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With the holidays taking up much of your time, you may not be concentrating on retirement moves to make before 2025. But if you’re the type of person who does everything to the max, investing in your future retirement now could be a game changer. In 2024, you can invest up to $23,000 into your 401(k) retirement plan as per IRS contribution limits. If you’re over 50 and need to play catch-up, you can invest an extra $7,500. That means your total possible contribution for 2024 is $30,500. If that seems like a lot, it is. But you don’t have to max out your contributions if you can’t afford it. Employer matching can help. In 2025, you can invest $23,500, bringing your possible contribution up to $31,500. If you’re over 50, the catch-up contribution remains at $7,500 for 2025. But a huge change was made in SECURE 2.0 for employees aged 60 to 63 who participate in workplace retirement plans. Starting in 2025, this super catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500.  Figure out how much you contributed. If you’ve contributed as much as possible for the year, you’re in good shape going into 2025. If you’re not sure, you changed jobs or haven’t contributed consistently in 2024, you still have time to make adjustments to max out your 401(k) contributions for the year. Check your employer’s match. Employer matching is a job benefit not to be overlooked. After all, for every dollar you save in your 401(k), your employer matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar or offers a partial match up to a certain percentage of your wages. Knowing where you stand can help you make the most of this opportunity. For example, let’s say you earn $50,000 per year and contribute $3,000 to your 401(k), or 6% of your salary. If your employer offers to match 50 cents of each dollar you contribute up to 6% of your pay, they would add $1,500 each year to your 401(k) account, boosting your total annual contributions to $4,500. Look at your budget. Maxing out your 401(k) is always a good move. However, retirement planning can be a balancing act; sometimes, your budget is downright against it. If you have high debt or no money set aside for emergencies, you may want to hold off a bit. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute to your retirement plan at all. Maintaining contributions is important, even if it means not maxing it out. Still, if you wait too long to save, you’ll have to play catch-up. If you save too much, you may have to tap into your account early, which can mean early withdrawal penalties if you are under age 591⁄2. Boost your contributions. If you have enough cash stashed away to cover a large lump sum contribution to your 401(k), you could max out your 401(k) contributions before the end of the year. You can do this by increasing the percentage you contribute monthly from your paycheck. You’ll want to speak with your employer or HR department to see if this is possible and fill out the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that how often you increase it or even if you can will depend on your plan rules. You may also want to check to be sure your contributions are still automatic. Since it’s usually easier to save money if it’s automatically deducted from your paycheck, it may be worth reviewing your budget to see if you can boost your contribution amount to max out your 401(k). If you haven’t set up automatic payroll contributions, now is a good time to do so. Maxing out your 401(k) has some clear benefits. This is especially true if you’ve fallen behind on your savings goals or you simply want to grow your retirement nest egg faster. The main advantage is that you’ll have more money saved for retirement. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study, most retired Americans believe they will need nearly $1.5 million in the bank to retire comfortably. That’s a 15% increase — which far outpaces the 3% to 5% inflation rate — over 2023 and is up 53% from 2020. The money you put into your 401(k) lowers how much you’ll pay in taxes for the year, which may put you in a lower tax bracket. Also, 401(k) investments grow tax-deferred, so you won’t pay taxes on the money until you withdraw the funds in retirement. If you have a Roth 401(k), you don’t get a tax break on contributions because you fund your account with after-tax dollars. But the money you contribute grows tax-free and you won’t pay any taxes on your withdrawals in retirement. Maxing out your 401(k) each year may not be enough to retire comfortably, but it is a great start. That’s why enlisting the help of a financial adviser in 2024 can help you get a head start on 2025 and a happy retirement down the road. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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Carter's turbulent term in the White House was followed by more than three decades as an international envoy of peacemaking and democracy. What you need to know The longest-lived American president died on Sunday at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia US President-elect Donald Trump said Americans owe Carter 'a debt of gratitude' Biden mourns 'extraordinary leader' US President Joe Biden mourned Carter's death, calling him a "dear friend" and "extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian." "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well," Biden said of himself and his wife Jill. The president said he will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington. Empire State Building honors 'life and legacy' of Carter The Empire State Building in New York said it was reflecting the colors of the US flag in memory of the late president. "Tonight we will shine in Red White and Blue to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter," the Empire State Building said on social media. Carter 'worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,' Bill Clinton says Former Democratic US President Bill Clinton mourned fellow Democrat Carter, saying he "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." In a joint statement with his wife, Hillary, Clinton said that the late president "lived to serve others -- until the very end." "Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his presidential campaign," Clinton said. Clinton served as president some 15 years after Carter. Trump says Americans owe Carter 'debt of gratitude' Republican President-elect Donald Trump mourned Carter, saying Americans owed the late Democratic president "a debt of gratitude." "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," Trump said on social media. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Former US President Jimmy Carter is Dead at age 100 Former US President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” his son Chip Carter said. The Carter Center announced that there will be public events in Atlanta and Washington. After these events, there will be a private burial in Plains. Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, was known for his humanitarian work and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, after more than a year in hospice care. Final arrangements for the former president's state funeral are still pending, according to the center. rmt/lo (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)Bhubaneswar: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has organised its 12th and 13th Combined Convocation on 28th December 2024. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Govt. of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation address. Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, Govt. of India; Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Dept. of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India were the Guests of Honour. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), IIT Bhubaneswar presided over the Convocation. Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar presented the Convocation report and awarded the degrees to the students. During this Convocation, the Institute conferred degrees on 1388 students for the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24. Out of these students, 8% are PhD, 19% M.Tech, 14% M.Sc, 14% Dual degree (B.Tech and M.Tech) and 45% B.Tech. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Pradhan said: “IIT Bhubaneswar should strive to become an institute of Knowledge, Research and Innovation. Being graduates of IIT, they should make efforts towards becoming job creators rather than being job seekers. They should make themselves ready to be contributors in Industrial Revolution 4.0. The educational institutions and faculty members should work towards redefining the attitude and aptitude of the students towards entrepreneurship.” He stressed that the research of the country should move beyond academic publications and achieve global benchmarks in terms of innovation and entrepreneurial acumen. “IIT Bhubaneswar and its students should work towards boosting the start-up and entrepreneurial ecosystem to enhance the growth process of Odisha by 2036 and of the country by 2047,” he added. In his address, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood said stressed on knowledge creation through research and innovation to become globally competitive. Collaborative partnerships between academia and industry, fostering a multi-disciplinary approach, funding and investment in groundbreaking research and cutting-edge infrastructure and a skilled and diverse workforce are imperative for the development of research ecosystem. He mentioned about the Anusandhan Research Foundation (ANRF) and its objective. Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty said that human knowledge and human competence is irreplaceable even in the age of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The youth of the country have the potential to innovate, and they should utilise this power towards the development of the country, he added. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Abhay Karandikar appreciated IIT Bhubaneswar for becoming a hub of cutting-edge research and innovation. He mentioned that while the country has taken a giant leap in the field of science and technology to make a mark in global map. India has become the 3rd largest in terms of start-up ecosystem in the world which showcases the innovation and entrepreneurial prowess of the country. The youth of the country should take the cue and work towards contributing in making India leader in the field of research and innovation. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar presented a detailed report on various efforts and achievements of IIT Bhubaneswar. He said, “Since its inception in the year 2008, IIT Bhubaneswar has traversed a long way. In recent years, it has aligned itself with the NEP 2020 initiative towards the Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision. We are working with the motto: Follow no one, But learn from Everyone, and Acknowledge it too. Follow no one means Be Original, Learn from Everyone means Be open to feedback and criticism, and Acknowledge it too – means duly acknowledge others contributions in your achievements.” He shared the key milestones of IIT Bhubaneswar’s journey towards excellence in research, academics and entrepreneurship. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG) motivated the students and said that with its cutting-edge facilities and focus on innovation, the institute empowers graduates to lead in transformative technologies while upholding environmental sustainability and cultural values. He stressed upon finding simple solution to every complex problem. After the Convocation, Hon’ble Minister visited the ground breaking Industry-Academia Research and Innovation Center on Silicon Carbide and interacted with the semiconductor researchers. He also visited the Research and Entrepreneurship Park and interacted with the Start-ups incubated under IIT Bhubaneswar. During this Convocation, the Institute conferred degrees on 1388 students out of which 105 PhD, 269 M. Tech, 197 M.Sc, 192 Dual Degree (B. Tech & M. Tech), and 625 B. Tech for the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24. It was a proud moment for the graduating students, their parents, the faculty and staff members and the administration of the institute. For the year 2022-23, the President of India Gold Medal was awarded to Shri Harsh Singh Jadon of the Computer Science and Engineering for the best academic performance among all the B.Tech students. For the year 2023-24, the President of India Gold Medal was awarded to Shri Arnav Kumar Behera of the Computer Science and Engineering. An Interaction Meeting on “Exploring Pathways and Prospects for the Future of Research in India” with Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India was successfully organised by DST, ANRF and IIT Bhubaneswar today. The dignitaries addressed the queries of the faculties members, deans and Vice Chancellors from various institutes across Odisha.OptiSigns to Showcase Cutting-Edge Digital Signage Solutions at the Digital Signage Experience 2024 in Las Vegas
