Aviation, Satcom and Hight RTT Enhancements

LONDON, UK, January 17, 2021 Today, Flytlink Ltd announced the immediate availability of the Fastapn service, in association with Transcom, enabling Travelers, Aircraft Owners, MRO’s and Airlines, utilizing and provisioning costly Aviation and Satellite Communications Internet services, to transparently access a global processing network that enhances throughput, removes inherent delay times and dramatically reduces bandwidth costs by eliminating unwanted background traffic at source.

“In tests, we monitored identified and prevented at source, as much as 52% of delivered data as unwanted and unknown background chatter,” said William Smith, CTO at Flytlink Ltd.

Positive Customer Impact

It’s very well known that communication services using systems that have high congestion or long paths, such as Geo satellites used on aircraft, do not fair well with terrestrial-based operating systems, this service dramatically enhances the user experience without any system modifications. In addition, these types of service are inherently expensive, and the Fastapn service suppresses unwanted and uncalled for data at the source.

the Fastapn service Availability

Fastapn is particularly suited to services that have high round trip times such as aviation, satellite, DVB, and high RTT connections, and by applying our service, can increase speeds, reduce delay times as well as concurrently blocking any unwanted data and background chatter at source, which can save substantial costs with your provider or pay by use service.

The Fastapn service speeds up high RTT connections by utilizing six different off-site enhancements and processes, including DTN, SmartAV DNS, Pepsal’s, and several known and proprietary Algorithms. The SmartAV DNS positions you in any of the six nodes locations, ideal for any geo sensitive needs you may have such as corporate VPN’s or local streaming.

There is no user software or hardware needed, but users can opt for any third party application to simplify selection of the global nodes and operating modes, and in association with Proxifier, we are able to bundle both the portable USB and installed versions, which also provides Realtime statistics, graphs, and connection information. Completely Destroys High RTT times

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The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Fastapn was developed in association with Flytlink Ltd and Transcom.

For more information, press only:

Contact : William Smith – CTO Flytlink Ltd

Phone : UK +44 203 966 4712 USA +1 720 598 8055

Email: sales@fastapn.com

For more information on the Fastapn service:

https://fastapn.com Fastapn website
https://flytlink.com Flytlink website

https://transcom.net Transcom website

William Smith – CTO Flytlink Ltd
Flytlink Ltd
+44 20 3966 4712
sales@fastapn.com

When we engaged the ALTA Estate Services, LLC to execute our family trust and estate plan, we took advantage of their Emergency Telephone Hotline Service. We thought it would be a good idea. Little did we know that we would reap a most unanticipated benefit.

Last week, we were at Wake Forest University to celebrate our granddaughter’s graduation. While touring the campus, I lost my cell phone. Not only did I lose my cell phone, but my wallet with credit cards, driver’s license, cash and other things that one carried in their wallet. As soon as I realized the loss, my mind went through all the implications of such a loss; the identification I need to board a plane to return home; the personal information on my phone.

First, we re-traced our steps hoping we’d see it lying on the ground. No luck. We then made contact with the campus police. They said nothing had been turned in but they would call my wife as soon as someone did. We had no choice but to go back to the hotel and wait for a call from the police. We didn’t have to wait long before we received an email from Alyssa Marino at ALTA Estate Services telling us that a kind soul had the wallet in his possession. In it he found ALTA’s Emergency Telephone Hotline card with their Emergency Telephone Hotline phone number. He then called ALTA to advise them that he had found my wallet. ALTA staff then immediately coordinated with this individual and the campus police to retrieve my phone/wallet.

Elated, I called the campus police station and they that they had my wallet! And were impressed that Alyssa’s email advising them of the situation came well before even the campus police received it.

Thanks to ALTA, we a had wonderful ending to what could have been a big disaster for us otherwise. More importantly, our confidence in ALTA’s commitment and follow through has been reinforced. We feel even more confident that in the event of a medical emergency, our family members will be in good hands with the staff at ALTA Estate Services.

Thank you again for all you have done for us.

LG
name omitted to protect confidentiality of client

– End of Letter – 

For more information on how you can implement the Emergency Telephone Hotline Program into your estate planning strategy, please contact us by clicking the button below, or calling (520) 797-1400.

Self-employed individuals and small businesses account for a significant portion of our country’s economy. During a global pandemic, like the one we’re experiencing now, small businesses suffer some of the hardest hits. Last March, the CARES Act allocated funding to support the U.S. economy and workers through the Coronavirus pandemic.

The legislation included a number of proposals aimed at supporting small businesses. For those hit hard due to forced closures and a sharp downturn in foot traffic, the PPP has served as a means to keeping doors open and employees paid. As we move forward in 2021, here’s where things stand with the PPP.

What Does the PPP Include?

