By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .Credits: WWE Chris Jericho , the ROH World Champion , expressed his eagerness to face former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona in the ring. It was the first major singles match between the two veterans and Jericho's successful defense of the title at ROH's Final Battle. Jericho and Cardona spent years together in the WWE, but their interactions as rivals were few. Jericho said he was excited to play Cardona because of the new dynamic between them. When Titans Collide: Jericho’s Candid Thoughts on Matt Cardona It was the first major singles match between the two veterans and Jericho's successful defense of the title at ROH's Final Battle. Jericho and Cardona spent years together in the WWE, but their interactions as rivals were few. Jericho said he was excited to play Cardona because of the new dynamic between them. During an interview with Gabby AF Jericho said the following. “I was really excited when the idea came up to work with Matt because I’ve never worked with him before. Maybe a two-minute nothing match, but once again that was Zack Ryder . That’s a different guy almost at this point in time. We’ve never wrestled before, and I like the idea of having it be somebody different, someone kind of outside the wire so to speak.” Their only prior meeting took place in March 2016 on Monday Night Raw. With an assist from AJ Styles , Cardona defeated Jericho in an unexpected match while competing as Zack Ryder in the WWE. Both have since gone their separate ways outside of WWE, with Cardona leaving in 2020 and Jericho leaving in 2018. Speaking about the prospect of Matt Cardona joining AEW, Chris Jericho stated that he believes Cardona would be a great asset to the organization because he has done a fantastic job of redefining himself since leaving WWE for the independent scene. ALSO READ: John Cena Posts a Cryptic Tweet: 'Accountability' Advice or Subtle Shade? Jericho's eagerness to face Cardona highlights the respect he has for his opponent's evolution. While their past interactions may have been limited, Jericho recognizes the unique dynamic they share and the potential for a compelling match. With both men at the top of their game, their clash promises to be a hard-hitting and entertaining spectacle that will further elevate both their careers and the ROH Championship.( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) Airbus Ventures invests in Eureka Robotics Airbus Ventures has made an investment in Singapore-based Eureka Robotics . Eureka says it will use the $10.5 million Series A funds to accelerate the development of its main products – Eureka Controller and Eureka 3D Camera, which enable system integrators and manufacturers to deploy High Accuracy-High Agility (HA-HA) applications in factories and warehouses. It will also scale the company's operations in the existing markets of Singapore and Japan, with a plan to launch more widely across Japan, as well as to enter the US market, where the company has already acquired initial customers. Dr Pham Quang Cuong, Eureka CEO and co-founder, says:“Eureka Robotics was founded in 2018 with the mission of helping factories worldwide automate dull, dirty, and dangerous work, so that human workers can focus on their creative endeavors. “We are proud to reach the next stage of our development, with the support of our investors and the cooperation of our esteemed customers and partners. We will continue to make further efforts to bring our innovative technology to society.” Empowered by Robotics and AI research from NTU Singapore, MIT, and the University of Tokyo, Eureka Robotics delivers robotic software and systems to automate tasks that require High Accuracy and High Agility (HA-HA). Common uses include AI-based inspection, precision handling, 3D picking, assembly, or dispensing. Yuichiro Hikosaka, principal at Airbus Ventures, says:“Eureka's technology excels in achieving micron-level accuracy in order to harness the full potential of hardware. “The team's expertise in calibration, motion planning, and force control has powered tens of millions of operations in real-world commercial environments. “We're thrilled to welcome the team into the Airbus Ventures startup portfolio.” Eureka says its strengths lie in its proprietary technologies (High Accuracy Calibration, Computer Vision, Motion Planning, Force Control) and extensive industrial deployment experience, with more than 25 million HA-HA operations to date in factories worldwide. Eureka has offices in Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, and their customer base ranges from industry-leading companies such as Toyota, Denso, Bridgestone, Mitsui Fudosan, Sumitomo Bakelite from Japan, to Pratt & Whitney, Coherent, and Excelitas. 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City slumped to their seventh defeat in 10 games in all competitions as they were beaten 2-0 at Juventus in their latest European outing on Wednesday. Second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie at the Allianz Stadium left Guardiola’s side languishing in 22nd place in the standings. With just two games of the league phase remaining, a place in the top eight and automatic last-16 qualification looks beyond them and they face a battle just to stay in the top 24 and claim a play-off spot. City manager Guardiola said: “Of course I question myself but I’m stable in good moments and bad moments. “I try to find a way to do it. I’m incredibly honest. If we play good (I say) we played good and today I thought we played good. “Our game will save us. We can do it. We conceded few chances compared to the Nottingham Forest game that we won. We’re making