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Scottsbluff-based startup aims to automate cattle feedingRugby Don't miss out on the headlines from Rugby. Followed categories will be added to My News. Jordan Petaia has quit rugby union to chase his NFL dreams after the star outside back confirmed on social media that he had joined the 2025 international pathway program. The 24-year-old played 31 matches for the Wallabies and was one of the most exciting players for the Reds from the moment he made his debut as a teenager in 2018. But he’s now set to challenge himself overseas where he’s hoping to emulate the likes of Jordan Mailata and Valentine Holmes who left rugby league to join the international pathway program next year. Mailata is one of the greatest examples after leaving the Rabbitohs junior system to become one of the NFL’s best left tackles on a deal worth $100m. Jordan Petaia is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Mailata, who has starred for the Eagles since making the switch to the NFL. Picture: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images via AFP Petaia’s speed and footwork means he’s best suited to being a running back or wide receiver, while he’d also be dangerous at returning kicks. “I would like to take a moment to share that I will be joining the NFL international pathway program (IPP) for 2025,” he wrote on Instagram. “The decision to step away from rugby hasn’t been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration. I’d like to thank the staff, coaches and players at the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies for the last 7 years. “I will be forever grateful for the experiences, skills and good mates that these teams have blessed me with. “Also to the rugby fans, my family and friends – thank you for your support over the years. It feels like the right time in my career to pursue this dream I’ve had for a long time. “Thank you to the NFL IPP for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, I am very grateful and excited for the experience that lies ahead. “Wishing everyone in Rugby Australia the best for 2025 – I hope it’s a great year and I will be supporting closely from afar.” Originally published as ‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’: Jordan Petaia set to chase his NFL dream after quitting Australian rugby More related stories Sport Top shot photo gallery! What’s next for Pasifika Youth Rugby Cup The successful Pasifika Youth Rugby Cup will inspire a new rugby event as early as 2025 while more interstaters and overseas teens could be added to the current titles. PHOTO GALLERY Read more Rugby Wallabies star officially quits union to chase childhood dream Once considered the future of the Wallabies, 24-year-old gun Jordan Petaia has officially left rugby union to chase success in America. Read more
Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing and moves within 100 of Dickerson's record PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to top 2,000 yards rushing in a season, reaching the milestone with a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. That rush gave Barkley 2,005 yards with one game left and left him exactly 100 yards from Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley could potentially top the record in next week’s finale against the New York Giants. However, that game will be mostly meaningless for the Eagles, who could opt to rest Barkley to protect him from injury ahead of the playoffs. Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders game LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — A moment of silence was held for former President Jimmy Carter before the Atlanta Falcons' game at the Washington Commanders. The Georgia native served as the 39th president of the United States at the White House less than 10 miles away from 1977-81. Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement called Carter an inspirational global humanitarian. Carter died earlier Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. He also has a connection to the NFL as the first president to host the Super Bowl champions at the White House when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers there in 1980. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser gets the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings for a second time this season. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing as Eagles beat Cowboys 41-7 to clinch NFC East PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Lakers send D'Angelo Russell to Nets in trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn. Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points per game for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick. Finney-Smith is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017.IETC: Strong Performance, Growth Potential Amidst AI Evolution
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Leaving X: The right move or a leap into the unknown?Toronto-based online brokerage and wealth management firm has laid off an undisclosed number of employees. Questrade has previously said that it had more than 2,000 employees globally. The layoffs were first reported by and confirmed by BetaKit. “This change is not reflective of the state of [Questrade’s] underlying businesses, which continue to be very healthy, but is intended to better align with the strategic direction of the business going into 2025 and beyond,” a spokesperson from Questrade said in an email statement to BetaKit. “The organization remains committed to its mission and to challenging the status quo of financial services in Canada.” Founded in 1999, Questrade provides a discount brokerage platform to Canadians. Much like Wealthsimple, Questrade users can open self-directed stock-trading and investment accounts as well as managed portfolios. The company claims to have more than $60 billion in assets under its administration. While Questrade is making cuts, its biggest competitor, Wealthsimple, is adding staff. Wealthsimple co-founders, CPO Brett Huneycutt and CEO Michael Katchen joined in October to discuss the company’s journey, its recent growth, and how they plan to build “the largest Canadian financial institution.” To help it get there, the company plans to triple its headcount in Alberta to 105 by the end of 2025 as it recruits for engineering, product, client experience, sales, and operations roles in the province. Questrade managed to beat Wealthsimple to the digital mortgage space with the official launch of in March 2022. Marketed as a “quick, easy-to-use mortgage service,” the direct-to-consumer prime mortgage service was provided by Community Trust Company, which Questrade in 2019. However, it appears the offering was short-lived, as QuestMortgage is now offline, trade publication reported this past September. The now reads: “We’re always looking for ways to serve our customers better. So while we’re busy making improvements, we’re unable to accept new mortgage applications at this time.” BetaKit asked Questrade about the current status of QuestMortgage but did not receive a response by publication time. Mortgages have been on Wealthsimple’s for years, and the company finally entered the digital mortgage space earlier this year through a with Toronto-based digital mortgage startup Pine.