Episodes

  • Earn Before You Burn: Understanding Earned Wage Access Benefits
    Nov 17 2024

    Earned Wage Access: Breaking Down Payroll Innovations


    In episode 132 of 'It's About Payroll', hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II dive into the concept of earned wage access (EWA), a growing trend in payroll management. They discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of EWA, citing recent regulatory changes, particularly in states like Colorado and California. The episode includes a rundown of holiday incentive pay and its impact on overtime calculations, as well as a detailed discussion on the fees associated with EWA services. The hosts also debate the future of payroll, including the potential for cryptocurrency and other payment modes. This episode is packed with insights for payroll professionals and employees alike, examining both the human and technical aspects of payroll innovations.


    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:21 Episode 132: Earned Wage Access

    01:59 Pay News Updates

    02:15 Holiday Incentive Pay Case Study

    04:24 Earned Wage Access as a Holiday Hiring Incentive

    05:19 Sponsorship Shoutout: TimeTrackGo

    06:38 Deep Dive into Earned Wage Access

    08:12 Regulatory Changes and Compliance

    11:29 California's New EWA Regulations

    13:30 Federal Oversight and Compliance

    15:50 Discussion on EWA Fees and Transparency

    20:45 Understanding Earned Wage Access (EWA)

    21:20 Third-Party EWA Services Explained

    23:16 Statistics and Benefits of EWA

    24:36 Impact of EWA on Payroll Professionals

    32:33 Future of Payroll: Crypto and New Currencies

    35:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
    https://payroll.org/news-resources/news/news-detail/2024/11/08/holiday-incentive-pay-must-be-included-in-colorado-overtime-calculations


    Holiday incentive pay is a form of compensation that employers offer to employees who work on holidays. It can take the form of:

    Time-and-a-half: Employees receive 150% of their normal hourly wage for working on a holiday.

    Double time: Employees receive their regular rate of pay plus an additional amount for each hour worked on a holiday.

    Bonus: Employees receive a bonus for working on a holiday

    Brian (5 min)

    Companies are increasingly offering EWA as a benefit to attract and retain employees. For example, retailers are enhancing holiday hiring incentives by providing on-demand wage access.

    https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/retailers-boost-holiday-hiring-incentives-with-on-demand-wage-access-from-dailypay

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    37 mins
  • Decoding The California Pay Stub: Rights, Details, and Common Mistakes
    Nov 10 2024

    Understanding California Pay Stub Requirements & Penalties

    In this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of California pay stubs, discussing essential requirements and the hefty penalties for non-compliance. Our hosts talk about notable cases like Verizon's $15 million settlement and a temp agency's $9 million hit for pay stub violations. They also cover important details on what must be listed on pay stubs, including gross and net earnings, hourly rates, and PTO balances. The episode further explores employee rights and employer responsibilities in California, comparing them to other states. Additionally, the hosts share personal anecdotes on holiday traditions and perks employees can look forward to during the festive season.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
    00:29 Casual Conversation and Election Talk
    01:06 Holiday Season and Social Media Impact
    02:24 California Pay Stub Violations
    04:49 Raising Cane's Hiring Practices
    07:44 Sponsor Message: Time TrakGO
    09:32 California Pay Stub Requirements
    20:11 Understanding Payroll Documentation
    20:19 California's Paid Sick Leave Requirements
    20:52 Farm Labor Contractors' Pay Statement Rules
    21:41 Penalties for Payroll Violations
    23:24 The Importance of Transparency in Payroll
    26:16 Holiday This or That: Fun Comparisons
    32:03 Holiday Perks for Employees
    36:00 Wrapping Up: Holiday Season Tips

    Links & References

    * https://lawsuitlegit.com/pay-stub-violations-california-employers-beware/
    *
    https://www.ndtv.com/feature/billionaire-ceo-reveals-his-top-red-flag-when-hiring-employees-6940444 -
    *
    https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24



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    38 mins
  • Wage Theft, Gig Work, and the Fine Print: What’s Really Hitting Your Payroll?
    Nov 3 2024


    Understanding Payroll Deductions and Wage Theft: Episode 130

    Welcome to Episode 130 of 'It's About Your Paycheck'! In this episode, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II dive deep into payroll topics relevant to both new and seasoned professionals. They discuss the issue of wage theft, the importance of understanding payroll deductions, and the protections in place for employees, particularly in California. They also touch on sports updates and share their thoughts on the current state of women's basketball. Tune in to gain insights on wage regulations, employee rights, and the impact of state-specific rules on your paycheck. Stay informed and ensure you're not missing out on important payroll essentials!

