The Social Security Administration has announced that next Tuesday, millions of retirees who claimed benefits before May 1997 will get a new Social Security payment on Tuesday, December 3. Beneficiaries should be aware that to receive these monthly benefits, they should have first made Social Security contributions and have worked for at least 10 years. Nonetheless, if they are interested in getting the maximum benefit of $4,873, they must have paid payroll taxes considering the maximum taxable earnings for the past 35 years of their professional careers. Once this payment is delivered, the SSA will continue with remaining retirees, survivors, and disabled people who applied for Social Security checks after May 1997. When will December payments be sent to beneficiaries who claimed their first Social Security payment? According to the Social Security payment schedule for December, there are different payment dates when beneficiaries will get their benefits based on the program they qualify for and the day they were born. Since there could be many Social Security payment dates throughout the year, we would like to share with you the upcoming dates confirmed by the Social Security Administration. It is important to note that SSI recipients will receive an extra payment on December 31st, as the first of January falls on a holiday. Therefore, on this day they will get January benefits, which include the new cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 . In other words, beneficiaries will get the following Social Security payment amounts: How could AI help the Social Security payment system in the US? Life expectancy and the cost of living are increasing beyond retirement income systems , influenced by demographic aging and declining birth rates. Living longer is a remarkable achievement, but financing those extra years remains a challenge. AI could potentially improve retirement outcomes by augmenting pension plans and social security, potentially reducing the need for people to work longer, save more, or adjust their standard of living. Mercer and the World Economic Forum are working together on a paper called Longevity Economy Principles that explores AI to enhance employee benefit plans and pension systems while reevaluating the roles of employment, health, and other factors in fostering long-term financial resilience. Three ways AI can update pension plansUS sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the name, image and likeness era. Cowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issue FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb with two games remaining after their 2023 All-Pro receiver spent the second half of the season dealing with a sprained right shoulder. The team says additional exams revealed enough damage to keep Lamb off the field Sunday at Philadelphia and in the final game at home against Washington. The team says surgery isn't expected to be required. Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention a few hours before last weekend’s 26-24 victory over Tampa Bay. NBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL games The NBA got viewers for Christmas, even while going up against NFL games. The NBA’s five-game Christmas lineup was the league’s most-watched in five years, with the games averaging about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, the league said Thursday based on Nielsen’s preliminary numbers. It’s an 84% rise over the NBA’s Christmas numbers from 2023. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Penn State offensive coordinator Kotelnicki's creativity has the Nittany Lions humming in the CFP Penn State's offense is thriving under first-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The Nittany Lions are one of a handful of Power Four schools averaging 200 yards per game rushing and receiving heading into their College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Boise State. Penn State has one of the most unique offensive weapons in the country in tight end Tyler Warren. Warren has 92 receptions this season and has become a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Organizers say two sailors have died in Sydney to Hobart yacht race amid wild weather conditions SYDNEY (AP) — Organizers said that two Sydney to Hobart sailors have died at sea amid wild weather conditions that forced line honors favorite Master Lock Comanche to withdraw among mass retirements. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which administers the yacht race, has said that one sailor each on entrants Flying Fish Arctos and Bowline were killed after being struck by the boom, a large horizontal pole at the bottom of the sail. The race will continue as the fleet continues its passage to Constitution Dock in Hobart, with the first boats expected to arrive later on Friday or early Saturday morning. Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. City is languishing in seventh place while United is 14th after a 2-0 loss at Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. First-place Liverpool beat Leicester 3-1 in foggy conditions at Anfield and leads by seven points. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
