Monthly News & Updates April 2025 | Issue 3-25

In April, we are celebration our mother Earth and Financial Literacy. Let's reminder ourselves the importance of environmental sustainability and the collective efforts needed to protect our planet and our dedication to financial education.

Last month, LNB Accounting had the distinct privilege of participating in the esteemed Global Capital Network (GCN) Investors Conference. This partnership with GCN exemplifies our unwavering dedication to delivering bespoke financial guidance and strategic insights specifically designed for our clients within the venture capital industry. 

Let’s give a massive shoutout to Menowell, one of the distinguished winners of the 2024 LNB BIPOC VCs recognition night. Their vibrant presence at the GCN conference not only sparked excitement but also filled our hearts with pride as we celebrate their achievements and the incredible potential they bring to the future. 🎉

Feel free to connect with us and engage in meaningful conversations for personalized support. We are dedicated to integrity and your financial well-being as we invest in a brighter future together.

President Trump's implementation of new tariffs on American imports has sparked significant global criticism and raised concerns about potential price increases in the U.S, the world's largest consumer market. The administration's objective is to reduce the nation's dependence on foreign products and revitalize domestic manufacturing. However, economic experts caution that this approach may lead to elevated costs for American consumers, affecting the prices of essential goods, housing, and the automotive sector. As we navigate this evolving economic landscape, it is crucial for consumers and businesses alike to stay informed about the implications of these tariffs, assess their potential impact on purchasing power, and explore strategies to mitigate financial strain, such as budgeting adjustments and seeking alternative products.

In March 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians will receive an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action. Since 2014, the state’s Cap-and-Trade program has delivered $10.9 billion in bill credits back to utility customers. Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the State’s program.

Beginning in April 2025, the Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will require persons in those 30 ZIP codes to be reported if they try to spend more than $200 in cash or cash equivalent on items like money orders and traveler's checks. This is part of the new Geographic Targeting Order (GTO), which has, as its stated purpose, "to further combat the illicit activities and money laundering of Mexico-based cartels and other criminal actors along the southwest border of the United States.

Only a few months into the new administration, the United States is already seeing sweeping changes in the regulatory environment, and the future of several climate and social initiatives is tenuous. However, in a sea of uncertainties, it's all the more important to cling to what we know to be true. Many experts think that despite this, ESG integration delivers operational benefits that transcend political viewpoints.

Assurance accounting gives your business a way to enhance its financial reporting and make better decisions. It’s about compliance with laws and regulations and mitigating business risk. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know and why it matters for your business’s financial health.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we live and work, and the field of accounting is no exception. AI in accounting is transforming how businesses manage their finances, from automating mundane tasks to providing insightful data analysis. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your business?

The federal fund rate plays a crucial role in shaping the economy because it influences borrowing costs, consumer spending, and business investment. As of March 2025, the current federal fund rate is set at a range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This rate has remained unchanged since the Federal Reserve’s last meeting, as they continue to monitor economic conditions. What does it mean for your personal finances?

The venture capital industry has been navigating a dynamic landscape recently. After a challenging period, global venture capital funding rebounded in late 2024, driven by a surge in investments in generative AI. Total investments reached approximately $120 billion across 4,000 deals in the final quarter of 2024. VC-backed companies raised over $62.2 billion in Q4 2024.