#inflation affect on seniors

[lookingforcactus]

A big cost and concern for many seniors in the U.S. is the price of prescription drugs and other healthcare expenses—and this year, thanks to The Inflation Reduction Act, their costs may go down dramatically, especially for patients fighting cancer or heart disease.

I learned about the new benefits because my ‘Medicare birthday’ is coming up in a couple months when I turn 65. I was shocked that there were so many positive changes being made, which I never heard about on the news.

Thousands of Americans on Medicare have been paying more than $14,000 a year for blood cancer drugs, more than $10,000 a year for ovarian cancer drugs, and more than $9,000 a year for breast cancer drugs, for instance.

That all changed beginning in 2023, after the Biden administration capped out-of-pocket prescriptions at $3,500—no matter what drugs were needed. And this year, in 2024, the cap for all Medicare out-of-pocket prescriptions went down to a maximum of $2,000.

“The American people won, and Big Pharma lost,” said President Biden in September 2022, after the legislation passed. “It’s going to be a godsend to many families.”

Another crucial medical necessity, the shingles vaccine, which many seniors skip because of the cost, is now free. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters, that can be followed by chronic pain, and other complications, for which there is no cure

In 2022, more than 2 million seniors paid between $100 and $200 for that vaccine, but starting last year, Medicare prescription drug plans dropped the cost for shots down to zero.

Another victory for consumers over Big Pharma affects anyone of any age who struggles with diabetes. The cost of life-saving insulin was capped at $35 a month [for people on Medicare].

Medicare is also lowering the costs of the premium for Part B—which covers outpatient visits to your doctors. 15 million Americans will save an average of $800 per year on health insurance costs, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Last year, for the first time in history, Medicare began using the leverage power of its large patient pool to negotiate fair prices for drugs. Medicare is no longer accepting whatever drug prices that pharmaceutical companies demand.

Negotiations began on ten of the most widely used and expensive drugs.

Among the ten drugs selected for Medicare drug price negotiation were Eliquis, used by 3.7 million Americans and Jardiance and Xarelto, each used by over a million people. The ten drugs account for the highest total spending in Medicare Part D prescription plans...

How are all these cost-savings being paid for?

The government is able to pay for these benefits by making sure the biggest corporations in America are paying their fair share of federal taxes.

In 2020, for instance, dozens of American companies on the Fortune 500 list who made $40 billion in profit paid zero in federal taxes.

Starting in 2023, U.S. corporations are required to pay a minimum corporate tax of 15 percent. The Inflation Reduction Act created the CAMT, which imposed the 15% minimum tax on the adjusted financial statement income of any corporation with average income that exceeds $1 billion.

For years, Americans have decried the rising costs of health care—but in the last three years, there are plenty of positive developments.

-via Good News Network, February 25, 2024

[justinspoliticalcorner]

WaPo: Trump proposals could drain Social Security in 6 years, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget

Julie Zauzmer Weil at WaPo:

A new report projects that the Social Security Trust Fund might run out of money within six years under a Donald Trump presidency, while Vice President Kamala Harris’s proposed policies would not meaningfully change the current trajectory.

Social Security faces a looming funding crisis in an aging country, with trustees most recently predicting that the retirement and disability program’s trust fund will become insolvent in 2035. Many of Trump’s campaign proposals would accelerate that timeline, potentially by years, said the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan group that opposes large federal deficits. In a report released Monday, the organization concluded that many of Trump’s proposed second-term agenda items all work in the same direction when it comes to the Social Security Trust Fund. The budget group did not produce a similar report on Harris’s policies because they would have a negligible effect measured only in weeks or months rather than years, said Marc Goldwein, CRFB’s senior policy director. Compared to prior presidential campaigns, Goldwein said, “I can’t think of anything that would be this order of magnitude” in its detrimental effect on Social Security’s bottom line compared to the policies Trump has proposed.

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed the report in an email to The Washington Post: “The so-called experts at CRFB have been consistently wrong throughout the years.” She said Trump’s energy and trade policies would improve the economy to “put Social Security on a stronger footing for generations to come,” and alleged that Harris would damage the program by allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to stay in the country. The campaign promise made by Trump that would most directly affect Social Security collections is his promise that no Social Security recipients should have to pay federal income taxes on their benefits. Under current law, 40 percent of beneficiaries pay taxes on some portion of their Social Security. The tax they pay on their benefits goes directly back to the trust fund, and getting rid of it could cost the program almost $1 trillion over 10 years, the report forecast. Other Trump policies might have indirect effects. Trump’s pledge to deport millions of undocumented workers could cost the trust fund hundreds of millions of dollars, the CRFB said. Many undocumented immigrants have payroll taxes taken out of their paychecks for the Social Security Trust Fund, but never become eligible to claim benefits, so they are a net positive for the program.

Trump’s proposed high tariffs on all imports could affect the economy in several ways detrimental to Social Security’s financial health, CRFB said. If the tariffs drive high inflation as projected by Wall Street experts, Social Security will have to pay out more in benefits because of automatic cost-of-living adjustments based on inflation. The report also pointed to Trump’s promises not to tax tip income or income earned during overtime hours. Trump has not clarified whether he means to exempt them from federal income taxes only or also from taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare. If he means the latter, that could cost Social Security $150 million to more than $1 trillion over a decade, with the likely outcome on the very high end of that range, CRFB said.

[...] Both Trump and Harris have said they aim to protect Social Security to prevent cuts if elected, but neither candidate has offered a comprehensive plan to plug the current projected gap. Stabilizing the trust fund will require either raising more money or spending less money in some way, or a combination of the two.

Donald Trump’s proposals to Social Security, despite claiming to be a champion of Social Security, could hasten the depletion of Social Security funding, per a report from Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

See Also:

MMFA: New analysis shows Trump would devastate Social Security’s finances, debunking MAGA talking point

[dont-f-with-moogles]

Hi 🤎

I would love to read the long version of all those fake fics if I'm being honest! But: 🦮 for Campfire please dear and lovely Terra 🤎

Campfire Rating: Mature Fandom: Attack on Titan Relationship: Levi Ackerman / Hange Zoe Additional tags: #OG levi squad  #canon universe   #friendships  #friends to lovers  #field trip  #camping  #campfires  #fluff  #romantic feelings  #romantic gestures  #romantic… dreams?  #sleep talking  #no  #smutty sleep talking ;)  #secret relationship  #but not for long #oops  #relationship reveal  #accidental public love confession  #Levi Ackerman is a mess #severe second hand embarrassment Word count: 860 words The clearing was ringed by trees, their great limbs reaching skywards. Spindly branches grew to sharpened points like gnarled fingers, each clutching a thin fabric of leaves which wove into a threadbare canopy overhead. Pale light filtered between them; early evening sky turned grey by the rising smoke from the campfire. Bird calls pierced the quiet rustle of wind. Then, in the distance, a chorus of chirps echoed in response. Amongst the murmurings and stirrings of nature, the flames crackled. 

