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Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Best Prepaid SIM Plans for Travelers (2025): Lyca Mobile Ranked Top Pick for International Coverage and Value by Expert Consumers
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 5, 2025) - In its latest report, has named Lyca Mobile as the top choice for travelers seeking a reliable and flexible prepaid SIM plan in 2025. The ranking is based on an evaluation of international calling features, network coverage, ease of use, and cost control, making Lyca Mobile a practical option for those who need dependable mobile service while on the move. As international travel continues to grow, mobile access has become a core requirement. Whether managing remote work, navigating new cities, or staying connected to family abroad, travelers increasingly expect seamless and affordable communication options with plans starting at just $5/mo. Expert Consumers' analysis highlights how Lyca Mobile meets this demand by focusing on contract-free plans, broad global reach, and user-friendly setup. Prepaid SIM Plans for Travelers International Communication Without the Extra Steps [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] One of the most significant features contributing to Lyca Mobile's ranking is its inclusion of unlimited international calling to over 100 countries. This benefit is available across most of the provider's monthly plans, allowing travelers to make direct calls to both landlines and mobile numbers worldwide. Destinations span North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, helping users avoid reliance on Wi-Fi or third-party calling apps. This kind of built-in global access supports not only tourists and casual travelers, but also international students, digital nomads, and professionals working abroad who need a consistent way to communicate across time zones. Nationwide Network Backed by 5G Lyca Mobile uses T-Mobile's nationwide network to deliver 4G LTE and 5G coverage throughout the United States. This infrastructure ensures that users can expect reliable data and voice service in most urban centers, suburban communities, and many remote areas. For travelers unfamiliar with local connectivity options, having access to a well-established national network is essential for activities like navigation, rideshare coordination, and emergency communication. It also supports hotspot use, which is included in several of Lyca's plans. No Contracts and Simple Plan Options A key reason behind Lyca Mobile's appeal is its prepaid structure. All services are paid in advance, giving users the flexibility to start, pause, or change plans without penalties or long-term commitments. There are no activation fees, credit checks, or hidden charges. This is especially useful for short-term visitors, seasonal workers, or those managing travel across multiple countries. Users can select from a range of plans designed to match different data needs, whether for occasional messaging or for streaming and work. Quick Setup and Management Getting started with Lyca Mobile is designed to be straightforward. Users can order a physical SIM card online or purchase one in-store. For supported devices, eSIM is also available, allowing travelers to activate service without inserting a physical card. After selecting a plan, customers can activate it online in just a few minutes. During this process, they have the option to keep their existing number or request a new one. Once activated, service begins immediately, and users can manage their account or monitor usage via Lyca Mobile's website or mobile app. Flexible Plans with Frequent Promotions Lyca Mobile offers a range of plan types, each suited to different levels of usage. All plans include unlimited talk and text within the United States and international calling to 100 countries. The main differences lie in the amount of mobile data included and whether hotspot usage is supported. To appeal to a broad audience of travelers, Lyca Mobile regularly runs promotional pricing on its most popular plans. These discounts are often available to new customers or those opting into auto-renew, helping stretch mobile budgets without compromising on service quality. Lyca is running some great promotions at the moment - they have a $5/mo plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data in addition to free calling and texting to 100 countries. They also have a $12.25/mo plan with unlimited data, texts, and calls. It also includes a 10GB hotspot in addition to free calls and texts to 100 countries. Reflections on the 2025 Travel Landscape The Expert Consumers report notes a growing demand toward prepaid options in the post-pandemic travel market. Flexibility, transparency, and control are now seen as essential, particularly by travelers who are cost-conscious or managing unpredictable schedules. With its combination of broad international support, a strong U.S. network, contract-free plans, and straightforward activation, Lyca Mobile has adapted well to meet this new standard. The report suggests that providers focusing on real-world travel needs rather than just pricing are more likely to maintain relevance in this space. Read the full report at About Lyca Mobile Lyca Mobile is a global prepaid mobile provider known for its international calling capabilities and contract-free service. Operating on T-Mobile's nationwide network, Lyca Mobile offers fast 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the U.S. All of its plans include unlimited domestic talk and text, and most include international calling to more than 100 countries. With options for both physical SIM and eSIM activation, Lyca Mobile is a convenient choice for travelers seeking flexible, reliable connectivity without long-term commitments. About Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] ) To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Best Financial Planning & Analysis Course (2025): Corporate Finance Institute Recognized as Leading FP&A Certification Provider in Report by Expert Consumers
