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Money isn’t just a financial issue — it’s also an emotional one. For half of Americans, financial stress is taking a serious toll on their mental health, according to a recent survey by Jenius Bank . A striking 50 percent of respondents reported battling anxiety, stress or depression tied to their finances, while 53 percent admitted to thinking of their finances daily. These statistics reflect a deeper truth: financial uncertainty is an everyday reality that may affect how we think, feel and make decisions. But while this pressure can feel relentless, understanding the root causes of financial stress could help you break free from its grip and take meaningful steps toward regaining control. The top 5 sources of financial stress According to Jenius Bank’s Mind-Money Connection survey, the five biggest sources of financial stress are: Not saving enough for retirement (49 percent): Nearly half of respondents worry about their financial future. A separate Bankrate survey indicates that 57 percent of Americans feel behind on retirement savings, underscoring a widespread concern about long-term financial security. Feeling behind their age group regarding investing, savings and retirement (32.3 percent): The pressure to keep up with others can create a sense of inadequacy, leading to emotional and financial strain. This feeling of being “behind” often drives people to overextend themselves in an attempt to catch up, which may lead to even greater stress or financial missteps. Mounting debt (31.8 percent): Debt is a huge burden. According to Bankrate’s 2024 Credit Card Debt Report, a record-high percentage of Americans have more credit card debt than savings. The constant pressure to make payments on accumulating debt weighs heavily on individuals and families alike. Making the wrong/costly financial decision (31.2 percent): The fear that one wrong move could set you back financially causes many to feel paralyzed. This fear may lead to inaction and delay important financial decisions, which only adds to the stress. Monthly income won’t cover monthly expenses (29.8 percent): Even with cooling inflation rates, the high costs of essentials like housing and groceries continue to put pressure on already tight budgets. When every dollar is stretched thin, the stress of getting through the month may feel insurmountable. How financial stress impacts life Financial stress impacts every aspect of our daily lives — from our physical health to our relationships and mental well-being. The responses from Jenius Bank’s Mind-Money Connection survey paints a clear picture of how deeply financial anxiety influences everyday experiences. Physical health The connection between financial stress and physical health is hard to ignore. According to the survey, 52.8 percent of respondents reported a lack of sleep as their most common symptom. Sleep deprivation is well known to have widespread consequences on both physical and mental health. Additionally, 32 percent of people reported regular headaches linked to financial stress. Chronic headaches can be physical manifestations of constant worry and strain. The symptoms may contribute to a cycle where stress leads to poor health, and poor health leads to more stress. Over time, financial stress may compound and impact everything from daily productivity to long-term wellness. Relationships Financial stress also may take a toll on close relationships. According to Jenius Bank’s Mind-Money Connection survey, 30.1 percent of respondents said financial anxiety had strained their relationships with friends and family, while 42.5 percent mentioned that it negatively impacted their romantic relationships. Money is one of the leading causes of conflict in relationships, especially when partners have different financial priorities or struggle to achieve shared financial goals. This strain could lead to arguments, distrust and even breakups. Over time, the pressure and conflicts surrounding finances may erode the foundation of long-term commitments. Mental health Unsurprisingly, financial stress also weighs heavily on mental health, with 41.4 percent of respondents reporting feeling guilt or hopelessness in response to their financial situation. These emotions may be paralyzing, making it hard to take proactive steps to improve finances, and may contribute to depression and anxiety. Many people may find themselves in a cycle where financial problems feed mental health struggles and vice versa. Future plans Financial stress doesn’t just affect the present — it reshapes plans for the future. Nearly 1 in 4 respondents said their financial outlook made them less likely to have children, and 53.6 percent of unmarried respondents are less likely to get married because of their financial situation. These numbers show how deeply financial anxiety can impact major life decisions. For many, starting a family or entering a marriage seems like an unattainable goal when finances are uncertain. As a result, life events that should bring joy and security may become sources of anxiety. Voting As people think about their financial future, many are considering the political landscape for solutions. More than half (54.5 percent) of survey respondents named inflation as their top concern leading up to the election, followed by taxes (12.1 percent), job security (8.2 percent) and student loan debt (8 percent). Many