the right tempo. “We missed the last pass, did not arrive in the six-yard box (at the right time) or have the composure at the right moment. “But I love my team. This is life, it happens. Sometimes you have a bad period but I’m going to insist until we’re there.” City now face a crunch trip to Paris St Germain, who are also at risk of failing to qualify, next month. Guardiola accepts the top 24 is now the only aim. He said: “It’s the target. We need one point or three points. We go to Paris to try to do it and the last game at home.” Veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said after the game he felt City were suffering from a loss of confidence but Guardiola dismissed his player’s comments. “I am not agreeing with Ilkay,” he said. “Of course it is tough but, except one or two games in this period, we’ve played good.” City now face a further test of their resolve as they host rivals Manchester United in a derby on Sunday. Gundogan told TNT Sports: “It (confidence) is a big part of it. That’s a mental issue as well. “You can see that sometimes we miss the ball or lose a duel and you see that we drop immediately and lose the rhythm. They (the opponents) don’t even need to do much but it has such a big effect on us right now. “Even more you have to do the simple things as good as possible and create and fluidity, then it’s work hard again. This is how you get confidence back – do the small and simple things, (but) in crucial moments at the moment we are always doing the wrong things.” Juventus coach Thiago Motta was pleased with the hosts’ performance, which boosted their hopes of making the top eight. “It was a deserved victory,” he said. “We had to defend as a team and be ready to attack with quality. “We have shown we can compete at this level and now we have to do it consistently.”
Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 15The secret to making successful financial New Year’s resolutions
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry and Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq while paying eulogizing tributes to the Father of Nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his 148th birthday, being celebrated on Wednesday, have said that there was no better way to pay tribute to the great leader than following his golden principles of unity, faith and discipline MIRPUR (AJK ) , (UrduPoint / Point - 24th Dec, 2024) ( ) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry and Chaudhry Anwarul Haq while paying eulogizing tributes to the Father of Nation, Quaid-i-Azam on his 148th birthday, being celebrated on Wednesday, have said that there was no better way to pay tribute to the great leader than following his principles of , faith and discipline. In their messages issued separately on Tuesday, on the eve of the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, they said that Quaid-i-Azam was the great leader, who changed the course of history. The President said that Jinnah led a relentless struggle that culminated successfully in the shape of - a free homeland for of the sub continent where they live with peace, dignity and absolute freedom. “It was Quaid-i-Azam’s dynamic leadership that turned Allama Iqbal’s dream into a reality,” he added. Barrister Chaudhry said that Quaid-e-Azam was a great leader, great jurist and history maker, adding that he enlightened the of the subcontinent with the two-nation theory that led to the creation of . That is why he declared Kashmir as the jugular vein of ,” he said, adding that Quaid-i-Azam openly supported the freedom movement of Kashmiris and made great efforts to resolve the Kashmir problem. Meanwhile, PM Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq said that Quaid-i-Azam not only changed the history but also the geography of the subcontinent. “Quaid-i-Azam not only defended the identity of as a separate nation, but also turned the dream of a separate homeland for the of the subcontinent into a political reality,” he said. The PM said that the great leader’s motto of commitment, honesty and discipline serves as a guiding principle for the nation. He said that Jinnah declared Kashmir as a jugular vein of and always supported the Kashmiri people. “Quaid-i-Azam was the most popular, highly revered and respected leader amongst the Kashmiri people,” he said. The premier also paid rich tributes to the Kashmiri people for raising their voice against ’s illegal and forcible occupation, saying that the day is not far when the Kashmiri people will get rid of illegal occupation and become part of . APP/ahr/378
WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. It passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." Branden Marty, a Navy veteran who served for 13 years, said the loss of health coverage for transgender medical treatments could prompt some with valuable experience to leave the military, affecting national security because "we already struggle from a recruiting and retention standpoint." He also said the bill could regularly force service members into difficult choices financially. "It will be tough for a lot of them because of out-of-pocket expenses, especially enlisted members who we know already struggle with food insecurity," said Marty, the father of a transgender teenager. "They don't get paid very much, so they're going to be making a lot of choices on a day-to-day, tactical level." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. Overall, 81 Democrats voted for the bill and 124 against it. On the Republican side, 200 voted for the bill and 16 against it. "It's disappointing to see 124 of my Democrat colleagues vote against our brave men and women in uniform over policies that have nothing to do with their intended mission," Johnson, R-La., said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. High rents make it difficult to save up, even when applying for a VA loan—a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that typically has more favorable terms. While the VA does not require a downpayment, some lenders, who ultimately provide the loan, do. They're not entirely risk-free either, and veterans can still lose their homes if they are unable to keep up with their mortgages. In November 2023, the VA put a six-month pause on foreclosures when an NPR investigation found thousands of veterans were in danger of losing their homes after a COVID forbearance program ended. Biden officials pointed to high rents and the end of COVID-era housing restrictions like eviction moratoriums to explain the spike in Americans experiencing homelessness. In the last year, homelessness rose 12%—to more than 650,000 people—the highest level since data began being collected in 2007. Overall, more than half of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 live in states with high living costs. Most were in California, followed by New York and Florida. Western states, including Montana and Utah, experienced massive population growth during the pandemic, becoming hubs for remote workers who drove home prices and rents even further. For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!None
Global Mountain And Snow Tourism Market Set For 6.5% Growth, Reaching $6.19 Billion By 2028Girls wrestling: Returning state place winners for the 2024-25 seasonCognition Labs has officially launched its AI software engineer, Devin, which is now available for subscription. This innovative tool, first introduced in March, is designed to perform a variety of complex coding tasks, including writing code in multiple programming languages, building and deploying websites and applications, and debugging existing code. Devin has already demonstrated its capabilities by passing practical engineering interviews and completing real-world projects on freelance platforms. Key Takeaways Overview of Devin’s Capabilities Devin is equipped with a sandbox-style computing environment that includes an integrated code editor and browser. This allows users to write and deploy code seamlessly. The AI model is designed to learn unfamiliar technologies and can handle end-to-end app development autonomously. Key functionalities include: Subscription Details Starting today, Devin is available for a monthly subscription fee of $500 (approximately Rs. 42,400). This subscription includes: Optimizing Devin’s Performance To maximize Devin’s effectiveness, users are encouraged to provide clear and detailed requirements. The AI performs best when given tasks that users are already familiar with. Here are some tips for optimal use: Future Prospects Cognition Labs is also working on an enterprise version of Devin, tailored for larger organizations. Businesses interested in this option will need to contact the sales team for pricing and additional details. As AI continues to evolve, tools like Devin are set to transform the landscape of software engineering, making coding more accessible and efficient for teams of all sizes. In conclusion, the launch of Devin marks a significant milestone in the integration of AI into software development. With its robust features and capabilities, Devin is poised to become an essential tool for engineers and developers looking to enhance their productivity and streamline their workflows. Sources
MEDIUM RARE As a “food-obsessed” people, is it true we eat six times a day? Which would put snacking as a national pastime. And yet we have laws against donating unconsumed food to charities like orphanages, homes for the aged and such. It’s also true that whatever food is left uneaten in the restaurant, it is usual for diners to tell the waiter, “Please pack the leftovers in a doggie bag for me to take home.” Legends, like habits, grow over time. Many of us of a certain generation or generations were brought up supposing that people in certain countries in the Far East and South Asia were “starving” – an unfounded rumor that mothers and grandmothers unfairly passed along to teach their young why not to waste food. Nonetheless, it is assumed that we do waste too much food. If you ask your friendly waiter, he’ll probably confirm your worst fears: 30 percent of water and 20 percent of food are left unconsumed on the table in a typical middle-class restaurant. As a happy people who celebrate by eating and feasting, we are forever on the lookout for new restaurants. When Tikya discovered that a newly opened restaurant was in her neighborhood, she invited our so-called eating club to join her and “give it a try” – which we did. The restaurant is named Thai Siam, and true enough, it serves Thai food. Happily, it does not lack for Siamese local color. The waiters and waitresses wore aprons in violet and purple, with a printed pattern of elephants on parade. At the end of the meal, the chef, Thai born-and-bred, came out to pose for pictures with Gringo Honasan. It was then that the easily recognizable Gringo, “cashiered colonel,” former coup leader, senator, and cabinet secretary (Communications and Technology) confirmed that he’s running again for senator in the 2025 elections. Another former soldier and secretary, Ping Lacson, will come out of retirement to join the race. The initials of Gringo’s party, PRG for People’s Reform Group, are tattooed on his right hand, between the thumb and forefinger. It took the tattoo artist two hours to do the job. Was it painful? Yes, but soldiers are expected to be brave. Gringo: “You cannot give what you do not have.”Coined