The PPP is a forgivable loan program designed to encourage small businesses from laying off employees while staying afloat. It received an initial $350 million through the CARES Act and an additional $320 billion provided through the Enhancement Act. In December 2020, the program was injected with an additional $284 billion, offering small businesses another opportunity to receive loans.¹

Important aspects of the PPP include:²

• A delay in employer-side payroll taxes for Social Security until 2021 and 2022.
• 50 percent refundable payroll tax credit on worker wages to incentivize businesses, including those with fewer than 500 employees, to retain their current workforce.
• Sole proprietors and other self-employed workers may be eligible for the expanded unemployment insurance benefits the bill provides.

How Does the Paycheck Protection Program Work?

First introduced under the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently overseeing the Paycheck Protection Program. This program distributed an initial $350 billion to businesses that met certain requirements, and the loans were made available to companies with 500 or fewer employees.³ The Paycheck Protection Program had allocated all of its funds to businesses within a few weeks of its initial launch. In response, the government replenished the fund with an additional $320 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.²

With the latest installment of funding for the PPP, businesses are able to receive loans of up to $2 million, and these loans will be administered by banks and other lenders. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection loans will carry a maximum interest rate of one percent.²

Currently, the SBA guarantees small business loans that are distributed by a network of more than 800 lenders across the country. The program creates a form of emergency loan that has the potential to be forgiven when a certain percentage (depending on when you received your PPP loan) is used to maintain payroll.⁴ The program expands the network beyond the SBA so that more banks, credit unions and lenders can issue the appropriate loans.

If your business uses the loan funds for the correct purposes and maintains the approved size of your full-time workforce based on when you received the loan, the principal loan will be forgiven, meaning you will only need to pay back the interest accrued.² The primary purpose of these loans is to incentivize small businesses to refrain from laying off workers and ultimately rehire laid-off employees that have already lost jobs due to COVID-19.

What Types of Businesses Are Eligible For The Paycheck Protection Program?

In 2021, the Paycheck Protection Program offers loans for small businesses, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations with fewer than 300 employees as well as some 501(c)(19) veteran organizations. Food service businesses are also eligible if they employ fewer than 300 people per physical location.⁴

Self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and freelance or gig economy workers are also eligible to apply for financial assistance during this time. Even without a personal guarantee or collateral, businesses that are struggling can receive a loan as long as they were operational on February 15, 2020.²

Eligible borrowers are required to make a good-faith certification that the loan is necessary due to the uncertainty of current economic conditions caused by COVID-19.

How Do I Get a Payroll Protection Loan?

The loan program provides loans through:²

• SBA 7(a) lenders
• Federally insured depository institutions
• Federally insured credit unions
• Participating Farm Credit System institutions

As a small business owner or self-employed individual, it’s always important to be aware of your options in prosperous times and those of hardship. With some assistance and the promise of keeping your workers employed, your small business can continue to thrive.

1. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6395
2. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
3. https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/CARES%20Section-by-Section%20FINAL.PDF

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. https://silverman-associates.com/

The IRS released the final regulations and other guidance on the limitation on the deduction for business interest expenses under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that was amended by the CARES Act of 2020.

The 2017 tax overhaul limited the business deduction as a way of helping pay for the $1.5 trillion set of tax cuts, but the $2 trillion legislative package approved by Congress in March temporarily eliminated some of the restrictions as a way to help businesses cope with the impact of the pandemic.

Under the TCJA, for tax years starting after Dec. 31, 2017, business interest expense deductions are generally limited to the sum of:

• The taxpayer’s business interest income.
• Thirty percent (or 50%, as applicable) of the taxpayer’s adjusted taxable income.
• The taxpayer’s floor plan financing interest expense.

However, the business interest expense deduction limitation won’t apply to certain small businesses, electing farming businesses and certain regulated public utilities. The $26 million gross receipts threshold applies for the 2020 tax year and will be adjusted annually for inflation.

A real property trade or business or a farming business can elect to be exempted from the business interest expense limitation. However, taxpayers can’t claim the additional first-year depreciation deduction for certain types of property held by the electing trade or business.

Taxpayers must use Form 8990, Limitation on Business Interest Expense Under Section 163(j), to calculate and report their deductions and the amount of disallowed business interest expenses to carry forward to the next tax year.

Along with the final regulations, the IRS also issued extra guidance related to the business interest expense limitation. These proposed regulations spell out additional guidance on different business interest expense deduction limitation issues not addressed in the final regulations, including more complex issues pertaining to the amendments made by the CARES Act. Subject to some restrictions, taxpayers can rely on some of the rules in the proposed regulations until final regulations implementing the proposed regulations are published in the Federal Register.

The IRS has also provided an FAQ list regarding the aggregation rules under section 448(c)(2) that apply to the section 163(j) small-business exemption.