Two squadrons of Survey Corps soldiers sat upon the fallen logs and leaf-strewn forest floor. The assembly had broken out into smaller groups, conversing intently as they suspended corn cobs over the flickering flames. The air was filled with the smell of roasted vegetables. Hange was terrifying Moblit with a report of Sawney’s cavities, following a dental examination they had personally carried out on the titan. Meanwhile, Oluo was outlining squad formations at painstaking length. Levi nodded as his squad member continued on and on and on… At first glance, it appeared as though the Captain was deep in thought. His eyes narrowed as though he was concentrating on visualising Oluo’s detailed descriptions.

...of course, it’s just my opinion that the Standby Squad should ride ahead of the Transport Squad,” Oluo drawled, “they are in the most protected position after all. Besides which, the Transport Squad carries our spare food, medical equipment, ODM gear…”

Levi’s eyelids fell shut as Oluo began to list off each item on his fingers. The Captain nodded again, his head falling to the side. Petra gasped as she felt his chin brush against her shoulder.

“Captain! Not here! I’m not read-”

It took her a moment to realise that he had not been consciously leaning towards her, but rather unconsciously. The young recruit froze, her shoulder bearing Levi’s head. Oluo stared at them before he gave a bitter sigh, dropping his hand upon his lap in disappointment.

“Well, that’s not what you want.” 

“Oh my god…” Mutterings broke out around the circle amidst the nudging of elbows. Petra sat upright, her shoulders stiffened, not wanting to budge an inch lest she disturb Levi. 

“Come on…” she tried in a placating tone, “we’ve had a long ride here. Let’s just let him sleep. I’ll be fine… as long as someone passes me some corn?” Petra was attempting to sound mildly amused - inconvenienced even - by the fact she was trapped, sitting on her heels and unable to turn her head. However, her face glowed in pleasure as her eyes continually drifted down to Levi’s face, resting so close to her own.

The conversation around the circle continued. Petra lifted her chin, her demeanour inflated as she sat eating and speaking with Eld. All the whilst she affected a casual lightness as though her senior officer was not huddled close to her, open and vulnerable in his slumber. Then, suddenly, Levi interrupted with a murmur.

Petra and Eld lapsed into silence, uncertain as to whether or not the Captain was stirring. He spoke again, only louder this time.

“Ah, Hange… take em off, baby… I don’t care if they’re small… wanna bury my face in them…..”

Petra’s corn on the cob rolled along the forest floor. All eyes were trained on Hange. The titan scientist feigned a perplexed expression as their eyes roved the tree tops.

“Did you guys hear something? Was that a lark? A great tit maybe…?”

“Sounds like Levi would know,” Eld cracked dryly, causing a ripple of laughter to break out amongst the recruits. The sound was followed swiftly by a nervous shushing as Levi raised his head, his eyes opening.

“… the hell are you all looking at?” he muttered. His glare immediately sought out Oluo. In his semi-conscious state, Levi tried to piece together the fragments of their earlier conversation. He remembered it had been something about squads and supplies…

“Well?” Levi growled.

“Sir… I… I was just suggesting an amendment to the riding formation,” Oluo answered anxiously, “not to say you don’t know breast - best!”

The swell of laughter bubbled up around the circle again. Hange fell to wiping their glasses on their yellow shirt, a deep flush creeping up the skin of their neck. Scowling, Levi climbed to his feet.

“If you’ve all got time to sit there snickering, then you’ve got time to help rebuild this fire.” 

He scrutinised the dying embers. Most of the Survey Corps members had eaten by now. All that remained of the fire was a large charred stump, still smouldering in the centre. All of the smaller branches had collapsed to ash inside the middle of the pile. Levi looked up and caught Hange’s eye.

“Oi, Hange. Wanna give me a hand?”

Nervous titters broke out amongst the younger recruits. A few shoulders were shaking. Eld was grinning down at his lap. Oluo’s jaw was set. Gunther had crammed his fist into his mouth, tears pricking in the corner of his eyes.

“With what?” Hange asked, astonished.

Levi regarded her severely.

“Getting wood.”

The whole group burst out into a chorus of whoops and raucous laughter, Oluo hiccoughing loudly as he bit his tongue. @youre-ackermine

[biebuli]

SOME IDEA TO MASTER SHIFU AND TAI LUNG

ENGLISH VERSION AND CHINESE VERSION

maybe english is not very well, IF YOU DONT MIND, OK READ IT

Master Shifu's relationship pattern largely mirrors his childhood relationship pattern. Because he himself was abandoned in a known state, he doesn't want another child to experience the same abandonment, hence he goes to great lengths to compensate for the lack of paternal love—sometimes to the point of overindulgence. However, overindulgence is essentially lazy and irresponsible love.

In nurturing Tai Lung, Master Shifu faces significant issues: he fails to recognize Tai Lung as an independent individual, rather than just an extension of his own ideals. His excessive love combines both control and indulgence, denying Tai Lung the opportunity for self-exploration and failing to acknowledge his true feelings. This leads to Tai Lung's inability to introspect and reliance on external validation. Despite being a kung fu prodigy, Tai Lung cannot develop his own unique skills, constantly seeking the external validation of becoming the Dragon Warrior. While Master Shifu provides Tai Lung with positive feedback and reinforcement throughout his upbringing, this unwavering overindulgence sets the stage for future resentment between father and son. By ignoring Tai Lung's psychological growth and projecting his own childhood experiences onto him, Master Shifu fails to provide Tai Lung with the necessary limits and guidance.

This dynamic results in Tai Lung's dependence and resentment towards Master Shifu. His inability to achieve the status of Dragon Warrior becomes a major setback in his life, leading to profound disappointment and eventual societal retaliation, followed by retaliation against Master Shifu. These actions reflect Tai Lung's long-standing resentment towards Master Shifu, as he suppresses his true emotions to meet the latter's expectations, only to explode when he fails to meet them. While Master Shifu may have helped Tai Lung navigate setbacks during his upbringing, Tai Lung now seeks his assistance in return.

However, this relationship's destructive outcome is Tai Lung's transformation into a brutal tyrant. His extreme self-centeredness and failure to recognize external realities make him a nightmare for others. His obsession with immediately attaining the title of Dragon Warrior blinds him to the fact that being the Dragon Warrior requires more than just martial prowess.

True responsible love involves respecting a child's independence at different stages of development, guiding them while also allowing for their self-discovery and growth. (Indeed, Mr. Ping and Mr. Li embody this ideal father figure, even if they're idealized versions.)