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 30, 2025) - Expert Consumers has recognized the Corporate Finance Institute® (CFI) as a leading provider of FP&A certification for professionals seeking practical, career-oriented training. The Financial Planning & Analysis Professional (FPAP™) certification was highlighted for its comprehensive curriculum, real-world applications, and accessibility to learners worldwide. Top Financial Planning & Analysis Course Addressing the Growing Demand for FP&A Skills The role of FP&A has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by the increasing need for real-time financial insights and strategic decision support in businesses. Finance professionals are now expected to combine technical skills with strategic thinking - interpreting data, building forecasts, and advising leadership on financial outcomes. CFI's FPAP™ program was recognized for directly addressing this shift. According to Expert Consumers, the curriculum is designed to equip learners with hands-on expertise in corporate planning, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. It also places particular emphasis on Excel-based modeling, a core requirement for FP&A professionals in both emerging and established markets. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Key Features of the FPAP™ Certification Curriculum Focus Expert Consumers notes that the FPAP™ certification stands out for its practical approach to complex financial planning topics. The curriculum moves beyond theory, focusing on the daily responsibilities of FP&A teams, such as: These components are critical as finance departments face increasing pressure to provide timely, actionable insights to executive leadership. Career Impact and Industry Relevance According to CFI's learner data, professionals who complete the FPAP™ certification frequently report improvements in their financial modeling capabilities, forecasting accuracy, and leadership readiness. The program is designed to support career growth for analysts, managers, and senior finance professionals working in FP&A, corporate finance, and strategy roles. As businesses continue to prioritize data-driven decision-making, the need for skilled FP&A professionals is expected to rise. The FPAP™ program provides a structured learning path to help finance professionals close the skills gap between traditional accounting knowledge and modern financial planning requirements. Click here to view the complete curriculum of CFI's FPAP™ course. For a more detailed review, please visit About Corporate Finance Institute Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is a global leader in online finance training and certification, serving over 2.8 million learners in more than 170 countries. Founded in 2016, CFI provides practical, industry-relevant education in areas such as financial modeling, banking, capital markets, data analysis, and fintech. Its mission is to empower finance professionals with the skills and tools needed to succeed in the financial industry. About Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] ) To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Best Bookkeeping Automation Tools (2025): QuickBooks Recognized for AI-Driven Invoicing and Reconciliation by Expert Consumers
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 30, 2025) - QuickBooks has been officially recognized by Expert Consumers as one of the best bookkeeping automation tools in 2025, earning distinction for its advanced use of artificial intelligence in automating invoicing and bank reconciliation processes. This recognition highlights QuickBooks' role in addressing key operational pain points for businesses seeking more efficient, real-time financial management. Best Bookkeeping Automation Tools: [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The annual Expert Consumers review focuses on evaluating tools that streamline bookkeeping workflows, reduce error rates, and enable faster decision-making. This year's analysis emphasized platforms that provide scalable automation with minimal user input while offering clear ROI in everyday business scenarios. QuickBooks earned top-tier marks for its integration of Intuit Assist, a conversational AI tool that enables users to perform tasks like invoice creation, bank reconciliation, and cash flow forecasting using simple prompts. Unlike traditional accounting software that relies on rule-based automation, QuickBooks incorporates a team of virtual AI agents that work together to generate actionable insights, process large volumes of transactional data, and reduce the need for manual intervention. Why was QuickBooks selected as a top bookkeeping automation tool in 2025? QuickBooks meets a growing demand among small and mid-sized enterprises for solutions that combine accuracy with usability. As financial compliance requirements increase and manual workflows become unsustainable, tools like QuickBooks have demonstrated measurable benefits, including: How does Intuit Assist improve bookkeeping automation? Intuit Assist enhances the QuickBooks platform by introducing a conversational interface that simplifies complex accounting tasks. It is integrated natively into eligible QuickBooks Online plans and requires no third-party installation. Once activated, Intuit Assist adapts to the business's accounting behavior, continuously learning from transactions to deliver more accurate recommendations over time. This AI assistant is particularly effective for businesses that experience seasonal fluctuations, handle high volumes of invoices, or require rapid financial reporting. By eliminating the need for repetitive data entry and reducing manual errors, Intuit Assist enables finance teams to focus on strategic planning rather than operational bookkeeping. What makes QuickBooks relevant to 2025 financial trends? The surge in remote work, digital transactions, and cloud-based financial operations has intensified the need for intelligent accounting platforms. QuickBooks addresses this shift by offering bookkeeping automation that scales with business needs and remains compliant with regulatory standards. With tools that support both real-time decision-making and long-term financial planning, QuickBooks aligns with the broader