people (32.9 percent) think their finances will improve following the election. In fact, 6.3 percent of respondents believe that the economy will improve in the next 6 to 12 months and help alleviate the financial stress they’re feeling. It appears many survey respondents believe the election is a potential turning point for their financial well-being. How to deal with financial stress Navigating financial stress requires more than just good intentions; it takes specific actions to help you feel in control. Here are a few targeted strategies to help manage your financial anxiety and stress. Automate your savings and payments: Setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account ensures you’re consistently building a financial cushion without the temptation to spend. Automating your bill payments can help avoid late fees and reduce the mental burden of managing due dates. Jenius Bank offers easy-to-use tools for automating your financial life, making it simpler to stay on top of your priorities. Prioritize debt with a plan: If debt is a source of stress, many experts recommend focusing on the debt avalanche method. This method advises you to pay off the highest-interest debt first while making minimum payment on others. This approach reduces the total interest you pay over time. You can also consider a personal loan to help consolidate debt into a single, more manageable monthly payment. Set achievable financial goals: Break your large financial goals into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of focusing on saving thousands for an emergency fund, start by setting aside a small amount each month. Tracking your progress using budgeting tools may keep you motivated and help make your goals feel more attainable. Taking these steps can help alleviate financial stress by putting you back in control of your finances, allowing for a clearer path forward. The bottom line Financial stress is a pervasive issue that could affect everything from physical health to relationships and future plans. The Mind-Money Connection survey conducted by Jenius Bank reveals that half of respondents are struggling with anxiety, stress or depression tied to their finances. Top concerns include saving for retirement, managing debt and meeting monthly expenses. These pressures not only disrupt daily life, but may create a long-term sense of uncertainty and frustration. However, there are practical steps you can take to help alleviate some of this financial burden. Automating your savings and bill payments can help simplify your financial life and reduce stress. Prioritizing high-interest debt and breaking down large financial goals into manageable steps can also help you make steady progress. It’s important to remember that while financial challenges may feel overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate them alone or all at once. Taking control of your finances, one step at a time, can help relieve some of the emotional and mental strain that comes with money management. By focusing on small, achievable actions, you may begin to build a more secure financial future.
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TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press
At Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport, more than a year of war has taken its toll. Global airlines have canceled flights, gates are empty and pictures of hostages still held in the Gaza Strip guide the few arriving passengers to baggage claim. But one check-in desk remains flush with travelers: the one serving flights to the United Arab Emirates, which have kept up a bridge for Israelis to the outside world throughout the war. The Emirati flights, in addition to bolstering airlines’ bottom lines, have shined a light on the countries’ burgeoning ties — which have survived the wars raging across the Middle East and could be further strengthened as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office. “It’s a political and economic statement,” said Joshua Teitelbaum, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Israel’s Bar-Ilan University. “They are the main foreign airlines that continue to fly.” Since the wars began with Hamas’ initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, many international airlines have halted, restarted and halted again their flights into Israel’s main gateway to the rest of the world. The concern is real for the carriers, who remember the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine 10 years ago and Iran shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 after takeoff from Tehran in 2020. But FlyDubai, the sister airline to the long-haul carrier Emirates, has kept up multiple flights daily and kept Israel connected to the wider world even as its other low-cost competitors have stopped flights. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad has continued its flights as well. While maintaining the flight schedule remains politically important for the UAE after its 2020 diplomatic recognition of Israel, it also provided a further shot in the arm for revenues — particularly for FlyDubai. Since the Israeli’s wars against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon started, international carriers such as Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, Germany’s Lufthansa and other major airlines halted their flights. Some resumed, only to stop again after Iran’s Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel and Israel’s Oct. 26 retaliatory strike on the Islamic Republic. Tehran has threatened to strike Israel again. That’s brought major business to Israel’s national carrier El Al, which had struggled in the coronavirus pandemic and prior years. The airline posted its best-ever half-year results this year, recording a $227 million profit as compared to $58 million profit in the same period last year. El Al stock has risen by as much 200% over the past year, as compared to a 29% rise in the wider Tel Aviv 125 stock market index. El Al, however, lacks the routes and connections of major international carriers. Low-cost carriers as well have stopped flying into Israel during periods of the war, sending the price of El Al tickets ever higher. Passenger numbers through Ben Gurion halved compared to the same period the year before, El Al said in its second-quarter financial results. However, FlyDubai has kept flying. The carrier has operated more than 1,800 flights to Israel since October 2023, cancelling only 77 flights overall, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. In September alone, it flew more than 200 flights. As a line snaked toward the FlyDubai check-in counters at Ben Gurion Airport, UAE-bound Motti Eis said the flights were “a symbol that the Emirates countries decided to keep the peace.” FlyDubai declined to answer questions from The Associated Press about the flights. Etihad, the flag carrier for Abu Dhabi, has kept flying into Tel Aviv, but the number of its flights has been dwarfed by FlyDubai. FlyDubai had 3.6% market share at Ben Gurion, compared to El Al’s 43.2% in the second half of 2024. However, at least two of the foreign low-cost airlines with greater market, Wizz Air and Blue Bird, stopped flying for extended periods this year. Etihad said it maintains a close watch on the situation in the region, but continues its daily flights to and from Tel Aviv. “Ben Gurion International Airport remains open, employing best practices in safety and security practices, enabling Etihad and other airlines to provide essential air connectivity as long as it is secure to do so,” the airline said in a statement. Beyond the financial impact, the decision also takes root in the UAE’s decision to recognize Israel in 2020 under agreements brokered by President Donald Trump known as the Abraham Accords. While Abu Dhabi has repeatedly expressed concern and outrage at Israel’s conduct during the wars, Israel’s consulate in Dubai and embassy remain open in the country. And while Dubai, broadly speaking, remains focused on business in the country, Abu Dhabi’s focus long has been on its geopolitical aims — which since the 2011 Arab Spring have been squarely focused on challenging Islamist movements and those who back them in the wider region. The UAE, a hereditary autocracy, long has viewed those groups as serious challenges to its power. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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James Gunn Talks ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Superman’: “David Corenswet Is Going to Freak Everyone Out”In the Shadow of Fists and the Gleam of Swords: Wang Xijing's New Series of Chinese Martial Arts Paintings 11-22-2024 10:52 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency Following the success of his previous series on African figures, dancers, and opera characters, artist Wang Xijing has launched a new collection dedicated to Chinese martial arts figures, presenting a fresh and original viewpoint. Each time I observe his work, I am impressed by the depth of his concentration and commitment. His series are executed with remarkable skill and precision, showcasing his unwavering dedication to achieving artistic excellence. With years of experience in figure painting, Wang Xijing has consistently pursued a path of discovery and innovation, both in terms of subject matter and artistic style. He moves forward with confidence and assurance, continuously producing new works that are brimming with creative energy. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-57-1024x789.png Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-58-1024x490.png The theme of Chinese martial arts, when presented as a series, results in paintings that are rich in content, featuring natural and lively forms, as well as bold and expressive brushwork. This is a unique accomplishment in the history of Chinese painting. Wang Xijing possesses a distinctive vision, recognizing the beauty within the intense and dynamic movements of martial arts, where the rhythm and harmony of form and speed are seamlessly integrated. He captures the transient beauty of these moments with the discerning eye and skilled hand of an artist, a true test of his artistic talent and ability to convey form. In my opinion, Wang Xijing has met this challenge with great success. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-59-1024x490.png Martial arts have always been a manifestation of humanity's fundamental ability to survive and protect themselves, a skill honed since ancient times. It represents the collective wisdom gained through the challenges of hunting for sustenance and competing with rival tribes. During the era of cold weapons, the development of unarmed combat and the use of various weapons led to the creation of techniques designed to counter these threats. Over time, these techniques evolved into the martial arts we recognize today, a concept not exclusive to any single culture but shared across many societies. However, China's unique historical depth, expansive land, diverse ethnic groups, and rich cultural legacy have allowed martial arts to flourish in distinct ways. The exchange of martial arts practices and experiences across different regions has given rise to numerous schools and styles, each with its own characteristics. These schools not only focus on the practical effectiveness of combat but also align with the body's natural capabilities. Guided by ancient philosophies, Chinese martial arts have developed a range of rational principles, such as advancing and retreating, speed and slowness, expansion and contraction, and hardness and softness, all aimed at achieving victory in the present moment. Moreover, the emphasis on flexibility and coordination in body movements has endowed Chinese martial arts with a unique aesthetic quality, where the harmony and rhythm of human motion are beautifully expressed. As society transitioned to the age of firearms and eventually modern weaponry, the importance of individual combat diminished. Nonetheless, martial arts continue to be a valuable skill for physical fitness and self-defense. Furthermore, the diversity of Chinese martial arts schools and the variety of weapons used have imbued it with an inherent aesthetic and performative quality, which has been integrated into the art of Chinese opera. As a result, martial arts performances are widely admired and cherished by the public. The exceptional abilities of highly skilled martial artists, who push the limits of human physicality to extraordinary levels, have fostered a sense of mystery and reverence for martial arts masters. This is often reflected in literature, particularly in martial arts novels, which have captivated the hearts of many readers. While Chinese martial arts also encompass profound theoretical foundations, I will not delve into these as I am not an expert. However, it is not an overstatement to consider martial arts as a significant branch of Chinese culture, and I hold it in the highest regard. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-60-1024x490.png The allure of martial arts lies not only in its dynamic movement and embodiment of health but also in the powerful fusion of strength and speed. More importantly, it represents the spirited expression of the human soul and the beauty of a well-conditioned body. While spectators may be awed and inspired by martial arts performances, it is the artist's discerning eye that captures those ephemeral moments of beauty and brings them to life on the canvas. This ability is the result of a harmonious blend of the eye, heart, and hand, honed through years of diligent practice and training. The introduction of sketching and drawing techniques in the 20th century has significantly advanced the development of figure painting in China, and its positive impact is clear. Sketching and drawing hone the artist's visual and manual skills, while the practice of drawing from memory enhances their ability to conceptualize and recall images. Furthermore, the artist's imagination and creativity are not in conflict with their capacity for realistic representation, particularly in the realm of figure painting. Wang Xijing's accomplishments in this field, including his various series of character paintings, vividly demonstrate that an artist with innate talent, coupled with rigorous training and years of experience, can achieve remarkable heights in the pursuit of artistic excellence. It is undeniable that the pursuit of precision in form, often described as "vivid and lifelike," is not the sole criterion for evaluating a painting. Since the advent of photography in the 19th century, it has presented a formidable challenge to Western realism in art. Today, with the rapid progress of technology and the seemingly boundless capabilities of artificial intelligence, even the most skilled painters who can match machines in technical skill face a daunting challenge. In this context, Chinese figure painters possess distinct and enduring advantages. The emphasis on the spirit of free expression in Chinese painting, along with the unique aesthetic techniques of Chinese ink, grants Chinese artists greater freedom in their subjective expression and aesthetic choices. The unexpected joys that arise during the process of ink painting ensure that Chinese painting will continue to hold a significant place in the future of the art world. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-61-1024x490.png From this perspective, I find myself both appreciating and contemplating Wang Xijing's diverse series of figure paintings, particularly his works that depict martial artists. It is evident that the artist not only exhibits exceptional technical prowess but also captures the true essence of his subjects. Each piece seems to resonate with the breath of the warrior and the sound of air being swiftly sliced by hands or weapons. Wang Xijing, with his remarkable ability to shape forms, not only conveys the swift and dynamic beauty of martial arts movements but also delves into the depiction of the characters' inner emotions and spirit. The ancient adage "conveying the spirit through the eyes" and the emphasis on "a combination of form and spirit" set a high bar for figure