Despite apologizing to Tai Lung, Master Shifu would never apologize to Tigress. He could never comprehend the emotional violence he inflicted upon her. While Tai Lung received physical violence from Master Shifu, he was emotionally attended to and cherished. Tigress, on the other hand, desires Master Shifu's approval not because he hinted she could become the Dragon Warrior, but because she seeks his validation. For many children, a lifetime is spent chasing this validation.

However, this desire for approval isn't entirely without merit. Tigress's excellence partly stems from this influence. Following the Tai Lung incident, Master Shifu toned down his affection (previously lavished on Tai Lung) realizing that excessive love is pathological. This moderation allowed him to respect objective facts, albeit expressed through subtle emotional coercion. He might express dissatisfaction with Tigress's actions, reminding her of the shadow of her senior, making her aware of her limitations. This prevents Tigress from developing an inflated ego. Personal growth requires acknowledging one's limitations and avoiding undue pressure, leading to a simpler life.

当一个成年人的关系模式很大程度上是他童年关系模式的再现。

师傅因为自己是在已知状态下被抛弃的，他不希望有第二个自己那样被抛弃的孩子，所以竭尽全力去弥补父爱——甚至到了溺爱的程度。然而，溺爱实际上是一种懒惰和不负责任的爱。

师傅在培养大龙时存在着很大的问题：他没有意识到大龙是一个独立的个体，而不仅仅是他理想中的附属品。他的过度关爱是包办和纵容并存的，他没有给大龙自我探索的机会，也没有及时关注大龙的真实感受（比如当大龙的骨头断了或被否定为神龙大侠时），习惯性地把自己的感受投射到大龙身上，错误地认为大龙的感受就是他的感受。这导致了大龙无法从自身内省中认识自己，而是通过他人的话语来寻找自我。尽管大龙是一位功夫天才，掌握了众多武学技能，却无法创造出自己的独特技艺。与此同时，他一直追求着神龙大侠这个外在头衔，他的自我永远无法满足，导致他迷失了自我。大家都知道大龙是什么样的，唯独大龙自己不清楚自己是谁。

在成长过程中，师傅一直给予大龙正面和积极的反馈，进一步强化了父子间的潜意识互动：师傅给予爱，大龙自愿成为师傅理想的儿子并从中获益。然而，师傅这种不变的过度关爱为日后父子���间的仇恨埋下了伏笔。他忽视了大龙的成长心理，把大龙当作另一个自己，满足了自己童年体验的记忆和理想。师傅给予大龙的无限制支持实际上也是在无限制地满足自己。即使在大龙暴力对待师傅之后，他的行为依然是一种过度溺爱——牺牲自己满足孩子。

这使得大龙既依赖又憎恨师傅。不能成为神龙大侠对大龙来说是人生的挫折，他感到巨大的失落，于是他报复了社会，随后又转而报复师傅。这两个行为背后有深层的含义，一般来说，面对挫折时，应该相信还有其他实现目标的途径，但大龙的行为表明，在他成长过程中，早已对师傅产生了怨恨，并为了不断满足师傅的期待，压抑了自己真实的情感，在无法达到目标时彻底爆发出来。与此同时，师傅在大龙成长过程中可能会帮助他度过挫折，所以现在大龙当然也希望师傅能够帮助他。

然而，这种关系的毁灭性结果是，大龙变得残暴无道。他自我中心，自我膨胀，内心只有自己，成为他人的噩梦。他对和平谷的行为表明了极端的自我中心，无法认识外部现实的本质，把自己的期望强加于他人。大龙执着于立刻获得神龙大侠的身份，却忽略了神龙大侠需要的不仅是武学，还有其他的东西。

真正负责任的爱是尊重孩子的独立的爱，在不同的成长阶段直到如何引导以及满足孩子的需求，这样的父母他们知道什么时候该放手，并且乐于接受孩子的自我独立和自我成长。（是的，平先生和李先生都做到了这一点，尽管是一种理想型的父亲）

师傅虽然对大龙道歉了，但永远不会对虎妞道歉。他永远无法意识到自己对虎妞无形中的情绪暴力。尽管大龙曾受到师傅的身体暴力，但在精神上他是被关注和宠爱的。而虎妞则相反，她渴望师傅的肯定，并不是因为师傅透露出她也可以成为神龙大侠，而是因为她想要得到师傅的认可。对于许多孩子来说，一生都在追求这种认可。

这种期待认可也并非毫无好处，虎妞之所以能够如此优秀，部分原因就是这种期待的影响。在大龙事件之后，师傅收敛了自己的爱（之前他将这种爱毫无保留地投射给了大龙），意识到爱的过度是病态的。这种爱的收敛使得师傅开始尊重客观事实，尽管他用隐形的情绪暴力表达。他可能不满意虎妞的行为，告���她在她之上有一个师兄的阴影，让虎妞意识到自己的局限性。这样也使得虎妞自己没有发展成过度膨胀的状态。人的成长需要意识到自己的局限性，不要对自己施加过多压力，这样才能过上更简单的生活。

[shiro41]

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

A sigh escaped his lips, the awkward silence made him want to get out of this tight space that's escalating each floor while he stood there with strangers that had shamelessly stared at his towering figure, he could hear them gulp saliva and feel them grow timid in his presence.

His azure spheres looked up at the numbers that ascended floor to floor, from 2 to 4 until 5. How he wished you were here with him, your company alone makes the uncomfortable feeling of their gaze go away, he thought the possibility of the both of you snickering like madmen that had just escaped the asylum to the naked stares these strangers gave off until he'll completely forget it

The elevator dinged once again, signalling Satoru that he'll get off this tight space they call elevator and let out a big huff, his head bobbing whilst his shades slightly slipping off his nose.

He was impatient to find a home in your arms, snuggling like a child that's been separated from his mother whilst he complained about your missing presence beside him and how it made him want to find you everywhere.

His time wasn't occupied to dedicate his attention to you for now, although Satoru hated the idea, he was a growing teen that would soon become an adult in this curse invested world and he has to lend his time to others as well.

"I wanna go home."

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

His tufts of white is what made him stand out beside his towering height, Suguru was nowhere to be seen for him to bother right now and had called you for a small trip to ice cream and mochis that he loves. One thing you learned about Gojo is his love for sweets, you always see him munching on candies and other tooth decaying foods that'll leave your mouth in ecstasy with the taste. You'd wonder how he manages to have such pearly white teeth despite his addiction to sugar.

Satoru greeted you with a small fright of his palms on your shoulder as he exclaimed an 'ah' that made you flinch, his teasing chuckles that turned into laughs as he dodged your punches and frustrated words.

