234win apk

Mattson earns SPHL award Leif Mattson of the Quad City Storm has been named the SPHL Player of the Week. The 25-year-old center from Thompson, Manitoba, scored two goals and was credited with five assists in the Storm’s weekend sweep of Peoria. He also netted the winning shootout goal in Saturday night’s 4-3 victory over the Rivermen. In 21 games this season, Mattson has an SPHL-leading 37 points (16 goals-21 assists). The Storm (9-10-1-1, 20 points) are back in action on Thursday night, hosting Evansville (8-11-2-2, 20 points) at 6:10 at Vibrant Arena. Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!Four Canadian women honoured in World Rugby's Dream Teams of the YearShare Tweet Share Share Email Financial security becomes increasingly important as individuals enter their senior years. Aging often comes with unique challenges, such as reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and the need for long-term care. However, there are many tools and strategies available to help seniors achieve financial stability. This article explores effective solutions to secure financial well-being during the golden years . Understanding the Financial Challenges of Aging Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the common financial obstacles seniors face. These include: Reduced Income: Retirement often means living on a fixed income from pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings. Increased Healthcare Costs: Aging is often accompanied by medical expenses, including medications, treatments, and possibly long-term care. Longevity Risk: With increased life expectancy, many seniors risk outliving their savings. Inflation: The rising cost of goods and services can erode purchasing power over time. Unexpected Expenses: Emergencies, home repairs, or health crises can significantly strain finances. Being aware of these challenges is the first step toward finding effective financial solutions. Creating a Comprehensive Budget A well-planned budget is the cornerstone of financial security for seniors. It helps track income, expenses, and savings. Here’s how to create an effective budget: Assess Income Sources Identify all sources of income, including: Social Security benefits Pension payments Investment income Annuities Part-time employment (if applicable) Track Expenses Categorize expenses into fixed (e.g., rent or mortgage, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). This helps prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Plan for Emergencies Allocate a portion of income to an emergency fund. Experts recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved. This buffer can help cover unexpected costs without jeopardizing other financial goals. Leveraging Government Programs Government programs provide vital support to seniors. Some key programs include: Social Security Benefits Social Security remains a primary income source for many retirees. Seniors can maximize benefits by delaying claims until full retirement age or later, if possible. Understanding the nuances of Social Security, such as spousal and survivor benefits, can also help maximize income. Medicare and Medicaid These programs help cover healthcare costs. While Medicare is available to most seniors, Medicaid offers additional support for low-income individuals needing long-term care. Supplemental plans like Medicare Advantage or Medigap can further reduce out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP provides food assistance, helping seniors afford nutritious meals without compromising other essential expenses. Local social service offices can assist with applications and eligibility requirements. Exploring Investment Options Investments can play a crucial role in maintaining financial security during retirement. However, seniors should adopt a conservative approach to reduce risk. Diversify Your Portfolio A well-diversified portfolio minimizes risk while ensuring steady returns. Consider a mix of: Bonds: Low-risk and reliable income sources. Dividend-paying stocks: Provide regular income. Mutual funds: Offer diversification and professional management. Real estate investment trusts (REITs): Provide income from property investments without direct ownership. Utilize Annuities Annuities provide guaranteed income for life or a specified period. They are particularly useful for seniors concerned about outliving their savings. Options like immediate, deferred, and fixed annuities can be tailored to individual needs. Safe Withdrawal Rate Adopting a safe withdrawal rate, such as the 4% rule, ensures that retirees do not deplete their savings too quickly. Adjusting withdrawals based on market performance adds an extra layer of security. Long-Term Care Planning Planning for long-term care is critical to avoid financial strain. Options include: Long-Term Care Insurance This insurance helps cover costs associated with assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care. Purchasing a policy earlier in life reduces premiums and increases coverage options. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs allow individuals to save for healthcare expenses tax-free. Seniors can use these funds to pay for medical needs during retirement. Contributions made during working years can grow significantly over time. Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their homes. This option suits those with significant home equity but limited liquid assets. However, it’s essential to understand the terms and risks involved . Debt Management Strategies Managing debt is essential for financial stability. Seniors should prioritize paying off high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, to free up income for essential needs. Consolidate Debt Debt consolidation simplifies repayment by combining multiple debts into a single, lower-interest loan. This approach reduces monthly payments and overall interest costs. Seek Professional Guidance Financial advisors can provide tailored strategies to manage and reduce debt effectively. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies also offer free or low-cost services. Embracing Technology for Financial Management Technology offers seniors innovative ways to manage finances. Digital tools and apps simplify budgeting, bill payments, and investments. Budgeting Apps Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) help seniors track expenses, set financial goals, and monitor spending habits. These tools provide real-time insights into financial health. Online Banking Most banks offer online platforms for easy access to account balances, bill payments, and transaction histories. Features like automated payments and fraud alerts enhance security and convenience. Robo-Advisors Robo-advisors provide automated investment management, making investing accessible and affordable for seniors. They use algorithms to recommend portfolios based on risk tolerance and financial goals. The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning ensures that seniors’ assets are distributed according to their wishes. Key components include: Drafting a Will A will outlines how assets should be distributed after death. Without one, state laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with personal preferences. Establishing a Trust Trusts provide greater control over asset distribution and can reduce estate taxes. They also protect assets from probate, ensuring a smoother transfer to beneficiaries. Designating Power of Attorney A power of attorney authorizes a trusted individual to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the senior if they become incapacitated. Advance directives, like living wills, further clarify healthcare preferences. Community Resources and Support Local communities often provide resources to help seniors manage finances. Examples include: Senior centers offering financial literacy workshops. Nonprofits providing free or low-cost financial counseling. Local banks with programs tailored to senior citizens. Community groups that connect seniors with trusted advisors and support networks. Maintaining a Frugal Lifestyle Adopting a frugal lifestyle can stretch retirement savings further. Simple tips include: Shopping during sales or using coupons. Downsizing to a smaller home. Using public transportation instead of owning a car. Cooking at home rather than dining out. Staying Informed and Proactive Financial security requires staying informed about changes in policies, market conditions, and available resources. Regularly reviewing and adjusting financial plans ensures alignment with current needs and goals. Education, whether through online resources or workshops, empowers seniors to make informed decisions. Conclusion Achieving financial security in aging is possible with the right tools and strategies. By budgeting, leveraging government programs, exploring investment options, and planning for long-term care, seniors can navigate their financial future confidently. Additionally, embracing technology, reducing debt, and seeking professional guidance further enhance financial well-being. With proactive planning and informed decisions , the golden years can truly be a time of peace and financial stability. Related Items: Financial Security in Aging , Medicare and Medicaid , Patriarchal & Senior Financial Solutions Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments234win apk 。

Dale Earnhardt Jr. opened up about the issues he had qualifying for the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway. On Dale Jr. Download , Earnhardt talked about the biggest challenge he had when attempting to qualify on the track. “I think right now for me qualifying at Florence, I don’t think this is an everywhere race track, because I can go qualify in the Xfinity race,” Earnhardt said. “But I think at Florence with the Late Model, I got the yips, like a golfer that doesn’t have his swing. “When I got up there to qualify when I’m sitting in the car getting ready to pull off pit road, I know there’s 58-60 cars that are going to try to attempt a qualifying effort. We were 49th to go out. ...I know I’ve got a provisional. They’ve told me you’re in the race. There’s 5,000 people here to see you race. You’re not not making the race.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. knew he was going to struggle qualifying at Florence Earnhardt added, “If I’ve got a provisional, I’m not going to risk tearing up the car in the heat race. If I know I’ve got the provisional, I’m not going to run in the heat race and tear the car up and not get to run in the main. ...But I’m pulling up there to qualify, I’m like, ‘Ain’t no f ***ing way I’m making the top-20. I’ve already got it in my head that it ain’t possible.” Dale Jr. needed the provisional to make the finale. He made the most of the extra chance as he worked his way from the back of the field to second place. However, Earnhardt didn’t finish the race due to a fuel pump issue. “Honestly, the thing that really brought my car to life was not found until probably the last 30 minutes of the final practice when they made an adjustment on the front end,” Earnhardt said who drove the No. 8 Budweiser car at Florence. “These types of racecars which is common in stock car racing with bump stops — the sway bar, the bump stops, the springs — all of those things are married together like a telephone system. And it all talks to each other. They all have to be in time. And when one’s bound up or one’s doing too much, it affects all of it. None of it works the way it’s designed to do. “...The car was good but not great, and when we made that adjustment, it turned into a great racecar. I had all that perfect turn and wrap all through the race.” On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this story. This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas won the Big 12 title in 2023 on its way out the door to the Southeastern Conference. It was still swinging open when Arizona State waltzed in and won the league title in its debut season. And now the old Big 12 champs meet the new Big 12 champs on the path toward a potential national title. The fifth-seeded Longhorns and fourth-seeded Sun Devils play News Years Day in the Peach Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff . Both had their doubters they could get