Nicole Fallon

1 month ago | businessandamerica.com | Nicole Fallon

Over the last decade, the number of Americans actively preparing for disaster has skyrocketed. According to FEMA data, the number of self-identified “preppers” has nearly doubled since 2017, reaching 20 million. Part of that preparation sometimes includes a “panic room” or bunker to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

1 month ago | investopedia.com | Nicole Fallon

Over the last decade, the number of Americans actively preparing for disaster has skyrocketed. According to FEMA data, the number of self-identified "preppers" has nearly doubled since 2017, reaching 20 million. Part of that preparation sometimes includes a "panic room" or bunker to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

1 month ago | uschamber.com | Nicole Fallon

From the ever-changing tariff landscape to the looming “tax cliff” and workforce shortages, small business owners have faced a lot of uncertainty in 2025 so far. During CO—’s 2025 Small Business Day, Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Mulvey sat down with Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss these issues.

1 month ago | investopedia.com | Nicole Fallon |Nicole Fallon-Peek

If you're expecting your 2024 federal tax refund to arrive in the mail, it might be the last time you get a paper check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the U.S. Treasury will stop issuing all paper checks by Sept. 30, 2025, including for tax refunds. That means going forward, most taxpayers will need to receive their refunds electronically through direct deposit, a debit card, or other digital payment methods.

1 month ago | uschamber.com | Nicole Fallon

The Q1 2025 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index (SBI) showed a noticeable dip in confidence among small business owners, driven by increased concerns around revenue and persistent inflation. The overall Index score fell to 62.3 this quarter, down from 69.1 in Q4 2024. While owners are still optimistic about areas like hiring and investment, there’s growing anxiety around financial stability, which means businesses may take a more cautious approach heading into Q2.