Soon enough you'd find yourself laughing with him, a laugh that could almost be compared to a goat and snorts to a pig, mouth completely agape as your breaths shortened with every push of air from your stomach. Your legs kicked the air as your hand lightly slapped his shoulder, the ice cream turning liquid on the cone.

The judging stares the pair received were brushed off as you continued to converse, sometimes almost tripping on the road as you laughed like drunk men from the bar in the middle of the night.

"Satoru, we should quiet down..!"

You commented after fits of laughter with Satoru who tsked three times and waved his index finger at you like a senior teaching his junior about a mischievous activity at school.

"Don't mind their worthless stares, Princess."

The grin that now seemed to turn to a smirk made your protest cease, maybe continuing to be ignorant about the world with Satoru's shining humor and affection was better than dwelling and be aware of your surroundings full of judgement and displeasure of your behavior.

The conversation ended with you agreeing to Satoru's words, the hype dying as your mood glooms with you becoming quiet while Satoru continues to talk about anything that he remembers and sees until your feet carry you to your comfy abode.

The dim light from the inside told you someone was home, the sun was almost dying to be replaced by the moon any minute now; sky turning orange and pink as the hot ball waved good night to the planet it served every day.

"Thanks, Satoru. Sorry you can't come inside.. y'know how dad is."

"Your dad's a fool for rejecting the strongest, Angel." His laugh made you chuckle, the narcissistic personality bubbling up and Ego inflating like a balloon. Your dad had been disliking the fact you've chosen Satoru, spitting insults about his rebellious attitude and nasty comments about the color of his hair.

"I wish they could just...accept you."

Your frown made his joyous mood dissipate, a sigh quietly escaped his nose whilst his hand grabbed yours, squeezing it in a manner full of adoration and affection from the boy. The Azure orbs softened behind those midnight shades, glinting with the intention of loving you despite the displeasure of your parents.

"Any snide remarks from your dad would be ignored because my love is yours, sweetheart."

Surprise was an understatement of what you felt, his words struck a nerve in you in a way that made your heart beat fast with tender and butterflies flutter like a garden full of colorful, healthy flowers.

"Don't you worry your small pretty brain, (Name). Someone will always be against anything and our love is no exception so, "

His warm hands engulfed yours, guiding it to his moisturized lips— his figure leaned in to press a soft kiss on your knuckles, his sunglasses slipping off slightly for you to gain access to those oceanic orbs that pleasantly stunned you.

"Life makes love look hard, but we don't give a fuck right? It's ours anyway, who gives a damn about their opinion?"

Smile formed on your features, the cold, gloomy aura now replaced with warm, bright yellow that seemed to shine as you swallowed his words.

Your teeth appear that made Satoru chuckle and press his lips on your forehead whilst his arms wrapped themselves around your shoulders as your own made home to his waist, enjoying the feeling of his warm pair coming to contact with your skin and be comforted by the words he spoke about your seemingly forbidden connection to your guardians' perspective.

"Right, they can't take what's ours."

[mamathrifty]

Does Girl Math Make Sense?

As summer rolls toward autumn and back to school is in full swing, I have been thinking a lot about money and spending.

I was reminded of a trend on TikTok when listening to my local news radio station's Noon Business Report. The trend is termed "Girl Math" and refers to how women can justify an expensive purchase.

I looked up the people mostly behind this trend. They are two men, Carl Fletcher, and Vaughan Smith, and one woman, Hayley Sproull. Their #girlmath episode is on TikTok. They are located in New Zealand, which is sporting a current 6% inflation rate. The USA is currently touting its 3.2% inflation rate.

The concept of Girl Math is simultaneously funny and disturbing. The humorousness of the basics is that it is irreverent in the face that some things are just too expensive for most consumers.

Consumer spending accounts for roughly 70% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Without consumers making purchases at any price level, our economy would devolve into an economic depression from which recovery would likely be impossible.

The term Girl Math is somewhat deprecating to women overall. The term brought to my mind the time when my male high school geometry teacher answered one of my queries with the statement, "Girls have trouble with geometry because they aren't logical." Granted, he would most likely have been reprimanded today, but it was the seventies. I was devastated despite the fact that the class was an Honors class and I had skipped a year of math instruction because I am an intelligent girl.

Women are still earning about 82% of what men earn. This is an overall gain from when I entered the workforce in the early eighties. However, it's mostly unchanged within the last 20 years. Discrimination still exists based on gender and perceived gender roles. Ageism affects women earlier than it does their male counterparts. Although, women may fare better as they become more senior than men.

There was a line from the movie, The Wolf of Wall Street when the character Donnie Azoff states, "I bought this tie for $300. You could have paid $800 for it at Barney’s, but I got a deal from this guy I know. He’s got a whole basement full of them. He’s got ties, he’s got suits, he’s got shoes, he’s got watches. He’s got everything."

Is that "Boy Math?" It's been said that a man will pay whatever the price is listed on something because he wants it. Women will buy two things they don't need but may want because they were on sale. I'm thinking it's because women are typically better at budgeting.

The basic tenets of "Girl Math" entail looking at money and purchases in a manner that can make a lot of sense. The one that makes the most sense is the number of times an item will be used or worn. The more you use things, the cheaper it becomes because you don't need to buy another thing or replace it. Quality is a great expenditure!

I find the concept of having paid for something, such as a concert, ahead of the event makes it essentially free to be blatantly untrue by any math. I still needed to come up with the money to pay for it. That doesn't qualify as free to me. I'm just not paying for it now, but I did pay for it previously.

Likewise, paying cash or from funds already in your Venmo account is equally not free. Plus, the only way you make money when taking advantage of a half-price sale is by putting the money saved into an investment account.

Purchases made with a gift card you received from someone else are 100% free to you. Be sure to thank the giver!

When you make a return or an exchange, you merely reallocate those funds to something else. You are never earning money on that item.

If an item costs less than $5, it is not basically free. I sure do understand that it can feel that way, though! Many things are low-expense items that may become a daily expenditure. You can think about a coffee or breakfast sandwich picked up on the way to work. This expense really adds up over time, though.

On the other hand, how many services are sold to us by corporations breaking down that expense into a cost per day, week, or month? Corporate marketing efforts have been focused on telling us just how affordable something is daily or monthly. It is really worth doing the math on these to determine the annual cost and whether this item provides enough value for us to add it to the budget.

Of course, our dinner tonight is basically free. We're going over to my sister's for pizza. She has a coupon for a free pizza. She'll be adding some toppings to it. We're bringing salad, which I bought for $4 a kit. I made up one bag. Since it's under $5, it's essentially free. I'm also bringing a bag of cookies. The bag of 18 cookies was $4.99; each cookie is $0.28. We will each have one, maybe two. That will make that cost range from $0.84 to $1.68, again free. So, a free dinner courtesy of #girlmath!

What do you think of Girl Math?

[nodynasty4us]

Why Do People Say the Economy Sucks?

From the November 23, 2023 item:

Wages are way up but people remember what eggs used to cost and what they cost now. They don't remember what they were earning in 2019 back when eggs were "cheap." In recent months, wage gains have been more than inflation, but only government labor statisticians know this. It is a closely held state secret. ... Another issue is interest rates. They are way up as a result of the Fed's program for trying to curb inflation. This affects different people differently. Borrowers don't like it. Savers and seniors living on the interest from their bank accounts do. But there are more borrowers than savers, so high interest rates are not popular. ... People's actual spending habits belie what they are telling pollsters about the economy. When people are actually pessimistic about the future, they spend less and save more. Data show that people are spending like crazy, not saving. This says that they are largely optimistic in their outlook about the future, despite what they say.

[myjunkisyuzuruhanyu]

So I guess this is more for after US Nats are over and not just post-SP and I saw your tweets on twitter on how Nats scores are always inflated (all Nats not just US, though that means Shoma still has highest international SP score of the season!) but can affect things internationally but I might forget if I wait so... thoughts on how Worlds will go? Shoma still wins assuming he doesn't completely bomb, right?

Sorry for being late with a reply...

Shoma should win based on his technical content and PCS and experience. He posted the highest international SP, FS and total scores with quite a margin and not even the full BV content he is capable of. If he doesn't make huge mistakes he should win. If he performs clean no matter what other skaters deliver he is unbeatable, but ice is slippery we should not forget that. Only Ilia has the technical ability to surpass Shoma, but he doesn't have the PCS yet to win on his technical content alone. If Shoma however makes mistakes ofc the door for Ilia is wide open. I don't think though that even with mistakes Shoma would fall off podium, the competition is not as strong technically with Yuzu, Yuma and Nathan not competing.

I think Shoma and Ilia for Gold and Silver, with Shoma being more in favor for Gold than Ilia. Barring major mistakes from both of them they should be place 1 and 2. The Bronze is up for grabs. Could be Sota or Kazuki if they perform well. Could be Adam Siao Him Fa if he can keep his momentum and skates two good programs. I would not count out chances for Junhwan Cha or even Jason Brown depending on how clean the quadsters will perform. In the end competitions hardly go the way past results showed. The Bronze medal really can be anyone's depending on how the competition goes. These are all speculations based on the technical abilities of the skaters and the season...let's wait and see. I personally would love to see Jun or/and Kazuki medal, but who knows...

Even if I think that everything is in Shoma's favor, Ilia is not to be underestimated. He may not receive the same kind of inflation he got at US Nats but there is still politicking and USFS is not to be underestimated in the political game either. However the way Ilia was judged throughout the season internationally it gives me hope that the PCS between Shoma and Ilia will show a significant gap especially in the free skate. (I am not even sure if having Jason Brown at the competition is a favor for Ilia as Jason should and will get better PCS than Ilia and as they are from the same country it might affect how things are judged.)

Shoma has also one thing what is beneficial to him. His experience at high stake competitions. Ilia as we could see at last Worlds or at GPF and especially at US Nationals showed that he may falter if expectations are too high. It's not to be underestimated how pressure can affect a skater. Shoma experienced this himself but he is beyond that point, Ilia however is just at the start of his senior career. Let's see how he can handle the pressure. Btw I also think Ilia's free skate at US Nats did more harm than helped him to gain momentum as this last performance is what is on the mind of ppl judging and Ilia himself. It did not tell the tale "this is your next world champ". But ofc maybe Ilia surprises us all with a clean 7 quad free program and wins. I just doubt it...

I get carried away...not sure if this is helpful or confusing....

[mariacallous]

It’s pretty easy to piss people off on Reddit. Less so to piss off seemingly everyone on the platform.

Still, Reddit’s management has succeeded in doing just that as it weathers protests over its decision to charge for access to its API. That ruling risks putting the company in a death spiral as users revolt, the most dedicated community caretakers quit, and the vibrant discussions move to other platforms.

The company’s changes to its data access policies effectively price out third-party developers who make mobile applications for browsing Reddit; two of the most popular options, Reddit Is Fun and Apollo, which together have over 41 million downloads, are both shutting down. After some initial backlash from users and disability advocates who said Reddit’s changes would adversely affect accessibility-focused apps aimed at people with dyslexia or vision impairments, Reddit said it would exempt those apps from the price hikes. Those apps also have far smaller user bases than Apollo or RIF.

Reddit’s plans—driven by an urge to make the company more profitable as it inches toward going public—sparked a protest across nearly 9,000 subreddits, where moderators of those communities switched their groups to private mode, preventing anyone from accessing them. Many of those subs remain inaccessible four days later, and their moderators say they plan to keep up the blackout indefinitely. (Disclosure: WIRED is a publication of Conde Nast, whose parent company, Advance Publications, has an ownership stake in Reddit.)

However unfazed Reddit execs appear to be, this subreddit seppuku sure does seem like a surefire way to sink the company. But does it really signal the death of Reddit?

“I can't see it as anything but that,” says Rory Mir, an associate director of community organizing at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. (Earlier this week, Mir wrote about what Reddit got wrong.) “Like with Twitter, it's not a big collapse when a social media website starts to die, but it is a slow attrition unless they change their course. The longer they stay in their position, the more loss of users and content they’re going to face.”

The unrest at Reddit is the latest in a string of social media upheavals that have seemingly pitted profit-hungry companies against their users. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, or even Amazon that started operating at a loss in order to grow their user base eventually face pressures to further monetize their traffic. When a site sidelines the wants and needs of its users in the pursuit of profit, that leads to a downturn—and potential death of the platform—that author Cory Doctorow has termed “enshittification.”

“Any plan that involves endless and continuous growth is bound to run into scale issues, which is where I think Reddit and Twitter are running into problems,” Mir says. “You can’t inflate the balloon forever. It will pop at some point.”

Amy Bruckman is a regents' professor and senior associate chair at Georgia Institute of Technology’s School of Interactive Computing. She has also contributed to WIRED and is a moderator of several subreddits, including the very popular r/science, which is restricted until Monday. Bruckman says this era of social media has been rife with sudden changes. “There was an extended period of years, maybe even a decade, where it felt like the way things are is the way they always will be,” she says. “And everything is suddenly shifted.”

Reddit charging for access to its API is also about more than just third-party clients, Bruckman says. A move like this has angered so many people on Reddit because it feels like a betrayal of the community’s trust. It might be a vocal minority of users who are pissed off about the changes, but they’re the people who volunteer their time to keep communities functional—and they’re arguably the most important users on the site.

“Beyond the fact that it’s in a dozen ways harder to do our job, it’s also just the case that Reddit felt more like an open platform where innovation by committed users was encouraged,” Bruckman says. “And this feels like it's trampling on that.”

Reddit has denied that it is specifically targeting third-party apps like Apollo and RIF. The company initially said that limiting its API access is a move meant to control the flow of data being gobbled up by generative artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI training their large language models. But in an interview with NPR, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said limiting third-party access will also help Reddit keep control over how it displays ads—the company’s primary source of income—to users. Force everyone to interact on one app, and it’s easier to fill their feeds with whatever advertising you want.

“They’re shooting themselves in the foot,” Mir says. “The content of the users is what makes the platform worth visiting. These hosts kind of run into this confusion that their hosting is the reason people are going there, but it’s really for the other users on the medium.”

And those users are bailing. Bruckman says she knows a moderator who has already quit, saying it wasn’t worth the energy to devote so much time to a company that can just toss all that effort aside. Like with Twitter, no clear alternative has emerged as a replacement. Bruckman advocates for public funding of a nonprofit version of something akin to Reddit. Some more casual users say they’re going back to Tumblr, which is still recovering from its own corporate sanitization in 2018.

Still, Mir says, there’s a real hunger for stability on a platform. It’s part of the reason sites like Reddit and Twitter have gotten so big. There are people who have had the same email address for 30 years or the same username on Reddit for a decade. If users have invested significant time in a community, it’s going to be a pain to find something amid the sea of federated upstarts that all claim to be the next best thing.

Clearly, Reddit is hoping that inertia and customer loyalty keep people on its site. Even if users grumble about losing their favorite app, the company is expecting they’ll just cave and download the official app. That may work on your typical user, but it’s not going to be as easy to convert the mods—especially ones who feel burned by Reddit’s monetary machinations.

Mir offers another business metaphor for the tension on Reddit: “If you have a really good music venue, but you break relations with every notable artist, you’re not going to be a very successful venue. You need to really prioritize the needs of the folks providing the value on your platform.”

[bighermie]

1 in 7 Seniors Skipped Meals Due to Inflation Burden: Survey

1 in 7 Seniors Skipped Meals Due to Inflation Burden: Survey https://link.theepochtimes.com/mkt_app/1-in-7-seniors-skipped-meals-due-to-inflation-burden-survey_4903955.html?utm_source=andshare

[galerymod]

Well, if children in Britain, which has left the EU, are already so pissed off, the exit was probably a complete success, smile!

mod

Well, children are already learning about the effects of nonsensical decisions by propaganda morons in the effects of inflation.

Bloody hell.

Nigel, Boris Johnson thanks for nothing.

Three years after Brexit

“An economic disaster”

The UK had high hopes for the domestic economy after Brexit. But three years after leaving the EU, the track record is poor. This year, the country is likely to be the only major economy to slide into recession.

The forecast on the third anniversary of the UK's exit from the EU is unflattering for the Conservative government. The weak growth is mainly due to the lack of labor, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson, told the BBC on Tuesday. One of the triggers for this was Brexit, which made immigration from the EU considerably more difficult. There is a shortage of workers in many sectors, such as catering and logistics, which used to be carried out by EU citizens. However, many of them changed their focus during the pandemic and around Brexit. Now it is no longer easy to come to the UK to work due to expensive visas.

Exporters stop sales to the EU

The proportion of smaller companies in the UK exporting abroad has also fallen following Brexit. “One in eight exporters have temporarily or permanently stopped selling to the EU - and a further tenth are considering doing so,” said Lucy Monks from the Federation of Small Businesses, which represents smaller companies and the self-employed. Currently, around a fifth of these companies are still exporting their goods or services abroad - the lowest level since the start of the pandemic, when restrictions caused overall trade to slump, according to the association.Boris Glass, senior economist at ratings agency S&P Global, said the increasing red tape in trade between the UK and the EU had affected the competitiveness of smaller UK manufacturers in particular, as they had fewer resources to deal with it.

Brexit is seen as a mistakeIn view of this development, many Britons are now asking themselves what part Brexit has played in the difficult economic situation. After all, the campaign to leave the EU promised that food prices would fall, more money would be available for the NHS and the economy could operate more innovatively.

Let's face it, the two girls would definitely be in favor of joining the EU, if only because of the bloody hell ice cream prices!

mod

you can hear the accent without unmuting the video

[heerumohannandwani]

Real Estate Investment in 2024: Key Opportunities and Risks to Watch

Real estate investment continues to be an attractive option for those looking to build wealth and diversify their portfolios. However, as we enter 2024, the real estate landscape presents both new opportunities and evolving risks. Economic shifts, changes in consumer preferences, and technological advancements are reshaping the market. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to real estate, understanding these trends will help you make informed decisions. Here’s a look at the key opportunities and risks to watch in 2024.

Opportunities in Real Estate Investment

1. Boom in Sustainable and Green Buildings

As environmental awareness grows, the demand for sustainable real estate is skyrocketing. From energy-efficient homes to LEED-certified commercial properties, investors have an opportunity to capitalize on green real estate. Sustainable properties not only help the environment but can also lower operating costs, attract higher-quality tenants, and enjoy tax incentives in many regions.

Opportunity Insight: Look for properties with solar installations, energy-efficient HVAC systems, or those built with eco-friendly materials. Consider green retrofitting older properties to increase their market value.

2. Rise of Hybrid and Remote Workspaces

The hybrid work model is here to stay. Many companies are choosing flexible office spaces that allow employees to work both in-office and remotely. This shift has fueled demand for coworking spaces and satellite offices. Investors can take advantage of this trend by investing in adaptable office spaces and coworking facilities, especially in suburban areas close to residential neighborhoods.

Opportunity Insight: Focus on smaller, flexible office spaces and coworking hubs in suburban areas, as they are becoming popular among companies with hybrid work policies.

3. Increasing Demand for Residential Rentals

Homeownership is becoming more challenging due to rising interest rates and inflation, which has led to a higher demand for rental properties. In 2024, residential rentals, especially multifamily units, are a strong investment area as renters look for affordability and flexibility. Additionally, markets in growing metropolitan areas and suburban regions are likely to see strong rental demand.

Opportunity Insight: Invest in multifamily properties or single-family rentals in areas with high job growth, good school districts, and access to amenities. These areas are likely to attract a steady stream of renters.

4. Senior Housing and Assisted Living Facilities

The aging population is creating a demand for senior housing, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities. With a focus on healthcare access and community features, these types of properties offer a unique opportunity for investors. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the need for accessible and supportive housing will only grow.

Opportunity Insight: Invest in senior living facilities or properties that can be converted to accommodate senior housing needs. Locations near hospitals or healthcare centers will be particularly valuable.

5. Technology-Driven Real Estate Investments

Technology is transforming how real estate operates and is managed. Smart homes, AI-driven property management, and blockchain-based property transactions are becoming more common. Investors who integrate these technologies into their properties can enhance value, streamline operations, and improve tenant satisfaction.

Opportunity Insight: Consider properties with smart technology or invest in PropTech solutions that improve property management and tenant experience, such as automated maintenance requests, digital lock systems, and energy management tools.

Risks in Real Estate Investment

1. High Interest Rates and Financing Costs

Rising interest rates are making financing more expensive, affecting property acquisition costs and mortgage rates for both buyers and renters. High financing costs can reduce profitability and make it harder for investors to generate positive cash flow, particularly in markets where property values are high.

Risk Management Tip: Lock in fixed-rate mortgages where possible, or explore alternative financing methods like partnerships and joint ventures to mitigate the impact of rising interest rates.

2. Inflation Impact on Property Expenses

Inflation is impacting not only the cost of financing but also property maintenance, utilities, and renovations. High inflation means higher expenses, which can reduce net operating income and put pressure on cash flow. This can particularly affect older properties that require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Risk Management Tip: Conduct thorough due diligence on property maintenance costs and factor inflation into your budgeting. Investing in newer properties or those with minimal maintenance requirements may also help manage this risk.

3. Regulatory Changes and Rent Control

As housing affordability becomes a pressing issue, some governments are implementing rent control measures or increasing regulations on property owners. While aimed at helping tenants, these policies can limit rental income potential for investors and add to operational complexity.

Risk Management Tip: Stay informed about local housing policies and regulations. Diversify your portfolio across markets with different regulatory environments to spread out risk.

4. Shifting Consumer Preferences

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted consumer preferences toward larger living spaces, suburban locations, and properties with outdoor areas. However, as the pandemic fades, urban real estate may make a comeback. Investors must stay aware of evolving consumer preferences to avoid investing in properties that could fall out of favor.

Risk Management Tip: Diversify your investments by including both urban and suburban properties to capture demand across different market segments. Monitor lifestyle trends to adjust your property portfolio as preferences shift.

5. Climate and Environmental Risks

Climate change is increasingly impacting real estate values, especially in areas prone to extreme weather, flooding, or wildfires. Properties in vulnerable locations may face higher insurance premiums, operational costs, or even depreciating values due to environmental risks.

Risk Management Tip: Conduct a thorough climate risk assessment for properties, especially if located in coastal or high-risk areas. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, or avoiding high-risk areas altogether, can mitigate potential losses.

Conclusion

Real estate investment in 2024 offers substantial opportunities, but it also requires a careful understanding of the risks associated with a dynamic market. Investors can benefit from the growing demand for sustainable properties, the rise of flexible workspaces, and the increasing need for rental and senior housing. At the same time, high interest rates, regulatory changes, and climate risks need to be carefully managed.

To succeed in 2024’s real estate landscape, consider adopting a diversified investment strategy, leveraging technology to enhance property value, and staying informed about macroeconomic trends. By balancing opportunity with caution, real estate investors can navigate the market confidently and make strategic decisions that drive long-term growth and profitability.

Investing with knowledge and foresight can make all the difference in maximizing returns and mitigating risks in real estate. Here’s to a successful year ahead for all those in the property market!

[nsrealestate]

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the trajectory of rates will depend on new economic data and inflation numbers as they’re released. But don’t get too hung up on those blips and reactions from the market as they happen. Focus on the bigger picture.

Lower mortgage rates mean improving affordability. As rates come down, your monthly mortgage payment decreases, giving you more flexibility in what you can afford if you buy a home.

This shift will likely bring more buyers and sellers back into the market, though. As Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, explains:

“Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As that happens, both inventory and competition among buyers will ramp back up. The takeaway? You can get ahead of that competition now. Lean on your agent to make sure you understand how the shifts in rates are impacting demand in your area.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly, home prices are forecast to rise—but at a much more moderate pace than the market has seen in recent years.

Experts are saying home prices will grow by an average of about 2.5% nationally in 2025 (see graph below):

This is far more manageable than the rapid price increases of previous years, which saw double-digit percentage growth in some markets.

What’s behind this ongoing increase in prices? Again, it has to do with demand. As more buyers return to the market, demand will rise – but so will supply as sellers feel less rate-locked.

More buyers in markets with inventory that’s still below the norm will put upward pressure on prices. But with more homes likely to be listed, supply will help keep price growth in check. This means that while prices will rise, they’ll do so at a healthier, more sustainable pace.

Of course, these national trends may not reflect exactly what’s happening in your local market. Some areas might see faster price growth, while others could see slower gains. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, says:

“Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. That has been, after all, the case this year.”

Even the few markets that may see flat or slightly lower prices in 2025 have had so much appreciation in recent years – it may not have a big impact. That’s why it’s important to work with a local real estate expert who can give you a clear picture of what’s happening where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sellers.

If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your plans, let’s connect. That way you’ve got someone to help you navigate the market and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

[thelistingteammiami]

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

What To Expect From Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the trajectory of rates will depend on new economic data and inflation numbers as they’re released. But don’t get too hung up on those blips and reactions from the market as they happen. Focus on the bigger picture.

Lower mortgage rates mean improving affordability. As rates come down, your monthly mortgage payment decreases, giving you more flexibility in what you can afford if you buy a home.

This shift will likely bring more buyers and sellers back into the market, though. As Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, explains:

“Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As that happens, both inventory and competition among buyers will ramp back up. The takeaway? You can get ahead of that competition now. Lean on your agent to make sure you understand how the shifts in rates are impacting demand in your area.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly, home prices are forecast to rise—but at a much more moderate pace than the market has seen in recent years.

Experts are saying home prices will grow by an average of about 2.5% nationally in 2025 (see graph below):

This is far more manageable than the rapid price increases of previous years, which saw double-digit percentage growth in some markets.

What’s behind this ongoing increase in prices? Again, it has to do with demand. As more buyers return to the market, demand will rise – but so will supply as sellers feel less rate-locked.

More buyers in markets with inventory that’s still below the norm will put upward pressure on prices. But with more homes likely to be listed, supply will help keep price growth in check. This means that while prices will rise, they’ll do so at a healthier, more sustainable pace.

Of course, these national trends may not reflect exactly what’s happening in your local market. Some areas might see faster price growth, while others could see slower gains. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, says:

“Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. That has been, after all, the case this year.”

Even the few markets that may see flat or slightly lower prices in 2025 have had so much appreciation in recent years – it may not have a big impact. That’s why it’s important to work with a local real estate expert who can give you a clear picture of what’s happening where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sellers.

If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your plans, let’s connect. That way you’ve got someone to help you navigate the market and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the trajectory of rates will depend on new economic data and inflation numbers as they’re released. But don’t get too hung up on those blips and reactions from the market as they happen. Focus on the bigger picture.

Lower mortgage rates mean improving affordability. As rates come down, your monthly mortgage payment decreases, giving you more flexibility in what you can afford if you buy a home.

This shift will likely bring more buyers and sellers back into the market, though. As Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, explains:

“Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As that happens, both inventory and competition among buyers will ramp back up. The takeaway? You can get ahead of that competition now. Lean on your agent to make sure you understand how the shifts in rates are impacting demand in your area.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly, home prices are forecast to rise—but at a much more moderate pace than the market has seen in recent years.

Experts are saying home prices will grow by an average of about 2.5% nationally in 2025 (see graph below):

This is far more manageable than the rapid price increases of previous years, which saw double-digit percentage growth in some markets.

What’s behind this ongoing increase in prices? Again, it has to do with demand. As more buyers return to the market, demand will rise – but so will supply as sellers feel less rate-locked.

More buyers in markets with inventory that’s still below the norm will put upward pressure on prices. But with more homes likely to be listed, supply will help keep price growth in check. This means that while prices will rise, they’ll do so at a healthier, more sustainable pace.

Of course, these national trends may not reflect exactly what’s happening in your local market. Some areas might see faster price growth, while others could see slower gains. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, says:

“Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. That has been, after all, the case this year.”

Even the few markets that may see flat or slightly lower prices in 2025 have had so much appreciation in recent years – it may not have a big impact. That’s why it’s important to work with a local real estate expert who can give you a clear picture of what’s happening where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sellers.

If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your plans, let’s connect. That way you’ve got someone to help you navigate the market and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

[28northgroup]

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the trajectory of rates will depend on new economic data and inflation numbers as they’re released. But don’t get too hung up on those blips and reactions from the market as they happen. Focus on the bigger picture.

Lower mortgage rates mean improving affordability. As rates come down, your monthly mortgage payment decreases, giving you more flexibility in what you can afford if you buy a home.

This shift will likely bring more buyers and sellers back into the market, though. As Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, explains:

“Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As that happens, both inventory and competition among buyers will ramp back up. The takeaway? You can get ahead of that competition now. Lean on your agent to make sure you understand how the shifts in rates are impacting demand in your area.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly, home prices are forecast to rise—but at a much more moderate pace than the market has seen in recent years.

Experts are saying home prices will grow by an average of about 2.5% nationally in 2025 (see graph below):

This is far more manageable than the rapid price increases of previous years, which saw double-digit percentage growth in some markets.

What’s behind this ongoing increase in prices? Again, it has to do with demand. As more buyers return to the market, demand will rise – but so will supply as sellers feel less rate-locked.

More buyers in markets with inventory that’s still below the norm will put upward pressure on prices. But with more homes likely to be listed, supply will help keep price growth in check. This means that while prices will rise, they’ll do so at a healthier, more sustainable pace.

Of course, these national trends may not reflect exactly what’s happening in your local market. Some areas might see faster price growth, while others could see slower gains. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, says:

“Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. That has been, after all, the case this year.”

Even the few markets that may see flat or slightly lower prices in 2025 have had so much appreciation in recent years – it may not have a big impact. That’s why it’s important to work with a local real estate expert who can give you a clear picture of what’s happening where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sellers.

If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your plans, connect with a local agent. That way you’ve got someone to help you navigate the market and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

[enterprisewired]

U.S. Stock Market Faces Inflation Test Amid Soft-Landing Optimism

Source-preservegold.com

The U.S. stock market entered the Halloween season with optimism as investors cheered the potential for a soft economic landing. A robust September jobs report fueled hopes that inflation is cooling, yet it has also sparked concerns over the Federal Reserve’s next move. With inflation in check, investors are now questioning whether the Fed may have acted too aggressively by cutting interest rates by half a percentage point last month. Wall Street is now anxiously awaiting Thursday’s consumer-price-index (CPI) report, which could determine the market’s trajectory. Analysts warn that a hotter-than-expected CPI could slow the Fed’s ability to reduce interest rates and disrupt the ongoing U.S. stock market rally.

Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal forecast headline inflation to increase by 0.1% in September, while core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is projected to rise by 0.2%. The 12-month headline CPI is expected to cool to 2.3% from 2.5% in August, while core inflation remains steady at 3.2%. Experts like Nancy Tengler, CEO of Laffer Tengler Investments, caution that inflation pressures, such as rising housing costs, could become more entrenched due to external factors, including China’s recent monetary stimulus and tensions in the Middle East. These concerns, along with a brief port strike in the U.S., add to fears of inflation resurfacing later in the year.

Global Events Stoke Inflation Concerns

Global developments have exacerbated inflation concerns, particularly with Brent crude oil prices posting their largest weekly rise in two years, following tensions between Israel and Iran. Additionally, a short-lived port strike affecting the U.S. from Maine to Texas has heightened fears of supply-chain disruptions, further complicating inflation dynamics. Despite these concerns, some analysts, including Luke Tilley of Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, believe these disruptions are likely to be short-term and may not trigger sustained inflation.

The September jobs report, which saw the U.S. economy add 254,000 jobs, exceeded expectations and provided some hope for a soft landing, where inflation cools without causing a recession. However, wage growth of 0.4% and a favorable port workers’ wage agreement have led experts like Steve Wyett of BOK Financial to caution that the path to the Fed’s 2% inflation target may still be slow. Some suggest that rising energy costs may cause short-term inflation spikes, but they are unlikely to result in long-term inflationary pressures.

Corporate Earnings in Focus Amid Market Uncertainty

Investors are also looking toward the third-quarter corporate earnings season, with major financial firms such as JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo & Co., and BlackRock reporting results this week. Earnings for companies in the S&P 500 are expected to rise by 4.6% year-over-year, though this is lower than the 7.8% growth anticipated earlier in the year. According to John Butters, senior earnings analyst at FactSet, this growth would mark the fifth consecutive quarter of earnings expansion for the S&P 500.

Despite inflation concerns and lower earnings growth estimates, some analysts believe there is potential for “upside surprises” in the U.S. stock market. Nancy Tengler highlighted that positive earnings could boost the market, especially given the high valuations of certain megacap technology stocks. While some anticipate a market pullback in October, many remain optimistic that strong earnings and profit margins could sustain the bull market through the end of the year. As the week closed, U.S. stock market showed modest gains, with the S&P 500 rising 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite advancing 0.1%.