    00:00 Introduction and Hosts

    00:20 Casual Conversation and Sports Talk

    02:55 Wage Theft Discussion

    07:22 Deductions and Overpayments

    10:10 Sponsorship Shoutout

    12:03 California Deductions Overview

    15:05 Understanding Uniform Costs and Business Losses

    15:37 Inspecting Payroll Records and Written Notices

    16:12 Mandatory Deductions and Employee Education

    16:47 Contacting Labor Commissioners and Statute of Limitations

    17:18 Protection Against Retaliation and Final Thoughts

    17:32 Engaging Discussion and Future Show Ideas

    18:29 Allowed and Prohibited Deductions in California

    20:54 Union Agreements and Tardiness Deductions

    22:38 Prohibited Deductions and Employee Rights

    27:04 Private Employers and Legal Definitions

    27:56 Gig Workers and Payroll Protections

    31:07 Concluding Remarks and Community Engagement
    Pay News Updates - 10 Min

    Walt (5 min)

    https://calmatters.org/explainers/when-employers-steal-wages-from-workers/ v

    Brian (5 min)

    https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/education-news/hisd/2024/10/08/502334/houston-isd-to-make-payroll-deductions-for-thousands-of-teachers-after-overpayment-error/

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    32 mins
  • California: Minimum Wage
    Oct 27 2024

    California Minimum Wage: Insights, Impacts, and Solutions


    In this comprehensive episode of It's About Payroll and It's About Your Paycheck, hosts Brian and Walt delve into the intricacies of California's minimum wage laws, highlighting the importance of understanding local wage variations across different cities and counties. The discussion covers recent trends and societal impacts of minimum wage increases, particularly in the fast food industry. Insights are shared on the positive job growth data and concerns from business owners about higher wages. Notably, the episode reveals a shocking payroll fraud case involving underpaid workers and emphasizes the importance of payroll compliance. Featured resources include Berkeley.edu for accurate wage information and the TimeTrack Go system for efficient payroll management. The episode concludes with a discussion on California's inflation-based wage adjustments and a teaser for upcoming content on paycheck rules and financial insights. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and follow the show for more valuable payroll-related content.


    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    00:40 Casual Conversation and Banter

    01:27 Reflections on Life and Success

    02:43 AI and Music Industry Controversies

    03:46 Hip Hop and Movie Recommendations

    06:37 California Minimum Wage Discussion

    08:18 Fast Food Industry Wage Issues

    10:17 Payroll Fraud and Legal Consequences

    12:38 Sponsor Message and Upcoming Webinar

    13:48 Exploring Time Track Go Features

    14:48 California Minimum Wage Breakdown

    16:44 Understanding Local Wage Variations

    20:22 Employee Rights and Responsibilities

    21:26 Employer Compliance and Challenges

    24:14 Safe Talk: Wage Adjustments and Cost of Living

    28:11 Closing Remarks and Future Topics


    Links/Sources

    https://www.fastcompany.com/91212542/when-california-raised-fast-food-wages-jobs-actually-increased-thats-not-what-the-industry-wants-you-to-think

    [Wage Theft in California] (https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlsepressreleases.htm)

    - [Immigrant Workers and Wage Theft](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-06-20/wage-theft-immigrant-workers-california)

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    29 mins
  • True Payroll Crimes: From Ghost Employees To Luxury Cars
    Oct 20 2024

    Uncovering Payroll Insights, True Crimes, and Fraud Prevention Strategies

    In this comprehensive episode of 'It's About Payroll, It's About Your Paycheck,' hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II introduce TimeTrack Go, discuss its benefits, and invite listeners to their webinar on October 29th. The episode includes condolences for Hurricane Helene victims, updates on U.S. port strikes and elections, and features true crime stories involving payroll fraud. Key discussions encompass job security derived from workplace secrets, wage theft by a former Wendy's manager, and the financial crime case of Linda Johnson. The hosts emphasize the significance of fraud detection, regular audits, and the use of automated systems in payroll processes, advocating for business continuity, transparency, and professional ethics.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:23 Upcoming Webinar Announcement - Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_19cisjfRTU62Lz48WHojkw
    01:18 Casual Conversation and Catching Up
    03:17 Current Events and Updates
    06:39 True Payroll Crimes: New Orleans Case
    16:17 True Payroll Crimes: Wendy's Ghost Employee
    20:45 Financial Struggles and Justifications
    21:49 John Q: A Moral Dilemma
    23:10 Consequences of Fraudulent Actions
    23:58 Professional Reputation and Integrity
    27:13 Strengthening Payroll Oversight
    28:53 The Importance of Audits and Controls
    30:14 Leveraging Technology in Payroll
    34:44 Case Study: Payroll Fraud Detection
    38:14 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
    42:24 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement


    Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_19cisjfRTU62Lz48WHojkw

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    43 mins
  • Season 10 Review
    Oct 13 2024

    In the final episode of Season 10 for 'It's About Payroll' the hosts reflect on their journey and the evolution of the podcasts. The episode covers discussions about the potential impact of venting at work, advisories on staying safe amidst a looming storm in South Florida, and the importance of having payroll professionals in decision-making positions like the IRS's Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee. The significance of concise content delivery and engaging guest appearances are emphasized. The hosts also express excitement about joining the podcast network, Work Defined, and highlight their plans for the upcoming seasons, including featuring guest creators specializing in advice for employees. The episode emphasizes the importance of knowing employee rights, especially in states like New York and California, and explores the show's commitment to remain employee-centric while being informative for payroll professionals.

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings
    00:22 Season 10 Finale: Reflections and Updates
    01:17 Weather Woes: Preparing for the Storm
    04:32 Season Recap: Highlights and Favorites
    05:11 Payroll News: PAYORG Announcement
    08:16 Sponsorship Shoutout: TimeTrakGO
    09:16 Season Review: Key Takeaways and Future Plans
    17:36 Network Collaborations and Exciting Guests
    18:25 Shoutout to Britney Furr
    19:42 National Payroll Week Highlights
    20:08 Building a Presence on TikTok
    21:11 Upcoming Season Expectations
    23:38 Engaging with Other Creators
    26:48 The Importance of Venting at Work
    33:33 Transparency and Wellness in Payroll
    34:58 True Crime and Payroll Stories
    36:05 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

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    37 mins
  • Beyond the Paycheck: Deductions in the Lone Star State, Heritage Month, and F-Cance
    Oct 10 2024


    In this episode of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II delve into the intricacies of payroll in Texas, particularly focusing on legal deductions such as court-ordered payments, law-required withholdings, and the necessity of written consent from employees. They discuss recent economic updates, including a potential port strike affecting consumer prices and the cost of goods. Furthermore, they touch upon current events related to employment, like Amazon's back-to-office mandates and Citibank's security measures. The episode highlights the critical need for both employers and employees to understand payroll laws like Texas's payday law, promoting transparency and compliance. They encourage employers to educate their teams and employees to be proactive in understanding their paychecks.


    00:00 Introduction and Hosts

    00:21 Episode Overview and Texas Deductions

    00:46 Quarter End Preparations

    01:30 Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness

    02:20 News Update: Looming Port Strike

    04:55 Consumer Impact and Preparedness

    08:03 Corporate Updates: Amazon, Citibank, and Tesla

    11:32 Main Topic: Texas Deductions

    13:54 Understanding Medical Deductions

    14:12 Handling Overpayments in Payroll

    14:57 Employer Deductions and Fees

    15:45 Navigating Texas Employee Law

    17:16 Importance of Written Consent

    18:02 Employee Handbooks and Legal Advice

    20:20 Balancing Employer and Employee Responsibilities

    25:35 Attitude and Workplace Culture

    28:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    29 mins
  • Texas Minimum Wage Discussion
    Sep 30 2024

    In this episode, we delve into the unique aspects of Texas payroll, focusing on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 and its implications. We discuss exceptions to this minimum wage, factors payroll professionals need to consider, and the importance of understanding state-specific laws. Additionally, we announce our new affiliation with the Work Defined Network and share some interesting payroll-related news stories. Join us as we navigate the complexities of payroll management in Texas and offer valuable advice for both employees and payroll pros.


    00:00 Introduction and Texas Payroll Overview

    00:41 Episode 125: Catching Up and Announcements

    02:41 Joining a New Network

    04:37 Texas Minimum Wage Discussion

    05:42 Pay News Updates

    08:26 Remote Work Debate

    13:15 Sponsor Message

    14:38 Texas Minimum Wage Exemptions

    20:18 Understanding Minimum Wage and Negotiation

    20:50 State-Specific Wage Exceptions

    21:09 Employee Rights and Minimum Wage

    23:22 Challenges of Living on Minimum Wage

    28:26 Political Considerations When Moving to Texas

    34:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes


    Links/References


    https://www.dhs.gov/hsi/news/2024/08/07/texas-man-sent-prison-defrauding-over-1m-covid-19-relief-funds

    https://thedailytexan.com/2024/09/17/texas-state-employees-union-workers-rally-for-higher-wages-following-return-to-office-mandate/

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    36 mins