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Millennial Money: What the 2024 Social Security COLA could mean for your retirement

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

Social Security benefits for millions of people will rise by an average of over $50 a month starting in January, thanks to the Social Security Administration’s 3.2% annual cost of living adjustment for 2024, announced on Oct. 12. The change will immediately put more money in current retirees’ pockets, but it also could have a considerable effect on payouts to future retirees.The 2024 increase is much smaller than last year’s 8.7%,the largest since 1981. But because the COLA reflects inflation, a smaller increase is not necessarily a bad thing; it suggests that inflation is more stable and may help the Social Security Administration provide maximum benefits for longer.The COLA has been relatively volatile in recent years, however, and future retirees are understandably concerned about the health of the Social Security benefits program.Here’s what the cost of living adjustments really mean and how to factor Social Security benefits into your future retirement budget.A LOWER COLA IS A ...

GTA home sales fall amid affordability challenges but relief forecasted

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area fell six per cent last month compared with November 2022 despite an influx in new listings, as high borrowing costs and uncertain economic conditions persisted.The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TREBB) says last month’s 4,236 home sales were also down 8.7 per cent from the 4,640 sales in October.The board says a lack of affordability has taken its toll on the market, which remains sensitive to the current environment of high interest rates, but that relief seems to be on the horizon.TRREB president Paul Baron says that with an increasing number of forecasters anticipating Bank of Canada rate cuts in the first half of 2024, this would “help alleviate affordability issues for existing homeowners and those looking to enter the market.” Related: GTA home sales drop 5.8% in October amid high borrowing costs Short-term rentals have ‘significantly impacted’ housing affordability, report says...

Woman struck, killed by vehicle on Dan Ryan; SB lanes shut down near 18th Street

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

CHICAGO — A woman was struck and killed by a vehicle on the Dan Ryan Expressway.According to Illinois State Police, the crash happened around 2:25 a.m. Tuesday on the southbound Dan Ryan near 18th Street.ISP said a minor crash occurred and the woman exited the involved vehicle — and was then struck by another vehicle not involved in the original accident.All southbound lanes are shut down and traffic is being diverted onto the Stevenson Expressway while the investigation is underway.This is a developing story. Check back for details.

3-year-old fatally shot in Merrillville

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — A toddler has died after an apparant accidental shooting in northwest Indiana, according to police.Officers responded to a shots fired report in the 3100 block of West 79th Street around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, they found a 3-year-old child who had been shot. According to police, an individual called 911 and said the toddler shot themself. It is unclear how the child got the weapon.The 3-year-old was transported to Southlake Methodist, where they were pronounced dead. The identity of the child has not yet been released. Woman struck, killed by vehicle on Dan Ryan; SB lanes shut down near 18th Street No further details have been provided at this time.

Amber Alert issued for 14-year-old girl last seen in Beaumont Monday evening

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

BEAUMONT, Texas (KXAN) -- An Amber Alert was issued for a 14-year-old girl who was last seen in Beaumont Monday, Dec. 4 around 7:30 p.m.According to a social media post from the Texas Alerts page, a local Amber Alert was issued for Seryna Ferrin. She was last seen in the 150 block of Charlotte Drive in Beaumont at 7:30 p.m. Monday. Ferrin is described as white with hazel eyes and brown hair, 5'1" and 104 lbs. She was last seen wearing a green jacket, white tank top and pink pajama pants. Call 409-832-1234 to report information to the Beaumont Police Department.

Mozart's christmas lights photo contest announces first place prize and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The holiday spirit is continuing with Mozart's "All About Texas Christmas Lights" photo contest. The annual contest is back with prizes for first, second and third place, as well as 15 standouts and the audience choice award. First place will receive an iPad Pro, second place will receive a $250 Mozart's gift card and third place will receive a $100 Mozart's gift card. All 15 standouts will be awarded a $25 Mozart's gift card. The audience choice award will be determined by which photo gets the most likes on the "All About Texas Christmas Lights" Facebook page. The winner will receive an iPad mini. LIST: Central Texas festive light displays this holiday season Photos of holiday lights from all across Texas are allowed, including Austin's Trail of Lights, Longhorn Lights, Peppermint Parkway and more. The photo contest is open to anyone in Texas and welcomes all ages. A list of rules can be found here. All photos must be submitted here by Tuesday, December 19 at mi...

Christmas caroling ride and drive in Gansevoort

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

GANSEVOORT, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Come one, come all to the Christmas caroling ride and drive on horseback drive at the Home of the Good Shepard in Gansevoort. The event occurs at 60 Waller Road in Gansevoort on December 9, at 2 p.m. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Carolers can join on horseback or foot and are welcome to come in costumes. Decorations are heavily encouraged, and snacks with hot beverages will be provided.All rider/horse combos must RSVP. To RSVP, contact Kelsey Reppert at (518) 461-4953.

5 things to know this Tuesday, December 5

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy Tuesday! According to Meteorologist Jill Szwed, we can expect a chilly air mass to linger for the next few days in the NEWS10 area. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! A man from Hamilton County was charged with murder after a fatal shooting in Long Lake. A 14-year-old was arrested after police say he brought a knife to Albany High School on Monday. Also, students at the College of Saint Rose protested the school's closure, demanding answers. These stories, and more, are covered in your five things to know this Tuesday morning. 1. Long Lake man charged with murder in fatal shootingA Hamilton County man has been charged after a shooting. Patrick Skerrett, 65, was charged with one count of murder in the second degree.2. Crash on I-88 closes all lanes between exits 24, 25According to 511 NY, a crash on I-88 has closed all lanes in both directions between Exit 24; US 20; NY 7 in Duanesburg, and Exit 25; ...

Memorial service today for tow truck driver Wade Bivins

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

COLUMBIA, Ill. -  Final goodbyes are Tuesday and tonight for a beloved Metro East man who was tragically killed last week while doing his job as a tow truck driver.The company that Bivins worked for, 'Paw Paw Towing,' is having a procession for him as part of the memorial. It's understood that the trucks will be staging for the procession from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the procession starting at 6:30 p.m. 57-year-old Wade Bivins from east Carondelet, Illinois, was a man known for his generosity and volunteer work. In addition to being a tow truck driver, Bivins was a volunteer firefighter, served on the East Carondelet Emergency Services Disaster Agency, and even played Santa Claus at Christmas celebrations.Our Bommarito Automotive Group SkyFOX was over the scene last Wednesday morning when Bivins was killed. He had responded to a disabled van call on the right shoulder of Interstate 255 southbound near Route 3 in the Columbia/Dupo area. Suspect shot and killed after firing sho...

Legislators and business officials speaking about child care crisis today

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:31:18 GMT

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. - Legislators and business officials will come together in St. Peters for an important talk about Missouri's child care crisis.This is an issue affecting businesses and families alike. Missouri loses out on an $1.5 billion a year due to Child care issues. Among these losses are $280 million annually in tax revenue, all this according to a report jointly released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Missouri Chamber.The discussion aims to shed a light on the far-reaching consequences of the crisis on employers and working families across the state. The forum kicks off with a panel discussion that promises to delve deep into the magnitude of the child care crisis and explore potential policy solutions.Business leaders and lawmakers will share their insights and experiences regarding child care issues - emphasizing their significance to the state's economic well-being. Suspect shot and killed after firing shots outside O’Fallon City Hal...