Both the final and proposed rules are complex, and companies should get professional advice on how the rules apply to them.

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2020 is a year most of us would prefer to forget. When the year started, nobody expected natural disasters of historic proportion, the COVID-19 pandemic or the residual economic hardships that followed. But with the first year of the new decade officially behind us, how can you better prepare your finances for whatever 2021 may bring? Our seven suggestions are below.

Vow #1: Thou Shalt… Establish an Emergency Fund

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s the importance of preparing for the unexpected. Establishing an emergency fund is crucial when it comes to being financially ready for medical emergencies, house repairs, car maintenance, etc.

Money tucked away in an emergency fund is meant to help cover the costs that are not part of your normal monthly expenses. Without an emergency fund, any unexpected event, even a small one, could set you back significantly. While you may not be able to put the same amount away every month, every little bit helps, and it’s important to put aside what you can.

The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau recommends a few simple strategies for establishing and adding to your emergency fund:¹

• Create a savings habit
• Manage your cash flow
• Take advantage of any additional money coming in
• Automate your savings

Create a Savings Habit

Try to be as consistent as possible when putting away money.

To turn your ability to save money into a regular habit, you could try:

• Setting a specific goal for yourself and your savings
• Creating a system for making consistent contributions
• Monitoring your progress
• Rewarding yourself for meeting your goals (within reason) before setting new ones

Manage your Cash Flow

Keep track of how and when money is coming in, as well as how much is going out.

Take Advantage of Additional Money Coming In

If you get a bonus at work or receive a monetary gift, consider putting that extra cash towards your emergency savings. This is a great time to either get ahead or catch up if you were not able to contribute as much as you would have liked another month.

Automate Your Savings

Establish automatic transfers through your bank, which will allow money to be directed to your savings account automatically each month. Choose an amount, pick a date each month and adjust as you need throughout the year.

Vow #2: Thou Shalt… Save More Money

You’ve heard the phrase, “Every little bit counts,” all your life – but it couldn’t be more true. If you enjoy grabbing a coffee before work, start making a pot at home. If you go out to eat twice a week, cut down to once a week or every other week. Many of us are continuing to work from home, which cuts down on the need to buy as many clothes for work, which is another way to save.

While it’s an adjustment, these small “sacrifices” can yield significant results over time. Say you skip eating out one day a week, saving you around $20 on average. In the span of a year, that $20 becomes $1,040.

Vow #3: Thou Shalt… Review Your Tax Situation

With tax season approaching, there are a couple of things you could consider doing now to maximize the financial impact of your tax refund. For example, you may find it more beneficial to have your refund split between paychecks throughout the year. To do this, you would need to adjust your tax withholdings with your employer. Now’s an ideal time to speak with your financial advisor, CPA or other financial professional to discuss what changes you should be making now to get the most out of your tax situation for the coming year.

Vow #4: Thou Shalt… Set Goals

Ask yourself what you want to accomplish in the months to come. Is there a certain amount you’d like to have tucked away in your savings? Or maybe you’re focused on getting a promotion at work? Whatever it may be, set a specific (and attainable) goal that you can focus on working towards in 2021.

In a world where we’re all recovering from economic and environmental hurdles, progress is worth celebrating – and worth pursuing.

Vow #5: Thou Shalt… Start Automating

Automation is an incredibly effective tool when it comes to working toward and achieving your financial goals.

Some things to consider automating include:

• Bill paying
• Investments
• Paychecks
• Loans (Your mortgage, student loans, car payments, etc.)
• Savings

Automating as much of your financial life as you can takes the human connection and decision-making out of the picture. It cuts down on late payments, and it can make contributing to your savings account hassle-free.

Vow #6: Thou Shalt… Remember Your Retirement Savings

In terms of saving, 2020 had a different impact for everyone. Many lost their jobs, which impeded their ability to grow their retirement savings. For others, 2020 was an opportunity to sock more away than usual, since big expenses like vacations, concerts, weekend trips, etc. were canceled.

With enough stashed away in your emergency fund, 2021 may be the year to focus on padding your savings for retirement. If you have a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA, ask your financial advisor if you’re adding enough to it or if you should be upping your contributions each month. If you haven’t reached your contribution limits by the end of the year, consider making additional contributions – maybe from an end-of-year bonus or other additional income.

Vow #7: Thou Shalt… Watch Out For Identity Theft

There has been a rise in identity theft during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning you need to remain vigilant in protecting your finances throughout 2021.

Some ways to avoid being a victim of fraud include:

• Asking questions before sharing personal information with others
• Creating complex passwords and changing them often
• Keeping track of your mail
• Reviewing all bank and credit card statements regularly
• Monitoring your credit reports

We all are hoping for a better 2021, however, it’s always best to be prepared especially when it comes to your finances. These seven tips should help with the transition into a new year – hopefully, all of us can breathe a little easier, save for the future and have some fun.

