Episodes

  • California: Minimum Wage

    California: Minimum Wage
    Oct 30 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Port Strikes, Texas Paychecks, and Pantry Panic – What’s Coming for Your Wallet?

    Port Strikes, Texas Paychecks, and Pantry Panic – What’s Coming for Your Wallet?
    Oct 28 2024
    Join hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II in this episode of 'It's About Payroll' as they explore the intricacies of payroll deductions in Texas, including the significance of written consent and legal implications of unauthorized deductions. Stay informed on the latest labor strike news impacting Eastern and Gulf ports and its ripple effect on consumers. Discover trends like Amazon's and Citibank's back-to-office mandates and third-party vendor scrutiny, and Tesla's controversial sick time checks in Germany. Learn about employee rights, the importance of updating personal details for year-end payroll, and insightful discussions on Hispanic Heritage Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Enhance your knowledge on these key topics to ensure a positive and informed work experience. Don't miss the introduction of our sponsor, TimeTrackGo, and its new time-tracking features aligned with FLSA changes. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/30/ports-strike-truckers-rails-billions-in-cargo-shutdown.html REMOTE RAGE - https://fortune.com/2024/09/29/amazon-employees-angry-andy-jassy-rto-mandate/ CITI Scrutiny https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/citi-warns-some-employees-about-misconduct-by-staff-contractors-memo-says-2024-09-27/ Tesla Home Invasion https://jalopnik.com/tesla-visiting-german-employees-homes-to-check-if-they-1851658861 To learn more, Please contact TimeTrakGO at 888-321-9922 or visit www.timetrakgo.com t-i-m-e-t-r-a-k-g-o.com LET’S GO!!! https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • When Ghost Employees Haunt Payroll: True Crime and Real Consequences

    When Ghost Employees Haunt Payroll: True Crime and Real Consequences
    Oct 27 2024
    Hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II conduct a podcast that delves into payroll innovations, such as the TimeTrack Go system for increasing HR efficiency. The episode touches on recent news, including Hurricane Helene and the postponement of a port strike to January 2025, while encouraging voter participation. It features a 'true payroll crimes' segment, discussing cases of payroll fraud involving substantial embezzlement. The script explores ethical dilemmas faced by employees who commit financial crimes, referencing studies from the Harvard Business Review and real cases like wage theft at Wendy's and Linda Johnson's payroll fraud. Practical advice on preventing payroll fraud through audits, automated systems, and rigorous validation processes is also provided, emphasizing the importance of transparency and robust payroll oversight. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:23 Upcoming Webinar Announcement 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 for Payroll Security 34:44 Case Study: Payroll Fraud Detection 38:14 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 42:24 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Season 4 Review

    Season 4 Review
    Oct 16 2024
    In the final episode of Season 4 for 'It's About Your Paycheck' 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Texas: Minimum Wage

    Texas: Minimum Wage
    Sep 29 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • From Paychecks to Politics: The New York Grind

    From Paychecks to Politics: The New York Grind
    Sep 12 2024
    1. **Introduction**: - The episode kicks off discussing the importance of voting despite imperfections in candidates, highlighting civic duty. 2. **Hosts and Overview**: - Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II introduce themselves as the hosts and re-introduce the podcast theme, focusing on payroll. 3. **Casual Talk**: - They delve into a conversation about autumn, pumpkin spice, and personal pie preferences. - The discussion transitions into football, particularly NFL, and their favorite teams and players to watch this season. 4. **Business News**: - Brian mentions the upcoming end of Q3 and its implications. - Walter shares recent articles from Pay Org and CNN, discussing changes in employer-integrated earned wage access and on-demand pay legislation, and a strike by over 10,000 hotel workers across the USA. 5. **Main Topic – New York Payroll Regulations**: - Brian covers New York City-specific payroll regulations, such as no on-call scheduling, 72-hour notice requirements, posting schedules, and specific rules for retail and fast food chains. - Walter follows with complexities surrounding remote work and tax nexus, alongside updates to pay transparency laws requiring employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings. 6. **Detailed Insights**: - Brian dives deeper into NYC retail and fast food chain-specific labor laws, emphasizing schedule estimates, schedule change premiums, the “clopening ban,” and requirements to offer additional hours to current employees before hiring new workers. - Walter discusses “convenience of the employer” rules and the impact of remote work on state tax regulations, stressing the importance of consulting tax professionals. 7. **Further Commentary**: - Brian and Walter reflect on how the New York mindset impacts professional and business environments, touching on perceptions of New Yorkers as aggressive or driven, and the balance required in professional settings. 8. **Listener Engagement**: - They engage listeners with a “safe talk” question about the professional impact of the New York state of mind. - They share personal experiences and encourage sharing within the payroll community. 9. **Shout-outs and Final Notes**: - Brian gives a shout-out to Britney Furr for her creative payroll-related merchandise and encourages following their social media platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. 10. **Closing**: - The episode wraps up with motivational advice to keep learning, growing, and moving forward. The episode features a blend of casual conversation, professional insights on payroll regulations, and personal anecdotes, staying engaging and informative for its audience. NY State of Mind: From Payroll to Pumpkin Spice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • The Power of Positivity: Encouragement in Business with Keenan Hart

