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Concerts, an art trail, Christmas markets and activities, and a huge tree are all part of the celebrations across the area. And with the cost of living still biting, the London Designer Outlet is one of the best places to hunt for a bargain on Black Friday. With scores of additional deals now on, the open air mall next to the National Football Stadium means you can bag luxury items for up to 70 percent off the usual retail price. The open air mall has bargains at up to 70 per cent off the usual retail price. (Image: Chris Winter / Wembley Park) Recent additions include a RITUALS store, and opening on Black Friday, cute lifestyle store MINISO. Along with a Body Shop, The Cosmetics Company Store, and The Fragrance Shop there are some serious beauty and lifestyle bargains to be had. RITUALS Alchemy range. (Image: Trace Publicity) On my recent visit I spotted the RITUALS Advent Calendar on sale at half price. (£60). If you are new to the brand, it's based around a series of bodycare collections; Ritual of Karma, Sakura, Mehr, Jing, Ayurveda, which turn your routines into moments boosting positivity, joy, mind body and soul, peace or wisdom. Wash your hands with one of the samples, to discover which you prefer, then choose from a range of shower gels, body mists and scrubs. I left with a gorgeous creamy body foam and a trio of mini products for just £16. The LDO is also brilliant for shoes and sportswear with New Balance, Nike, Puma, Adidas, ASICS, Vans, North Face, and Converse outlets. It's always worth popping into the Nike store for a bargain as most items have 30 percent off and a few rails discount by a further 30 percent. I managed to scoop up a pair of Nike Jordan tracksuit bottoms - down from £60 to £27 and a tracksuit top for under £20. If it's chocolate advent calendars you are after then head to the Lindt shop where there's huge choice including the chance to customise one. The pick and mix has a mouth-watering array of chocs and I picked up a large bag of Champagne truffles for £12 which will be heaped on the table at Christmas. Fashion and clothing outlets include Boss, Calvin Klein, Champion, French Connection, Levi's, Superdry and Timberland. After a quick browse I popped into M&S to buy some Christmas pyjamas and underwear for stocking fillers. The LDO has plenty of options for the cook in your life, including ProCook, Villeroy & Boch and Zwilling. You can pick up gorgeous Christmas crockery, knives and gadgets including ProCook's cast iron cookware which is a great Le Creuset dupe, for a third of the price. When you've finished with shopping, there are more than 20 eateries including Las Iguanas, Frankie and Benny's, Big Moe's, Wagamama, Pizza Express, Zizzi and Nando's. Watch out for parking charges on 'event days' but LDO shoppers who spend £40 or more get normal price parking in the Red car park. Black Friday deals include up to 40% off Boss Menswear and Dune footwear, Puma has an extra 30% off throughout the store until December 2, Clarks up to extra 20% off until December 1, Timberland an extra 30% off until December 3, and the Cosmetics Company Store an extra 25% off until December 8, while Villeroy and Boch has an extra 20% off until December 2. The LDO i s open 9am to 9pm on Black Friday and Black Saturday.The Ukrainian President's transparency and willingness to confront the harsh realities of war stand in stark contrast to the rhetoric of political leaders who seek to downplay or ignore the suffering of innocent civilians and soldiers. By revealing the true extent of the casualties suffered by the Ukrainian military, Zelensky has shown the world the human toll of the conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
Chinese steel giant threatens to withdraw investment Committee comprises members from federal and KP governments ISLAMABAD: In a major blow to foreign investment in Pakistan, Century Steel Group — one of the largest Chinese giants — has warned that it will close down its operation and withdraw investment. A letter written by the Century Steel Group CEO Li Chunjian to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said they had decided to cease their business and withdraw investment from Pakistan due to several issues that could not be resolved by various government entities responsible for handling foreign direct investment in CPEC Rashakai Special Economic Zone in KP. “This will be our last notice to the Government of Pakistan; if the above problems are not resolved immediately, we will start dismantling the plant from the RSEZ,” the letter said. When contacted, a top government official told The News Friday night that the prime minister had constituted a committee led by Aleem Khan to resolve all grievances of the company. The committee comprises members from the federal and KP governments. The company said they came to Pakistan with big dreams and planned to set up the largest steel mill at the first CPEC - Rashakai SEZ in KP province in three phases. The investment of the first phase of the project was $82 million out of which over $30 million investment was already on the ground with a planned annual output of 500,000 ton steel products. The remaining two phases would also bring over $200 million investment in Pakistan for downstream steel products production by transferring state-of-the-art steel technology from China to Pakistan. The ultimate steel products capacity would reach 1.5 million tons within five years. “We aimed to contribute to the GDP of Pakistan and also to create thousands of jobs as well as build exports of steel products to the regional markets. However, due to the following unresolved issues for over five years, we have finally decided to exit from Pakistan and report this matter to the Chinese government/embassy and the international press as a last resort. “We have been waiting for the last five years at RSEZ and maintenance of our staff and expenses has caused us big losses to the tune of $7.5 million. Plot purchase agreement couldn’t be signed with KPEZMC despite our various exchanges and meetings and long-time has passed. Extremely high land prices at RSEZ are impacting our capital investment costs. Power supply, which is the most critical matter for any steel mill operation, couldn’t be arranged by the RSEZDOC due to their pending issues with Nepra for distribution license. We required 100MW stable and cost-effective power which remains elusive despite long-time has passed. We are now forced to look for arranging our own power from other means like investment into solar power plant nearby RSEZ increasing the overall capital investment away from our core steel business. The SEZ policy is extremely weak with no incentives for FDI despite several government and team changes in the bureaucracy. Continuous rise in the price of power has made the business un-viable and we foresee further increase in power prices. Taxes applied on steel industry are adding insult to injury, as two large scale steel mills in Pakistan have already shut down (Amreli Steels/Agha Steels) after failing to sustain the steel industry taxation. Despite incentives and waiver on import duties/taxes given to the small steel mills at FATA/PATA, their substandard steel production is spoiling the market in Pakistan, leaving large scale mills out of business. There is no strict implementation of quality steel production in Pakistan and the responsible departments are not bothered about the sub-standard steel being sold across Pakistan. The management and security of CPEC RSEZ instead of helping has created a burden for us forcing us to bear the security personnel expenses and uncalled-for demands. Free movement of our personnel for day to day needs is not possible and even our sick employees cannot go and seek medical attention outside the RSEZ. Some of our in-house employees were put on the black list by the agencies for reasons unknown to us despite our requests for resolving this matter. Overall, the demand for steel has contracted in Pakistan due to several factors including high inflation, currency instability and economic downturn. The government has no focus on the special economic zones success and nothing is being done to protect the already arrived foreign direct investors from China. The recent orders for security protocols have significantly increased the business costs and impacted the business. Lastly, the local banks do not cooperate even on approved SBP Policy of FOC for plant and machinery imports and ask us to deposit large sums of money in their accounts. We are forced to bring all the above to your notice so that you are in knowledge of what really is happening to the Chinese foreign direct investment coming to Pakistan and take immediate corrective measures. We would request to meet you in person at your earliest convenience to discuss the above in detail, it concluded.Chinese Fintech Stock Qifu Hits Buy Point As Profit Growth Accelerates
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Share Tweet Share Share Email Managing healthcare expenses can be a daunting task, especially in a world where medical costs continue to rise. However, with the right strategies, tools, and awareness, it is possible to simplify these challenges. One effective way to achieve this is by leveraging health savings accounts (HSAs) and implementing sound medical expense management practices . Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts designed to help individuals save and pay for qualified medical expenses. These accounts are particularly beneficial for those enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). By contributing to an HSA, individuals can build a financial safety net for unexpected healthcare costs. Key Features of HSAs: Tax Benefits: Contributions to HSAs are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Additionally, any interest or investment earnings grow tax-free within the account. Flexibility: Funds in an HSA roll over year after year, unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that often have a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy. Portability: HSAs remain with the account holder even if they change jobs or health insurance providers. Investment Opportunities: Some HSAs allow account holders to invest their funds in mutual funds or other financial instruments, increasing potential long-term growth . Why Medical Expense Management Matters Medical expense management goes beyond budgeting for routine costs. It involves understanding the nuances of healthcare spending, minimizing unnecessary expenses, and maximizing available resources. Poor management can lead to overwhelming debt, delayed medical care, or missed financial opportunities. Common Challenges in Medical Expense Management Unpredictable Costs: Medical emergencies can arise unexpectedly, leaving individuals financially strained. Lack of Transparency: Navigating healthcare costs can be confusing due to unclear pricing structures. Overlapping Coverage: Misunderstanding insurance policies can result in paying for services that are already covered. By adopting strategic approaches, individuals can overcome these challenges and gain better control over their medical finances. Tips for Simplifying Healthcare Costs Create a Budget for Medical Expenses Establishing a dedicated budget for healthcare can provide clarity and prevent overspending. Begin by reviewing past medical bills and estimating future needs. Include premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses in the budget. Regularly update this plan to accommodate changes in health conditions or insurance coverage. Utilize Preventive Care Preventive care services, such as annual check-ups and screenings, are often covered at no additional cost under many insurance plans. These services help detect potential health issues early, reducing the likelihood of costly treatments later. Shop Around for Healthcare Services Healthcare providers may charge varying rates for the same services. Researching and comparing costs among different providers can lead to significant savings. Use online tools, such as price comparison websites, to find affordable options without compromising quality. Maximize Health Insurance Benefits Understanding your health insurance policy is essential for minimizing expenses. Take time to: Review what services are covered under your plan. Identify in-network providers to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs. Take advantage of perks like wellness programs or discounts on medications. Build and Maintain an HSA If eligible, contribute regularly to your HSA to accumulate funds for future medical expenses. Even small contributions can add up over time, providing a financial cushion for unexpected costs. Additionally, keep receipts for all healthcare expenses to ensure withdrawals comply with IRS regulations. Negotiate Medical Bills Many providers are open to negotiating bills, especially if you are paying out-of-pocket. Ask for itemized bills to ensure accuracy, and inquire about discounts or payment plans. Avoid Unnecessary Treatments Consult with healthcare professionals to confirm whether recommended treatments or tests are truly necessary. Second opinions can also provide valuable insights and prevent unnecessary spending. Leveraging Technology for Expense Management The rise of technology has made managing medical expenses easier than ever. Mobile apps, online platforms, and digital tools offer solutions for tracking spending, accessing insurance information, and finding cost-effective care. Popular Tools for Medical Expense Management: Expense Tracking Apps: Applications like Mint or GoodRx help monitor healthcare spending and identify savings opportunities. Telehealth Services: Virtual consultations reduce costs associated with in-person visits while providing convenient access to medical advice. Healthcare Cost Calculators: These tools estimate the potential costs of procedures, allowing for better financial planning. The Role of Employers in Simplifying Healthcare Costs Employers play a significant role in assisting employees with healthcare expense management. By offering comprehensive benefits and resources, they can alleviate some of the financial burdens on their workforce. Examples of Employer Contributions: HSAs with Employer Contributions: Some employers match employee contributions to HSAs, boosting savings. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): HRAs allow employees to be reimbursed for qualified medical expenses not covered by insurance. Financial Wellness Programs: Workshops or counseling sessions on healthcare budgeting can empower employees to make informed decisions. Planning for the Future Medical expenses are likely to increase with age, making long-term planning essential. Individuals should consider factors such as potential chronic conditions, inflation, and changes in insurance policies. Diversifying savings through retirement accounts and HSAs can ensure sufficient funds for future needs. Steps for Long-Term Planning: Estimate Future Costs: Use healthcare cost calculators to project expenses during retirement. Invest Wisely: Consider investing HSA funds in options that offer growth potential. Review Insurance Options: Periodically reassess insurance coverage to ensure it meets evolving needs. Final Thoughts Simplifying healthcare costs requires a proactive and informed approach. By leveraging HSAs, adopting sound medical expense management strategies, and utilizing technology, individuals can achieve greater financial security. The key is to stay organized, informed, and prepared for any eventuality. With these tools and practices, navigating the complexities of healthcare becomes significantly easier, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being . Related Items: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) , Medical Expenses , Simplifying Healthcare Costs Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
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A suspected Chinese spy with business ties to Prince Andrew is barred from UKThe incident served as a wake-up call for the man and highlighted the importance of staying vigilant against identity theft and fraud in today's interconnected world. It reminded him to regularly monitor his credit report, safeguard his personal information, and promptly report any suspicious activity to relevant authorities.
Medical aesthetics, which include procedures such as cosmetic surgery, botox injections, and dermal fillers, carry inherent risks and potential complications. It is essential for individuals considering such treatments to be informed about the medical implications and potential health risks involved. Prioritizing health in medical aesthetics means understanding that these procedures are medical interventions that should be approached with the same level of caution and scrutiny as any other medical treatment.