here. Texas (12-2) still had to prove is was “ready” for the SEC. Arizona State (11-2) was picked to finish last in the Big 12. But the Sun Devils quickly started winning and having fun in some new road environments in college towns smaller than some of their stops in the more cosmopolitan old Pac-12. All-American running back Cam Skattebo led the barnstorming tour. “We were not used to getting tortillas thrown at us at Texas Tech. You’re not used to some of these environments,” Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham said Monday. “When you’re in the Pac-12, you’re playing in Seattle, you’re playing in L.A., you’re playing in Salt Lake City. We got to face a lot more small college town football with really, really great environments. ... It was definitely fun to join a new league,” Dillingham said. And Dillingham laid down some Texas roots. The Sun Devils are recruiting Texas players out of high school, and the current roster has six transfers who started their college careers in burnt orange in Austin. “The guys we’ve gotten from Texas and coach (Steve Sarkisian’s) program have been unbelievable,” Dillingham said. “We know what we’re getting when we’re getting a guy from that program, and that’s a guy who has worked really hard, competed and been pushed. Those are the things that we like to bring in.” Safety Xavion Alford was named All-Big 12 . Defensive end Prince Dorbah is another Sun Devils starter. Defensive lineman Zac Swanson, who has two sacks this season, is another former Longhorn who said he relished a chance to beat his former team. Recruited by Texas out of Phoenix, Swanson was a reserve in 2022 and 2023 behind future NFL draft picks T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy. “That’s a team who kicked me out and said I’d never I was never going to be good enough to play there,” Swanson said last week. “That’s something that has been on my agenda for a while.” Dillingham joked he’d like to get more Texas transfers this week. Sarkisian simply noted that he wished he’d signed Skattebo, a Californian who transferred from Sacramento State after the 2022 season. “I was unaware, so kudos to them. They found him, he’s a heckuva player,” said Sarkisian, who also is a California native. Sarkisian said he was impressed by the Sun Devil’s first-year success in the Big 12. “We were in that Big 12, what, for 27 years? We won four. This is their first year in and they won a Big 12 Championship. It’s a really hard thing to do,” Sarkisian said. “They’re playing with a ton of confidence right now. The last two months, I think they’re playing as good a football as anybody in the country.” Despite wining that last Big 12 title and a playoff appearance in 2023, Texas still faced skeptics that the Longhorns would take their lumps in the SEC this year. Texas was more than ready for the league and the Longhorns made it to the SEC championship game. Their only two losses have been to Georgia, the No. 2 seed in the playoff. Sarkisian still remembers his 5-7 Texas debut in 2021. The program wasn’t ready for the SEC and the playoff back then, but it certainly is now. Texas is the only one of last year’s four playoff teams to make the expanded 12-team field this year. “There’s a lot to be proud of, but mostly I’m proud of our veterans, our leaders, our seniors, because those guys went from 5-7 in year one, they went through 8-5 in year two, and they didn’t jump ship. They hung in there with us. They believed in what they were doing,” Sarkisian said. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Read more NCAA football coverage at thestar.com

Article content This is going to make for one awkward Christmas dinner. While seeing a good scrap at a men’s league game might not be all that out of the ordinary, this one had some history behind it. The two combatants who dropped the gloves during a men’s league game in Saskatchewan just happened to be father and son. Father Chris Ewen of the Langham Vikings and Tyler Driedger of the Perdue Pirates squared off during the third period of a “fan appreciation night” that will not soon be forgotten by those in attendance. Ewen and Driedger didn’t appear to hold back, either. Both men looked to be throwing some bombs at each other. After a wild 10 seconds or so, Ewen takes Driedger to the ice and the refs quickly step in. We have a Sasky Senior Father vs. Son scrap in the Sask Prairie... 😮 Chris Ewen (Langham Vikings..47 yr old) vs Tyler Dreiger ( @PerdueSrPirates ..27 yr old) Round 2 after Christmas Dinner?? 🤯 🧑‍🎄 👊🏼 @SaskForum @SNKenReid @armdog pic.twitter.com/pAQxt6yjqs The video, originally shared on X by Saskatchewan senior hockey podcast Monday Nooner, was later re-posted by Spittin’ Chiclets and has been viewed more than 1.6 million times across both accounts as of Monday afternoon. Fans on social media were quick to joke about the family affair. “Family dinner is going to be REAL awkward this week...” one user on X commented. “The Feats of Strength. A longstanding festivus tradition,” another user replied, referencing a Seinfeld episode. A third user joked about a penalty-box conversation between the two fighters: “’We still on for Christmas dinner Wednesday?’ ‘You bet son.’ ‘Alright, yep good tilt Dad.’” “We still on for Christmas dinner Wednesday?” “You bet son.” “Alright, yep good tilt Dad.” The game itself had gotten way out of hand before the pair decided to spar with the Pirates scoring a massive 18-4 victory. While it sure didn’t seem like the combatants were holding anything back, Pirates assistant coach Mike Gray noted that the bout was partly pre-planned with the actual game completely out of hand after two periods. “We knew it was coming,” Gray reportedly said. “It didn’t just happen. Chris and Tyler talked about having a little fun if the game was lopsided, and it was, so away they went.” Along with the big win and the hearty bout, fans also were treated to discount pizza and wings at the arena – drawing in a big crowd. “The whole town was there,” Gray said. “It was a big night because we had the fan appreciation night setup and word got out that this might happen, so kind of packed the arena and it was fun.”

The Detroit Lions (10-1) will play their annual Thanksgiving Day game on Thursday against NFC North foe, the Chicago Bears (4-7), at Ford Field. The Lions are flying high, winners of nine consecutive games and off to their best start since the franchise began in 1934. They'll be going up against a Bears team that has been reeling losers of four straight, including two against Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The Lions are a little banged up heading into the contest, as they'll be without punt returner/wide receiver Kalif Raymond, offensive lineman Taylor Decker and cornerback Carlton Davis II. Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery are also questionable to play, according to the team's final injury report on Wednesday. Related: Lions injury report: Davis, Decker, Raymond out vs. Bears Follow us on Facebook The Bears have the edge in the all-time series, as Detroit is 78-105-5 against Chicago. The Lions lost the most recent game in December of last year but had the past three straight before that. Here's a look at what to expect and keys to watch as the Lions go for their 11th win on Thursday in front of their home fans. Why I'm Confident Josh: Lions Offense You know an offense has been playing well when their “down” week still saw them amass 390 yards and put up 24 points. That’s how good Detroit’s group has been, and they’ll match up with a Bears defense that has allowed 24.5 points per game over the past four weeks, ranking in the bottom-half of the league. Tommy: Teams of Two Tales The Lions are having an historic season for all the good reasons and it's a matchup against a team that is on the opposite side of that. While the Bears have been able to keep games close the past two weeks against NFC North opponents, the Lions will be their toughest challenge and Detroit should have all the confidence in the world heading into the contest. Why I'm Concerned Josh: Bears QB Caleb Williams For most of this season, Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense have looked lost against any decent team. However, since the Bears changed offensive coordinators, there’s been a noticeable shift. Williams has had two of his best games, looked much more comfortable, has made some incredible throws and is effectively using his legs to extend plays and scramble for yards. Earlier in the year, this might’ve been a cakewalk for Detroit’s defense but it’ll be a test on Thursday. Tommy: Division Matchup It doesn't really matter at the end of the day what the records say, this is still an NFC North matchup and could be close just like Detroit's and Chicago's other two games this season against Minnesota and Green Bay. The Bears have showed promise the past two weeks in keeping the game close, so it'll be a proper test for the Lions, who as of late have been blowing out teams. Related: Lions' Kalif Raymond placed on IR, expected back for playoffs Key Matchup Josh: Lions Defensive Backs vs. Bears WR DJ Moore Since Thomas Brown took over play-calling for Chicago, Moore has gotten eight touches each game and racked up 186 total yards — his best two-game stretch of the season. Carlton Davis III has been fantastic for Detroit lately, but he’s banged up and may not be ready to go, which could force Terrion Arnold onto Moore. Whoever gets the assignment may need some help to prevent Moore from making an impact. Tommy: Bears WR Keenan Allen vs. Lions Defense Allen has seen the ball more from Caleb Williams, especially when DJ Moore is covered most of the game. The wide receiver hauled in nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings last week, his best performance by far. He also torched the Lions defense last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, snagging 11 catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions are without Davis II and have inexperience at the cornerback position with Terrion Arnold. Look for the Bears to continue feeding the former All-Pro on Thursday. All Eyes On Josh: Detroit's Defense Remarkably, the Lions are the only defense in the NFL to not yet allow multiple passing touchdowns in a game this season. With Chicago playing better and Detroit possibly down its top corner in Carlton Davis III, this will be a tough matchup for the Lions. Can they keep that streak alive and end the Thanksgiving losing streak? Tommy: Lions RB David Montgomery Just like Bears running back D'Andre Swift is facing his former team on Thursday, Montgomery will be doing the same, if he plays. As of Wednesday's final injury report, the running back is ruled as questionable with a shoulder injury he suffered against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Chicago has allowed over 100 yards to a rusher. in eight of 11 games this season, and will have their hands full with Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Prediction Josh: 38-24 Lions Detroit leads the league in points per game at 32.7 but that jumps to 37.6 in home games — also best in the NFL. The Bears, meanwhile, average just 13.3 points per road game, the fewest in the league. Again, Chicago has looked much better the past two weeks and will be tough, but the Lions’ losing streak on Thanksgiving finally comes to an end. Tommy: 34-27 Lions Look, it's easy to say this will be a blowout. However, the Bears could very well keep this a close game throughout and possibly have a chance to win it if some things bounce their way. In 11 games this year, Chicago has played in seven one-possession games. Look for an eighth but Detroit comes out on top. Season Records Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesTrump's FBI pick Kash Patel goes scorched earth on MSNBC guest in wild letter

The largest artificial intelligence data center ever built by Facebook’s parent company Meta is coming to northeast Louisiana , the company said Wednesday, bringing hopes that the $10 billion facility will transform an economically neglected corner of the state. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry called it “game-changing” for his state's expanding tech sector, yet some environmental groups have raised concerns over the amount of energy it would use — and whether it could lead to higher energy bills in the future. Meanwhile, Elon Musk 's AI startup, xAI, is expanding its existing supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, the city's chamber of commerce said Wednesday. The chamber also said that Nvidia, Dell, and Supermicro Computer will be “establishing operations in Memphis,” without offering further details. Louisiana is among a growing number of states seeking to lure big tech firms in need of energy-intensive data centers with tax credits and other incentives. The U.S. Commerce Department found that there aren’t enough data centers in the U.S. to meet the rising AI-fueled demand, which is projected to grow by 9% each year through 2030, citing industry reports. Meta anticipates its Louisiana data center will create 500 operational jobs and 5,000 temporary construction jobs, said Kevin Janda, director of data center strategy. At 4 million square feet (370,000 square meters), it will be the company's largest AI data center to date, he added. “We want to make sure we are having a positive impact on the local level,” Janda said. Congressional leaders and local representatives from across the political spectrum heralded the Meta facility as a boon for Richland parish, a rural part of Louisiana with a population of 20,000 historically reliant on agriculture. About one in four residents are considered to live in poverty and the parish has an employment rate below 50%, according to the U.S. census data. Meta plans to invest $200 million into road and water infrastructure improvements for the parish to offset its water usage. The facility is expected to be completed in 2030. Entergy, one of the nation's largest utilities providers, is fast-tracking plans to build three natural gas power plants in Louisiana capable of generating 2,262 megawatts for Meta's data center over a 15 year period — nearly one-tenth of Entergy's existing energy capacity across four states. The Louisiana Public Service Commission is weighing Entergy's proposal as some environmental groups have opposed locking the state into more fossil fuel-based energy infrastructure. Meta said it plans to help bring 1,500 megawatts of renewable energy onto the grid in the future. Louisiana residents may ultimately end up with rate increases to pay off the cost of operating these natural gas power plants when Meta's contract with Entergy expires, said Jessica Hendricks, state policy director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana-based nonprofit advocating for energy consumers. “There’s no reason why residential customers in Louisiana need to pay for a power plant for energy that they’re not going to use," Hendricks said. "And we want to make sure that there’s safeguards in place.” Public service commissioner Foster Campbell, who represents northeast Louisiana, said he does not believe the data center will increase rates for Louisianians and views it as vital for his region. “It’s going in one of the most needed places in Louisiana and maybe one of the most needed places in the United States of America,” Foster said. “I’m for it 100%.” Environmental groups have also warned of the pollution generated from Musk's AI data center in Memphis. The Southern Environmental Law Center, among others, says the supercomputer could strain the power grid, prompting attention from the Environmental Protection Agency. Eighteen gas turbines currently running at xAI’s south Memphis facility are significant sources of ground-level ozone, better known as smog, the group said. Patrick Anderson, an attorney at the law center, said xAI has operated with “a stunning lack of transparency” in developing its South Memphis facility, which is located near predominantly Black neighborhoods that have long dealt with pollution and health risks from factories and other industrial sites. “Memphians deserve to know how xAI will affect them,” he said, “and should have a seat at the table when these decisions are being made.” _____ Sainz reported from Memphis, Tennessee. Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report. _____ Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Zenith Bank wins ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ in The Banker Awards 2024