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Austria parliament lifts immunity of far-right party leader for perjury probeThe only significant news item about Accenture ( ACN 1.28% ) Friday was a positive one -- a top investment bank upgraded its recommendation on the stock and cranked its price target higher. The shares experienced a modest rally as a result, ultimately closing the day a little over 1% higher. That was high enough to beat the 0.3% rise of the S&P 500 index. It's gold, says Goldman The finance sector mainstay in question was Goldman Sachs . Well before market open, its analyst, James Schneider, flipped his recommendation on Accenture stock to buy from his preceding neutral. His new price target on the shares is $420 apiece, where formerly it was $370. According to reports, Schneider pointed out that the company is the top provider in the world for its specialty, IT services. Its time is coming, the pundit believes, as cyclical headwinds from client industries like finance and healthcare are starting to fade. In fact, Accenture is one of the businesses best positioned to benefit from this development. The analyst also touched on the company's embrace of artificial intelligence (AI), writing that it has excellent generative AI capabilities. As such, it's sure to be a partner of choice for businesses wanting to expand their involvement with this white-hot technology. Open those coffers Accenture has a very wide and broad client base, so it might be a bit over-optimistic to believe that higher budgets in a few will juice Accenture's fundamentals. Yet a rise in spending on IT services by various types of businesses is entirely realistic to expect, especially in regards to AI. Accenture doesn't feel like a screaming buy to me, but it's certainly a stock worth keeping an eye on.

Dallas Cowboys star guard Zack Martin is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Martin didn't practice at all this week. He also physically struggled during Monday night's loss to the Houston Texas. Martin, who turned 34 on Wednesday, has started all 162 games played in 11 seasons with the Cowboys. He's a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time first-team All-Pro. Tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) and safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) have been ruled out. Neither player practiced this week after being hurt against the Texans. Cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) practiced in full this week and will make his season debut. He was injured in August. Star wideout CeeDee Lamb (back/foot) was a full practice participant on Friday and is good to go. Cornerback Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) are among six players listed as questionable. The others are offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (toe), guard Tyler Smith (ankle/knee), defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) and linebacker Nick Vigil (foot). --Field Level Media

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Readers asked about how to tell if their TFSAs are successful, how it compares to other investment tools, and how to best pass along the funds to loved ones. Melanie Lambrick/The Globe and Mail On Thursday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. ET, The Globe and Mail’s investing editor Darcy Keith , alongside financial planner Owen Winkelmolen and economist and investing writer Larry MacDonald , answered reader questions about TFSA best practices and shared advice on how to effectively use one of Canada’s best financial tools . Mr. Keith and Mr. MacDonald have written for The Globe’s TFSA Trouncers series , where they asked successful Canadian investors how they grew their TFSA balances. During the Q+A, readers asked about how to tell if their TFSAs are successful, how it compares to other investment tools, and how to best pass along the funds to loved ones. Here are some highlights. How to maximize your TFSA What’s the 2025 TFSA contribution limit? Darcy Keith: The 2024 annual contribution limit is $7,000, and it’s going to remain at $7,000 for 2025 (It’s set every year based on long-term accumulate inflation calculations). Should you always max out your yearly contribution? How do you make use of your lifetime TFSA unused contribution room? Larry MacDonald: You don’t need to max out every year and can let your contribution room accumulate. Then, when it’s most convenient, make contributions in any amount up to the accumulated contribution room. What’s a normal amount to have in your TFSA account? Owen Winkelmolen: “Normal” will vary quite a bit depending on age, residency, and tax planning goals. For example, people at higher income levels might prioritize RRSP contributions so their TFSAs may be quite a bit smaller. Statistics Canada shares details on number of TFSA accounts open, unused contribution room, size of accounts, etc. But from working with clients building retirement plans, if they’ve been contributing since 2009 when the TFSA was introduced, and they’ve been using their TFSA as an investment account, their balances range from $150,000 to $200,000 with only a handful of clients above $200,000 (as of 2024). What’s your advice around withdrawing money from a TFSA account? What are some dos and don’ts that I should be aware of? How often can I