the Tiny Home, this micro-home prototype was designed by Indian architects Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain. The home is located on the outskirts of Indore, and it was designed as a solution to tackle India’s problem of affordable housing. Affordable housing solutions are lacking in India, and this little home in Madhya Pradesh showcases how the “aspirational image of an Indian house” can be conceived within a budget of 4,55,000 rupees. The home occupies a compact footprint of 19.5 square meters. Designer: and “The house design was based on a year-long research that included interactions with the target group living in houses of similar sizes whether they are rented houses, social housing, or self-builds,” said Kothari and Jain. “We realized that there was scope to experiment with and showcase that an aspirational house with aesthetic appeal could be built using standard methods of construction, at an affordable budget and quickly.” The house is organized as a single cozy and flexible living space amped with high ceilings. It can be reconfigured for living, sleeping, and dining. A daybed has been placed near the home’s entrance, which can be converted into a double bed. This is segregated from the kitchen using a foldable dining table near some shelving space. “Inspired by tiny houses and conceptually reconfigured to respond to the Indian climate, the house is organized around a single, multifunctional volume that can transform throughout the day,” said the architects. “Furthermore, strategically placed windows allow for ample light and quick ventilation of the spaces.” The rear section of the home accommodates a toilet and some storage cupboards which have been placed underneath a mezzanine floor. This mezzanine section includes an additional sleeping area that can be entered using a small ladder. A compact raised veranda has been placed in front of the house. This veranda is protected by a corrugated canopy, and it functions as an external seating area near the entrance. The veranda also protects the eastern side of the home from the heat of the late morning sun. Although the home is quite compact and economical, it was designed to be an “aspirational Indian home”. Materials like marble flooring, granite worktops, and teak window frames were utilized to achieve this effect. The brick walls showcase an earth-colored plaster. “Material choices were dictated by the aspirational image of an Indian house and we wanted to showcase that through considerate design and optimized construction, these were achievable at an affordable price point,” said Kothari and Jain.Former pharma exec was allegedly part of $38M insider trading scheme, feds say
Fox News Digital spoke with New York Times employees about how the tech worker strike might impact coverage of the 2024 presidential election. The New York Times Tech Guild reached a tentative contract agreement with management Wednesday, a month after its election week strike . The NewsGuild of New York, which represents the Times Tech Guild, reached a deal on a three-year contract following the union's week-long strike in November over unfair labor practices. The three-year agreement is the first for the Times Tech Guild, which is a bargaining unit of The NewsGuild of New York and the largest union of tech workers with collective bargaining rights in the country, the union announced in a press release. "We’re thrilled to reach an agreement that secures ‘just cause’ protections, sustains workplace flexibility, and guarantees annual raises for our members," Kathy Zhang, a Senior Analytics Manager at The New York Times and unit chair of the Tech Guild, said. "These first contract wins set a strong foundation for job protections that our colleagues will build upon for generations. I could not be more proud to have been part of organizing this strong, fighting union. Serving on our first bargaining committee has been the honor of a lifetime." Image 1 of 3 next Members of The New York Times news division stood in solidarity with tech employees on strike during Election Day 2024. (Fox News Digital) Image 2 of 3 prev next New York Times employees protesting in front of the entrance in New York City. (Fox News Digital) Image 3 of 3 prev New York Times tech worker strike (Fox News) NEW YORK TIMES TECH WORKER STRIKE STRETCHES INTO ELECTION DAY The union's members returned to work in early November following the week-long election strike in which they failed to come to an agreement with management. The deal marks the end of more than two years of bargaining, which began shortly after the unit won its National Labor Relations Board election by a landslide in March 2022, solidifying their unionization. Software developers, project managers and graphic designers at The New York Times unionized alongside a wave of other tech workers at SEGA, Meow Wolf, NPR, Activision Blizzard and Alphabet, organizing as part of CODE-CWA, or the Campaign to Organize Digital Employees. Goran Svorcan-Merola, a Times senior software engineer and member of the Tech Guild's bargaining committee, told Fox News Digital that he is excited to finally be able to implement the protections they've been fighting for in recent years. "We were able to really push leadership to give us what we're worth," he said. "In terms of attitudes towards management, I have to say, some of them, some of their positions have been unfortunate. But ultimately, we are looking to work with one another on this." "We hope to have a productive three years as we continue to fight for our members," he added. As part of the new contract, workers will get enhanced job security with "just cause" protections, guaranteed wage increases for the