#public provident fund calculator

[legalservicesworld]

Calculate Public Provident Fund

PPF Calculator facilitates estimate the ability wealth advantage and adulthood quantity out of your PPF investments. Public Provident Fund is a long time funding cum tax financial savings scheme subsidized through GOI, in which the funding, hobby and adulthood quantity are tax exempted. The modern-day hobby price is 7.1%. Estimate your funding price with the assist of PPF Calculator.

What is PPF?

PPF stands for Public Provident Fund. It has been brought in 1968 for the purpose to mobilize small financial savings into an funding with affordable returns with extra blessings to shop tax. It facilitates one construct a retirement corpus. The modern-day hobby price on PPF is 7.1% compounded annually. PPF is subsidized through the authorities of India and the chance concerned may be very minimum and it gives assured chance-loose returns. Also, it falls beneath Neath EEE popularity because of this that that the quantity invested, hobby earned and adulthood quantity obtained are all tax-loose.

Opening a PPF account

It’s clean to open a PPF account. All one wishes is to publish an software shape together with KYC, cope with proof, identification proof, and signature proof. A PPF account may be opened with a Post Office or every other nationalized banks. Some personal banks also are legal to assist open PPF accounts. Amount invested in PPF account is locked in for 15 years. But there's an choice to withdraw cash from the begin of seven th yr, after finishing 6 years. One can withdraw the quantity as soon as a yr.

Minimum Tenture

PPF has a minimal tenure of 15 years which may be prolonged indefinitely in blocks of five years. Furthermore, the minimal funding in PPF account is Rs. 500 and most is Rs.1,50,000. Investments may be made in lump sum or in a most of 12 installments. Deposits right into a PPF account should be made at the least as soon as a yr for 15 years.

Does PPF Compound Hobby Annually?

The Public Provident Fund scheme is a protracted term-financial savings-cum-tax-saving device added through the National Savings Institute of the Ministry of Finance. The PPF scheme targets at mobilizing small financial savings the various investors.

The Public Provident Fund is beneath Neath the EEE tax class beneath Neath the Income Tax Act. The quantity invested, hobby earned and adulthood fee all are exempt.

Yes, the hobby on public provident budget is compounded annually. The PPF hobby is calculated month-to-month and credited on the stop of the year.

The PPF hobby charge is constant quarterly through the Ministry of Finance, Government of India from April 1st, 2016. The banks provide PPF bills on the hobby charge constant through the Government of India. The contemporary charge of hobby relevant for Q3 FY 2022-23 is 7.10%

The PPF account hobby is calculated and paid on the quantity status within side the investor’s account. The PPF scheme hobby charge is regulated through the Government of India and during the last few years the go back has been witnessing a downtrend.

PPF Calculation Formula

The hobby on PPF is calculated on the bottom stability within side the PPF Calculator account among the fifth day and the stop of the month.

If an investor deposits an quantity earlier than the fifth of every month, the investor gets hobby for that month on that deposit. Otherwise, the hobby is calculated at the preceding stability within side the PPF account

If an investor is making an investment in PPF month-to-month, then making an investment earlier than fifth or after fifth could have a marginal impact at the PPF hobby of some hundred rupees.

If an investor is making an investment in a PPF scheme in a lump sum consistent with year, then make investments earlier than the fifth of April. The hobby earned could be on greater stability for the month of Apr.

Public Provident Fund Calculation Formula

The formulation for calculating anticipated hobby and the adulthood fee is given below:

A = P [(-1)/i]

Where,

A is the adulthood quantity

P is the foremost quantity invested within side the PPF account

I is the anticipated hobby charge of go back on PPF scheme

N is the tenure for that is the quantity is invested in PPF scheme

From the above formulation we are able to finish that the go back could be better for a better funding period.

[rafecameronssl4t]

Ok, question, fem! forced marriage au - how would Rafe react/feel if she brought up ANYTHING about separating, weather that’s flat out divorce or doing it in secret - happy to the public but living in diff spaces/diff lives/maybe even having affairs(?)

Tied bonds || Rafe Cameron x fem!reader

A/n: don't mind me going off slightly in the beginning when its talking about the legality side of it, i was literally studying trusts and estates law a couple days ago lol

Warnings: angst galore!

Word count: 2,801

MASTERLIST (forced marriage au masterlist)

divider by @h-aewo

The heavy oak doors of the estate’s study shut behind you with a quiet but resolute thud, isolating you from the rest of the world. The room, with its high ceilings and ornate furnishings, exudes both the security and suffocation of wealth. The scent of polished mahogany and aged leather permeates the air, a sensory reminder of the legacy you're bound to uphold and the responsibilities weighing on your shoulders.

The dim light from the tall windows casts long shadows across the room, making it feel as though the walls themselves are closing in, urging you to act before time runs out. You sit across from your lawyer at the broad mahogany desk. He’s a man in his 50s, with silver-threaded hair and sharp, calculating eyes. His demeanour exudes quiet authority, the kind of calm that comes from handling the complex finances of wealthy families like yours for decades.

A briefcase sits open beside him, documents meticulously laid out in front of you. These aren’t just numbers and figures on a page—they represent your children’s future, your security, and the small corner of independence you’re desperately trying to carve out for yourself. “Now, given the scale of your family’s assets,” your lawyer begins, his voice smooth and professional, “it’s prudent to separate certain accounts. Some in your name, some under irrevocable trusts for the children. This will not only shield them from potential claims but also provide financial protection in the event of....unforeseen circumstances—marital or otherwise.”

You glance down at the papers, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. This was necessary, you remind yourself. You need some semblance of independence, some safeguard for your children. With Rafe’s unpredictable behaviour and the constant pressure from both families, you can’t afford to let everything slip from your control. Your lawyer pulls out another document, sliding it across the desk.

“We’re talking about setting up separate trusts for each of your children. These funds will be distributed to them upon reaching a certain age—18 or 21, depending on your preference. In the meantime, control of the trust can be vested in you alone, ensuring that no one else has access to or influence over these assets, including your husband.”

“And what about Rafe’s side of the family?” you ask, your voice quieter than you intended. “Would they have any legal claim?” The lawyer shakes his head firmly. “No. Not if everything is properly structured. The trusts would be irrevocable, meaning no one—not even your husband—could alter them once established. His family would have no legal right to interfere, regardless of any financial entanglements between the two of you.”

You take a breath, the enormity of it all settling in. This is exactly what you wanted—an impenetrable safeguard. A plan that ensures your children’s future remains under your control, untouched by the unpredictable tides of Rafe’s influence or the demands of your family. “Thank you,” you respond softly, your fingers tracing the edge of the document, the weight of your decision pressing heavily on your chest. “I want everything arranged quietly,” you say softly, your voice carrying the weight of your decision.

“No one else needs to know about this… especially my husband.” The lawyer gives a small, understanding nod. “Discretion is key, as always.” You sign where indicated, feeling a mixture of relief and unease as you watch your name inked onto the page. This is the right thing to do, you remind yourself. For your children, for their future. Yet as you rise from the desk and collect your things, a sense of foreboding lingers.

The heavy oak doors creak open as you step out, and the estate feels impossibly vast around you. Despite the careful planning, you can’t shake the feeling that keeping this from Rafe will lead to complications far greater than you anticipate. With every step you take, the sinking feeling grows. You only hope Rafe doesn’t find out before you’re ready to tell him.

~

The moment you step through the front door of your home, the tension in the air is palpable. You pause, your coat still in hand, as your eyes land on Rafe. He’s leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed, an almost relaxed posture, but the intensity in his gaze betrays any notion of calm. His sharp blue eyes follow your every move, calculating, probing.

"You have a nice little meeting today?" His voice is cold, deceptively casual. But you can hear the edge in it—the suspicion lurking beneath the surface. Your heart skips a beat, anxiety pooling in your chest. Of course, he knows. Rafe always knows. You hang your coat on the rack, avoiding his gaze, trying to maintain some semblance of calm. "I had a few things to take care of. Where are the children?"

You answer nonchalantly, hoping to steer the conversation away from any confrontation. "With Astoria, they wanted to play with their cousins," Rafe answers, his gaze sharp as he pushes off the doorframe, taking a slow, deliberate step toward you, his presence overwhelming as always. "Answer my question," His tone hardens, suspicion fully creeping into his voice now. "I know you met with your lawyer. What are you up to?"

Your pulse quickens as you hold Rafe’s gaze, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. He’s already jumping to conclusions, constructing a narrative that fits his fears. You knew this confrontation was inevitable, but the reality of it still unsettles you, the tension in the room thick and suffocating. "It’s nothing that concerns you," you respond, keeping your tone as even as possible, despite the way your nerves fray under his scrutiny. "Just some family matters."

Rafe scoffs, the sound harsh and filled with disbelief. His jaw clenches as he steps even closer, his towering figure casting a shadow over you, blocking any hope of retreat. His presence is overbearing, the heat of his anger palpable in the air between you. "Family matters?" His voice is dripping with accusation, dark and biting. "Don’t play games with me. I heard enough to know this wasn’t just about your parents or your siblings."

His words cut deeper as his tone drops, low and dangerous. "You’re setting up trust funds. Inheritance management. Without telling me. What the hell are you planning?" His words slam into you, twisting your stomach in knots. His paranoia, the sharpness of his accusations, stings in a way you hadn’t fully prepared for. Of course, you knew he’d react like this, but hearing it out loud—his anger, his distrust—it’s worse than you imagined. You steady your breath, trying to keep your composure.

"It’s for the children, Rafe," you say, your voice soft but firm, though the tightness in your chest makes it difficult to breathe. "I want to make sure they’re taken care of, no matter what happens. That’s all this is." But even as you say it, you can see the suspicion lingering in his eyes, the doubt still gnawing at him, twisting this simple act of protection into something more sinister in his mind.

Rafe glares at you, his eyes dark and intense as they search your face for the slightest hint of deception. His presence feels overwhelming as he steps even closer, the space between you disappearing in an instant. Without breaking eye contact, his hand moves down deliberately, resting on the swell of your belly where your third child grows. His touch, firm and possessive, sends a chill through you.

"You don’t trust me with that?" His voice is low, almost a growl, laced with an edge of disbelief and wounded pride. "You think I wouldn’t look out for my own kids?" His words sting, but it's the subtle accusation in his tone that cuts deeper, as if he can’t comprehend why you would feel the need to act independently. Your frustration bubbles to the surface despite your best efforts to remain calm, your emotions swirling between anger and exhaustion.

"That’s not what this is about," you snap, your voice sharp as the tension between you flares. You're trying to hold it together, but the weight of his misunderstanding—of him always assuming the worst—pushes you to the brink. "I’m doing this to protect them. To protect us. You can’t control everything, Rafe." For a split second, something flickers in his eyes—hurt, maybe—but it vanishes quickly, replaced by his usual defensiveness. He steps closer, his voice lowering, cold and accusatory.

"You’re doing all of this behind my back," he growls. "And I’m supposed to believe it’s just for the kids? You don’t set up secret meetings with lawyers for something as simple as trust funds. It looks more like you’re preparing for something else. Like maybe you’re planning to escape this all." His breath is hot against your ear now, the venom in his words unmistakable. "Is that it? Are you getting ready to leave me?"

His accusation hits you hard, knocking the air from your lungs. The vulnerability behind it cuts deeper than you expected. It’s not just anger simmering in his voice—there’s fear too, buried beneath the suspicion, fear of losing control, of you slipping away. His jaw tightens, but his hand remains firmly pressed against the swell of your stomach, as if anchoring himself to you, to the life you’re carrying.

“And have our children without their father?” you ask, your voice sharp. There’s a flicker of something more beneath the surface—hurt, uncertainty. His eyes search yours, almost pleading. You blink, stunned by the weight of your own question. “Rafe…” you begin, your voice barely a whisper, incredulity lacing your words as you try to make sense of what you’ve just implied. “I’m not leaving you.”

The tension in the room feels suffocating, as if the walls themselves are closing in. You take a breath, steadying yourself, as you step closer, your gaze softening despite the frustration swirling inside you. "This isn’t about that,” you say gently, trying to reach him through the haze of his suspicions. “But I need some control over my life, Rafe. Some protection.” Your voice wavers slightly, but you press on. “I’m not just here to be controlled or managed. I need to know that I’m not just a piece in this game.”

You can feel his breath against your skin, heavy with unspoken fears, and for a brief moment, the façade of his strength cracks. The fear of losing control, of losing you, is palpable, and it clings to the space between you like a storm cloud ready to burst. He exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair, pacing in frustration. "Control. Protection," he mutters under his breath, his movements sharp and agitated. "You think I’m the threat here? You think I wouldn’t protect you? Protect our family?"

You shake your head, stepping back slightly, trying to maintain some distance from the intensity of his emotions. "I never said that," you say, your voice softer now, trying to calm him. "But this is something I need to do. For me. For them." For a long moment, the two of you stand there, locked in a silent standoff. His breathing is heavy, and the anger in his eyes slowly shifts into something else—something more conflicted. He turns away from you, pacing a few steps before running his hands through his hair again.

"This isn’t how marriages are supposed to work," Rafe mutters, more to himself than to you. The words cut deep, piercing through the fragile layer of calm you’ve been clinging to. It’s a painful reminder of what your marriage has become—what it’s always been. The expectations, the compromises, the strain. This life… it’s not what either of you envisioned. You feel the urge to retort, to let loose the frustrations that have built up over the years, but you bite your tongue. Now isn’t the time for that argument.

"I know," you whisper, though you’re not sure if he hears you. The admission feels hollow in the tense silence that follows, the weight of your reality pressing down on both of you. The room feels unbearably heavy, the air thick with unsaid words. Rafe exhales, his broad shoulders sagging ever so slightly, as though some of the fire inside him has been extinguished. He turns his back to you, the physical distance a reflection of the emotional chasm that has been growing between you both.

For a brief moment, you consider stepping closer, reaching out, bridging that gap—but the weight of your decision, of everything you’ve been trying to secure for yourself and the children, holds you back. It’s a boundary you can’t afford to cross right now. "You should’ve told me," he finally says, his voice quieter, but still taut with lingering tension. There’s hurt there, beneath the anger, beneath his instinct to control everything around him.

Your throat tightens at his words, the soft accusation lingering in the space between you. "I didn’t want this to turn into a fight," you admit, your own voice subdued, drained from the confrontation. The fatigue in your bones echoes in your tone. "I just needed to make sure everything was in place. For the kids, for their future." You pause, the weight of your decisions settling on your chest. "I wasn’t trying to hide it from you."

Rafe turns back to face you, his expression a mixture of frustration, hurt, and something more vulnerable—something he rarely lets show. "It feels like you were," he mutters, the edge of accusation still present, though softer now. His blue eyes search yours, looking for answers, reassurance, something to ease the fear behind his suspicion. You hold his gaze, trying to convey the truth behind your words. "I need to feel like I have some control, Rafe," you say gently, your voice steady but laced with an underlying sadness.

"Our lives… they’re not easy. And I know you want to protect us, but I need to protect them too. In my own way." Your heart beats heavily in your chest, each word an attempt to bridge the gap between you, a gap that seems to widen with every conflict. Rafe’s gaze lingers on you, the tension between you both crackling in the air. You take a tentative step forward, closing the physical distance between you, hoping it will ease the emotional one. Just as you stop inches from him, his expression softens slightly.

He reaches for your hand, his grip firm yet tender, and before you can say anything, he brings it up to his lips. The moment feels suspended in time as he presses a kiss to your knuckles, the warmth of his breath brushing against your skin. It’s a gesture so gentle, so unlike the earlier confrontation, that it catches you off guard. The vulnerability in his eyes flickers, almost as if he’s silently asking for forgiveness or offering an unspoken truce.

You feel your heart ache, the gesture disarming you in a way his words couldn’t. It’s as though this kiss is his way of telling you that, despite his anger, despite his suspicions, there’s something deeper binding you together—a love neither of you can deny, even in moments like this. “I’m not the enemy, Y/n,” he repeats softly, his voice rough but sincere, the earlier accusation tempered by this quiet moment.

His lips linger on your skin for just a second longer before he lowers your hand, though he doesn’t let go. You swallow hard, your chest tight with emotion, your voice a whisper as you respond. "I know you're not." The air between you feels different now—quieter, softer, though still tinged with the weight of everything unresolved. For that fleeting moment, it feels as though the two of you are in sync again, even if just barely.

Rafe’s hand remains wrapped around yours, and though the tension between you hasn’t fully dissipated, it’s no longer suffocating. The kiss to your knuckles feels like a promise, fragile but meaningful. As he finally lets go and turns away, you watch him disappear down the hallway, the memory of his lips on your skin lingering long after he's gone. The weight of your choices still presses down on you, but somehow, in that brief exchange, it feels a little lighter.

You know this isn’t over. Rafe’s suspicions won’t vanish overnight, and your need for autonomy remains unresolved. But for now, the confrontation is over. The weight of your decisions, the strain on your already fragile relationship, presses down on you like a heavy cloak. You did the right thing, you remind yourself. This is about protecting your children, about securing a future for them. For now, all you can do is hope that, in time, he’ll come to understand why you did this. Why you needed to.

[batboyblog]

The Biden administration on Wednesday issued one of the most significant climate regulations in the nation’s history, a rule designed to ensure that the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States are all-electric or hybrids by 2032.

Cars and other forms of transportation are, together, the largest single source of carbon emissions generated by the United States, pollution that is driving climate change and that helped to make 2023 the hottest year in recorded history. Electric vehicles are central to President Biden’s strategy to confront global warming, which calls for cutting the nation’s emissions in half by the end of this decade. But E.V.s have also become politicized and are becoming an issue in the 2024 presidential campaign.

“Three years ago, I set an ambitious target: that half of all new cars and trucks sold in 2030 would be zero-emission,” said Mr. Biden in a statement. “Together, we’ve made historic progress. Hundreds of new expanded factories across the country. Hundreds of billions in private investment and thousands of good-paying union jobs. And we’ll meet my goal for 2030 and race forward in the years ahead.”

The rule increasingly limits the amount of pollution allowed from tailpipes over time so that, by 2032, more than half the new cars sold in the United States would most likely be zero-emissions vehicles in order for carmakers to meet the standards.

That would avoid more than seven billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 30 years, according to the E.P.A. That’s the equivalent of removing a year’s worth of all the greenhouse gases generated by the United States, the country that has historically pumped the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The regulation would provide nearly $100 billion in annual net benefits to society, according to the agency, including $13 billion of annual public health benefits thanks to improved air quality.

The standards would also save the average American driver about $6,000 in reduced fuel and maintenance over the life of a vehicle, the E.P.A. estimated.

The auto emissions rule is the most impactful of four major climate regulations from the Biden administration, including restrictions on emissions from power plants, trucks and methane leaks from oil and gas wells. The rules come on top of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the biggest climate law in the nation’s history, which is providing at least $370 billion in federal incentives to support clean energy, including tax credits to buyers of electric vehicles.

The policies are intended to help the country meet Mr. Biden’s target of cutting U.S. greenhouse emissions in half by 2030 and eliminating them by 2050. Climate scientists say all major economies must do the same if the world is to avert the most deadly and costly effects of climate change.

“These standards form what we see as a historic climate grand slam for the Biden administration,” said Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund, a political action committee that aims to advance environmental causes.

Mr. Bapna’s group has calculated that the four regulations, combined with the Inflation Reduction Act, would reduce the nation’s greenhouse emissions 42 percent by 2030, getting the country most of the way to Mr. Biden’s 2030 target.

Get in Losers we're going to save the planet.

[koeiasequoia]

Stature, motion, road, armor, bling, hair for whoever you choose!

*cracks knuckles* time to invent a modern Audra AU already. Something something modern day vampire, is working for/is the child of "Godwyn the Golden" as one of his Death Knights (personal guards and private military type thing). Godwyn while being a vampire is very public facing, runs a huge business(not sure what kind) all to fund the other part of his business, the acquisition of and protection of objects/relics/entities/information/sometimes taking out targets/etc that would make his particular group of vampires more powerful and more protected, willing to work with anyone (at least in private) to accomplish that. Audra also, generally (both in ER and modern) does not give a shit about gender, theyre "far too dead to give a damn", call them whatever pronouns you want, and they will dress and present how they want. (Also yes Audra still had lightning magic)

Stature - What's your OC's body type? How tall are they? Do they wear clothing to accentuate their look or do they try to mask it?

Fit, not overtly super buff, but muscular. About 6'5". The clothing they wear is mostly to afford them full range of motion while still looking nice, whether that be suits/dresses/casual clothes (though they do indulge in dressing in more normal clothes from time to time, rather than keep up the refined appearance a vampire, and guard to Godwyn one would expect, it's a guilty pleasure)

Motion - How does your OC move? How does their clothing help or hinder their range of motion? Are they flexible, coordinated, clumsy?

Audra moves with purpose, every step calculated to get them where they need to be, and to the destination they seek, whether that be a physical place, or with their claws in your chest. They are exceptionally coordinated, each step, even in combat feeling intentional, almost graceful at times.

Road - What does your OC wear while traveling? Do they have high-quality equipment, or are they making do? What does their gear look like?

Depends on the travel. Business or food/hunting or pleasure? Business depends on whether it's being a guard for Godwyn, or accomplishing a mission. Food/hunting, they'd likely forgo modern clothing in favor of things they used to wear (besides their armor) yknow old vampire clothing, refined and macabre. *pure* pleasure, not caring about any eyes on them... sleeveless hoodie, tank top, shorts/capris. And yes no matter the situation, their clothing is WELL taken care of and high quality

Armor - What kind of armor does your OC wear? Is it well kept? Bonus: where does it come from? Is there a story behind it?

So, technically they have two sets of armor. The old armor they don't wear anymore, basically just a cleaned up/complete/full version of the Death Knight set from ER. Aaaaand the more, modern... tactical/military/black-ops kinda stuff (yes, their modern stuff still has a full skull mask), we do not know much about modern stuff so, apologies for being vague X3. Both sets are well kept and well maintained, with Audra even stitching up any rips or tears when they aren't in combat. As for where they came from, well they've been alive for a LONG time, and have been leader of the Death Knights as both a knight, and in this more modern age where knights aren't around. They've needed armor always, and it's been graciously provided by their benefactor and lord

Bling - What jewelry does your OC wear? Does it have any meaning?

Not much honestly, mostly just a pin/badge, it's, it's just the symbol for the dragon cult incants in ER lmao, black and bright and shiny gold with a ruby lightning stake (pics for example, the real thing would be fully colored obviously lol)

Hair - How does your OC wear their hair? Does it have some kind of meaning?

Partially braided, ending about halfway down in a loose ponytail, often worn over one shoulder. Not really any meaning, we just thought it'd look cool XP

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Grist:

California’s utilities regulator adopted new rules for community solar projects on Friday, despite warnings from clean energy advocates that the move will actually undercut efforts to expand solar power options for low-income customers.

The state’s biggest utility companies advocated for the new rules.

Community solar projects are generally small-scale, local solar arrays that can serve renters and homeowners who can’t afford to install their own rooftop solar panels. They are one part of the state’s overall strategy to eventually run the power grid entirely by renewable energy.

The California Public Utilities Commission’s 3-1 ruling preserves and expands programs that will allow any ratepayer to subscribe to a pool of projects and receive a 20 percent rate reduction, said Commission President Alice Reynolds. But it also reduces future compensation for solar providers and residents.

The commission calculates the benefits derived from distributed, small-scale solar power projects, which provide a “service” by sending clean energy to the power grid and reducing transmission costs by serving nearby communities. Solar developers are compensated for the value of the benefit their project provides.

The formula adopted this week essentially reduces the value of distributed small-scale renewable energy in the future, providing less of an incentive for new community solar projects to be built.

In the near term, the subsidies and incentives that help promote community solar installation will remain in place, paid for by a recent $250 million grant California received under the federal Solar For All program.

One of the concerns for solar advocates is what happens after that pot of funding runs out and the financial incentive to develop solar evaporates.

“The foundations of a sustainable program should not be built on one-time money,” said Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access.

[cawyden]

Thoughts about clones and credits

Or in other words - are the clones being paid?

This is just based on „The Clone Wars“ and „The Bad Batch“ shows.

In the bad batch season 1, episode 1 we already have Wrecker mentioning credits - apparently he (and it seems Crosshair) had a bet running if Echo would survive the blow he received during the mess hall fight.

This could mean that Wrecker and supposedly all of them have a certain amount of credits to their disposal. Without any money they could have just betted without any reward or choose something non monetary.

Also it certainly wasn’t a serious bet (Echo wasn’t badly hurt apparently and I doubt that they would bet on this if he had been) so betting even a minor sum if they have no money at all would just add to the joke so it can’t be taken too seriously in this situation.

But we do see later (episode 4) that they have some credits which they use to bribe a dockworker to keep their visit/landing unofficial.

Tech is the one who finally pays but Wrecker knows that they are expected to pay credits (he even tells this Tech) but doesn’t use credits of his own. As they have clearly no experience with bribing and no idea how much to pay (Tech has to add more credits to his first offering) it seems more like Wrecker doesn’t have credits or only such a minor sum (e.g. 2 credits) that Wrecker immediately understands it won’t be enough - or he doesn’t want to spend his credits.

So we know they have credits - but it might be just a fund that the Republic provides in case they can’t access Republic supplies and not a salary. It might also be money that only special forces receive.

Tech might be responsible for managing their funds and distributing it to his brothers (maybe for things the Republic doesn’t provide them such as Crosshairs toothpicks - I don’t think the Empire provides them for him either but as commander he might still get a fund for missions). Tech is also likely the one having the overview which supplies might be required (from the Republic or bought from local sources) which might be why he is (maybe) in charge of finances (and he is likely fast in calculation and would notice if someone doesn’t return the correct amount of money, in addition to so many pouches to carry the credits….).

On Pantora (episode 4) Hunter knew the value of the explosive he wanted to sell, so they do have a certain knowledge about prices (just not for bribing). Maybe they had previously to buy or sell equipment and thus gaining knowledge about (usual) prices for certain objects.

But the bad batch aren’t like other clones - they are better compared to commando squads. They already have a certain special treatment that regular clones don’t have - they have their own barracks, own shuttle, some freedom in how they do their missions, etc.

If we go back to the clone wars we see Fives taking a taxi cab to get to 79‘s.

The cab driver doesn’t recognize Fives as clone at first. But when he does, he is still driving him. It is possible that he knows that clones get money and thus are able to pay for a taxi ride. Or he had until Fives came along never a clone passenger and not heard about it from other drivers.

He does know about 79‘s and that it is a clone bar. That he doesn’t recognize Fives as clone directly might be because he is usually not driving clones. Maybe he has brought non clones to the location (we see some of them at the bar in the same episode) or only heard about the bar from passengers or other taxi drivers. But then I would assume that he would have heard about not paying clones as well. It looks like either clones normally pay or he and other drivers usually don’t get clone passengers because they have other means of traveling to certain locations (such as 79‘s). Maybe more like a public transport (bus/train) for which the Republic pays for.

It is interesting that the driver says that he didn’t know that clones could have fun. Does he say it because he never had a clone passenger before and thought none of them would actually be in the clones bar? Or that they aren’t allowed to have fun? But why would there be a clone bar then? Or that clones aren’t capable of having fun? At least it shows that people aren’t really informed about clones and how they live. Based on this it seems that the driver doesn’t have experience with clone passengers.

At 79‘s Fives leaves the cab but doesn’t pay. The driver expects his money so the Republic is not paying the taxi drivers for transporting clones. So again, either clones have money and Fives just doesn’t pay or clones aren’t supposed to use these taxi cabs but instead other means of transportation that the Republic provides for them and the driver doesn’t know that. If the clones have money then a taxi cab might still be too expensive for them to waste their money on and thus explaining why they aren't often seen in taxis even if they get some kind of salary.

In a sarcastic reply, Fives asks the driver to „bill it to the Republic“. This was a joke as the reaction of his (drunk) brothers around him shows.

They tell the driver that he is the one paying for all this - likely meaning themselves and everything clone and war related with his taxes.

Unfortunately the question is still open - do clones get paid? Based on what is shown, we know some clones at least get some money, likely to help with the missions.

A salary, for all clones, is possible but I don’t expect it. The Republic didn’t had time to prepare for millions of clone troopers and they are already struggling financially with paying the Kaminoans for their services. Paying every clone a salary (beginning at time of graduation?) would have been an extreme task - and more expensive. They would need to decide the salary for all ranks, open bank accounts for all clones, to clarify what happens with the money if a clone dies -would a clone be allowed to inherit the money from an other clone? They might even have thought that with money at their disposal clones might easier desert than without.

Instead providing clones (limited) necessities like food, equipment, transportation, a place for R&R (like 79’s) would be the easier and faster way - and cheaper too.

It isn’t fair or ethical because it makes the clones actual slaves - but I can see the Republic going this way.

Hopefully we can still get some more insight into this.

[aropride]

a new bill, SB 254, was introduced in florida. it will almost entirely remove gender affirming care for adults by banning most providers from providing gender affirming care & removing public funding.

another bill, HB H1421, allows a non-custodial parent of a child to remove the child from their custodial parent (legally kidnap them) if they are "at risk of being subjected to gender affirming care." this would stay in effect even if the noncustodial parent is not a florida resident.

information from these threads [link, link]. hb h1421 is here [link], sb 254 is here [link].

(ID: two screenshots from The Seven Stages of Genocide. both are of the same section of text with different parts highlighted. the text reads:

"In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group."

in the first screenshot, parts B and C are highlighted. in the second, part E is highlighted. end ID)

[sherryjohnston]

What You Need to Know About Calgary's Property Taxes

Navigating the intricacies of property taxes is essential for homeowners and prospective buyers alike. Calgary’s property taxes can impact your budget and long-term financial planning. Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to know about Calgary's property taxes in 2024.

Understanding Property Taxes

Property taxes in Calgary are levied annually by the municipal government to fund various public services such as education, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and public transportation. The tax amount is based on the assessed value of your property, which is determined by the City of Calgary's Assessment Department.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

Property Assessment: The City of Calgary assesses properties each year to determine their market value as of July 1 of the previous year. This assessed value reflects what your property would likely sell for in an open market.

Mill Rate: The mill rate is a figure set by the City Council and the Provincial Government, representing the amount of tax payable per $1,000 of the assessed value of the property. For 2024, the combined municipal and provincial mill rate has been updated to reflect the latest budget requirements and economic conditions.

Calculation: Your property tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the mill rate. For example, if your property is assessed at $500,000 and the mill rate is 0.0085, your property tax would be $4,250 annually.

Changes in 2024

Several changes have been implemented in 2024 that homeowners need to be aware of:

Assessment Updates: The assessment process has been refined to ensure more accurate valuations, considering factors such as market trends, property renovations, and neighborhood developments.

Mill Rate Adjustments: The mill rate for 2024 has been adjusted to accommodate the city’s budget requirements, including increased funding for public transportation and infrastructure projects. This adjustment may result in a slight increase in property taxes for some homeowners.

Provincial Education Tax: The provincial portion of the property tax, which funds education, has seen a minor increase. This change aims to support the rising costs of education and ensure quality schooling for Calgary’s growing population.

Paying Your Property Taxes

Property taxes in Calgary are due annually, with several payment options available:

Monthly Payment Plan (TIPP): The Tax Instalment Payment Plan allows homeowners to pay their property taxes in monthly instalments, making it easier to manage finances.

One-Time Payment: You can also pay your taxes in full by the due date, typically at the end of June.

Online Payments: The City of Calgary provides an online portal for convenient tax payments.

Appeals and Disputes

If you believe your property assessment is incorrect, you have the right to appeal:

Review Your Assessment: Carefully review the assessment notice sent by the City. Ensure that all details, such as property size and features, are accurate.

File an Appeal: If discrepancies are found, file an appeal with the Assessment Review Board before the specified deadline. The appeal process includes a review of the assessment and an opportunity to present evidence supporting your claim.

Tax Relief Programs

Several tax relief programs are available to assist eligible homeowners:

Senior Property Tax Deferral Program: Seniors can defer all or part of their property taxes through this program.

Low-Income Property Tax Assistance: Homeowners with low income may qualify for assistance to reduce their tax burden.

Conclusion

Staying informed about property taxes is crucial for Calgary homeowners. With the changes in 2024, it’s important to understand how assessments, mill rates, and tax relief programs affect your finances. By staying proactive and informed, you can effectively manage your property tax obligations and take advantage of available resources.

For further details, visit Sherry Johnston Exp Realty official website or contact Sherry Johnston realtor directly.

[warningsine]

The rise of Sudan’s most notorious paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, shows how armed groups can infiltrate state institutions – often with disastrous results for society.

Sudan’s central government created the Rapid Support Forces in 2013 as dictator Omar al-Bashir’s private protection detail. The group has now become a predator seeking to gain control of Sudan.

Sudan’s war broke out in April 2023 when the military tried to subdue the Rapid Support Forces.

Since then, fighting has ravaged much of the country, including the capital Khartoum. At least 15,500 people had been killed by June 2024. More than 6 million people have been displaced and over 25 million pushed into acute hunger, according to the United Nations.

The Rapid Support Forces followed a strategy which is similar to those of other militia groups aiming to infiltrate and co-opt state institutions. Such strategies have military, economic and political dimensions.

These groups tend to exploit conflict to enlarge their areas of influence, weapon stockpiles and numbers of fighters.

They generate revenues from business lines created by conflict. Partnerships with foreign states and international smuggling networks are most often involved.

They provide jobs and patronage to get political support in key constituencies and seek institutional roles.

As a political scientist specialising in conflict studies and irregular warfare, I have spent over a decade researching insurgents, paramilitaries, militias and other armed groups. In a recent article, I examined armed actors pursuing “state capture” – the covert and gradual infiltration of state institutions to influence policy. In addition to the cases of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shia militias in Iraq, I looked at the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

The study involved interviews with a diverse group of participants. Academics, political analysts, government officials and individuals affiliated with armed groups were among them.

I found that militias bent on state capture initially pursue their objectives without openly antagonising the state. They often position themselves as pro-government. But they also signal that any attempt by the state to neutralise them would lead to a devastating confrontation.

Over time, these strategies enable armed groups to gain political influence and formal institutional roles. This allows them to shape public policies to their advantage. When armed groups achieve a measure of state capture, they undermine governmental effectiveness, contributing to institutional breakdown and state failure.

In Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces now controls vast swaths of territory, though it’s not yet in full control of the country.

Growing influence

The Rapid Support Forces emerged from the Janjaweed militias, which spearheaded al-Bashir’s genocidal counterinsurgency in Darfur in exchange for funding and arms.

In 2013, al-Bashir restructured the Janjaweed into the Rapid Support Forces to counterbalance the army and preempt potential coups. To lead this new force, al-Bashir chose a former highway robber turned Janjaweed commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti.

Al-Bashir’s support enabled Hemedti to deploy tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters across Sudan to secure strategic locations for the regime. These included the capital, troubled borderlands and economic hubs like gold mines.

Capitalising on this positioning, the Rapid Support Forces expanded its involvement in gold mining, smuggling and trading. It also generated income by supplying mercenaries for conflicts in Yemen and Libya.

Bashir’s government tacitly endorsed these activities, possibly calculating that the forces would be cheaper to maintain if self-funded.

For a time, the Rapid Support Forces collaborated closely with Sudan’s army. When the military’s leadership decided to oust Bashir in 2019 amid anti-regime protests, Hemedti didn’t oppose the decision.

During the subsequent political transition, Hemedti became vice-chair of the Sovereign Council. The institution was tasked with guiding the country towards democratic elections.

This institutional role shocked and dismayed many within Sudanese civil society. Some, however, argued that attempts to dismantle the Rapid Support Forces or sideline Hemedti would spark armed conflict.

Both the army and Rapid Support Forces had established secretive business networks generating billions of dollars. They shared a short-term interest in protecting their power and economic assets from any civilian encroachment.

This alignment of interests formed the foundation of their partnership and paved the way for the October 2021 military coup – which abruptly halted Sudan’s democratisation process.

As a new regime took hold in Sudan, the Rapid Support Forces grew more powerful. The forces profited from gold mining, smuggling and business deals with the United Arab Emirates, Russia’s Wagner Group and Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar.

Hemedti’s forces bolstered their arsenal and expanded their ranks. They presented themselves as champions of ordinary Arabs from Sudan’s rural provinces and borderlands.

Concerned by these developments, the Sudanese Armed Forces attempted to forcefully integrate the Rapid Support Forces into the military chain of command. But by the time the military launched its ill-fated offensive in April 2023, the Rapid Support Forces had fielded 100,000 fighters equipped for highly mobile urban warfare.

They quickly inflicted heavy losses on the military and seized control of most of Khartoum. They also took over the adjoining Gezira state, Darfur in the west and Kordofan in the centre, shattering both the Sudanese state and society.

In areas under their sway, the Rapid Support Forces have perpetrated crimes against humanity and war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, massacres, rape, torture and widespread looting.

The Sudanese army, which retains control of Port Sudan, has blocked humanitarian aid from reaching territories under the Rapid Support Forces. This has contributed to an impending famine.

Bleak prospects

The prospects for a peaceful resolution to Sudan’s conflict currently appear bleak. Even a temporary ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid remains improbable. The United Nations Security Council remains deeply divided, and the African Union has yet to propose a workable plan.

The United States and its European allies have squandered their political capital in Sudan. They failed to adequately support the 2019-2021 democratic transition and to reverse the 2021 coup.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Russia bear significant responsibility for the current situation. Their support for opposing sides has deepened divisions, contributing to the failure of initiatives like the Jeddah peace talks.

Local neighbourhood committees, once pivotal in grassroots democratisation, have been marginalised by armed actors.

International actors aiming to help Sudan should recognise that these civil society groups still represent the country’s best hope. They possess a deep understanding of the country’s most pressing needs. These include unimpeded humanitarian aid, as well as exposing and curtailing the military and financial lifelines of leading armed actors. This could help foster a political transition free from these actors’ influence.

[queen-susans-revenge]

Book reviews: Spare and Endgame

At the rate royal "bombshells" drop, one might imagine Buckingham Palace a smoking crater of charred ruins.

But after years of drama, not only do all the grand old piles in the British royal family’s vast portfolio of real estate still stand, but the royal machinery that sustains them isn’t even dinged. And that's because all the smoke and dazzle is part of a calculated strategy, a show cooked up in concert between "the Firm" and the tabloids that profit from royal clickbait. The gossipy headlines generate profit for the papers, sustain public interest in Britain's royal family, and provide a useful way to punish members who don't toe the institutional line.

Prince Harry's biography Spare became the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time and generated countless media headlines. Omid Scobie's Endgame is currently providing chum for another tabloid feeding frenzy.

But ironically, both books are packed with stories the tabloids won't repeat, because they illuminate too much of the "invisible contract" between palace and press.

In probably the best coverage of Spare, Zeynep Tufekci wrote for the New York Times: "Any close follower of the British media should not have been surprised that after Prince Harry fell in love with Meghan Markle, the biracial American actress, years of vitriolic, even racist coverage followed. Whipping hatred and spreading lies — including on issues far more consequential than a royal romance — is a specialty of Britain’s atrocious but politically influential tabloids.

"People like me, uninterested in celebrities, shouldn’t dismiss the brouhaha around Harry’s memoir as mere celebrity tittle-tattle. He has made credible, even documented claims that his own family refused to stand up against their ugly, sustained attacks against Meghan. In other words, it appears that Britain’s most revered institution, funded by tens of millions in taxpayer funds annually, plays ball with one of its most revolting institutions.

"At the very least, it seems clear by now where some senior members of the royal family position themselves in all this."

Endgame goes even farther than Spare in detailing the often sordid workings of the invisible contract between journos and courtiers. Scobie details how Christian Jones, Prince William's communications secretary, fed negative stories about the Sussexes to Dan Wootton at The Sun in exchange for burying another story that might have been highly damaging to the heir: reports of private dinners and a "rural rivalry" that hinted at an affair between Prince William and Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley.

No proof or confirmation of that royal affair was ever provided, because after Jones' intervention, those stories were comprehensively scrubbed from The Sun's website. Instead, the paper was allowed to break the story of what it would call "Megxit": Harry and Meghan's desire to separate themselves from the Firm.

According to both Endgame and a report by the Byline Times, when Harry pursued legal action against The Sun, he was punished by the withdrawal of his official security. (It's worth noting that the disgraced Prince Andrew is still covered by taxpayer-funded security, despite having a much lower threat profile than Harry.) Scobie quotes a source as saying: "I have never seen the Palace circle the wagons like they did with Christian." Byline Times also quotes a source: "They threatened the removal of the funding to try and protect the royal household from a potential courtroom scandal with Jones and Wootton very publicly at the centre."

Why would the Firm pull out all the stops to protect a courtier, even if it meant putting the monarch's own second son in real and immediate danger?

Because Jones is merely a flunky for Prince William, and it's hard to imagine that Jones's press machinations were conducted without the approval of his "principal." Indeed, he wasn't William's only communications secretary to openly collude with the tabloids against Harry and Meghan: another highly placed aide, Jason Knauf, gave testimony on behalf of the Daily Mail in a case brought against it by the Duchess of Sussex, regarding the leak of a private letter. (Despite the attempted sabotage from William's camp, she won that case and was awarded a front page correction and a large settlement.)

The details of all this sordidness — the sacrifice of Harry and Meghan on the altar of tabloid drama, with obsidian knives wielded by Harry’s own closest kin in an attempt to secure more favorable coverage for themselves — forms the narrative backbone of both books. And William isn't the only one implicated in the matter: Queen Camilla emerges as a canny and ruthless operator, buying the rehabilitation of her own image with the coin of gossip leaked against both her stepsons.

"In a funny way I even wanted Camilla to be happy," Harry writes. "Maybe she'd be less dangerous if she was happy."

It's pretty hard to tell if anyone's happy in Britain's royal family. Endgame tells us that Charles is jealous of William, that William is jealous of Harry, and that Harry will probably never get any of the remorse he'd like to see for the way he and his wife were thrown to the wolves. Hating Harry — and even more so, Meghan — has become its own lucrative, self-sustaining industry. Literally hundreds of negative articles are published about the two every day. It's a relentless, often racist onslaught of character assassination that exploits the same culture-war fissions that drove Brexit.

Spare mostly comes off as a good-faith effort from a deeply weird person to explain to the rest of us why he's like this. Endgame isn't as well-written or compelling, but it backs up a lot of what Harry puts into generalizations with names, dates, and specifics. Together, they paint a very damning portrait of two rotten institutions propping each other up at the people's expense.

But by and large, you won't read about that in the press.

[atulksposts]

This blog explores PPF investment and how to maximize your returns. It explains PPF calculators and their benefits. With a provided formula, it showcases how to calculate maturity amount. Strategies like early and regular investment, maximizing contributions, and extending tenure are recommended. Remember, PPF interest rates are subject to change, and consult a financial advisor before making any decisions.

[rauthschild]

First, you should know that the situation in Israel is heating up and getting more complex by the moment. You won't hear this on the news because our media has been gagged since 1902 thanks to the British Pilgrim's Society.

Israel targeted the Iranian embassy compound in Syria, lobbed missiles at it, and killed Iranians. This is, whether you know it or not, an Act of War. It puts Israel firmly in the aggressor seat and whatever Iran does to retaliate, Israelis have to accept the fact that they are suffering because of the acts of their own government.

In the last week, numerous groups throughout the Middle East have been meeting. The entire Arab population is scandalized by the extent and the ferocity of the genocide and destruction poured down on the innocent civilian population of Gaza, using a British-funded and Netanyahu-expedited Hamas attack as the Israeli excuse for this.

What has happened in Gaza would be like turning the entire U.S. Military loose on New York City with unlimited armament short of nuclear weapons, and letting it pound New York into the dirt for months.

What defense would New York City have? The same defense that Gaza has. None. It would just slowly disappear under the weight of the bombing and missiles and artillery fire, until nothing and nobody was left.

That's what you've got going on in Gaza, and frankly, the "dumb" uninformed Americans notwithstanding, that is what the rest of the world sees.

No wonder the entire Muslim world is inflamed and taking the bait to fight.

Right behind the Arab States are the Russians and Chinese, who are all allied together -- the Iranians and Russians by their pacts, and the Chinese and Russians allied by their treaties and agreements.

And here is the stellar point --- they are all on the moral high ground. We and NATO are on the wrong side of the issues, because it can never be acceptable for a massive military force to attack an unarmed civilian population and to do it in such a purposeful, blatant, prolonged, and reckless way.

The Israelis have become what they hate. Their fear and their focus on self-protection has morphed into gross, mindless aggression against Gaza, and now, they have Russian tanks on the Golan Heights.

Somehow, they seem to assume that they can get away with this genocide and their stubborn refusal to relent, just as they thought they could target the Iranian Embassy in Syria without consequence.

The concept of what happens on the school ground when a bully is beaten up by a bigger bully has not sunk in. They obviously think that the British Crown Corporation is going to come save their State of Israel, Inc. franchise, no matter what gross crimes and acts of violence Israel commits....

But the British Crown Corp. had no business creating a State of Israel, Inc. franchise, and the British Government had no right to sell Jacob Rothschild a 99-year lease on Israel under the Balfour Declaration. All this crooked dealing on the part of Britain is now becoming public knowledge and coming home to roost.

No doubt, that's why MI6 armed and paid Hamas -- a smokescreen to "get something started" as if attacking the Iranian Embassy compound was not enough.

I am disgusted to say that the Vermin are cruising for a bruising on purpose. They are creating a crisis deliberately to distract from and obscure their own criminality. The entire economic and financial meltdown is similarly self-generated and cynical.

Israel was not the victim in the Hamas attack. Israel was looking for an excuse to attack Gaza and Britain provided Hamas with the means to provide that excuse and Netanyahu let down Israeli border defenses to expedite it. The whole thing is vicious and calculated and timed to promote the Do It Yourself Armageddon scenario that the Office of the Roman Pontiff and HRE have long planned.

Let's all keep our eyes and ears alert and realize that the Perpetrators --- the ones really responsible, are the same Perpetrators who have run rampant for the past three hundred years: Rome, Britain, and "Westminster"--- the Inner City of London British Crown Cartel.

These "Principals and Powers" are the ones on the Low Road, the cause of it all, and the ones who deserve universal condemnation, if not outright and permanent destruction for their criminal activities and constant acts of war and war-mongering and war-for-profit schemes, for their refusal to give up their illegal and repugnant Caste System, and the peonage and enslavement that keeps it going.

The rest of us have moved on and are ready for something better. And here they are, putting on the biggest "show" ever, their own mass-produced end of the world event, complete with self-engineered fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

They should be ashamed and we should all shame them in public for it. Life and death are not a game and we are not pawns set up to be their gullible audience.

If you are not all deeply offended by what is going on in Gaza, you should be. And even if the planned Great Earthquake isn't pulled off, for fear of permanently damaging the biome, we should all just stay home, and say, "No!" to the best of our ability.

This Sunday, April 7th, join us and the rest of the world in physically and spiritually and emotionally saying no to them and their whole panoply of disaster and death, and declare an end to evil.

[ukrfeminism]

2 minute read

It is “deeply disappointing” the gender pay gap has scarcely narrowed in recent years, the UK’s leading gender equality charity has warned.

Fawcett Society, who analysed the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, said the mean hourly gender pay gap for full-time workers is currently 11.3 per cent, while it was 11.9 per cent last year, and 10.6 per cent in 2020.

Equal pay day - the day in the year when women effectively start to work for free in comparison to men due to lower pay - will fall on 20 November this year, the charity announced.

Meanwhile, Women’s Budget Group warned the gender gap will rise if the Tory government “pursue austerity 2.0” in the forthcoming full Autumn Statement in mid-November.

Jemima Olchawski, Fawcett Society’s chief executive, said: “It is deeply disappointing that the gender pay gap has barely shifted in the past few years, especially given the cost of living crisis is hitting women the hardest and forcing them to make impossible choices. 

“Other data indicates that the pay gap may be even worse for women of colour - though we still don't know the full picture.”

She called for “urgent action” to ensure “women’s equality” is “at the heart of our economic recovery”.

Ms Olchawski added: “The government should make flexible work the default with a requirement for jobs to be advertised as flexible upfront, to enable more women to work. 

“We need mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting and action plans, and we need employers to stop asking discriminatory salary history questions. Women can’t afford to wait any longer for the gap to close.”

While the charity stated the mean hourly gap for both full-time and part-time workers was 13.9 per cent in 2022, while it was 14.9 per cent in 2021, and 13.9 per cent in 2020.

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, director of the Women’s Budget Group, told The Independent: “The gender pay gap reflects the different positions of women and men in the economy, and the fact that women are over-represented in lower paid sectors such as childcare and social care and underrepresented in the highest earning sectors. 

“At the same time, because childcare and social care are stretched and under-funded, women are working less or not at all to fill the gaps because they can’t make the numbers add up. This means that the gender earnings gap in annual pay is even larger at 30.8 per cent”.

Dr Stephenson, whose calculations were based on the same data, warned the UK is currently “looking down the barrel of further funding cuts to the public sector”.

She added: “Which is a triple whammy to women’s income because women are more likely to work in the public sector, to rely on public services, and to step in and provide unpaid care work when the public sector withdraws services.”

Dr Stephenson noted the new PM Rishi Sunak and the new chancellor Jeremy Hunt “can pursue austerity 2.0” in the full Autumn Statement, announced on 17 November, but added this will cause the gender pay gap to increase, as well as reversing “women’s economic equality”.

She added: “Or they can take bold action and protect and invest in public services to increase jobs, increase women’s ability to work and increase resulting tax revenues. Economic prosperity and equality are not in competition, quite the opposite.”

[buildingsupuk]

How to Investing in Property in UK Step by Step

Are you looking to invest in commercial property but don't know where to start? Read this ultimate guide on how to invest in commercial property, including tips on finding the right property, financing, and maximizing returns.

Know about Property Investment 2023 Investing in commercial property can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. However, it can also be daunting for first-time investors who are unsure of where to begin. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to invest in commercial property, covering everything from finding the right property to financing and maximizing returns. So, whether you're a seasoned investor or a newbie, read on to learn how to invest in commercial property like a pro.

How to invest in commercial property: Tips and Strategies Finding the Right Property One of the most critical factors in investing in commercial property is finding the right property. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect property for your investment portfolio:

Identify Your Investment Objectives: Before you start looking for properties, you need to identify your investment objectives. What type of property do you want to invest in, and what are your financial goals? Do you want a property that generates rental income or one that you can flip for a profit? Knowing your investment objectives will help you narrow down your search and find the right property.

Location is Key: When it comes to commercial property, location is everything. You want to invest in a property that is in a prime location with high demand for commercial space. Look for properties in areas with high foot traffic, easy accessibility, and proximity to public transportation.

Consider the Condition of the Property: Another crucial factor to consider when investing in commercial property is the condition of the property. Look for properties that are in good condition and don't require significant renovations or repairs. If the property does need work, make sure you factor in the cost of renovations when calculating your potential returns.

Partner with a Commercial Real Estate Agent: Partnering with a commercial real estate agent can help you find the right property quickly. Real estate agents have access to off-market properties and can provide you with expert advice on market trends and investment opportunities.

Financing Your Investment Once you've found the right commercial property, the next step is financing your investment. Here are some financing options to consider:

Traditional Bank Loans: Traditional bank loans are a popular financing option for commercial property investors. These loans typically have a lower interest rate and longer repayment terms than other types of loans.

Private Lenders: Private lenders are another financing option for commercial property investors. Private lenders are typically more flexible than traditional banks and can offer higher loan amounts.

Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a relatively new financing option for commercial property investors. Crowdfunding allows multiple investors to pool their funds to invest in a single property. This option is ideal for investors who want to invest in commercial property but don't have enough capital to do so on their own.

Maximizing Your Returns Once you've found the right property and secured financing, the next step is to maximize your returns. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Hire a Property Manager: Hiring a property manager can help you maximize your returns by ensuring that your property is well-maintained and fully occupied. A property manager can also help you with tenant screening, rent collection, and lease negotiations.

Renovate and Upgrade: Renovating and upgrading your property can help you increase its value and attract higher-paying tenants. Consider upgrading your property's HVAC system, adding energy-efficient features, and improving the overall curb appeal.

Raise Rents: Raising rents is a straightforward way to increase your returns. However, make sure you're not pricing yourself out of the market. Research the rental rates in the area and make sure your rent increase is in line with the market.

Consider a 1031 Exchange: A 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred exchange that allows you to sell a property and reinvest the proceeds in a new property without paying taxes on the capital gains. This option can help you maximize your returns by allowing you to reinvest your profits without losing money to taxes. FAQs Q: Is commercial property a good investment? A: Yes, commercial property can be a great investment. It offers higher rental income, longer leases, and potentially higher appreciation than residential properties.

Q: How much money do I need to invest in commercial property? A: The amount of money you need to invest in commercial property depends on several factors, including the property's location, size, and condition. Typically, you'll need a minimum of 20% down payment and enough capital to cover the property's closing costs, renovations, and ongoing expenses.

Q: What are some risks associated with investing in commercial property? A: Like any investment, commercial property comes with some risks, including tenant vacancies, property damage, and changes in the market. However, with proper due diligence and risk management, these risks can be minimized.

Conclusion Investing in commercial property can be a smart and profitable investment strategy. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can find the right property, secure financing, and maximize your returns. Remember to do your due diligence, partner with a reputable real estate agent, and always keep an eye on the market trends. With patience and persistence, you can build a successful commercial property investment portfolio that generates long-term wealth and financial stability.

[billlockyer]

What Separates a 401(k) Plan from a Pension Plan

A 401(k) differs from a pension plan in that an employee can contribute to their retirement savings account through payroll deductions. Several employers also offer matching funds. On the other hand, pension plans are retirement accounts sponsored by employers and pay out a set sum of money when the employee retires. Your salary, number of years of service, and other factors will typically determine how much you receive.

It's crucial to comprehend the costs associated with a 401k or pension if you're considering getting one. The main causes of plan expenses are contributions, returns, and management fees. However, additional costs covered by the employer, such as administration and recordkeeping fees, can also impact the cost of a 401k. It would help if you asked for a fee schedule that lists all the costs related to your plan.

Asking about service fees, which vary by fund provider, is also a good idea. Some service providers charge fees for processing tax returns, moving assets between 401(k) plan providers, and other services. A typical pension has a cost advantage of 49% over a typical 401(k)-style retirement account, according to a recent National Institute on Retirement Security analysis. This cost advantage is primarily attributable to lower investment management fees, optimally balanced investment portfolios, and longevity risk pooling.

Employer-sponsored retirement savings vehicles include pensions and 401(k) plans, two distinct types. Even though they are both well-liked, one may be preferable to the other depending on your particular circumstances due to a few differences. A 401k and a pension are fundamentally different because a 401k allows you to choose how your money is invested. Several investment options are available, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

As a defined-benefit plan, a traditional pension lets you know exactly how much money you'll receive each month when you retire. The sum is determined by years of service and past salaries. The benefit is typically paid out in lump sums when you reach a certain age, a process known as vesting, or in monthly payments. However, you won't get the entire sum if you quit your job before becoming vested.

Employees can make pretax contributions to a savings account through an employer-sponsored retirement plan known as a 401(k). Employees are allowed to contribute up to a certain amount each year, and occasionally, employers match the contributions. Unlike a pension funded by the company, a 401k is based on your contributions and investments and promises to pay you a set amount of money over time. The most common kind of tax-deferred retirement account in the US is this one, which is referred to as a "defined contribution" plan.

Similar to a 401(k), pension plans have rules governing how much of your pension is tax-deductible and how much is not. General Rule, which makes use of life expectancy tables, is used to calculate the taxable portion. The general Rule can be found in IRS Publication 939, or the Simplified Method can be applied to determine a more exact figure.

Both a 401k and a pension plan offer a range of investment options. Your financial objectives and current financial situation, among other things, will influence the type of investment that is best for your retirement needs.

Employees can save for retirement through a 401(k), a defined-contribution plan, and benefit from tax breaks on their contributions. Employers frequently match these contributions. A pension plan, however, is better suited for investors who want a lifetime income guarantee after retirement. Government regulations and expert fund managers oversee the management of these plans.

By investing in various asset classes, including stocks and bonds, pension funds seek to diversify their portfolios. Additionally, they can invest in derivatives and alternative investments, reducing the risk of losing money on a single investment.