Financial/Investing

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released the results of a survey of private-sector establishments about their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began two years ago. The survey was conducted between July and September 2021 and found that 34.5 percent of firms nationally increased telework. This is the same percentage as in Georgia; in South Carolina, it was 31.2 percent. More than 60 percent of firms plan on keeping the increases permanent once the pandemic is over. Firms also increased their offering of flexible work hours (24.6 percent

  Dr. Rick Franza is the Dean of the Hull College of Business who discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, we take a look at how our national security policy has to involve our economic policy. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: When we think of national security, we generally think about the military. But what is the economy’s role in protecting us? Rick: Our national security policy and our economic policy have to be intertwined. You’ve got to

Kurt Mueller’s personal investment strategy hasn’t changed a bit since Russia invaded Ukraine, and he has helped his clients avoid panicking about the current uncertainty surrounding the stock market. Mueller, the certified financial planner for Apollon Wealth Management’s Augusta office, called each client to discuss the situation and ease their anxiety. His advice on investment strategy varies based on a client’s age, risk tolerance, and financial goals, among other factors. “Some investors make major changes based on news headlines,” he said. “I’m not sure that’s the correct approach.” In the

Drive, hard work and asking questions propelled Tom Mastny to a three-year Major League baseball career. Now, he’s using those same attributes to help CSRA businesses contain health care costs. Mastny is CEO of The Pennant Group, a health benefits company that helps employers dig deeper to discover the reasons for high health costs and then find ways to reduce or contain those costs. “It’s the ‘hidden paycheck,’” Mastny said about the health care costs. “Most employees don’t understand all the things taken out of their check, and if you