. 19 and failed in the Senate 14 times before a revised bill was passed on Nov. 10. The final bill, with changes, passed in the House on Nov. 12 and was signed into law on the same day.
District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 (HR 5214) – This bill was introduced on Sept. 8 by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). It represents Republicans’ ongoing battle over who has jurisdiction over Washington, D.C.’s law enforcement and justice system. The bill would return to a cash bail system and require automatic detention of those charged under a wider set of offenses. The new confinement rule counters D.C.’s long-standing system of judge discretion regarding detention or supervised release. The bill passed in the House on Nov. 19 and currently lies in the Senate.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act (HR 2659) – This bipartisan legislation represents a federal strategy to strengthen U.S. cyber defenses to counter China’s attempts to actively target American infrastructure. Unfortunately, the bill does not apply to other hostile state-sponsored cyber actors such as Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Introduced by Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN) on April 7, the bill passed in the House on Nov. 17 and currently rests with the Senate.
Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 (HR 1608) – This bipartisan bill seeks to address the rising threat of vehicle-based attacks, including the possible misuse of autonomous vehicles, rideshare platforms, and connected vehicle technologies. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) on Feb. 26 and passed in the House on Nov. 17. It currently awaits consideration by the Senate.
Partial Government Funding, Promoting Transparency and Protecting Against Foreign Terrorism
December 1, 2025 · Blog, Congress at Work
⏱ 3 min read
Epstein Files Transparency Act (HR 4405) – The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records in its possession of investigations and court cases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and also faced new sex trafficking charges prior to his 2019 death in custody. The files are expected to reveal the names of other people involved in the sex trafficking scheme. The act was initially introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on July 15. It was updated and passed in the House on Nov. 18, in the Senate the next day, with only one opposing vote between the two chambers. The bill was signed into law by the president on Nov. 19. The DOJ has up to 30 days to release the documents, which may be lightly redacted to protect against unwarranted invasion of privacy, such as victim names and medical data.
Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (HR 5371) – This is the bill that ended the federal government shutdown. It includes funding for the remainder of the fiscal year for the food assistance program SNAP, the Department of Agriculture, the FDA, the military, Veterans Affairs, and Congress through Sept. 30, 2026. However, it stops short of funding approval beyond Jan. 30, 2026, for Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS); Defense, Energy and Water; Financial Services and General Government (FSGG); Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS); State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs; Transportation; and Housing and Urban Development. The continuing resolution did contain a few ancillary provisions, including mandatory backpay and rehiring of all federal employees furloughed or laid off during the shutdown. The original version of the bill was introduced on Sept. 16 by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK). It passed in the House on Sept. 19 and failed in the Senate 14 times before a revised bill was passed on Nov. 10. The final bill, with changes, passed in the House on Nov. 12 and was signed into law on the same day.
District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 (HR 5214) – This bill was introduced on Sept. 8 by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). It represents Republicans’ ongoing battle over who has jurisdiction over Washington, D.C.’s law enforcement and justice system. The bill would return to a cash bail system and require automatic detention of those charged under a wider set of offenses. The new confinement rule counters D.C.’s long-standing system of judge discretion regarding detention or supervised release. The bill passed in the House on Nov. 19 and currently lies in the Senate.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act (HR 2659) – This bipartisan legislation represents a federal strategy to strengthen U.S. cyber defenses to counter China’s attempts to actively target American infrastructure. Unfortunately, the bill does not apply to other hostile state-sponsored cyber actors such as Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Introduced by Rep. Andrew Ogles (R-TN) on April 7, the bill passed in the House on Nov. 17 and currently rests with the Senate.
Department of Homeland Security Vehicular Terrorism Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2025 (HR 1608) – This bipartisan bill seeks to address the rising threat of vehicle-based attacks, including the possible misuse of autonomous vehicles, rideshare platforms, and connected vehicle technologies. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) on Feb. 26 and passed in the House on Nov. 17. It currently awaits consideration by the Senate.
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Epstein Files Transparency Act (HR 4405) – The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records in its possession of investigations and court cases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and also faced new sex trafficking charges prior to his 2019 death in custody. The files are expected to reveal the names of other people involved in the sex trafficking scheme. The act was initially introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on July 15. It was updated and passed in the House on Nov. 18, in the Senate the next day, with only one opposing vote between the two chambers. The bill was signed into law by the president on Nov. 19. The DOJ has up to 30 days to release the documents, which may be lightly redacted to protect against unwarranted invasion of privacy, such as victim names and medical data.