first time of up to 8.25%, prioritization of the largest wage increases for the lowest paid members over the life of the contract, additional compensation for on-call work, important protections that lock in guardrails on additional variable compensation, including stocks and bonuses, improved protections for workers on visas, language guaranteeing flexible hybrid work schedules, as well as transparency protections for career growth, performance reviews and other workplace issues, according to the press release. Tech Guild members will vote on ratification of their contract on Thursday, Dec. 19th. Image 1 of 1 New York Times tech worker strike (Fox News) FORBES EDITORIAL STAFFERS WALK OFF THE JOB THE SAME DAY AS RELEASE OF THE COMPANY'S ‘30 UNDER 30’ LIST During the strike, NYT subscribers across the country expressed solidarity with striking tech workers by opting to forego games operated by tech workers, including Wordle and Connections, or using the Cooking app. Instead, Tech Guild members created their own games site that amassed more than a half million page views and more than 320,000 active users, the union said in its press release. "With this contract our Tech Guild members demonstrate what happens when workers band together to fight for the value of their labor," Susan DeCarava, President of The NewsGuild of New York said. "We not only won a first contract that set new standards for workers within the New York Times, but we’ve also established a strong foundation for what is possible for tech workers in the future when they organize and bargain collectively." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Kendall Tietz is a writer with Fox News Digital.GHIX stock touches 52-week low at $10.42 amid market fluctuationsUS sanctions founder of Georgia’s ruling political party
The Rajapaksa governments used labels such as ‘traitor’ and ‘terror sympathiser’ to vilify their political opponents. They effectively created a bogey to rally support for their repressive actions, on the pretext of protecting national security, which they made out to be their raison d’etre . They succeeded in marketing their brand of patriotism to retain their hold on power and go on enriching themselves until they bankrupted the economy, provoking the public into rising against them. Most of those who voted for them became so frustrated in the end that they switched their allegiance to the JVP-led NPP, enabling its mammoth electoral wins. The NPP government has moved to the other extreme. It promptly dubs those who flag potential threats to national security as ‘racists’ and enemies of ethnic reconciliation in a bid to prevent its opponents from criticizing its policies and actions aimed at consolidating its electoral gains in the North and the East. Several persons have already been arrested over what the government calls the dissemination of false information to promote racial disharmony and derail its reconciliation efforts. The CID has gone to the extent of using the much-dreaded Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which the NPP bigwigs condemned during their opposition days, to deal with some social media activists who have highlighted a recent commemoration of slain LTTE members, including Velupillai Prabhakaran. It is a case of using a sledge hammer to crack a nut. Thankfully, the draconian police action against the aforesaid suspects has not passed muster with the judiciary. When some of them were arrested and produced in court, recently, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilana Gamage pointed out that the CID should have taken action against the organisers of the commemorations at issue rather than those who reported on them. The suspects were released on bail. On Thursday, Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake likened such police action to shooting the messenger, when the CID produced in court another person arrested for using social media to highlight the commemoration of dead LTTE members. That suspect was also granted bail. If anyone abuses social media to incite racial hatred and disseminate misinformation to disrupt social order by destabilising ethno-religious relations and instigating violence, he or she must be severely dealt with, according to the law. But that task does not require the invocation of the PTA; there are enough and more other laws that can be used for that purpose. Above all, arrests must not be politically motivated, and the police must not provide their service to the politicians in power as stormtroopers or hunting Mastiffs on the pretext of bringing ‘the enemies of national reconciliation’ to justice. They must desist from making arrests at the behest of politicians. Many police high rankers unashamedly did political work for previous governments so much so that one wondered whether they had sold their souls to the rulers of the day, such as the Rajapaksa brothers, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Maithripala Sirisena. Worryingly, some of those puppets in uniform are occupying key positions in the Police Department and serving the interests of the incumbent government. No wonder they swoop on the critics of their current political masters at the drop of a hat. The Rajapaksas realised that they had failed to fool all the people all the time, only when they had to head for the hills, with angry mobs in close pursuit, after bankrupting the country. Their method of labelling and vilifying their political opponents came with a short sell-by date. It will be a huge mistake for the JVP/NPP leaders not to learn from the dreadful experience of the Rajapaksas. Demonising political rivals is no substitute for effective governance and fulfilling promises.