painters. Reflecting on the works of the ancients, it is clear that achieving this is no simple task, and it is not something we should expect of contemporary artists. However, upon closer examination of Wang Xijing's paintings, the expressions in the eyes of his figures and the open-mouthed shouts truly capture the explosive burst of vitality in a martial artist. The challenge of achieving "a combination of form and spirit" in painting is significant, and I believe that Wang Xijing, with his training in sketching, has successfully met this challenge. On the other hand, Chinese painting requires the skillful manipulation and control of brush and ink to achieve the beauty of ink. Creating depth, lightness, dryness, and wetness on white raw paper, and expressing form and meaning freely, is even more challenging. However, the beauty of ink lies in these subtle and nuanced changes, which are the result of decades of refinement and practice by Chinese painters, as seen in the works of many veteran artists. It is commendable that Wang Xijing, despite having reached the respected status of an elder artist in terms of age and experience, has not only achieved the mature stage of "the person and the work both mature" (as described by Sun Guoting in "The Book of Calligraphy") but also maintains a vibrant creative passion. He continues to produce new works and steadily advances on his path toward the pinnacle of art. With the summit in sight, his future creations are highly anticipated. Sun Ke October 2024 Born in Xi'an, Shaanxi in August 1946, Wang Xijing is a member of the Chinese Painting Art Committee of the China Artists Association, the Vice President of the Chinese Painting Society, and the Vice Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles. He also serves as the Deputy Director of the Culture, History, and Study Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Honorary Chairman of the Shaanxi Artists Association, and the President of the Shaanxi Chinese Painting Society. Additionally, he holds the position of Honorary Dean at the School of Art at Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology. He is a concurrent professor at several institutions, including the Chinese National Academy of Arts, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Northwest University, Yunnan University, and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. He has previously served as a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and as a deputy to the 9th and 10th National People's Congress. He holds the title of a national first-class artist and has been honored by the State Council as a "National Outstanding Expert". He has received numerous accolades, such as "Pioneer of the Chinese Era", "One of the Top Ten Most Influential New Figures of China's Reform", "Red Flag Figure of Shaanxi", "Industry Leader of Shaanxi", "Outstanding Communist Party Expert of Shaanxi", and "Model Worker". Over the past fifty years, he has published over 20,000 works in various domestic and international newspapers and magazines, and has released more than 500 collections of his works and essays. He has successfully held over 60 solo exhibitions in countries including the United States, France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and South Korea, as well as in regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Shenzhen, Dalian, Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Hefei. He has been appointed as a visiting professor at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, the Malaysian Institute of Art, and the Oriental Academy in Thailand. I don't know anything else about this. In 2000, Wang Xijing was awarded the "International Academy Award" and the "Order of Cultural Merit" by the Japanese government. In 2002, he won the "International Contribution Award" at the "Seoul International Art Exhibition" and the "Special Olympic Gold Medal" for the "Olympic Movement of the People's Republic of China". In 2003, he secured the Gold Award at the "International Art Festival Exhibition" in China, Japan, and Korea, as well as the "Special Award" at the "Beijing International Art Festival". In 2004, he created a large-scale work titled "Spring Tide" for the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. In 2005, he was honored with the "Special Award" at the "French International Art Salon Exhibition". In 2008, he created a large-scale work titled "Assembly of Sages" for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In 2013, he created a large-scale work titled "Yellow River, Mother River" for the Great Hall of the People. In 2015, he created the monumental artwork "Picture of Taihua Mountain Amidst Rising Clouds" for the Tiananmen Rostrum and was awarded the "Knight of the Legion of Honor" by France in the same year. In 2016, he brought out "Picture of Radiant Autumn Glow" for the Central Military Commission Building. In 2018, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award of the Autumn Salon in Paris", the "Sino-French Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Contribution Award", and the "Medal of Honorary Citizen of Paris, France". He is a renowned artist both in China and overseas. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=in-the-shadow-of-fists-and-the-gleam-of-swords-wang-xijings-new-series-of-chinese-martial-arts-paintings ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.