movement toward AI-enhanced business operations. Furthermore, the platform's performance has been independently recognized by Better Business Advice, which cited QuickBooks' automation capabilities and predictive features as key differentiators in a crowded market. This endorsement adds a layer of third-party validation to the Expert Consumers recognition, reinforcing the platform's credibility among financial professionals and business owners. How can businesses access QuickBooks' AI-powered features? QuickBooks offers flexible pricing plans that cater to businesses of different sizes. Access to Intuit Assist and the AI automation features is available through selected QuickBooks Online plans. Activation is completed within the platform's dashboard, and users are guided through a short setup process to personalize the AI experience based on their accounting needs. QuickBooks does not require additional software installations or complex configurations. All AI functionalities, including invoice automation and reconciliation tools, are fully integrated into the core system, ensuring smooth adoption across organizations. Conclusion As businesses prioritize digital transformation and operational efficiency, bookkeeping automation tools have become essential. QuickBooks stands out in 2025 for its strategic use of artificial intelligence to deliver reliable, scalable, and actionable financial automation. The platform's recognition by Expert Consumers and validation from industry observers like Better Business Advice confirm its role in shaping the future of intelligent business finance. The full review, including detailed feature comparisons and user evaluations, can be accessed on the Expert Consumerswebsite. About Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] ) To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virtual Accountant (2025): QuickBooks Recognized as Top Virtual Accounting Tool for Small Businesses in Report by Expert Consumers
NEW YORK, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Expert Consumers has named QuickBooks the leading virtual accounting solution for small businesses in 2025, recognizing the platform's recent advances in AI-driven financial management. Best Virtual Accountant QuickBooks - an all-in-one financial management platform that helps small businesses automate accounting, track expenses, and manage cash flow AI Agents Redefine Small Business Accounting QuickBooks' designation as a top virtual accountant reflects a broader shift in how small businesses approach financial management. Traditionally, small business owners have balanced manual bookkeeping with part-time accounting help. In 2025, automation is closing this gap. QuickBooks has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition by introducing AI-powered agents that perform complex accounting tasks autonomously. These AI agents are capable of handling a variety of financial functions. The system goes beyond simple automation, using real-time data analysis to categorize expenses, monitor cash flow, project future financial scenarios, and prepare businesses for tax filing deadlines. Introducing Agentic AI for Proactive Financial Management A major factor behind QuickBooks' top ranking is its deployment of agentic AI, a system that proactively manages financial tasks on behalf of the user. Unlike traditional automated workflows that require constant manual setup, agentic AI can analyze business patterns, identify risks, and recommend actions in advance. For example, if a business is at risk of a cash flow shortfall, QuickBooks can notify the owner before the issue arises, offering solutions such as adjusting invoicing schedules or deferring certain expenses. The AI can also draft financial documents and reports, giving users a starting point for review rather than forcing them to build everything from scratch. Balancing Automation with User Control One of the report's key findings is QuickBooks' focus on user-controlled automation. While the AI performs many tasks autonomously, final decisions always remain with the business owner. QuickBooks presents AI-generated drafts, forecasts, and recommendations in editable formats, ensuring transparency and preventing overreliance on automated outputs. This approach addresses common concerns among small business owners who worry about losing control over financial decisions. By keeping the user in the loop, QuickBooks strikes a balance between efficiency and oversight. Real-Time Financial Modeling and Tax Readiness Expert Consumers' analysis also highlights QuickBooks' new real-time financial modeling capabilities. Business owners can now access predictive insights to plan for various scenarios, such as revenue fluctuations, rising expenses, or changes in vendor terms. This allows for more informed decision-making and reduces the likelihood of unexpected financial challenges. Additionally, QuickBooks has streamlined tax preparation processes by organizing financial data throughout the year. The system automatically compiles relevant information, generates draft tax summaries, and reduces the administrative burden that typically accompanies quarterly and annual tax filings. Meeting the Evolving Needs of Small Businesses The review underscores a growing trend: small businesses are adopting tools that enable them to compete with larger enterprises by leveraging technology. QuickBooks leads this space by offering AI-driven features previously unavailable to companies without dedicated finance teams. As automation continues to evolve, Expert Consumers expects virtual accounting platforms to become a standard part of small business operations. In 2025, QuickBooks sets the benchmark for what a virtual accountant can offer - combining automation, proactive financial management, and user empowerment in one platform. Click here to explore the AI features of QuickBooks. For more information, please visit About QuickBooks QuickBooks is a leading financial management platform developed by Intuit. Designed primarily for small and mid-sized businesses, QuickBooks offers tools for accounting, invoicing, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting. In 2025, QuickBooks expanded its services with AI-driven features, helping business owners automate routine tasks, forecast cash flow, and manage their finances with greater efficiency. The platform is widely used by entrepreneurs, freelancers, and accounting professionals to streamline day-to-day financial operations. About Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. View original content: SOURCE Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Associated Press