MITTI Cafe, run by 15 individuals with physical and mental disabilities, has opened at Rashtrapati Nilayam at Bolaram. Launched by the Telangana Social Impact Group (T-SIG) with support from corporate and government organisations, this project aims to empower vulnerable communities while raising awareness about mental and physical health challenges. MITTI Cafe has already set up branches in over 40 locations, including Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi and several international airports. In addition to the cafe, the premises also feature a stall offering handmade home and office decor, toys and stationery, which has gained attention from national and international organisations. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding from entities such as Indian Oil Corporation Limited and the Australia-New Zealand Banking Group supports the cafe’s operations. The new reception center at the Rashtrapati Nilayam has been allocated to the cafe, allowing it to operate rent-free. The employees at the cafe receive monthly salaries ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000, depending on their roles. The menu at the cafe includes snacks like samosas, chaat, pakoras, tea, biscuits, coffee, sandwiches and ice creams, all made with high-quality ingredients. During her winter break, President Droupadi Murmu visited the cafe and appreciated the efforts of the staff. With the support of T-SIG, the initiative is expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs.36 lakh-46 lakh.Uncovering the Hidden Forces Shaping Alpha and Omega Semiconductor
Money, Gun Violence, Hate Crimes: Poll Reveals Top Worries at the End of 2024Trump Settles Lawsuit Over Use Of ‘Electric Avenue’ In Video Mocking Biden
New York Giants star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and termed himself a game-day decision. He also is unsure if he will be able to participate on Friday. The Giants host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "I'm hoping so, it all depends on how it feels tomorrow, that's really it," Nabers said Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Though the Giants (2-13) are mired in a franchise-worst 10-game losing streak, Nabers isn't down about the situation. "We're happy where we're at," Nabers said. "Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) was a limited participant. --Field Level MediaPresident-elect Trump’s crushing reelection victory has driven much of the corporate media into despair, including Lesley Stahl and Van Jones. Tee hee. Van Jones is a far-left contributor at CNN, which is itself a far-left misinformation outlet that spreads conspiracy theories and promotes political violence. The disgraced Lesly Stahl hails from 60 Minutes, which is from a fake news outlet that, in an effort to rig the 2020 presidential election, lied about Hunter Biden’s laptop being Russian disinformation. 60 Minutes is a CBS News production, the same CBS News that rigged this year’s vice presidential debate. This might be a good place to stop, lay aside our political differences, and, as human being to human being, thank Van Jones and Lesley Stahl for the contributions they have personally made to destroy the influence and credibility of the legacy media. Normal People will never be able to thank them enough for exposing just how dishonorable and dishonest the media are. Anyway... Here’s Van Jones admitting that the “mainstream [media] has become the fringe and the fringe has become mainstream” through alternative media, especially podcasts. “There are people out there getting 14 million streams,” Jones admitted, “and we’re on cable news getting one or two million. The political class is way off.” And here is the comically pompous Lesley Stahl despairing over the same: “I’m extremely worried about the press. I despair. I worry greatly. We’re at the point where if [ sic ] the POTUS is going to say ‘Legacy media is dead.’ I’m very dark about it.” Eat it, sweetheart. If the knowledge that Lesley Stahl is despairing and in a dark place does not make you want to stand up and cheer, you must be a feminist. You see, throughout the 2024 campaign, the corporate media were Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense . They didn’t know they were dead. Being ignorant of their own death, they played all their usual games assuming it would drag Kamala Harris — Celebrity Obama 2.0 — over the finish line. Stahl’s own 60 Minutes went so far as to dishonestly edit Kamala’s interview to make her sound smart. Van Jones’ own CNN raged on and on about Trump’s “Nazi rally” at Madison Square Garden and spread the hoax about Trump calling for Liz Cheney’s execution. Then... The “too big to rig” results came in on Election Night and it finally hit them: We’re dead . No one believes us anymore. Our influence is gone. We can’t rig elections anymore with our lies and hoaxes. Despair! Despair! Despair! Donald Trump visiting podcast after podcast, doing Joe Rogan, sitting down for a handful of Breitbart News interviews, is as big a sea change in politics as when John F. Kennedy embraced television in 1960. Radio was declared dead. TV was king. Well, now, the legacy media is dead and alternative media is king. But there is one important difference between 1960 and 2025, and that’s this: The 1960 switch was based on technology, the difference in what radio and TV offered. The 2025 switch is based on the legacy media’s credibility implosion, in other words... Springfield Bomb Threat Hoax Trump Called for Liz Cheney to Be Executed Hoax Violent Crime Down Under Biden/Harris Hoax Arlington Cemetery Hoax Kamala Was Never America’s Border Czar Hoax Russia Collusion Hoax Hands Up, Don’t Shoot Hoax Jussie Smollett Hoax Covington KKKids Hoax Very Fine People Hoax Seven-Hour Gap Hoax Russian Bounties Hoax Trump Trashes Troops Hoax Policemen Killed at Mostly Peaceful January 6 Protest Hoax Rittenhouse Hoax Eating While Black Hoax Border Agents Whipping Illegals Hoax NASCAR Noose Hoax Georgia Jim Crow 2.0 Hoax Trump Assaulted Secret Service Agents and Grabbed Steering Wheel of Beast Hoax MAGA Assaulted Paul Pelosi Hoax COVID Lab Leak Theory Is Racist Hoax Hunter Biden’s Laptop Is Russian Disinformation Hoax Joe Biden Will Never Ban Gas Stoves Hoax COVID Deaths are Overcounted Is a Conspiracy Theory Hoax Mass Graves of Native Children in Canada Hoax Trump Killed Japanese Koi Fish