Russia to halt gas deliveries to Moldova from January 1By 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. Related Articles Business | 7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes now Business | Why car insurance prices are rising so much even though inflation is cooling Business | Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide Business | Travel scams that can hurt your credit or finances Business | For some FSA dollars, it’s use it or lose it at year’s end “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 .
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Intercorp Financial Services Inc. (NYSE:IFS) Major Shareholder Peru Ltd Intercorp Acquires 574,071 SharesDonald Trump has yet to move back into the White House and already fissures are opening in his coalition, amid squabbling between Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley "tech bros" and his hardcore Republican backers. At the heart of the internecine sniping is Trump's central election issue -- immigration -- and the H1-B visas that allow companies to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the United States. The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley, and Musk -- who himself came to the United States from South Africa on an H1-B -- is a fervent advocate. The world's richest man, who bankrolled Trump's election campaign and has become a close advisor, posted on X Thursday that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump as Musk's co-chair on a new advisory board on government efficiency, suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an "American culture," which he said venerates mediocrity. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, "we'll have our asses handed to us by China." Skepticism over the benefits of immigration is a hallmark of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and the billionaires' remarks angered immigration hawks who accused them of ignoring US achievements in technological innovation. Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller posted a 2020 speech in which Trump marveled at the American "culture" that had "harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet." The post appeared calculated to remind critics that Trump won November's election on a platform of getting tough on immigration and boosting American manufacturing. But it was Michael Faraday, an English scientist, who discovered that an electric current could be produced by passing a magnet through a copper wire and Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander, who first split the atom. And Alexander Graham Bell may have died a US citizen but he was a British subject in Canada when he invented the telephone. Trump voiced opposition to H1-B visas during his successful first run for the White House in 2016, calling them "unfair for our workers" while acknowledging that he used foreign labor in his own businesses. The Republican placed restrictions on the system when he took office, but the curbs were lifted by President Joe Biden. Trump is known for enjoying the gladiatorial spectacle when conflict breaks out in his inner circle. He has been conspicuously silent during the hostilities that Politico characterized as "Musk vs MAGA." Many MAGA figures have been agitating for a complete closure of America's borders while the problem of illegal entries is tackled, and hoping for a steer from Trump that would reassure them that he remains firm in his "America First" stance. For some long-time loyalists, Silicon Valley has already inserted itself too deeply into MAGA politics. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender -- and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline," said Matt Gaetz, the scandal-hit congressman forced to withdraw after being nominated by Trump to run the Justice Department. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." When Musk almost single-handedly blew up a deal painstakingly hammered out between Democrats and Republicans to set the 2025 federal budget, Democrats used "President Musk" to mock Trump, who is famously sensitive about being upstaged. It remains to be seen whether these cracks can be smoothed out or if they are a portent of further strife, but critics point to the chaos in Trump's first term as a potential indicator. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a MAGA figure with so much influence that she had a seat on Trump's plane during the campaign. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." Loomer has subsequently complained of censorship after she was stripped of her paying subscribers on X, which is owned by Musk. "Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" rle/ft/sms
Minnesota looks to stop skid vs. Bethune-CookmanNEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH) between April 25, 2023 and October 22, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important February 11, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Enphase common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Enphase Energy class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 11, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Enphase’s business and operations. Specifically, defendants systematically overstated Enphase’s ability to maintain its pricing levels and market share for microinverter products in Europe in the face of competition from low-cost, Chinese alternatives. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Enphase class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25593 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.comThe University of Michigan is hosting an online workshop early next month designed to teach graduate students how to recognize racism “in everyday life.” The online “Recognizing Racism in Everyday Life” workshop will be held Jan. 10 and offered through Rackham Graduate School. Additional versions of the workshop will be provided at other times during the semester, the university’s website shows. Completion of the Jan. 10 workshop, which is free to students, fulfills the “anti-racism requirement” for the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion certificate program, according to a description of the event. The description also notes goals of the workshop include learning terms “associated with racism, anti-racism, power and oppression,” gaining the ability to identify bias in the media and in everyday life, and practicing responding to “microaggressions or incidents of bias.” Discussions will take place within the global and U.S. context, the description says. The University of Michigan did not respond to a request for additional information about the workshop. The workshop will be held roughly one month after the University of Michigan announced it will no longer require applicants for faculty jobs, promotions and tenure to submit statements on their commitment to diversity. That decision was made following a recommendation by a faculty group that reviewed materials on the subject and analyzed nearly 2,000 responses to a university employee survey. The university said in its announcement the survey revealed most respondents said they felt diversity statements pressure faculty members to “express specific positions on moral, political or social issues.” It noted a slight majority also disagreed with an idea that diversity statements “allow an institution to demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by cultivating DEI in the faculty.” “Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university. Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people,” Provost Laurie McCauley said of the decision. “As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” Protesters demonstrated on the University of Michigan’s campus earlier this month amid concerns the university’s Board of Regents was considering pulling funding from its diversity, equity and inclusion program. The board ultimately did not vote on doing so.
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COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — On one hand, not many teams in Division III football can stay within a step of the No. 3 ranked and undefeated St. John’s University football team like UW-La Crosse did on Saturday. On the other hand, the Eagles often found themselves a step behind the Johnnies in a NCAA Division III second-round playoff matchup, losing 24-13 and finishing their season at 8-4. “That was a game that was going to go back and forth like that until the end,” coach Matt Janus said. “At the end, we needed to get a big stop or a turnover and it just didn’t happen. I thought we got a bad call on one, missed something on another. Just couldn’t get it going. Couldn’t generate defensively.” Here are three things that stood out from the Eagles’ season-ending loss. St. John’s quarterback Aaron Syverson went 27-for-39 for 357 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Johnnies offense, but it was a solid rushing performance in the second half by third-string running back Corey Bohmert that tied up UW-La Crosse’s defense. “They did a good job adjusting in their run game,” Janus said. “They were able to get their ground attack moving and then you’re stuck in a world as a play caller.” Bohmert had 69 rushing yards on 10 carries. His biggest contribution came on a 69-yard screen catch and run that was preceded by a four-man motion from the Johnnies offensive line. Bohmert’s touchdown with 2 minutes and 38 seconds remaining proved to be the dagger. “That really caught a lot of us off guard,” senior linebacker Ryan Daines said. “We weren’t ready for it. We got set on one side and he hit that cutback lane and there was nobody left.” The Eagles defense held serve in the first half, but still trailed 3-0 at halftime after a slow start for the offense. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Haas was picked off on the opening possession and had just five completions in the first half. He finished 19-for-33 with a touchdown pass to Jack Studer in the fourth quarter and another interception. “We couldn’t be efficient enough with our running game and our passing game,” Janus said. “We couldn’t mesh it. ... I think Kyle started to get more comfortable as the game got going. They took away his first read early in the game and what we thought wasn’t measuring up.” Haas was sacked four times, including on the final play of the game. Junior running back Gabe Lynch ran for a team-high 63 yards while Haas had 60. UW-La Crosse managed to take three second-half possessions into the red zone. They came up empty twice. The first one ended on a fourth-and-short with a sneak by Haas yielding no gain. “We were right at the fringe of our kicker's distance and I was worried about the weather and the cold,” Janus said. “We tried the quarterback sneak and couldn’t push it enough. That one is on me, probably should have kicked (a field goal).” The second stop came at the end of regulation with UW-La Crosse driving all the way to the 7-yard line before coming up empty on four straight plays. UW-La Crosse running back Gabe Lynch runs through a group of St. John's defenders during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group UW-La Crosse quarterback Kyle Haas, 2, evades St. John's defender Zach Frank, 97, during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group UW-La Crosse running back Gabe Lynch, 30, is tackled by St. John's defenders Jack St. Fleur, 33, and Cooper Yaggie, 3, during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group St. John's running back Corey Bohmert, 30, is pursued by UW-La Crosse defenders Reis Jesko, 93, and Tanner Newlin, 9, during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group UW-La Crosse running back Najeh Mitchell, 24, is hounded by St. John's defenders Jack St. Fleur, 33, and Hayden Sanders, 43, during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group UW-La Crosse linebacker Tanner Newlin celebrates a tackle during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group UW-La Crosse wideout Parker Lawrence, 3, spins away from a pair of defenders during a NCAA Division III playoff game at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville, Minnesota on Saturday, Nov. 30. James Krause, River Valley Media Group
Trump sides with Musk in right-wing row over worker visas
TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS has said that he is “cautiously optimistic” about incoming general election results, as he said there was no surge in support for Sinn Féin. Speaking to reporters in Wicklow, the Fine Gael leader said there has not “been a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it”. “I think that’s what we’ve seen, a very close and very competitive election,” Harris added. Exit polls had both Sinn Féin and Fine Gael almost tied for first preference votes, with Harris remaining optimistic about results. Harris looks likely to top the poll in Wicklow, with tallies putting him on over 30% of first preference votes. He said that in 26 of the 43 constituencies, Fine Gael did not have a sitting TD on the ballot, but was still seeing gains. However, he said it was still too “hard to call” who will come out of the election as the largest party. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one,” Harris said. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” Harris told reporters that it was too early to comment on coalition negotiations, but said he hopes that Fine Gael will play an important and “possibly a leadership” role in the next government. He added that it transfers made it difficult to predict how the coming hours would go. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” Harris said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. Asked about the possible election of Gerry ‘the Monk’ Hutch in Dublin Central, Harris said the choice was entirely a matter for the local constituency. “But I remain to be convinced that he will be a TD. I think there’s a long way to go in relation to that and as I talk to people on the ground at Dublin Central, and as I read the news, I don’t think he’s nailed-on yet at all.”AP News Summary at 6:46 p.m. EST