withdraw? MacDonald: A common misstep is to make a withdrawal and then recontribute an amount in the same year. If you have maxed out your contributions beforehand, CRA will consider your re-contribution to be an overcontribution, subject to a 1%-per-month penalty. The re-contribution must be made after the year of the withdrawal to avoid this. Is it best to have dividend stocks only in a TFSA? Winkelmolen: The income earned inside a TFSA is tax free regardless of the type of income being generated. Whether that be capital gains, Canadian dividends, foreign dividends, interest income, etc. So the total return matters a bit more than the type of return. The only nuance is that the withholding tax applied on foreign dividends is not recoverable in a TFSA. Thinking internationally Why aren’t TFSAs recommended for people who have dual Canadian-American citizenship? Winkelmolen: At the moment the RRSP is recognized in the tax treaty between U.S. and Canada, but the TFSA is not. The TFSA was introduced after the tax treaty was finalized. Cross-border planning between the U.S. and Canada is quite nuanced, so its best to speak with your cross-border accountant about tax-filing requirements in the U.S. if you are a U.S. citizen or a dual U.S./Canadian citizen. Is the RRSP better than the TFSA for U.S. or other foreign investments? Winkelmolen: It’s an interesting question. When you’re in the same tax bracket now and in retirement, the TFSA and RRSP provide the same tax-free growth. The RRSP receives a tax deduction upon contribution and will incur tax upon withdrawal, but when a person is in the same tax bracket upon contribution and withdrawal, the accounts both provide the same net after-tax benefit. Here is an example . So all things being equal, because the foreign withholding tax is not recoverable in the TFSA, this is one reason why the RRSP is often suggested for U.S. assets. Retirement planning How should the average earner prioritize contributing to their TFSA vs. RRSP? Keith: Answering this question really comes down to personal circumstances and goals. One key thing to consider: If you think your income is going to be significantly lower in retirement, then making RRSP contributions now often makes the most sense when your income is higher and you can generate a nice tax refund. Most ideal situation would be contributing both to your TFSAs and RRSPs while working. Winkelmolen: This depends entirely on your marginal effective tax rate now versus retirement. If your marginal effective tax rate is higher now than in retirement it can make RRSP contributions more attractive. Your marginal effective tax rate is the combination of your marginal income tax rate and your government benefit clawback rate. However, as another example, during retirement, an RRSP withdrawal can reduce Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits. GIS benefits are very generous, but have clawback rates of 50 per cent to 75 per cent. This makes it more impactful than income tax. If someone expects to be eligible for GIS in retirement then this makes TFSA contributions more attractive. We would recommend creating a detailed financial plan with an advice-only financial planner. Making an informed and strategic decision between RRSP and TFSA can easily save $10,000 to $100,000’s in tax and government benefit clawbacks. Is it prudent to maximize my TFSA contributions by transferring funds from my RRIF? Winkelmolen: Every retirement situation is different, but yes, it is a common retirement decumulation strategy to draw down the RRSP/RRIF a bit faster and contribute the excess cash flow to the TFSA. Having those funds in the TFSA still allows them to grow tax free but the TFSA account is generally more accessible and this additional flexibility/liquidity can be advantageous. However, we would recommend creating a retirement decumulation plan specific to your situation as there can be reasons not to make those additional RRSP/RRIF withdrawals to maximize the TFSA. What is an optimum strategy for withdrawing TFSA funds for living expenses in retirement? Winkelmolen: “Optimum” is different for everyone. Every retirement situation is different, but as an example, TFSA withdrawal can be extremely helpful when trying to maximize retirement benefits like the GIS. GIS benefits are reduced based on taxable income, but withdrawals from a TFSA are not taxable and will not impact GIS benefits. As another example, “mixing” withdrawals in retirement can help you maximize certain tax brackets and manage tax in retirement. So you may choose to withdraw some retirement income from a RRSP/RRIF and some from TFSA to achieve certain tax planning goals. That being said, often the TFSA is the last place we want to draw from in retirement, its important to create a retirement plan specific to your situation. On succession What steps do I need to take now in order to assign and provide quick access to my TSFA to a benefactor of my choice upon my death? Winkelmolen: Check your successor holder and beneficiary designations and ensure they fit with your estate plan. These designations will ensure your TFSA will flow quickly to the correct person/persons. Can I name anyone as my beneficiary successor? Winkelmolen: Only a spouse or common-law partner can be a successor holder but anyone can be a beneficiary. The way we like to