Hoax Trump Told People to Drink Bleach Hoax Hamas Hospital Hoax If Reelected, Trump Will Execute People Hoax The 900,000 Kids Hospitalized with Coronavirus Hoax Dozens of Environmental Hoaxes The Alfa Bank Hoax Libs of TikTok Murdered Non-Binary Teen Hoax Aaron Rodgers Sandy Hook-Truther Hoax ‘Bloodbath’ Hoax Biden ‘Sharp-as-a-Tack’ Hoax Iowa Poll Hoax And now the legacy media is dead: A death by credibility suicide... A death by a thousand self-inflicted cuts... I saw it happen in real time this year as the fake media launched one dishonest attack after another against Trump only to see the lie or hoax or double standard immediately swatted away in alternative media. And I use the word “swatted” deliberately because it was that easy to debunk and correct the record. Why? Because we have the power now. Don’t get me wrong, these lying assholes in Big Media will always be around, but they have castrated themselves to a point where no one outside their asshole bubble listens anymore. What a wonderful thing to witness. FREE-FREE-FREE for the holidays: an autographed bookplate if you purchase John Nolte’s first and last novel, BORROWED TIME, between now and December 20. After you’ve made the purchase, email your request to JJMNOLTE at HOTMAIL dot COM with an address and any personalization requests. For example, something like; “To Rachel Levine: The sexiest man alive.” Borrowed Time , is winning five-star raves from everyday readers. You can read an excerpt here and an in-depth review here . Also available in hardcover and on Kindle and Audiobook .
Man City goalkeeper Ederson causes CHAOS after charging out of his box and leaving an open goal for Feyenoord's equaliser in 3-3 drawAfter entering Aleppo, Syrian insurgents advance to a nearby province in a major setback for Assad
BOULDER, Colo. — Travis Hunter is a throwback-type player — an elite receiver one moment, a lockdown cornerback the next — who rarely leaves the field and has a knack for making big plays all over it. The Colorado Buffaloes' two-way standout (see: unicorn) even celebrates at an elite level, unveiling imaginative dance moves following touchdowns and interceptions, some of which include the Heisman Trophy pose. It's one of the many awards he's in line to win. Hunter is the The Associated Press college football player of the year, receiving 26 of 43 votes Thursday from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. "Couldn't do what I do without my team," Hunter said in an email on a trip to Las Vegas for an awards ceremony. "So I view being up for these awards as team awards." A player with his particular set of skills doesn't come around that often. He's a flashback to the days of Charles Woodson at Michigan or Champ Bailey at Georgia. Or even his coach, Deion Sanders, a two-way star in the NFL. The prospect of significant playing time on both sides of the ball is what led Hunter to join Sanders at Jackson State and why he followed Sanders to Boulder. "Coach Prime was the only coach who would consider allowing me to do what I'm doing," said Hunter, who's expected to be a top-five pick next spring in the NFL draft, possibly even the No. 1 overall selection. "He did it and knows what it takes — how much you have to be ready on both sides of the ball." Want to fuel Hunter? Simply tell him he can't. "I'm motivated when people tell me I can't do something," Hunter said. "That I can't dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams." Hunter helped the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record this season and a berth in the Alamo Bowl against No. 17 BYU (10-2) on Dec. 28. He played 688 defensive snaps and 672 more on offense — the lone Power Four conference player with 30-plus snaps on both sides of the ball, according to Colorado research. Hunter has already won a second straight Paul Hornung award as the game's most versatile player. He's up for the Walter Camp (player of the year), Maxwell (most outstanding player), the Biletnikoff (best receiver) and Bednarik (top defensive player) awards. And, of course, the Heisman, where he's the odds-on favorite to win over Jeanty this weekend. Hunter can join the late Rashaan Salaam as the only Colorado players to capture the Heisman. Salaam won it in 1994 after rushing for 2,055 yards. Hunter wasn't a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back. That drew the wrath of Sanders, who earned the award with Florida State in 1988 and vowed to give his trophy to Hunter. Hunter's high school coach, Lenny Gregory, knew he had a special player the summer of Hunter's freshman year. Gregory, then the coach at Collins Hill in Georgia, had a conditioning test for his players — run six 200-yard dashes with a minute rest in between. Defensive backs had to complete each in under 32 seconds. Hunter never even got winded. He played safety/cornerback and receiver as a freshman and helped Collins Hill to a state title his senior season. "I remember just talking to colleges the spring of his ninth-grade year and telling coaches that this kid's going to be the No. 1 player in the country," recounted Gregory, who's now the coach at Gordon Central High in Calhoun, Georgia. "They'd look at him and laugh at me, 'What are you talking about? This scrawny kid? He's not big enough.' I was like, 'Just watch. Just watch.'" Hunter finished the regular season with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. On defense, he had four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced one crucial fumble, which secured an OT win over Baylor. Overall, Hunter had 92 receptions and allowed 22. He hauled in 14 receiving TDs and allowed just one. He was responsible for 53 first downs and gave up just six. He was targeted 119 times by Shedeur Sanders & Co. but only 39 times by opposing QBs. Hunter's likely final game in Boulder, a rout of Oklahoma State, was a three-touchdown, one-interception performance. "I'm used to seeing him do all this spectacular stuff," Shedeur Sanders said. "I'm used to all this stuff — you all are just now seeing it on national stage." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Tweet Facebook Mail Almost 500 Qantas workers will walk off the job today, sparking fears of airport chaos on one of the busiest travel days of the year. Today marks the start of the summer travel holiday period on the east coast, with 13.5 million people expected to move through capital city airports in the next six weeks. Line maintenance workers will carry out a stoppage from 3.30am today to 7.30am tomorrow at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide airports. READ MORE: US man found in Syria prison months after going missing Hundreds of Qantas workers will walk off the job today. (Getty) The workers are repsonsible for towing and marshalling aircraft. The strike was organised by the Qantas Engineers' Alliance, a coalition of members from the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, the Australian Workers' Union, and the Electrical Trades Union. The Alliance has called for a wage claim of 5 per cent per year, with a 15 per cent first-year increase. They say this is in response to a 3.5-year wage freeze and will bring their pay in line with industry standards. READ MORE: Trump named Time's Person of the Year again The strike will affect multiple airports. (Getty) AMWU national secretary Steve Murphy said workers had "in good faith" agreed to no industrial action for the past six weeks. "Workers have no other choice now, that during the holiday period, they will be taking industrial action to bring Qantas back to the bargaining table," he said. "Qantas is to blame if there's any disruption to commuters over the holiday period." Workers have also voted in favour of another stoppage next Friday, December 20, along with dozens of partial work bans. READ MORE: Queensland's first TV star Hugh Cornish dies, aged 90 Australia's most trusted and distrusted brands View Gallery Qantas said a number of contingencies were in place to ensure smooth travel for customers despite the strike. "Passengers should head to the airport as they normally would," the statement read. "As always, unplanned maintenance issues, weather, or other events may impact operations on the day." A spokesperson did urge people to allow for extra time at security due to the busy holiday period. "We're offering our engineers a competitive package including pay rises, upskilling and career progression that will enable them to earn significantly more over the next few years," the spokesperson said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .
Older siblings everywhere could appreciate John Harbaugh’s refusal to concede an inch against his younger brother Jim. Even when his Baltimore Ravens faced fourth down at their 16-yard line in the second quarter, John wasn’t giving up the ball without a fight. The Ravens converted that fourth down and two others on their way to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving their coach a third victory in three matchups against his brother. It was the first time they’d faced off since Baltimore beat San Francisco — then coached by Jim Harbaugh — in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season. “We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that’s not what the game is about,” John Harbaugh said. “The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.” On this night, it was Baltimore’s players who shined. Specifically Derrick Henry, who rushed for 140 yards. Lamar Jackson threw a couple of touchdown passes, and the defense was solid, allowing touchdowns on the first and last Los Angeles drives but not much in between. RELATED COVERAGE Malik Nabers says calling the Giants ‘soft’ was wrong but he doesn’t regret speaking out Commanders place kicker Austin Seibert on injured reserve Saquon Barkley is the NFL’s version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis “I’m proud of our guys,” John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points — we were down 10-0, and our guys stepped up.” After converting fourth-and-1 at their 16 late in the second quarter, the Ravens scored on a 40-yard pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, taking the lead for good at 14-10. Baltimore’s other two fourth-and-1 conversions came on a 14-play touchdown drive that spanned the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. “We’re just confident that we’ll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking,” said Henry, who converted the last two of the fourth downs. “All we had to do was make a play, and we did.” The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . What’s working The Ravens got back to their identity a bit, rushing for 212 yards. And it wasn’t just Henry and Jackson contributing. Justice Hill broke free for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 30-16 in the fourth. “Nobody wants to stand in front of (Derrick Henry) every single play, every single run,” Hill said. “You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I’m glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us.” What needs help There were still too many penalties, with the Ravens flagged nine times for 102 yards. Baltimore played a pretty clean game until the fourth quarter, so several of those flags came after the Ravens had the game reasonably under control, but this is still an area of concern. Stock up With star linebacker Roquan Smith out because of a hamstring injury, Malik Harrison led the Ravens with a dozen tackles. “It’s a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I’m happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level,” Harrison said. Stock down There was a time when Isaiah Likely seemed as if he might be supplanting Mark Andrews as Baltimore’s top tight end threat, but Likely went without a catch Monday. He did, however, recover the onside kick that effectively ended the game. Injuries Although Smith was out, DT Travis Jones (ankle) and C Tyler Linderbaum (back) were able to start. Key number Jackson has now thrown 22 touchdown passes with no interceptions on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 124.3. Next steps The Ravens have one more game before their open date, and it’s a showdown this weekend against a Philadelphia team that has won seven in a row. Saquon Barkley (1,392) of the Eagles and Henry (1,325) have both surpassed 1,300 yards rushing already. Nobody else in the NFL has more than 1,000. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflShare Tweet Share Share Email Alternative finance is reshaping how businesses, individuals, and startups raise capital. Traditional funding methods, such as bank loans or venture capital, no longer hold the same dominance they once did. Instead, non-traditional funding mechanisms are gaining momentum, offering more flexible, accessible, and diverse options. What is Alternative Finance? Alternative finance refers to any funding method that falls outside traditional banking and financial institutions. It encompasses a wide range of non-traditional financial services, from crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending to invoice financing and cryptocurrency-based investments. These methods are typically facilitated by online platforms or networks, leveraging technology to connect lenders and borrowers, investors and entrepreneurs, more directly and efficiently. The Factors Behind the Rise of Alternative Finance Several factors have contributed to the rise of alternative finance. Understanding these factors provides insight into why businesses and individuals are increasingly turning to non-traditional funding mechanisms. Digitalization and Technology The internet and digital platforms have made it easier for individuals and businesses to access financing. Technological advancements, particularly in fintech, have streamlined processes and made financial transactions faster, cheaper, and more transparent. This has allowed platforms like Kickstarter, LendingClub, and others to flourish. Technology also enables the use of data analytics, enhancing credit risk assessments and providing more tailored financing solutions. Limited Access to Traditional Financing For many businesses, particularly startups and small enterprises, traditional funding routes have become increasingly difficult to navigate. Banks have tightened their lending criteria, and venture capital is often out of reach for those without established reputations or substantial assets . Alternative finance has emerged as a solution to this problem, offering more inclusive and accessible options for funding. Changing Consumer Preferences Consumers are becoming more inclined to explore non-traditional funding options. This shift is driven by the desire for greater flexibility, lower interest rates, and faster access to capital. Furthermore, millennials and Gen Z are particularly receptive to alternative finance platforms, attracted by their digital-first nature and the opportunity to support causes or businesses they believe in. Lower Regulatory Barriers While traditional financial institutions are heavily regulated, many alternative finance mechanisms operate with less stringent oversight. This regulatory flexibility enables quicker decision-making and lower costs, benefitting both lenders and borrowers. However, it is essential to note that this relatively relaxed regulatory environment also poses certain risks that must be managed appropriately. Popular Types of Alternative Finance Alternative finance encompasses a variety of models. These models offer different approaches to funding and can cater to a wide range of financial needs. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding allows individuals to pool their resources to fund a business idea, product, or project. Platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe have become well-known for helping entrepreneurs raise funds through contributions from a large number of people. Crowdfunding can be donation-based, rewards-based, or equity-based. In donation-based crowdfunding, backers donate without expecting any financial return. Rewards-based crowdfunding provides supporters with tangible rewards or recognition. Equity crowdfunding allows contributors to invest in a company in exchange for shares. Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P) Peer-to-peer lending, also known as P2P lending, involves individuals lending money to other individuals or businesses via online platforms like LendingClub, Prosper, and Funding Circle. P2P platforms bypass traditional financial institutions, reducing the costs associated with borrowing and lending. This form of lending also opens up opportunities for individuals with lower credit scores or limited access to capital to secure funding. Invoice Financing Invoice financing allows businesses to borrow against the value of their outstanding invoices. This provides immediate cash flow, without waiting for clients to settle their bills. Invoice financing is particularly useful for businesses that experience long payment cycles. Platforms such as Fundbox and MarketInvoice offer businesses access to cash by using invoices as collateral. Equity Investment and Venture Capital Equity crowdfunding has gained significant traction in recent years. It enables businesses, particularly startups, to raise capital by offering shares of their company to a large number of investors. In contrast to traditional venture capital, where investors take an active role in business decisions , equity crowdfunding allows businesses to raise funds without giving up too much control. Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Cryptocurrency investments, facilitated by blockchain technology, have become an emerging form of alternative finance. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies have attracted significant investment, driven by their potential for high returns and the decentralization of financial systems. Blockchain technology also allows for faster and more secure transactions, making it a promising area for alternative finance. Benefits of Alternative Finance The rise of alternative finance offers numerous benefits for borrowers, lenders, and investors alike. These benefits make non-traditional funding mechanisms an attractive option. Increased Access to Capital One of the most significant advantages of alternative finance is its ability to provide businesses and individuals with easier access to capital. Traditional banks often impose strict criteria for lending, which can be difficult for startups, small businesses, or individuals with low credit scores to meet. Alternative finance platforms offer more lenient conditions, increasing the pool of eligible borrowers. Flexibility and Speed Non-traditional funding mechanisms typically offer more flexibility and speed compared to traditional financial institutions. Borrowers can often receive funding in a matter of days, rather than weeks or months. Additionally, many alternative finance platforms provide customized loan terms or investment structures that better suit the needs of borrowers and investors. Lower Interest Rates Since alternative finance platforms generally have lower overhead costs than banks, they can offer more competitive interest rates. This makes borrowing cheaper for individuals and businesses that may not have access to traditional financing. Peer-to-peer lending, in particular, often provides lower rates due to the direct nature of transactions. Diversification for Investors For investors, alternative finance offers the opportunity to diversify their portfolios by exploring non-traditional investment avenues. Crowdfunding, P2P lending, and equity investments all present opportunities for individuals to participate in a broader range of projects or startups. This can enhance an investor’s potential for higher returns while mitigating risks through diversification. Challenges of Alternative Finance Despite its numerous advantages, alternative finance does have some challenges and risks. These issues must be carefully considered by both borrowers and investors. Regulatory and Legal Risks Since alternative finance operates in a less-regulated environment compared to traditional financial markets, both lenders and borrowers face higher legal and regulatory risks. Inadequate regulation can lead to fraud, misinformation, or unfair lending practices. There is also a lack of consistent legal frameworks across different regions, which can create uncertainty for participants. Credit Risk For lenders, alternative finance carries the risk of borrower defaults. While P2P lending platforms use algorithms to assess creditworthiness, these models are not foolproof. Furthermore, borrowers on alternative finance platforms may not have a proven track record or sufficient collateral, increasing the risk of non-repayment. Limited Investor Protection Unlike traditional financial markets, alternative finance platforms may offer limited investor protection. Investors in crowdfunding or P2P lending may have little recourse if the business fails or defaults. Although some platforms offer insurance or guarantees, these protections can be minimal and vary significantly from one platform to another. Market Volatility Alternative finance markets, especially those involving cryptocurrencies, can experience significant volatility. For instance, the value of digital currencies can fluctuate dramatically, leading to substantial risks for investors. Similarly, crowdfunding projects and startups may not always achieve their funding goals or experience market setbacks, resulting in financial loss. The Future of Alternative Finance The future of alternative finance appears bright, with continued growth expected across all sectors. As technology continues to advance, more efficient and secure platforms are likely to emerge, addressing current concerns and expanding the reach of non-traditional funding mechanisms. Regulatory bodies are also gradually implementing measures to ensure greater transparency and protect participants from fraud and market manipulation. The growing interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing will likely play a significant role in the evolution of alternative finance. Many alternative finance platforms already support businesses with sustainable or socially impactful goals, and this trend is expected to accelerate. Conclusion Alternative finance is rapidly transforming the global financial ecosystem, providing new opportunities for borrowers, lenders, and investors. Its rise is driven by advancements in technology, the increasing demand for flexible financing solutions, and the need for greater inclusivity in the financial sector. However, challenges such as regulatory risks, credit defaults, and market volatility must be addressed for alternative finance to reach its full potential. As the sector evolves, it will continue to disrupt traditional funding models and play an essential role in shaping the future of global finance. Related Items: Alternative Finance , Digitalization and Technology , Non-Traditional Funding Mechanisms Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments