jili178 casino no deposit bonus

Jammu, Nov 24: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Modi government is committed to resolve public issues at their doorsteps. According to an official press release, he was speaking during a “Public Darbar” at block Marheen in Hiranagar sector, district Kathua . The “Darbar” was part of his ongoing spree of reaching out to the public directly to listen to their issues and concerns. Several issues raised by individual citizens and delegations were resolved on-the-spot. Instructions for immediate action were issued in several other cases. The entire district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas and senior officers from PWD, PDD, NHAI, Police, Revenue and other departments were also present during the Public Darbar for instant intervention and follow-up. This was the third such Public Darbar in different parts of district Kathua in recent months. Dr Jitendra Singh said, elected representatives owe the obligation of not only addressing the genuine requirements of the electorate but also to seek to convince them that they are cared and heard. “And, a Public Darbar like this serves that purpose,” he added. The Union Minister asserted that the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to serving common citizens and reducing public inconvenience. He said the government is focused on delivery of public services at their doorsteps, with an objective of ensuring ease of living for the citizens, rising above the narrow considerations of politics, caste, creed and region. During the public darbar, Dr Jitendra was briefed by the administration about the status of matters brought to his notice by the general public on previous occasions. While interacting with them, Dr Jitendra Singh assured the visiting delegations that he would himself monitor the status of their issues raised today and take all possible steps so that they are addressed by the district administration in a time-bound manner.Feeling the Christmas burnout already? Don't worry you're not alone. And we haven't even made it past the big day yet. Dry January is the calendar month where traditionally Brits put the bottle down and commit to a period of abstaining from alcohol. This is typically because we all overdo it in December and let the jovial festivities take over us. Slaves to the 'Christmas bev', we let ourselves say yes to the pub when we otherwise wouldn't, meaning dry January is practically welcomed. "Gone are the days when I would waste entire weekends hungover and anxious." After a bump on the head after a bottomless brunch, Cara decided to revaluate her relationship with alcohol and take on the Dry January® challenge. Cara found her social life flourished after she... pic.twitter.com/Lhb33tQ33W — Dry January (@dryjanuary) December 23, 2024 But sadly, a lot of us find this difficult. January is a notoriously grim month, which means to escape the seasonal depression, we find ourselves turning back to alcohol. Not all of course, but it is a tough task for some. Feel that's you? Don't worry, it can be relatively easy. As Bethan Higson, founder of non-alcoholic Mother Root Beverages , puts it: “Every January, people vow to become better versions of themselves – whether it be getting fit or eschewing alcohol, in an effort to live a more healthy, alcohol-free life.” Now, Charlotte Faure Green, nutritional advisor for Mother Root, along with other experts, share their advice for staying on track during Dry January. Was gonna do dry jan but then realised I support Leicester — Chloe (@ChloeRT9) December 16, 2024 1. Try to cope with what life throws at you without a tipple “One of the main reasons people struggle to make it to the end of January without alcohol, is a lack of emotional coping skills required to manage what sobriety may bring up for them,” explains Faure Green. She continued: “It can feel incredibly uncomfortable when we’re used to abating feelings of, say, anxiety, with alcohol. "[Try to] find other methods for calming the nervous system: breathing techniques, kitchen dance parties, talking therapies, getting out in nature for a walk, yoga and meditation. Clichéd perhaps, but they are clinically proven to be very effective.” 2. Think about the money you’re saving “Those undertaking Dry January often set sights on a big boozy blow-out on February 1, and this only feeds into our ‘feast or famine’, mentality,” says Faure Green. “Instead, consider how much you’re saving over the month by not drinking and make a list of wonderful things that you can do with that spare cash. "Choose what will drive you the most. For some, it helps to put a picture of that goal on the fridge to reinforce it with a regular reminder, and drive success.” 3. Increase your GABA “One of the mechanisms that makes alcohol so calming after a stressful day is that it seeks out our GABA receptors and gives them a great big hug. GABA is our calming neurotransmitter, and when we’re producing it in abundance, we can feel relaxed,” explains Faure Green. She went on to say: “So, rather than artificially stimulating those receptors with booze, eat foods that increase circulating GABA... spinach, broccoli, garlic, fish, potatoes and bananas are good sources of B6, a vitamin that’s a vital co-factor in its production. “Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine which is thought to stimulate GABA creation – the ultimate calming cup of tea.” 4. Don’t do it alone “Do Dry January with a friend for moral support and stock your cupboards with great non-alcoholic alternatives, and you’ll still be able to enjoy that end-of-the-day cocktail or aperitif,” suggests Craig Hutchison, co-founder of Maria & Craig’s non-alcoholic-distilled-botanical-spirit. 5. Keep a diary of how much better you’re feeling “Are you sleeping better? Have you lost weight? The average alcoholic cocktail has between 300-400 calories, so keep track and ensure you’re aware of the benefits – it can do wonders for your will power,” says Hutchison. 6. Go public with your challenge “The more people who are aware you’re taking January off alcohol, the more encouragement from your peers,” says Hutchison. The expert continued: “Follow some of your favourite non-alcoholic brands on Instagram. They will, for sure, keep you motivated throughout the month.” Recommended reading: How much does drinking booze cost you? Find out with this calculator NHS urges Brits to look for dementia symptoms this Christmas 10 foods that can help give a boost to your immune system this winter 7. Don’t worry if you weaken “If you slip once or twice, don’t beat yourself up and don’t just give up. You can start again the next day – it’s all about balance,” says Simone Caporale, award-winning international bartender and ambassador for ZEO non-alcoholic spirit. Simone added: “And you never know, the way you’ll feel while you’re taking a break from drinking, might actually push you to keep going.”jili178 casino no deposit bonus 。

Examined: The Aircraft Used For The Chinese President's State Visits

NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Newcastle’s winning run in the English Premier League came to an abrupt end when goals from Thomas Souček and Aaron Wan-Bissaka gave West Ham a surprise 2-0 win at St. James’ Park on Monday. The Hammers rose into 14th place and the pressure on coach Julen Lopetegui was eased. The London club has been inconsistent all season and Monday’s win was just its fourth in 12 league games. West Ham was worth the win in the end but the three points came courtesy of slack defending by the home side. Emerson whipped in an out-swinging corner after 10 minutes and, with Newcastle defenders rooted to the spot, Souček stole in to nod home the opener. Then eight minutes into the second half, captain Jarrod Bowen found Wan-Bissaka in the penalty box and he was left unchallenged and had time to fire an angled drive past Nick Pope. Newcastle brought on Harvey Barnes, and then Callum Wilson returned from a long-term back injury to make his first appearance of the season but to no avail. The defeat ended a three-game winning streak for Newcastle and left the Saudi Arabia-owned club in ninth place, four points outside the top four. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerIf you’re approaching retirement or have already stopped working, it may have occurred to you that saving for retirement was the easy part. Most likely, you had contributions to a 401(k) or other employer-provided retirement savings account automatically deducted from your paycheck. Target-date funds , which automatically adjust your investments as you approach retirement, have taken the guesswork (and hopefully the stress) out of investing those contributions. For investments outside of your workplace plan, many brokerage firms have harnessed digital tools to provide low-cost investment advice. (We've evaluated the online services that many major brokers provide .) But once you retire and need to start withdrawing from your nest egg, the task of managing your money becomes more difficult. Fewer than half of retirees say they’ve estimated how much they’ll need to withdraw from their savings and investments to cover their expenses, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey . Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Even if you’ve nailed down the amount of income you’ll need each month to retire comfortably, you’ll have to wrestle with a host of decisions that can’t be put on autopilot, such as which accounts you should tap first , how to lower taxes on your withdrawals and when you should sign up for Social Security . Add to the mix concerns about long-term care, estate planning and charitable giving, and you may start to feel as though managing your savings is a full-time job. With the stakes so high, you’re probably going to want some advice. For many retirees, that means hiring a financial planner . A qualified certified financial planner can manage your portfolio and provide advice on a range of other subjects, from withdrawal rates to legacy planning. To earn the CFP designation, an individual must complete a course of study, pass a rigorous exam, have 6,000 hours of experience related to financial planning and commit to continuing education. In addition, CFPs are required to act as fiduciaries , which means they must put their clients’ interests above their own. Many CFPs provide excellent advice, but their guidance doesn’t come cheap. Compensation structures vary, but a common one is an assets under management (AUM) model , in which the planner bases his or her fees on a percentage of your portfolio. For example, if you have a $1 million portfolio and your planner charges a 1% fee, you would pay the planner $10,000 a year. The percentage typically decreases as your portfolio grows. On average, advisers charge 1.12% per year for a portfolio of $100,000, 1.02% for a portfolio of $1 million and 0.98% for a portfolio of $2 million, according to a 2023 survey by Advisory HQ , a marketing organization. Supporters of this model, a longtime standard for the advisory business, say it gives advisers a strong incentive to perform well, because as your portfolio grows, so does their compensation. Increasingly, though, brokerage and financial services firms such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Vanguard are offering financial advice to retirees and preretirees at a lower cost. Depending on the amount you have invested, you may be able to get advice on account-withdrawal rates, taxes, estate planning and more, often from a dedicated financial planner, for a fee of 0.5% or less of assets under management. The firm may limit advisory services to assets it manages — so it may not include your former employer’s 401(k), for example, or a taxable brokerage account you inherited that’s with another brokerage firm. If you’ve accumulated a significant amount of assets with a particular financial services firm, you’ve likely already received promotions for its financial-planning services. Enrolling in one of these programs could give you the confidence to spend money you’ve worked so hard to save. That’s not easy for many retirees: A 2018 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that retirees with at least $500,000 or more in savings had spent down less than 12% over 20 years. Here are some questions to ask before signing up. How much do I need to have invested to qualify for advisory services? The amount required to be eligible for guidance from a dedicated adviser varies. For example, Schwab Wealth Advisory provides a dedicated financial adviser and personalized wealth-management strategy to clients with $500,000 or more in assets. Through Fidelity Wealth Management Services , you can get a dedicated financial adviser and portfolio management if you have at least $500,000 in assets. T. Rowe Price , a relative newcomer to wealth-advisory services, will provide a dedicated adviser to clients with at least $250,000 in assets. For customers with a minimum of $100,000 in assets, Ally Invest Personal Advice offers a personalized financial plan from a dedicated adviser using portfolios of exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ); Ally will also provide withdrawal strategies for retirement accounts, but it doesn’t offer tax advice. Some firms have expanded services for wealthier clients — typically those with $2 million or more. For example, Vanguard’s Wealth Management program, available to clients with $5 million or more in Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs, provides investment-advisory services, wealth and estate planning, tax strategies, and other services through a dedicated CFP. Fidelity’s Private Wealth Management Services , available to clients with investable assets of at least $10 million — with $2 million or more managed through Fidelity — provides investment management, trust and estate planning, and other services. How much does the service cost? Fees range from 0.3% to more than 1% of assets, typically depending on the amount you have invested and the services provided. Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Select, which provides access to a financial adviser, a customized financial plan and ongoing investment advice to customers with at least $500,000 in Vanguard IRAs, brokerage accounts and trusts, charges 0.3% of assets, or $3,000 a year for an account with $1 million in assets. The fee for Schwab’s Wealth Advisory service starts at 0.8% of assets and decreases at higher asset levels. When considering costs, though, it’s also important to look at the expense ratios imposed by the underlying mutual funds and exchange-traded funds in the firm’s recommended portfolio. Although index funds and ETFs typically have low fees, your adviser may recommend actively traded funds — emerging-markets funds , for example, or small-company stock funds. While these funds may offer the potential for higher returns, they tend to come with higher expense ratios than ETFs and index funds. When inquiring about advisory services, ask whether you’ll qualify for any breaks on fees. T. Rowe Price, for example, caps fees so that its combined investment-advisory service fee and fund expense ratio doesn’t exceed 1%, says Lindsay Theodore , a thought leadership manager at T. Rowe Price. For example, if the client’s portfolio has a weighted average expense ratio that exceeds 0.5%, the advisory service fee of 0.5% will be reduced. And depending on the amount of assets invested in Vanguard funds, participants in Vanguard’s advisory program may be eligible for Admiral class shares, which have an average expense ratio of 0.14%, or institutional shares, which have an average expense ratio of 0.08%. What’s available for free? Before you agree to pay a percentage of your assets, look into what’s offered at no cost. For example, Fidelity’s advisers will help clients create a financial plan that covers everything from withdrawal rates to Social Security claiming strategies for no extra charge, and clients can contact a member of Fidelity’s advisory team at any time to update the plan, says Ryan Viktorin , a CFP and financial consultant for Fidelity. The service is particularly valuable for clients who are retired or approaching retirement, she says. “It can be a mental shift when you get to retirement, and it’s scary for a lot of people,” she says. There’s no investment minimum for this service, but clients with a large amount of assets may qualify for a dedicated financial adviser at no cost, Viktorin says. If you want an adviser to manage your portfolio, however, you’ll have to use one of Fidelity’s paid services. For clients with at least $250,000 in assets, T. Rowe Price provides a complimentary financial plan that includes a recommended portfolio of investments, analysis of Social Security benefits, proposed spending adjustments and a score showing the likelihood they won’t outlive their savings. Schwab clients with at least $1 million in assets are automatically enrolled in Schwab Private Client Services , which provides them with a dedicated consultant who will direct them to resources at Schwab in areas such as income, tax and estate planning. This service is primarily designed for self-directed investors; clients who want ongoing investment management will need to enroll in Schwab’s Wealth Advisory service and pay the fee. In addition, most financial services firms provide a range of tools you can use to estimate income and expenses, analyze your Social Security benefits, determine whether you should convert to a Roth IRA and more. Even if you eventually decide to hire a financial planner, these tools will help you get a handle on your finances and figure out where you need help. Will the advice be comprehensive enough? One of the upsides of paying for advice from your financial services firm is that the firm already knows a lot about you — and you know a lot about it. If you’re comfortable with the company’s customer service and investment offerings, paying for a dedicated financial adviser and other features could make sense. But if the advice is limited to assets you own within the firm, the adviser — or team of advisers — may not have a complete picture of your financial health. Many retirees have multiple retirement, taxable and savings accounts with different banks and brokerage firms. Your net worth may also include life insurance, a pension and home equity, all of which will contribute to your retirement security. While some advisory services “are great for DIY investors who want a little bit of help, it’s not holistic financial advice or planning,” says Pam Krueger , chief executive officer and founder of Wealthramp , which connects investors with vetted, fee-only advisers. Most CFPs will provide a free consultation, which should give you an opportunity to ask about their skills, specializations and fees before you commit to what could be a long-term relationship. You can search for a CFP in your area at the Financial Planning Association’s website . Look for a fee-only planner. These individuals are compensated for giving advice, and they don’t earn commissions by recommending specific products or services. They’re also required to act as fiduciaries, which means they must put your interests above their own. Be wary of any adviser who declines to discuss their fee structures upfront. If you’re paying a percentage of assets under management, you should expect to receive, along with investment advice, help with estate planning, insurance and other aspects of your financial life. If you’re not comfortable paying a percentage of your assets, it’s easier than ever to find CFPs who use different — and possibly less expensive — compensation methods. Some Wealthramp advisers charge by the hour or work on retainer, Krueger says. Planners in the Garrett Planning Network are fee-only CFPs who charge by the hour, typically at hourly rates ranging from $100 to $300. Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here . Related content Get the Invest for Retirement series New to Investing? How to Tell Your CFPs From Your CFAs How to Change Financial Advisers How to Pick the Best Robo Advisor For You

No. 16 Cincinnati tests efficient offense vs. Alabama State

Another stowaway caught on Delta flight raises major concerns about airport safetyHyderabad: A dog has bitten around ten persons including two children during an annual religious fair of Renuka Yellamma deity in Yalal mandal in Vikarabad district on Friday, December 27. Lalamma, a senior citizen, whose family came from Isnapur village in Yalal mandal, said that her family had just finished the darshan of the deity, had dinner and were heading towards their four-wheeler, when a dog attacked the children who were walking ahead of them and others. She alleged that when the family went to Tandur Area hospital for treatment, there were no ‘golilu’ anti-rabies medicines available there. She also alleged that the police were busy controlling the crowd, and cared less for the dog-bite cases.Even during his teaching years, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was soft-spoken, much like he was in his political career later. “In a small class of 25, we would have to strain ourselves to hear him properly,” said Sudipto Mundle, Chairman, Board of Governors, Centre for Development Studies, and former student of Dr. Singh at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE). He was one of many taught by Dr. Singh during his stint as a professor in Panjab University and later at the DSE. Several of his students recalled how unexpected it was for them to see Dr. Singh join the ranks of politicians. Gita Sen, Professor Emeritus, Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, recalls how Dr. Singh was the same as he appeared. “He was kind, gentle, and soft-spoken. It’s been extremely long, so there’s not a lot of memory but he always stood out for his gentle demeanour,” she said. ‘No arrogance’ Ms. Sen, a student of his at DSE, said, “I don’t think any of his students foresaw his political career because of how soft and kind he was. In that era, we were being taught by some of the greatest economists and the students were equally haughty, but Prof. Singh was different in that sense, he never had an air of arrogance and remained as humble as one could have despite his extensive knowledge on the subject.” Another one of his students, H.S. Shergill, Professor Emeritus, Department of Economics, Panjab University, recollected how he was unable to do his PhD under the former PM despite having Dr. Singh approach him for it. Mr. Shergill remembers how in those days, everyone in his batch was attempting to start their careers in the civil service, but he wanted to continue studying economics. “After finishing my Masters, Dr. Singh asked what I wanted to do. I told him I want to do a PhD, he then asked me to do my PhD under his supervision but due to another scholarship, I was not able to do it then. He later left for New York. I don’t know whether that was my good luck or bad luck,” he jokes. Mr. Shergill said Dr. Singh, despite being one of the youngest professors, had an aura of honesty around him. In a statement, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, said: “My memories of Dr. Manmohan Singh date back to the time when he was teaching at the DSE. I was then in my MA first year. Seeing him among the stalwart professors in that era was reassuring for a student like me, having come from Sambalpur district in western Odisha. Dr. Singh had a remarkable ability to explain complex topics in international trade in a way every student could understand. He was extremely unassuming and low profile.” Published - December 28, 2024 12:59 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Germany's president dissolves parliamentLocal mechanics rev up the road, now govt needs to catch up

TPCODL Wins Prestigious Kalinga Safety Excellence Award at National Safety Conclave 2024

The NFL reinstated Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner’s exempt list on Monday afternoon. Peppers had been on the list since October 9, which prevented him from suiting up with the Patriots or practicing with the team. The safety hasn’t been cleared of the domestic violence charges he’s facing — his trial date is set for January 22 — but the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed was able to offer a window into the league’s thinking. “Per a league source, the reason Patriots S Jabrill Peppers was removed from the commissioner’s exempt list was because the baseline suspension for a violation of the personal conduct policy involving the actions for which he’s accused is six games,” Kyed posted on X. “He’s already missed seven games. If Peppers had remained on the exempt list through his next court date, Jan. 22, he would have missed a total of 12 games. The NFL may still impose discipline at the end of the process if evidence is found that demonstrates Peppers violated the personal conduct policy. The NFL will look to conclude its investigation once there has been a disposition.” So the league could still suspend Peppers after the process is through, but for now, things are in the hands of the Patriots. Peppers faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, possession of Class B substance (cocaine) and assault and battery on a household or family member stemming from a domestic dispute in October. In an interview last month, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Peppers would “be gone” if the allegations against him were true. “When you read the (police report) initially, it turns your stomach,” Kraft said in October. “Once he goes on the commissioner exempt list, they do their independent checking. We’re doing ours. If what was reported is true, he’s gone. There have been some suggestions that this was a set-up and a lot of what was reported isn’t accurate ... We want to get the facts.” The Patriots issued a statement via a team spokesperson following Peppers’ reinstatement on Monday afternoon: “The league has removed Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner’s exempt list. After missing the past seven games, he will now return to the active roster. We understand that the league’s investigation into the matter will continue, as will the legal process. We will await the outcome of both before making any further comment.” Shortly after being reinstated, Peppers took to social media and posted a smiling photo with the caption, “Smile through it all, it’s gon be alright!” More Patriots ContentFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The NFL removed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers from the commissioner exempt list on Monday, making him eligible to participate in practice and play in the team’s games. Peppers missed seven games since being placed on the list on Oct. 9 after he was arrested and charged with shoving his girlfriend’s head into a wall and choking her. The league said its review is ongoing and is not affected by the change in Peppers’ roster status. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rulesIf you’re approaching retirement or have already stopped working, it may have occurred to you that saving for retirement was the easy part. Most likely, you had contributions to a 401(k) or other employer-provided retirement savings account automatically deducted from your paycheck. Target-date funds , which automatically adjust your investments as you approach retirement, have taken the guesswork (and hopefully the stress) out of investing those contributions. For investments outside of your workplace plan, many brokerage firms have harnessed digital tools to provide low-cost investment advice. (We've evaluated the online services that many major brokers provide .) But once you retire and need to start withdrawing from your nest egg, the task of managing your money becomes more difficult. Fewer than half of retirees say they’ve estimated how much they’ll need to withdraw from their savings and investments to cover their expenses, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey . Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail. Even if you’ve nailed down the amount of income you’ll need each month to retire comfortably, you’ll have to wrestle with a host of decisions that can’t be put on autopilot, such as which accounts you should tap first , how to lower taxes on your withdrawals and when you should sign up for Social Security . Add to the mix concerns about long-term care, estate planning and charitable giving, and you may start to feel as though managing your savings is a full-time job. With the stakes so high, you’re probably going to want some advice. For many retirees, that means hiring a financial planner . A qualified certified financial planner can manage your portfolio and provide advice on a range of other subjects, from withdrawal rates to legacy planning. To earn the CFP designation, an individual must complete a course of study, pass a rigorous exam, have 6,000 hours of experience related to financial planning and commit to continuing education. In addition, CFPs are required to act as fiduciaries , which means they must put their clients’ interests above their own. Many CFPs provide excellent advice, but their guidance doesn’t come cheap. Compensation structures vary, but a common one is an assets under management (AUM) model , in which the planner bases his or her fees on a percentage of your portfolio. For example, if you have a $1 million portfolio and your planner charges a 1% fee, you would pay the planner $10,000 a year. The percentage typically decreases as your portfolio grows. On average, advisers charge 1.12% per year for a portfolio of $100,000, 1.02% for a portfolio of $1 million and 0.98% for a portfolio of $2 million, according to a 2023 survey by Advisory HQ , a marketing organization. Supporters of this model, a longtime standard for the advisory business, say it gives advisers a strong incentive to perform well, because as your portfolio grows, so does their compensation. Increasingly, though, brokerage and financial services firms such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Vanguard are offering financial advice to retirees and preretirees at a lower cost. Depending on the amount you have invested, you may be able to get advice on account-withdrawal rates, taxes, estate planning and more, often from a dedicated financial planner, for a fee of 0.5% or less of assets under management. The firm may limit advisory services to assets it manages — so it may not include your former employer’s 401(k), for example, or a taxable brokerage account you inherited that’s with another brokerage firm. If you’ve accumulated a significant amount of assets with a particular financial services firm, you’ve likely already received promotions for its financial-planning services. Enrolling in one of these programs could give you the confidence to spend money you’ve worked so hard to save. That’s not easy for many retirees: A 2018 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that retirees with at least $500,000 or more in savings had spent down less than 12% over 20 years. Here are some questions to ask before signing up. How much do I need to have invested to qualify for advisory services? The amount required to be eligible for guidance from a dedicated adviser varies. For example, Schwab Wealth Advisory provides a dedicated financial adviser and personalized wealth-management strategy to clients with $500,000 or more in assets. Through Fidelity Wealth Management Services , you can get a dedicated financial adviser and portfolio management if you have at least $500,000 in assets. T. Rowe Price , a relative newcomer to wealth-advisory services, will provide a dedicated adviser to clients with at least $250,000 in assets. For customers with a minimum of $100,000 in assets, Ally Invest Personal Advice offers a personalized financial plan from a dedicated adviser using portfolios of exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ); Ally will also provide withdrawal strategies for retirement accounts, but it doesn’t offer tax advice. Some firms have expanded services for wealthier clients — typically those with $2 million or more. For example, Vanguard’s Wealth Management program, available to clients with $5 million or more in Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs, provides investment-advisory services, wealth and estate planning, tax strategies, and other services through a dedicated CFP. Fidelity’s Private Wealth Management Services , available to clients with investable assets of at least $10 million — with $2 million or more managed through Fidelity — provides investment management, trust and estate planning, and other services. How much does the service cost? Fees range from 0.3% to more than 1% of assets, typically depending on the amount you have invested and the services provided. Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Select, which provides access to a financial adviser, a customized financial plan and ongoing investment advice to customers with at least $500,000 in Vanguard IRAs, brokerage accounts and trusts, charges 0.3% of assets, or $3,000 a year for an account with $1 million in assets. The fee for Schwab’s Wealth Advisory service starts at 0.8% of assets and decreases at higher asset levels. When considering costs, though, it’s also important to look at the expense ratios imposed by the underlying mutual funds and exchange-traded funds in the firm’s recommended portfolio. Although index funds and ETFs typically have low fees, your adviser may recommend actively traded funds — emerging-markets funds , for example, or small-company stock funds. While these funds may offer the potential for higher returns, they tend to come with higher expense ratios than ETFs and index funds. When inquiring about advisory services, ask whether you’ll qualify for any breaks on fees. T. Rowe Price, for example, caps fees so that its combined investment-advisory service fee and fund expense ratio doesn’t exceed 1%, says Lindsay Theodore , a thought leadership manager at T. Rowe Price. For example, if the client’s portfolio has a weighted average expense ratio that exceeds 0.5%, the advisory service fee of 0.5% will be reduced. And depending on the amount of assets invested in Vanguard funds, participants in Vanguard’s advisory program may be eligible for Admiral class shares, which have an average expense ratio of 0.14%, or institutional shares, which have an average expense ratio of 0.08%. What’s available for free? Before you agree to pay a percentage of your assets, look into what’s offered at no cost. For example, Fidelity’s advisers will help clients create a financial plan that covers everything from withdrawal rates to Social Security claiming strategies for no extra charge, and clients can contact a member of Fidelity’s advisory team at any time to update the plan, says Ryan Viktorin , a CFP and financial consultant for Fidelity. The service is particularly valuable for clients who are retired or approaching retirement, she says. “It can be a mental shift when you get to retirement, and it’s scary for a lot of people,” she says. There’s no investment minimum for this service, but clients with a large amount of assets may qualify for a dedicated financial adviser at no cost, Viktorin says. If you want an adviser to manage your portfolio, however, you’ll have to use one of Fidelity’s paid services. For clients with at least $250,000 in assets, T. Rowe Price provides a complimentary financial plan that includes a recommended portfolio of investments, analysis of Social Security benefits, proposed spending adjustments and a score showing the likelihood they won’t outlive their savings. Schwab clients with at least $1 million in assets are automatically enrolled in Schwab Private Client Services , which provides them with a dedicated consultant who will direct them to resources at Schwab in areas such as income, tax and estate planning. This service is primarily designed for self-directed investors; clients who want ongoing investment management will need to enroll in Schwab’s Wealth Advisory service and pay the fee. In addition, most financial services firms provide a range of tools you can use to estimate income and expenses, analyze your Social Security benefits, determine whether you should convert to a Roth IRA and more. Even if you eventually decide to hire a financial planner, these tools will help you get a handle on your finances and figure out where you need help. Will the advice be comprehensive enough? One of the upsides of paying for advice from your financial services firm is that the firm already knows a lot about you — and you know a lot about it. If you’re comfortable with the company’s customer service and investment offerings, paying for a dedicated financial adviser and other features could make sense. But if the advice is limited to assets you own within the firm, the adviser — or team of advisers — may not have a complete picture of your financial health. Many retirees have multiple retirement, taxable and savings accounts with different banks and brokerage firms. Your net worth may also include life insurance, a pension and home equity, all of which will contribute to your retirement security. While some advisory services “are great for DIY investors who want a little bit of help, it’s not holistic financial advice or planning,” says Pam Krueger , chief executive officer and founder of Wealthramp , which connects investors with vetted, fee-only advisers. Most CFPs will provide a free consultation, which should give you an opportunity to ask about their skills, specializations and fees before you commit to what could be a long-term relationship. You can search for a CFP in your area at the Financial Planning Association’s website . Look for a fee-only planner. These individuals are compensated for giving advice, and they don’t earn commissions by recommending specific products or services. They’re also required to act as fiduciaries, which means they must put your interests above their own. Be wary of any adviser who declines to discuss their fee structures upfront. If you’re paying a percentage of assets under management, you should expect to receive, along with investment advice, help with estate planning, insurance and other aspects of your financial life. If you’re not comfortable paying a percentage of your assets, it’s easier than ever to find CFPs who use different — and possibly less expensive — compensation methods. Some Wealthramp advisers charge by the hour or work on retainer, Krueger says. Planners in the Garrett Planning Network are fee-only CFPs who charge by the hour, typically at hourly rates ranging from $100 to $300. Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here . Related content Get the Invest for Retirement series New to Investing? How to Tell Your CFPs From Your CFAs How to Change Financial Advisers How to Pick the Best Robo Advisor For You

Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against U.S. president-elect Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump's return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding U.S. Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal manoeuvres and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. "I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that "these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought." The judge in the election case granted prosecutors' dismissal request. A decision in the documents case was still pending on Monday afternoon. Special counsel Jack Smith speaks in August 2023 about the indictment of Trump. Smith's decision to dismiss the criminal charges and to abandon the classified documents case against Trump represented the end of the federal effort against him following his election victory earlier this month. (Jacquelyn Martin/The Associated Press) Constitution requires dismissal, prosecutors say The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. "That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government's proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind," prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump's return to the White House "sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution's requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities... and on the other hand, the Nation's commitment to the rule of law." In this situation, "the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated," they concluded. Smith's team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because "no principle of temporary immunity applies to them." 'Political weaponization' Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans "want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country." Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and had vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The 2020 election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But it quickly stalled amid legal battles over Trump's sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for his actions while he was in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year's election. Smith's team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against Trump at trial, accusing him of "resorting to crimes" in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden . Expect 4 years of pitched battles between Trump and Democratic-run states Trump's hush-money case sentencing put on hold Republicans win the U.S. House, giving Donald Trump and party control of government In dismissing the case, Chutkan acknowledged prosecutors' request to do so "without prejudice," raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump when his term is over. She wrote that is "consistent with the Government's understanding that the immunity afforded to a sitting President is temporary, expiring when they leave office." But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The immunity afforded to a sitting president is temporary, expiring when they leave office.The St. Petersburg City Council's goal is having the home of the Tampa Bay Rays ready for the 2026 season. But extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show.Arclin unveils striking new brand that stands out in the material science industry with exacting precision and a bold new look

ConocoPhillips announced that it has completed its acquisition of Marathon Oil Corporation. “This acquisition of Marathon Oil is a perfect fit for ConocoPhillips, adding to our deep, durable and diverse portfolio while meeting our strict financial framework,” said Ryan Lance, chairman and chief executive officer. “Marathon Oil adds high-quality, low cost of supply inventory adjacent to our leading U.S. unconventional position. We have a strong history of seamlessly integrating assets and we expect to deliver synergies of over $1 billion on a run rate basis in the next 12 months.” “This is a proud moment to look back on what we achieved at Marathon Oil. Powered by our dedicated employees and contractors, we built a top performing portfolio with a multi-year track record of peer-leading operational execution, strong financial results and compelling return of capital to our shareholders - all while holding true to our core values of safety and environmental excellence. ConocoPhillips is the right home to build on that legacy, offering a truly unique combination of added scale, resilience and long-term durability. With its premier global asset base, strong balance sheet and laser focus on operational excellence, ConocoPhillips’ track record of long-term investments, differentiated shareholder distributions and active portfolio management are unmatched. When combined with the global ConocoPhillips portfolio, I’m confident our assets and people will deliver significant shareholder value over the long term,” said Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil chairman, president and chief executive officer. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, each share of Marathon Oil common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.255 shares of ConocoPhillips common stock at the effective time of the merger, with cash in lieu of fractional shares.Parallel signals of democracy and dictatorship