    The Power of Positivity: Encouragement in Business with Keenan Hart
    Sep 4 2024
    In this insightful episode of 'It's About Payroll,' Keenan Hart shares his journey of addressing the mental health provider shortage in Nevada by leveraging technology to bridge gaps in access to care. Joined by hosts Brian and Walter, Keenan discusses the importance of mental wellness, personal development, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They explore statistics on mental health, the impact of positive communication through his platform 'Francis,' and how businesses can foster happier, healthier employees. Tune in for a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and creating a supportive work culture. 00:00 Addressing the Mental Health Provider Shortage00:15 Casual Banter and Introductions01:08 Economic Updates and Mental Health Statistics02:43 Employee Happiness and Financial Advice05:58 Message from our sponsor: Time TrakGO07:03 Introducing Keenan Hart09:12 Keenan's Entrepreneurial Journey14:01 The Power of Encouragement and Positivity19:52 Leadership and Building a Strong Team24:48 Mindset and Overcoming Failures33:36 Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes33:49 Radical Honesty and Healthy Conflict35:17 Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity36:52 The Power of Fate and Higher Powers38:17 Mental Health Challenges in Entrepreneurship43:31 Strategies for Mental Wellness and Leadership48:24 Living at 100: Accountability and Trust53:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement53:07 This or That: Fun and Lighthearted Questions01:03:23 Closing Remarks and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • California! The Basics for Employees and Payroll Pros

    California! The Basics for Employees and Payroll Pros
    Aug 21 2024
    In Episode 121 of 'It's About Your Paycheck and Payroll,' we dive into the complexities of California payroll, particularly focusing on the rules and regulations surrounding employee rights and the responsibilities of payroll professionals. We kick off by explaining the key differences in minimum wage and overtime rules, unique meal and rest break requirements, and the significance of proper wage statements for both employees and payroll pros. Additionally, the episode covers the penalties for misclassifications and wage theft, emphasizing the importance of adhering to California's stringent payroll laws. We also touch on various interesting discussions, such as Olympic controversies, the latest in basketball, and essential data security measures. Join us for an informative session designed to ensure compliance and protect both employees and employers! 00:00 Introduction to California Payroll01:09 Olympics Recap and Controversies02:28 Basketball Talk: Steph Curry and More05:07 TV Shows and Movies Discussion06:57 Food Recalls and Safety Concerns08:52 Data Breaches in 202414:37 California Employee Rights Overview18:02 Sponsor Message from TimeTrakGO26:18 Understanding Sick Time Accrual27:08 Generosity in Sick Time Policies28:24 San Francisco's Updated Sick Leave Law28:54 Final Wages and Wage Statements30:08 Protection Against Wage Theft31:02 Employee Misclassification32:18 Resources for Payroll Professionals32:38 Navigating California Payroll for Pros32:59 Minimum Wage Compliance for Payroll Pros35:34 Overtime Rules and Regular Rate of Pay40:19 Meal and Rest Breaks Automation44:11 Wage Theft Prevention for Payroll Pros46:45 Sick Leave Requirements for Payroll Pros47:36 Employee Classification Penalties54:39 Concluding Thoughts and Safe Talk58:39 Final Sign-Off and Community Engagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins