covid-19

A collection of 106 posts

covid-19

Here Are Odds There Will Be A Stimulus Package Before the US Election

US lawmakers have been discussing details of a second stimulus package for over 4 months now. Democrats passed a $3 trillion package, the HEALS Act, back in May, and since then there have been several more proposals, and, well, just talking. Nothing has been signed into law to help the

covid-19

How To Stay Safe in the Airport During COVID-19

Officials have generally advised against non-essential travel during the pandemic, but as case counts decline in the U.S. and other countries, many people are starting to consider how best to travel and assess risks. You should avoid air travel whenever possible, but you can limit your chances of

covid-19 Featured

We're Giving Away $1,200 Stimulus Checks

October 2020 Update: We've announced September winners, and we will continue to pick winners weekly. Go here to enter for free. [https://helloskip.com/stimulus-checks/?ref=SkipBlog] We're serious. 100% of our YouTube revenue this month will be distributed to people like you who have

covid-19

Could 15-Minute COVID Tests Change the Course of the Pandemic?

After months of closed businesses and canceled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are eager to return to normal life. New, rapid coronavirus tests that provide results in as little as 15 minutes could make many activities safe again. Although rapid tests aren’t as accurate as longer

covid-19

Should You Vote By Mail or Not For the 2020 Election?

It is predicted that around 200 million people in the US will vote in this 2020 election — the most important election in our lifetimes. We're also in the middle of the largest pandemic in 100 years. The question on everyone's mind is: How should I vote?

covid-19

SBA EIDL Loan Alternatives: SBA CARL Loans Up to $250,000

If you're looking for more funding options for your small business, here is an important program that is under the radar. Here is the ultimate guide to the SBA Community Advantage Loan Program, also called the CARL (Community Advantage Recovery Loans). Here is a quick guide directly from

covid-19

When Will Europe Open Up to US Passport Holders?

Wishing you could visit Europe? You’re not alone. Each year, 18 million Americans [https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/07/04/us-travel-ban-costing-europe-billions/#7dcf89fc1b0b] visit Europe, and American travelers make up an astonishing 50% of all hotel stays in the continent. Unfortunately, the EU

covid-19 Featured

Hoping to Travel Internationally Soon? You Might Be Able to If You're From a Low-Risk State

The future of travel in the COVID-19 era might depend on which state you live in. Here’s what we know so far about state-specific travel restrictions.

financial

We May Be Headed for a Double Dip Recession. Here's What it Is and How to Prepare

This week, a survey by the National Association of Business Economics found that 80% of economists believe that there is a 1 in 4 chance of the U.S. entering a double dip recession, a rare but worrisome economic phenomenon where the economy recovers briefly and then dips again

elections

Request and Track your Mail-In Ballot for the 2020 Election

Confused by the latest COVID changes regarding voting this year. We've got you covered. Today we're announcing our mail-in ballot request and tracking feature [https://helloskip.com/request-ballot/?ref=SkipBlogAnnounce]. Our mission is to make it clear and simple for millions of registered voters

covid-19

Here's Why Millions Of Americans Are Getting Second Passports — And How You Can Get One Too

Before the coronavirus pandemic, American passport holders had easy access to almost anywhere on the globe. But the rapid spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. has led to many nations closing their doors to U.S. passport holders [https://helloskip.com/blog/where-can-americans-travel-right-now/

covid-19

Do you qualify for SNAP food assistance during COVID?

About 54 million [https://www.marketplace.org/2020/05/22/record-levels-of-food-insecurity-in-the-u-s-because-of-covid-19/] Americans are struggling with food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic, since so many people have lost their jobs. Food stamps, which are now referred to as SNAP

financial

Small Business Grants of up to $20,000 — an EIDL Grant Alternative

Today we're writing a quick post to let you know about the Lowes-LISC grant program to help minority-owned and women-owned businesses, as well as businesses in rural communities. Their fund of $55 million has been distributing grants already and will have a new round available

covid-19

5 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Credit Score If You've Been Denied Grants or Loans

If you have applied for a small business loan (either through federal COVID-19 recovery programs like the EIDL or PPP or through a private lender) and been denied, it’s possible that your credit was to blame. Having a credit score that is too low is one of the

covid-19

It's Official: EIDL Grants Will be Deducted From PPP Forgiveness

Millions of business owners around the country have received both EIDL advances and PPP loans. Unfortunately, last week, the SBA confirmed that receiving both funds will impact the forgiveness of the PPP loan. On August 11th, the SBA quietly updated the “Frequently Asked Questions” about the PPP to confirm that

covid-19

Five Instagram Accounts to Follow Right Now for Good COVID-19 Info

From masks to antibody tests to positivity rates, there’s a lot to keep up with to understand the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the U.S. where the virus continues to spread rapidly. Want to stay informed, but not sure where to start? Social media is a good resource

covid-19

Progress on the Stimulus and Small Business Funding Continues

Here is today's update on the relief package negotiations that are currently underway. Progress has been made between the White House, Democrats, and Republicans and it looks like an agreement will be reached by Friday. Below is a video recap of this news and the letter Senators wrote

financial

Support $80 Billion in New EIDL Program Funding

Bill S.4227 would ensure that all eligible EIDL applicants would receive the full $10,000 as originally intended. In addition, the EIDL loan maximum amount would also be $2 million again, instead of the $150,000 limit. As of August 1, this bill has 6 co-sponsors from Senators

covid-19

Everything You Need to Know About How COVID-19 Could Impact Social Security

About 63 million Americans, or 1 in 6, collect social security benefits [https://www.cbpp.org/research/social-security/policy-basics-top-ten-facts-about-social-security] . Most of those beneficiaries are older Americans, but some are also disabled people. The program is a vital source of income for beneficiaries,

covid-19

Ultimate Guide to the New Stimulus Proposal

On Monday July 27th, Republicans unveiled their proposal for the new $1 trillion stimulus bill. The focus is on jobs, healthcare, and kids and it details funding in many critical areas. This is not the final bill — but the items in this include much of the meat that is likely

covid-19

How Are Mask Orders Being Enforced Around the U.S.?

Face coverings are no longer voluntary. After months of encouraging Americans to wear masks, cities and states all over the U.S. are finally starting to punish them if they don't. More than thirty states, and many cities, have now issued mask orders in the U.S., and

covid-19 Featured

6 Months of COVID-19 News: From 60 Cases to Over 4 Million

Early on in the global pandemic our team at Skip realized that bad news was coming toward the US. Our founder, Ryder Pearce, would visit the San Francisco Passport Office (as part of Skip's passport service [https://yogov.org/passport-renewal/?ref=SkipBlog]). The staff would remark how

covid-19

Which Airlines Are the Safest to Fly During The Pandemic?

We rate the major US airlines and what they're doing to ensure your health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic Fewer people are traveling in the US than ever before. Airlines have been heavily impacted by the pandemic; United Airlines is reporting a 90% drop in revenue,

covid-19

Unemployment Expiring? Here's How to Get an Extra 13 Weeks

With coronavirus cases all over the US surging and many cities reimposing restrictions [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa/with-us-under-coronavirus-siege-chicago-cracks-down-florida-cases-soar-idUSKCN24L24J] , the United States job crisis seems to be far from over. Each week, over a million

covid-19 Featured

Details on the next $1 trillion stimulus package are emerging

Talks resumed today in Congress on the next stimulus and relief package and important early details have emerged. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin met with President Trump at the White House today to discuss the core inclusions in the bill, and here is the latest, including if there will be a