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NEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Change your relationship with money Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. Know your “why” When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. Budget, budget, budget “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. Pay down outstanding debt “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. Take control of your credit card interest rate “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. Set realistic, practical goals When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. Don't ‘flamingo' or bury your head in the sand “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automate savings, where possible Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Slow down Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Focus on financial wellness Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. Cora Lewis And Adriana Morga, The Associated PressElon Musk has backed allegations of wrongdoing in the death of Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old tech researcher of Indian descent and ex-OpenAI worker. Poornima Ramarao, Balaji’s mother, has requested an FBI investigation, claiming that evidence disputes the San Francisco Police Department's determination of suicide. Who Is Poornima Ramarao?Poornima Ramarao is the mother of Suchir Balaji. Ramarao has asked for a federal inquiry into her son's death. Her concerns were backed by Musk, the owner of Tesla. He commented under Ramarao's post, "This doesn't seem like a suicide." Ramarao claimed there were inconsistencies in the case via a succession of public statements. She emphasized results from a personal autopsy and inquiry, asserting that Balaji’s apartment exhibited indications of a struggle. Writing on social media, Ramarao stated, “Suchir’s apartment was ransacked. There were blood spots in the bathroom. It looks like he was hit. This is a cold-blooded murder misclassified as suicide.” Ramarao further accused local authorities of interference, adding, “Lobbying in SF city doesn’t stop us from getting justice. We demand an FBI investigation.” Musk Joins the Chorus for AnswersBillionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk voiced his agreement, tweeting, “This doesn’t seem like a suicide.” His remark heightened public interest in the case and encouraged Ramarao to seek further assistance. As reported by The Times of India, Musk had earlier condemned the ethics of OpenAI, fueling speculation around Balaji’s demise. Ethical Concerns and Rising MomentumBalaji, a renowned figure in technology, had openly denounced AI practices in recent months. In October, he discussed with The New York Times, expressing worries about copyright infringements by major AI firms. His critiques positioned him at the center of a legal conflict, with the publication referencing him in a prominent copyright lawsuit against OpenAI. In August, Balaji stepped down from OpenAI, allegedly due to ethical disputes. His sudden passing, just days after he turned 26, has sparked demands for openness. Leading advocates for AI ethics are calling for enhanced safeguards for whistleblowers and independent inquiries into the matter. Police Stand By Suicide ConclusionBalaji was discovered deceased in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. Surveillance video revealed he was by himself in the hours before his passing. The San Francisco Police Department ruled the death a suicide, noting insufficient evidence to suggest foul play. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
Kay Patterson, who rose from janitor at segregated South Carolina capitol to state senator, diesUS homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save A Pennsylvania mother came forward against a Commercial Township man who was arrested earlier this month for allegedly using the social media platform Snapchat to talk and share explicit content with several underage girls, the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office said Friday. Michael A. Romig, 29, was charged Monday with causing or permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act or to be portrayed in a sexually suggestive manner, engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child and luring. These charges are in addition to the Dec. 12 charges of possessing, viewing or having under his control less than 1,000 items depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child, causing or permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such an act or to be portrayed in a sexually suggestive manner, and engaging in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of a child. Contractors continue to remove rides at former Gillian's Wonderland site in Ocean City Ocean City group has no shortage of ideas for area near Gillian's Wonderland 'Great Day Express' takes its maiden voyage to Big SNOW at American Dream Mall Body found in fridge in Belleplain State Forest 'He was one of a kind': Ex-Beach Haven lifeguard chief recalls officer killed in North Carolina shooting DEEM says financing ready to start Bader Field development in Atlantic City Long Beach Island fire damages multimillion-dollar bayfront home New Jersey 'homelessness czar' at work in Atlantic City, DCA says The heartbeat of Atlantic City: How Midtown is redefining its future Atlantic City police officer accused of assaulting, pointing gun at wife Lower Township man charged with possession of child porn 2 Wildwood men accused of sexually assaulting juveniles Who are The Press' 2024 High School Football All-Stars? Who are The Press' football Player, Team and Coach of the Year? Mays Landing's Level Up comic and video game shop to close after 18 years In October, police in Columbus, Ohio, told the Prosecutor's Office that someone in the county was soliciting and sharing child sex abuse material with a 10-year-old girl on social media, the county officials said in a Dec. 13 release. Investigators identified Romig as the suspect and determined he had used multiple Snapchat accounts to communicate with juveniles ages 10 to 15, the Prosecutor's Office said. Romig is alleged to have possessed 276 files of child sex abuse material, including 16 photos and 26 videos, and he allegedly told the juveniles how he wanted the pictures taken, the Prosecutor's Office said. On Dec. 19, Prosecutor's Office Det. Kyle Mecouch received contact from a woman in Galeton, Pennsylvania, who said her 15-year-old daughter had been in an online relationship with a person she had believed to be a teenager. On the day prior, the girl approached her mother and was upset she had lost contact with a "teenager" she had been talking to, police said. The teen admitted Romig's true identity — a 29-year-old man — and said she had been unable to contact him since Dec. 12, the day of his initial arrest. After learning of Romig's true identity, the mother searched his name on the internet and came across the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office's Dec. 13 news release about his arrest, police said. Romig is alleged to have randomly added the 15-year-old girl as a friend on Snapchat in December 2022, police said. He initially told the girl his name was "Jason" and that he was 17. Both began to talk daily on Snapchat and other online platforms. During that time, Romig is alleged to have sent nude photographs of himself and requested the victim send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Romig eventually told the victim his real age and name and convinced her to not tell her parents about him, police said. They continued to talk daily until Romig's arrest Dec. 12. After not being able to contact him, the victim told her parents, police said. Romig continues to be held in the Cumberland County jail. The state will move for pretrial detention following the latest charges, police said. Contact John Russo: 609-272-7184 jrusso@pressofac.com Twitter: @ACPress_Russo Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Digital producer Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Netanyahu's insatiable appetite for power forces him - and Israel - into a state of perpetual emergencyNEW YORK (AP) — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. “We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that’s possibly why he targeted that company,” said Kenny. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald's in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he has yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione's arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early on the morning of Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson's killing. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a “ ghost gun ” matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family. In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation had been a success and that his pain had improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system . Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione's family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November.