17-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Best Bookkeeping Software (2025): QuickBooks Online Awarded Top Solution by Expert Consumers
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 17, 2025) - Expert Consumers, a trusted source for software and business tool reviews, has named QuickBooks Online the top solution in its newly released report on the best bookkeeping software for 2025. The recognition highlights the platform's advanced automation, accessibility, and consistent reliability for small business owners, freelancers, and growing enterprises. Best Bookkeeping Software As businesses continue to navigate changing market conditions and increased demands on efficiency, bookkeeping remains a vital function. Accurate, up-to-date financial records are essential for making informed decisions, maintaining compliance, and planning for growth. However, many small business owners still struggle with manual processes or legacy systems that create bottlenecks and increase the risk of error. The Expert Consumers review cites QuickBooks Online's ability to eliminate many of these challenges through automation. The software allows users to link their bank and credit card accounts, enabling automatic transaction imports, smart categorization of expenses, and real-time cash flow visibility. These features reduce manual data entry and help ensure books remain accurate throughout the fiscal year. QuickBooks Online supports over 24,000 financial institutions, allowing seamless integration with existing banking services and financial tools. In addition to core bookkeeping functions, the platform includes features for invoicing, payroll, mileage tracking, and sales tax automation. The ability to manage books via mobile device ensures flexibility for remote teams, traveling entrepreneurs, and those managing operations outside traditional office settings. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] QuickBooks Online processes over 550 million categorized transactions each year, with 85 percent of users reporting improved confidence in their bookkeeping accuracy after using the platform. These capabilities are especially beneficial for businesses with limited staff or those seeking to streamline workflows without hiring additional accounting support. In line with emerging trends in AI-powered productivity, QuickBooks Online is also evolving beyond traditional automation. The platform is actively developing cutting-edge AI agents designed to offer 'done for you' solutions - intelligent tools that can not only streamline data entry and categorization but also assist users in completing more complex tasks. These forthcoming AI capabilities signal QuickBooks' commitment to pushing the boundaries of smart bookkeeping and making advanced financial management more accessible to everyday users. QuickBooks Online is available in three plans - Simple Start, Plus, and Advanced. Each plan includes core accounting tools and automation features, while higher tiers offer multi-user access, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and ecommerce integrations. The tiered structure ensures that businesses can select a solution that fits their needs and scale as operations grow more complex. The increasing reliance on digital systems for financial management reflects a broader shift toward automation in small business operations. Bookkeeping, once considered a back-office task, has become central to operational visibility and strategic decision-making. Platforms like QuickBooks Online are enabling businesses to move beyond basic recordkeeping and adopt tools that offer real-time financial intelligence. By automating daily bookkeeping tasks, QuickBooks Online reduces the likelihood of costly errors and enables proactive financial planning. The software's mobile functionality, compliance-ready reporting, and customizable workflows make it a versatile solution for a wide range of industries, from retail to professional services. QuickBooks users also benefit from GoPayments, a free mobile point-of-sale app that enables secure, contactless payments in person or on the go. The app integrates with QuickBooks Online, syncing sales data automatically without granting access to sensitive financial information. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, users can accept all types of in-person payments directly on their device - no card reader required. This feature is particularly useful for field teams, pop-up stores, and mobile businesses seeking seamless sales tracking and immediate payment capture. In addition, businesses using QuickBooks can apply for funding through QuickBooks Capital, which offers term loans and lines of credit directly within the platform. These financing options are designed to help companies manage large expenses or pursue growth initiatives without incurring origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties. Approved loans are typically funded within one to two business days. Businesses can draw from a credit line as needed and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. This built-in access to capital gives small and mid-sized companies added financial flexibility within a system they already trust. Expert Consumers recognizes QuickBooks Online for consistently delivering value to users seeking reliable, accessible, and efficient bookkeeping tools. The full review offers a comprehensive overview of the software's features and pricing structure. To learn more, read the complete review at Expert Consumers. About Intuit: Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services. About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] ) To view the source version of this press release, please visit