explain the difference between a successor holder and a beneficiary is that the successor holder “gets the account” whereas the beneficiary “gets the money”. So a beneficiary can contribute “the money” to their TFSA if they have contribution room themselves. But a successor holder gets “the account” regardless of if they have TFSA contribution room. If I designate my kids as beneficiaries of my TFSA do they have to pay tax after they inherit the TFSA? Winkelmolen: The assets in the TFSA will be withdrawn tax free and the beneficiary will receive the proceeds/assets, there will be no tax to pay. The only nuance is if the TFSA is part of your estate, then probate fees may apply. Speak with your estate lawyer or accountant about the pros and cons of avoiding probate fees. The TFSA Trouncers series I’m concerned that the TFSA Trouncers series is encouraging too much risk-taking in TFSA accounts. Isn’t this just looking at gamblers who won? Keith: It’s a valid point – those who have scored TFSAs in the many hundreds of thousands of dollars, even million-plus, have for sure taken on higher-risk investments. But I wouldn’t say the people we have featured are outright gambling. For the most part, they did a fair bit of research before making their decisions, and in most cases, decided to get into growth investing. In some cases, that could be making an educated guess on Shopify, or getting into cannabis stocks before the bubble burst, or fully understanding the potential and risks of cryptocurrencies. Huge risks, huge rewards – but for the most part, these bets made within a TFSA were only a small part of the person’s overall long-term savings or income stream. As our advisors often comment at the end of these instalments, investors need to know what they are getting themselves into, and be prepared for big losses that can not be taken later as a capital loss – a big disadvantage of the TFSA account. For many people, it may be wise to only allocate a small part of their TFSA balance to higher risks investments, if at all. MacDonald: Most people should not be doing what the Trouncers are doing. As for the Trouncers, they can take risk because of some aspects of their situation. For example, they may be retired with a good pension that covers their living expenses. Or their spouse has a very conservative portfolio. And so on. Each profile points out these factors and usually state that what the trouncers are doing is quite risky. The financial advisors commenting on the profile point this out, too. Stories of people with $2 million+ in their TFSA challenge my belief in patient investing. What about investors who have had negative results? Winkelmolen: The TFSA is an incredibly valuable account, especially when it comes to tax planning in retirement. The permanent loss of TFSA contribution room due to a bad investment can not only be impactful due to the loss of investment assets but also the loss of tax planning opportunities in the future. Its always important to choose investments that are inline with your risk tolerance and time horizon. Your first TFSA Trouncers story featured a retired military member who was generating $11,000 a month in tax-free income. How can he possibly accomplish that, even with his $800,000-plus TFSA? Keith: Some readers were puzzled how he could possibly generate so much income . The answer is that the investor held a lot of covered call ETFs (I have a spreadsheet of his holdings, and there are a lot of them, with the view of having some diversification). Some included tickers BKCL BMAX HYLD, QQQY, SVOL. You’ll see some have remarkably high yields, in the 15% area in some cases. Now, some caution here: Covered call ETFs can severely underperform plain vanilla ETFs in rising markets. And as you’ll see from some of those holdings, if you look at 6-month stock charts, they did just that, with some with significant losses at a time when major indexes have been rallying hard. So that high monthly income came at quite a tradeoff. Be very careful with these kinds of strategies, as over long term periods, they tend to underperform.Applications open for 2025 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship

Trump offers a public show of support for Pete Hegseth, his embattled nominee to lead the Pentagon

Waterford club delegates were informed at Thursday night's annual convention in Dungarvan that the county board is not currently subject to an audit from Revenue. Jennifer Power from auditors Fitzgerald Power responded to a query from Ballinameela representative Conor Mulhall. "I don't know of any problematic areas at present and all we can do is take it from there. At this stage, that's all I can say on the matter." In a meeting with officers from across the country on Tuesday, the GAA confirmed that Galway, Mayo and Wexford are subject to open risk reviews. Déise treasurer Kieran Geary attended that meeting. "It's at an early stage. Three counties are being reviewed. Croke Park are going to be acting on behalf of every county board and that is where we're at. We will receive further information from Croke Park in early January after they meet with Revenue once again." Neil Moore (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty) succeeded Sean Michael O'Regan as county board chairman. O'Regan has completed his five-year term and will now lead