1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/start-small-save-up/start-saving/an-essential-guide-to-building-an-emergency-fund/

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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One of the big investing stories of 2020 involved Robinhood and similar companies, which offer free or low-cost trades. Although such companies may claim to democratize investing, critics say these apps can “gamify” investing and encourage short-term excitement over long-term plans. For example, when users make their first trades, digital confetti falls in the app. It also includes a watch list of stocks for users to track. Robinhood’s investment app stands out for offering a streamlined trading platform and free cryptocurrency trading. Its account minimum is $0.

But users should be careful. Investing experts say what’s good news for the trading app — record trades this past June — is likely not good news for a user’s long-term financial health.

These behavioral nudges can encourage investors to act with only their short-term interests in mind. Financial planners liken trading apps to gambling apps rather than investing apps. A better way to build wealth, investing experts say, is to recognize that investing is not a short-term gain. You need to have time for your investment to grow.

Among competitors are InteractiveBrokers and SoFi, as well as many big-name online brokers that in late 2019 eliminated trading commissions and fees. But Robinhood is one of the few brokers to give investors the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency, which can be very risky.

On the apps, even novice investors can trade with one click, and they don’t need a ton of money to get started, which has historically been an obstacle for some. Half of Robinhood’s 13 million users had never invested before.

The worry is that it doesn’t feel like real money. But it is real, and Robinhood makes money off its users even if it doesn’t charge for each trade. Market makers like Virtu or Citadel Securities pay e-brokers for the right to execute customer trades. The broker is then paid a small fee for the shares that are routed, which can add up to millions when customers trade as actively as they have this year.

Investment experts are terming it the perfect storm for retail trading — people working from home, boredom from social distancing and the ease of using a trading app. With the U.S. facing record-high unemployment, some have seen trading as a way to make money, driving people to the market and to online usage. It’s highly unlikely the online user will be able to beat the market consistently. The ease of Robinhood’s app may encourage users to make bad decisions.

Take options. An options contract gives the holder the right to buy or sell an underlying security at a specific price until a certain date, and Robinhood users traded them at the highest pace of any retail brokerage, according to an analysis from The New York Times. The app encourages users to look at their account settings and step up with free options trading, critics claim. If you’re accustomed to using a smartphone, you’ll find the sign-up and account-funding process easy, users say. Approved customers are notified within the hour and can initiate bank transfers. But investing in options is more speculative, providing more upside but also more downside losses.

Traders use options contracts to speculate. Investors are required to disclose their investment experience and knowledge. They’re also required to acknowledge the risk they’re taking on. App users have reported not understanding what they’re getting into.

The bottom line? It may be more prudent to work with professionals on your investing plan and not treat it like a game. A strong financial foundation and understanding the risks involved, plus doing research before you invest, is strongly advised by investment experts. Be careful not to get in over your head.

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When preparing your Trust and Estate Planning and/or business planning documents, it is critical to understand that there is more involved than just creating paper and filings. Proper estate and trust planning or business and tax planning requires detailed and in-depth education, analysis and understanding. The strategy and options you choose is just as important as the documents themselves. Legal documents such as health care powers of attorney, trusts, last wills and testament, and limited liability company filings have many options and result in consequences both from an asset protection and tax benefit point of view. Legal document preparer companies such as LegalZoom, charge only for creation of boiler-plate documents without any analysis, understanding or concern for the consequences of the choices made in the preparation of these documents. LegalZoom is not the answer in your estate and business planning needs. We emphasize the fact of the critical importance to meet with each client and review yours goals and teach you of your options and consequences of the choices before proceeding forward with drafting of any trust and estate planning or business planning, such as limited liability companies.

Problems Arising From Poor of Inadequate Planning

We have frequently seen the evidence and consequences of these points raised above. Too often we have seen limited liability companies formed by LegalZoom without understanding the tax options and consequences as well as asset protection provisions available to our clients. We then have to amend and restate the articles of organization and begin the process of tax planning. ALTA Estate Services, LLC, prides itself in being a full-service company providing education and information to our clients before proceeding forward with planning out the desired and proper objectives in trust and estate planning as well as business planning.

It is imperative that you are first able to meet with professional to understand these issues. “It’s what you don’t know that you don’t know” that will always get you in trouble. Feel free to call ALTA Estate Services at (520) 797-1400 to meet with our various trust and estate planning, business and limited liability company planning, and tax planning professionals for a free consultation before proceeding forward with your legal needs. In addition, visit our website at altaestate.com to read more about the charges in Arizona State laws regarding living trusts, Medical power of attorneys and limited liability companies.