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England captain Stokes to miss three months with torn hamstringNEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Kristin Johnson, a top Democratic official at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, signalled on Wednesday she would be willing to stay on at the agency under new Republican leadership, serving as a "gadfly" on key issues like crypto and artificial intelligence. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to replace the current Democratic CFTC chair Rostin Behnam with a Republican pick, eventually giving the governing party control of the five-member commission. While the CFTC, which oversees commodity derivatives markets, has traditionally been a junior player in financial policy, it is likely to play a more prominent role as Trump's administration starts to overhaul cryptocurrency regulations . Johnson's term is due to expire in April, but speaking at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York on Wednesday, she said she was confident she could carry on doing constructive work in the CFTC's minority, assuming the White House agrees with Democrats to re-nominate her for a second term. The Biden administration earlier this year nominated Johnson for a top Treasury Department role , but that move and other Democratic nominations have stalled with so little time left on the congressional calendar. "A lot of what happens in the minority is ... raising really critical points that the majority might be willing to forego or compromise on ... so kind of being a gadfly," Johnson said. She added: "As a former academic I think I have this in spades." During her time at the CFTC, Johnson has advocated for , opens new tab stronger rules to protect consumers from fraud in digital currency markets after the collapse of crypto exchange FTX , and is focusing on the ways artificial intelligence could be used both to commit financial crimes and to police them. "What happens next in the journey of integrating AI into financial markets is a really big and important question," she said. "I think it's a non-partisan question that really will be at the fore for the incoming administration." Sign up here. Reporting by Isla Binnie and Laura Matthews in New YorkEditing by Michelle Price and Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Isla Binnie reports on how company directors and executives manage stakeholder and shareholder interests, with a focus on compensation, corporate crises, dealmaking and succession. She also covers how politics, regulation, environmental issues and the broader economy affect boardroom discussions. Isla previously covered business, politics and general news in Spain and Italy. She trained with Reuters in London and covered emerging markets debt for the International Financing Review (IFR).
( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Egypt's Minister of State for Military Production, Mohamed Salah El-Din Mostafa, presided over a series of general assembly meetings for the ministry's affiliated companies and units. Spanning three days, these meetings focused on reviewing financial statements for the fiscal year 2023/2024 and evaluating the performance of the associated entities. The discussions revealed impressive financial achievements, with revenue growth reaching 144% for FY 2023/2024, representing a 44% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Key performance indicators reviewed included revenues from activities, net sales, completed production, finished goods inventory, employee statistics, wages, raw material usage, and overall financial summaries. Minister Mostafa stressed the importance of optimizing the technological capabilities, material resources, and human capital of these companies to further enhance performance and productivity. He urged company chairpersons to align their efforts, emphasizing collaboration, integration, and adherence to governance principles to ensure efficient management of the Ministry's assets. Cost optimization and proactive measures against potential encroachments were highlighted as priorities. Accelerating the development of ongoing projects was another focus, with a call to adhere strictly to project timelines to maximize returns and bolster contributions to the national economy. The minister also underscored the importance of meeting contract obligations promptly while maintaining the high quality expected of the Ministry of Military Production. Acknowledging the global economic challenges stemming from rising energy and food prices, along with disrupted supply chains, Mostafa noted their impact on economic recovery efforts. However, he emphasized the Egyptian government's commitment to stabilizing labour markets, mitigating adverse effects, and supporting affected sectors and citizens. As part of its strategic goals, the Ministry of Military Production is advancing the localization of advanced manufacturing technologies within its affiliated companies. This effort aims to increase local components in products, conserve foreign currency, and reduce reliance on imports, reinforcing the Ministry's position as a key contributor to the national economy. MENAFN14122024000153011029ID1108993210 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Published 5:33 pm Friday, December 27, 2024 By Data Skrive As they get ready to meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (24-5) on Saturday, December 28 at Spectrum Center, with the opening tip at 6:00 PM ET, the Charlotte Hornets (7-23) have two players currently listed on the injury report. The Thunder’s injury report has four players on it. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Hornets head into this matchup on the heels of a 113-110 loss to the Wizards on Thursday. LaMelo Ball totaled 31 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Hornets. The Thunder came out on top in their most recent matchup 120-114 against the Pacers on Thursday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 45 points in the Thunder’s victory, leading the team. Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .