Author: troyashbacher

Published: Nov. 13, 2025 at 9:13 a.m. ETThe federal government may have just resumed operations, but many Americans could be facing another shutdown Thursday — at their local Starbucks.Timed to coincide with Starbucks’ SBUX annual “Red Cup Day,” on which customers can receive a free reusable holiday-themed cup, the Starbucks Workers United union said more than 1,000 baristas have launched an “open-ended” labor strike.

As financial advisors progress in their careers (and lives), their attention is often pulled in many directions as opportunities present themselves. Some will be professional, such as speaking engagements or prospect inquiries; others personal, from community service to family obligations. Many of these requests are meaningful and made with good intentions. But if the advisor says “yes” to all of them, the result can be an overcommitted calendar, drained energy, and very little capacity to do the work that moves their businesses and lives forward. At the same time, saying “no” can feel awkward, and many advisors may fear that…

This week, I am thankful: for our cats This is a kitty who got shut out of a bedroom for interrupting homework. And this is a kitty who has a thick winter coat right now. Ok, and maybe some extra fat. that I canceled/postponed my New Mexico trip I feel glad for a few reasons. First, the airport situation does indeed seem rather sketchy at the moment. Secondly, I spent the entire day yesterday working on homework for the Worst BSN Class in the World. I would neverrrr have gotten it all done on time if I’d flown yesterday. that…

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – FEBRUARY 01: (R-L) Michael Page of England punches Shara Magomedov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at anb Arena on February 01, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Chris Unger | Ufc | Getty ImagesTKO Group Holdings — the parent company of UFC and Zuffa Boxing — has signed a multiyear partnership with Polymarket to bring real-time prediction markets into live combat sports.The deal makes UFC and Zuffa Boxing the first sports organizations to incorporate prediction market technology into live events. Polymarket will provide real-time data visualizations…

Key Takeaways Settling in an affordable state can help you stretch pension, Social Security, and retirement account dollars. Mississippi ranks as a top state for retirees, given its combined monthly housing, food, and transportation costs.Virginia, meanwhile, offers a low monthly cost of living with high average annual retirement incomes.Other top states for stretching retirement dollars include New Mexico, Arizona, Georgia, and Texas. Many retirees struggle with financial instability. In fact, nearly half (45%) of households headed by those 60 and older don’t make enough income to cover basic living expenses, and 80% couldn’t weather a serious financial emergency “without falling into…

Stock futures edged lower Thursday after President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to end the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history.  Futures associated with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked down 0.1% after the blue-chip index set an intraday high and closed above 48000 for the first time Wednesday. Those affiliated with the tech-heavy Nasdaq and benchmark S&P 500 were a respective 0.3% and 0.2% lower. Late Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a bill to fund the federal government until Jan. 30 and end the record 43-day shutdown, which President Trump then signed into law. The shutdown delayed paychecks for federal workers, held…

Today only, Target has select Threshold furniture on sale for 30% off.  There are nightstands, ottomans, console tables, chairs and so much more.   The prices aren’t a steal in my opinion but these are really lovely pieces and the sale is worth checking out.   You can click here to take a look.  

The holidays are a fun yet hectic time of the year. It isn’t just a busy time for us: Insurance companies are also hustling to review and process claims.Why? Holiday gatherings bring their share of increased risks. The National Fire Protection Association reported a nearly 400% increase in house fires during Thanksgiving. Add in inclement weather, guests visiting, porch pirates and other risks, and you have a busy season for insurance companies.As such, taking some time to peril-proof your home can make your holidays safer and memorable, without needing to call your insurance company. Here are some common hazards to…

Context Managed Care Models. For more than three decades, states have increased their reliance on managed care delivery systems with the aim of improving access to certain services, enhancing care coordination and management, and making future costs more predictable. Across the states, there is wide variation in the populations required to enroll in managed care, the services covered (or “carved in”), and the quality and performance incentives and penalties employed. Most states contract with risk-based managed care organizations (MCOs) that cover a comprehensive set of benefits (acute care services and sometimes long-term care), but many also contract with limited benefit prepaid health plans…

Life, at times, presents everyone with changes that can be disorienting.But perhaps few changes are as sudden and jolting as when you retire, and after decades of saving money in a retirement account, it’s time to begin spending those dollars you dedicated so much time and effort to accumulating.In my experience as a financial professional, this mindset shift from savings mode to spending mode makes some people downright nervous. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of…