the National Infrastructure Committee. He will also put his name forward for Munster vice-chairman. Moore served as Waterford vice-chairman for the past five years. He also chaired the Western Board. Brendan Tobin (Sliabh gCua/St Mary's) was elected as the new vice-chairman. Pat Grant (Fourmilewater) will represent Waterford on Central Council. He defeated Tom Cunningham (Stradbally) by 79 votes to 55. The board recorded a deficit of €164,743 in their 2024 accounts. The Déise made a surplus of €371,053 in 2023. Fundraising income dipped by almost €675,000 from €842,154 to €167,786. The Win A House In Dungarvan draw brought in €777,991 the previous year. Outgoing chairman Sean Michael O'Regan was asked if the county will be in dire straits financially early in the New Year. "I wouldn't say we're in dire straits. We have plans in place. You would hope that in May, with a successful House Draw, we would be in a good place. It's a big swing but there's lots of positives in the accounts." The Déise spent almost €1.3 million on county teams (€1,288,894). The senior hurlers came in at €506,119. The senior footballers cost €274,624 to prepare. €113,177 was the outlay on the Waterford minor hurlers over the last twelve months while the U20s totalled €100,615. €72,315 was spent on the minor football team and €42,610 on the U20s. Development squads totalled €179,434. The new Déise Draw yielded €106,787 in 2024 but the new Waterford supporters club only raised €10,332. Gate receipts at club games increased by €57,320. The senior hurling championship returned €163,706 including €41,573 from the county final between Ballygunner and Abbeyside. Finance is a priority for new chairman Neil Moore. "Providing financial stability is of upmost importance," he admitted in his opening address to delegates. "We can achieve that. I implore all clubs to support the House Draw." Underage is another main focus. "We do need to address our coaching and games structures and our games programme from minor down. That would be my target to improve the quality of our players." In his last address as chairman, O'Regan remarked that abuse of referees must be addressed. "That needs to be cut out. The onus is on you to stop that." He called on clubs to bring through new referees with the age profile of the current panel on the rise. "We all need to have a serious look." He wished Neil Moore all the best for the next five years. "Hopefully, we'll win an All Ireland on his watch. Hopefully, we'll open Walsh Park on his watch."

MINT Back Surgeon in Plano TX Publishes Insights on the Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty for Spinal Fractures 12-19-2024 11:54 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: ABNewswire Plano, TX - December 19, 2024 - Dr. Scott Kutz, back surgeon in Plano TX at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas, highlights how balloon kyphoplasty provides pain relief and faster recovery for spinal fracture patients. Visit here [ https://minimallyinvasiveneurosurgerytexas.com/kyphoplasty-in-plano-tx-a-minimally-invasive-approach-to-spinal-compression-fracture-treatment/ ] to learn more. Image: https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfudi7-5Pk1Xf3mAB8quBPkillxBM6OPiYzXek0GUmlWrCmvZkhjGXFK1G5EqzSD-ffY5G3ocxMFRYsgghMKGIkNFr5alS1X-475-o9UaDJ4ubzcRPlO9ezVh_8qinQYe74oG-V?key=-5hIDViMp8kg1L6cwL2a6ZKy Dr. Scott Kutz, a leading back surgeon in Plano TX from Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas, has recently published new insights on the transformative benefits of balloon kyphoplasty for treating spinal fractures. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for individuals suffering from painful compression fractures in the spine, often caused by conditions like osteoporosis or trauma. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas continues to lead the way in spinal care with a focus on improving patient outcomes and enhancing recovery times. Balloon kyphoplasty is designed to restore vertebrae height compressed due to fractures. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create space and restore the vertebral body's standard height. After the inflation, the vertebra is stabilized with a special bone cement, ensuring the fracture remains more natural and prevents further collapse. This innovative technique offers immediate pain relief and significant improvements in mobility, which can help patients regain their quality of life. Dr. Scott Kutz, an expert back surgeon in Plano TX [ https://minimallyinvasiveneurosurgerytexas.com/kyphoplasty-in-plano-tx-a-minimally-invasive-approach-to-spinal-compression-fracture-treatment/ ], shared, "Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide lasting relief to patients suffering from spinal fractures. The benefits are numerous-patients experience less pain, improved function, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgical options. It's a perfect example of how modern, minimally invasive techniques revolutionize spinal care." The procedure is particularly beneficial for elderly patients suffering from osteoporotic fractures, which are common due to the thinning of bones. However, balloon kyphoplasty is also effective in treating fractures resulting from trauma or tumors. This makes it a versatile option for a wide range of patients. Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas is committed to providing cutting-edge treatments like balloon kyphoplasty to ensure all patients receive the best care possible. Balloon kyphoplasty alleviates the pain associated with spinal fractures and helps restore vertebral height, which is crucial for maintaining overall spinal alignment. The stabilization provided by the cement helps prevent future fractures, making it a preventive measure and treatment option. This means that patients can return to their daily activities faster with less risk of re-injury, all while avoiding the risks associated with more invasive surgical procedures. At Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas [ https://minimallyinvasiveneurosurgerytexas.com/ ], patients benefit from personalized care. The team of experts, led by back surgeon in Plano TX Dr. Kutz, takes a patient-centric approach to each case, ensuring that each individual receives the treatment best suited to their specific needs. The clinic utilizes the latest advancements in spinal technology to provide optimal outcomes and improve its patients' overall quality of life. Dr. Kutz and the team at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas offer free consultations and expert advice for those considering balloon kyphoplasty or other spinal care options. The clinic aims to provide the highest level of care and ensure that patients fully understand their treatment options before making any decisions. About Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas: Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas, led by the back surgeon in Plano TX, Dr. Scott Kutz, is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive solutions for spinal care. The Plano spine clinic specializes in advanced techniques such as balloon kyphoplasty, treating various spine-related conditions, and helping patients achieve pain relief and enhanced mobility. The practice is known for its patient-focused approach and commitment to using the latest technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes. For media inquiries, please contact: Dr. Scott Kutz Board Certified Neurosurgeon Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas Phone: (972) 244-3491 Email: info@mintmedicalgroup.com Media Contact Company Name: Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas Contact Person: Dr. Scott Kutz Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=mint-back-surgeon-in-plano-tx-publishes-insights-on-the-benefits-of-balloon-kyphoplasty-for-spinal-fractures ] Address:5425 W Spring Creek Pkwy Suite 133 City: Plano State: TX 75024 Country: United States Website: https://minimallyinvasiveneurosurgerytexas.com/ This release was published on openPR.Clarke Reed, who helped Gerald Ford win the 1976 Republican nomination, has died at 96

Ocean Helps in Sustainable Economy: Expert

Trump nominates Marty Makary, a critic of some COVID-19 health measures, to lead the FDABourse : TSX (Bourse de Toronto) Symbole : CMR TORONTO, 19 déc. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gestion d’actifs BlackRock Canada Limitée (« BlackRock Canada »), filiale en propriété exclusive indirecte de BlackRock, Inc. (« BlackRock ») (NYSE : BLK), a annoncé le 8 novembre 2024 avoir convoqué une assemblée extraordinaire des porteurs de parts (l’« assemblée ») du iShares Premium Money Market ETF (le « Fonds iShares »), qui devait initialement avoir lieu vers le 22 janvier 2025, afin d’approuver une modification de l’objectif de placement du Fonds iShares de façon à permettre des investissements dans du papier commercial adossé à des actifs (la « proposition »). En raison de l’interruption de travail chez Postes Canada, BlackRock Canada reporte l’assemblée au 3 février 2025. BlackRock Canada tiendra l’assemblée uniquement en ligne, soit par webdiffusion audio en direct. Conformément à la législation en valeurs mobilières applicable, une circulaire de sollicitation de procurations portant sur la proposition (la « circulaire ») sera mise à la disposition des porteurs de parts avant l’assemblée. Les avis de convocation à l’assemblée ainsi que la procédure à suivre pour accéder à la circulaire en ligne (ou en demander un exemplaire) seront postés vers le 3 janvier 2025. Les porteurs de parts inscrits du Fonds iShares à la fermeture des bureaux le 5 décembre 2024 auront le droit de recevoir l’avis et de voter à l’assemblée. La circulaire sera également affichée au www.sedarplus.ca et au www.blackrock.com/ca et renfermera de plus amples renseignements sur la proposition. Les porteurs de parts inscrits peuvent voter : i) en remplissant, en signant et en datant leur formulaire d’instructions de vote et en le retournant par la poste en suivant les directives qui y sont fournies; ii) par Internet à www.proxyvote.com ; ou iii) en composant le numéro applicable indiqué sur le formulaire d’instructions de vote. Les porteurs de parts inscrits pourraient subir des retards importants dans la livraison de leur courrier en raison de l’interruption de travail chez Postes Canada. Les porteurs de parts inscrits sont donc encouragés à soumettre leurs instructions de vote d’une autre façon afin d’éviter les retards. Les porteurs de parts inscrits n’ayant pas reçu leur numéro de contrôle en raison de l’interruption de travail chez Postes Canada peuvent communiquer avec leur courtier pour l’obtenir et être en mesure d’exercer les droits de vote rattachés à leurs parts. Si la modification de l’objectif de placement est approuvée par les porteurs de parts du Fonds iShares, BlackRock Canada s’attend à ce que la proposition prenne effet le 7 février 2025. Pour plus de renseignements sur le Fonds iShares, veuillez consulter le site www.blackrock.com/ca . À propos de BlackRock BlackRock vise à aider de plus en plus de gens à savourer un confort financier. À titre de fiduciaire pour le compte d’investisseurs et de fournisseur de premier plan de technologies financières et en rendant l’investissement plus facile et plus abordable, nous aidons des millions de gens à accumuler des épargnes qui leur serviront toute leur vie. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur BlackRock, veuillez visiter www.blackrock.com/corporate . À propos d’iShares iShares ouvre les portes de tous les marchés afin de répondre à la demande des investisseurs en constante évolution. Grâce à plus de 20 ans d’expérience, à une gamme de plus de 1 400 fonds négociés en bourse (FNB) de calibre mondial et à un actif sous gestion de 4,2 trillions de dollars américains au 30 septembre 2024, iShares continue d’ouvrir la voie au secteur des finances. Les fonds iShares sont pourvus par l’équipe d’experts en gestion de portefeuille et du risque de BlackRock. Les FNB iShares MD sont gérés par Gestion d’actifs BlackRock Canada Limitée. Des commissions, des commissions de suivi, des frais de gestion et d’autres frais peuvent être associés à un placement dans les FNB iShares. Veuillez lire le prospectus pertinent avant d’effectuer un placement. Les placements des fonds ne sont pas garantis, leurs valeurs varient fréquemment et le rendement passé n’est pas indicatif du rendement à venir. Les décisions en matière de fiscalité et de placement ainsi que toute autre décision connexe devraient être prises, le cas échéant, à la lumière des conseils d’un professionnel qualifié. Personne-ressource pour les médias : Sydney Punchard Adresse courriel : Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.comBy Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The festivity of December is replaced all too quickly by the due dates of January, when the bills from holiday spending and travel arrive. This kind of financial hangover can make the start of the year a little less joyful, but there are ways to prevent it. “People often go into the holiday season without a plan. They might know who they want to give gifts to, but may not put numbers to it or think of what they want to spend overall, and that’s where people get into trouble,” says Rob Wurzburg, a Chicago, Illinois-based financial advisor at Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser. To counteract the tendency to overspend, financial experts recommend the following six strategies: Wurzburg urges people to start planning for holiday spending as soon as possible. Related Articles Business | The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees Business | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people Business | How long does it take to buy a house? Business | Survey: Impulse buys may be ruining some Americans’ finances Business | Growth of sports betting may be linked to financial woes, new studies find “The earlier you start planning, the better. Some people do a yearly budget in January,” he says. While it’s too late for 2024, you can start planning for the 2025 holidays soon. Setting aside money each month for the big end-of-year celebrations can reduce the risk of overspending or turning to debt, he adds. Giving yourself a goal for the amount you want to save in time for the holiday season can help you stay on track, says Tiffany Murray, managing director at the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, a nonprofit based in Alexandria, Virginia. “Make sure it’s achievable and realistic within your budget,” she says. Then, when you see an item on your list go on sale , you’ll have the money ready to make the purchase, even if it’s well before the start of the holiday shopping season. Starting with the total amount you want to spend for the holidays — perhaps based on those previous savings and inclusive of gifts, travel, meals and any other costs — makes it easier to develop a game plan, says Brian Gawthrop, a certified financial planner in Kirkland, Washington and founder of Five Cedars Financial. “Set a total spending budget before you make the list of people,” he says. Then you can prioritize and cut back on recipients, if needed. “Almost everyone needs to revise the gifting list,” he says, because once you write it out in full, it is often pricier than anticipated. Gawthrop suggests downsizing to more modest gifts or reducing the number of gifts per person. Often, making the gift more personal — such as framing a photo — makes it easier to spend less because it still feels special, he says. Some people might be happy with a card and handwritten note, perhaps paired with a modest charitable contribution. “People want to express their love and how much they care for someone with a gift, and in today’s culture that can feel like a dollar amount translates to how much they care about you,” Gawthrop says. “But I think a heartfelt card and something simple like, ‘I know you like fidgets and found this one,’ or ‘I’m glad I have you in my life,’ can show how much you mean to someone,” he says. Gawthrop adds that recipients might be relieved to know you spent less. “The last thing you want is to have someone open your expensive gift and then they feel awkward because it’s so expensive.” The frenzy of sales and advertising during the holiday season, combined with the strong emotions the season evokes, can easily lead to overspending, Wurzburg says. “Anything you can do to get yourself in a calmer state helps,” he says. Calming techniques can include taking a break from shopping, going for a walk or reviewing your original spending plan. Wurzburg also recommends simply staying home. “Stick with online shopping so you don’t get sucked in,” he says. Using cash to buy gifts helps minimize debt , since financing purchases with credit cards or other forms of debt can be expensive, says Tim Bauer, a CFP and founder of Evergreen Financial Group in Billings, Montana. “It sounds old-fashioned, but if you don’t have it, don’t spend it,” he says, adding that many friends and family would rather not receive a gift than know it caused financial strain. If you need to finance essential purchases, Wurzburg recommends a low- or no-interest method such as buy now, pay later , where shoppers can spread out their purchases over installments. That often means avoiding fees and interest, as long as you make the installment payments on time. Still, he cautions against overcommitting yourself to future installment payments. He suggests scaling back instead. “If you don’t have the funds today, are you hampering yourself in the future by overspending at the holidays?” Connecting with a friend who is also aiming to stick to a budget this season can help keep you on track, Gawthrop says. “Both of you can commit to sticking with your budget,” he says. You can check in with each other and even share what you’re buying. Raising the topic with family members and encouraging everyone to stick with a budget — or the same spending limit per gift — can also help, Bauer says. “People are scared and don’t want to talk about money, but defining how much to spend helps set expectations.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article 6 Ways to Avoid a Financial Hangover originally appeared on NerdWallet .None

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The Average Internet Bill in the US Is $63 a Month. Here’s How You Can Lower ItNew Valley Waters councillor ready to learn 'as I grow'Cebu City, Philippines – Gothong Southern , a trusted leader in transport and E2E supply chain solutions, is proud to announce the launch of GS Business Solutions , a new product offer that marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion into the technology sector. This new product underscores Gothong Southern’s commitment to relentless innovation, guided by a clear strategic vision, strong leadership, and commercial and technical expertise. This new initiative expands Gothong Southern’s expertise in supply chain and transport through tech-driven solutions that address the evolving demands of businesses. With GS Business Solutions, the company positions itself as its clients’ partner for growth, equipping them with solutions designed to optimize operations and drive sustainable success across diverse industries. “By providing our partners with business solutions to automate and streamline their processes, we empower them to grow their businesses, and as they grow, we grow with them,” said Ramon A. Angeles III, Chief Technology Officer of Gothong Southern. “It is our CEO Roberto D. Gothong’s vision that the Gothong Southern brand endures for over a century, and we believe this growth will come not through expanding brick-and-mortar, but through technology,” he added. Through GS Business Solutions, the company empowers clients to achieve their goals, thrive in a fast-paced technological landscape, and drive long-term growth and efficiency. Gothong Southern Business Solutions provides a comprehensive range of services designed to optimize every aspect of your business. These systems are made to meet unique client needs in the following areas: These services leverage transformative, emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability—all while ensuring sustainability and cost-effectiveness. “Our commitment is not just to meet the technological needs of today, but to prepare our clients for tomorrow’s challenges,” he added. “By continuously identifying and implementing emerging technologies, we aim to deliver seamless, simple, and fast solutions—transforming the way businesses operate, with sustainability and efficiency at the core of everything we do.” As Gothong Southern ventures further into the technology sector, it reaffirms its dedication to providing innovative solutions and shaping the future of technology-driven business operations. Gothong Southern is a leader in transport and E2E supply chain solutions in the Philippines, now venturing into technology-driven business solutions. Guided by its core values of innovation and reliability, the company strives to deliver excellence to its clients across diverse industries. Visit www.gothong.com to know more about its integrated products in transport, E2E supply chain, and business solutions.

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