DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Refinancing student debt is risky amid Biden forgiveness push. Borrowers 'forever lose access' to safety nets, advocates say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

(For example, federal student loan borrowers can pause their payments if they become unemployed, return to school or get cancer.) But advocates have fresh warnings now as the Biden administration reforms the federal student loan system. Millions more federal student loan borrowers could receive debt forgiveness in the coming months if Biden's revised relief package survives legal challenges this time. PSLF allows certain not-for-profit and government employees to have their federal student loans cleared after 10 years of on-time payments. (The rates on federal student loans for the 2024-2025 academic year will range from roughly 6.5% to 9%.)

Persons: Biden, Joe Biden, Biden's, who've, PSLF, I've, they'd refinanced, —, Yu, Mark Kantrowitz, Kantrowitz Organizations: U.S . Department of Education, Education Department, Public, Art Institute, Art, Education Management Corp, Valuable Education Locations: Mayotte, Iowa , Massachusetts, Pennsylvania

☆ Don't believe these money misconceptions: 3 things to know that can help improve your finances
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Part of the problem: People continue to believe common misconceptions about managing and investing their money. When it comes to your retirement savings, target-date funds can be another smart option. Young couple managing finance and investment online, analyzing stock market trades with mobile app on laptop and smartphone. "People feel like, I can get a higher return with no risk … but basically, a higher return is always a reward for higher risk." There's almost no risk to money in federally insured deposit accounts, unlike investments that are subject to the daily changes in the stock, which can result in much higher risk.

Persons: Witthaya, Annamaria Lusardi, Paul Yakoboski, Young, Lusardi, There's Organizations: TIAA, Global Financial, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, TIAA Institute, Target, CNBC, Financial Wellness, Board Locations: U.S

☆ Half of adults globally are stressed about their finances, and inflation is a key reason
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Roughly half of adults are stressed about personal finance, a new survey spanning various advanced economies found. D3sign | Moment | Getty ImagesAt least half of adults in a range of major economies report being stressed about their personal finances, and say inflation is one of the main reasons. In the U.S., Australia, Spain and Mexico, around 70% of adults said they were "very or somewhat stressed" about money. The percentage reduced slightly to 63% in the U.K., 57% in Germany, 55% in Switzerland, and roughly half of people in Singapore and France. Across those countries, between a half and two thirds of people said they considered themselves to be part of the middle class — except in the U.K., where it was a lower 37%.

Persons: SurveyMonkey Organizations: Financial Security Locations: U.S, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, France

☆ Ex-TikTok executive says she was fired because she 'lacked the docility and meekness' required of women at the company
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewAn ex-managing director at TikTok has accused the company behind the popular social media app and its China-based owner of unlawfully firing her because the corporate big-wigs deemed she "lacked the docility and meekness" required of women working there. "Zhang and other corporate executives determined that Ms. Puris lacked the docility and meekness specifically required of female employees," the complaint says. "By the second quarter of 2021, it became very evident that Ms. Puris was on Lidong Zhang's 'kill list,'" the lawsuit says. "Part of Lidong Zhang's 'kill list' approach was to build a case against any employee he placed on the list and instruct other employees to do the same."

Persons: —, Katie Ellen Puris, Lidong Zhang, ByteDance, Puris, United States —, Zhang, TikTok, Marjorie Mesidor, Monica Hincken Organizations: Service, Business, TikTok's New, TikTok Inc, Google, Facebook, Cannes Lions, Cannes Lion Locations: TikTok, China, New York, Beijing, TikTok's New York, United States, France, Lidong

☆ Over 18 million rental units are exposed to climate hazards as extreme weather becomes more common, Harvard study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

D3sign | Stone | Getty ImagesExtreme weather and climate hazards are becoming more frequent, posing a unique threat not only for homeowners, but for renters. Over 18 million rental units across the U.S. are exposed to climate and weather-related hazards, according to the latest American Rental Housing Report from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. While they're a smaller share of the rental stock, 52% of manufactured units are located in areas with extreme weather exposure. "It's sort of a compounding risk when we see these increases in climate hazards and start impacting people who can't afford to move away from the risk." Check what type of disasters are included in your renters insurance policy.

Persons: Sophia Wedeen, Jeremy Porter, Wedeen, Porter Organizations: Harvard University's, for Housing Studies, Harvard, FEMA, Survey, Joint Center for Housing Studies, Finance, NOAA National Centers for Environmental, First Street Foundation Locations: U.S, New York

☆ Tax season kicks off. Here's how to get a faster refund and avoid ‘self-inflicted mistakes,’ expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Often, "self-inflicted mistakes" cause refund delays, according to Mark Steber, chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt. The IRS is planning for more than 146 million individual tax returns this season, and the deadline for most filers is April 15. Don't 'guesstimate' on your taxesTax return mistakes are another reason for delayed refunds. Some common tax return errors are "surprisingly simple," such as missing or inaccurate Social Security numbers, misspelled names, entering information wrong and math mistakes, according to the IRS. When to expect your tax refund

Persons: Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt, Danny Werfel, Steber Organizations: IRS

☆ What student loan borrowers should know about their credit as bills restart
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

D3sign | Moment | Getty ImagesFederal student loan bills resumed in the fall after a pause of more than three years. "Negative information shouldn't be reported during the 12-month on-ramp period, but positive information should be included," Rossman said. Still, check for errors on your credit reportStudent loan borrowers should regularly check their credit reports to make sure the information is accurate, Kantrowitz said. If your loan servicer makes an error, such as reporting your loan as delinquent during the on-ramp period, you'll want to bring it to their attention quickly, he said. In this case the creditor would be your student loan servicer, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.

Persons: Ted Rossman, Rossman, Kantrowitz, — Organizations: U.S . Department of Education Locations: Annualcreditreport.com

☆ Are you sure you have nothing to declare? Let Arnold Schwarzenegger and his pricey watch be a lesson to us all.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained at Munich's airport after bringing a watch he planned to gift. Schwarzenegger had not declared the item, which is required by Germany's customs authority. A luxury travel agent says this is an important rule to keep in mind if you're traveling with gifts. AdvertisementArnold Schwarzenegger was detained for more than two hours at Germany's Munich International Airport after failing to declare a luxury watch, CNN reported. Advertisement"The watch will likely still be auctioned tomorrow, and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative will properly report it, as all of Arnold's non-profits do," the source told BI.

Persons: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Schwarzenegger, —, Thomas Meister, Meister, Michael Trager Organizations: Service, Germany's, CNN, Germany's Central Customs Authority, EU, Austrian, Schwarzenegger, Initiative, Travelers, Customs Authority's, Customs Authority, TravelZork, Travel Edge Locations: California, Munich, Kitzbuhel, Austria, d3sign, Germany

☆ A 401(k) rollover is 'the single largest transaction' many investors make, expert says. What to know before doing it
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

That's largely because IRA investors are "retail" investors while 401(k) savers often get access to more favorable "institutional" pricing. "Are you able to pay less by staying in your 401(k) plan?" The bottom line: Compare annual 401(k) fees — like investment "expense ratios" and administrative costs — to those of an IRA. And your current employer may not accept rollovers into your 401(k) from a previous employer's plan. Many 401(k) plans may not allow retirees as much flexibility.

Persons: Ellen Lander, Lander, Carolyn McClanahan, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, you'd Organizations: Investment, IRA, Renaissance, Planning Partners, CNBC's FA, of America, Company, Workers Locations: IRAs, Jacksonville , Florida, CNBC's, Atlanta

☆ Watch for this 'phantom tax' before taking Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies, advisor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

d3sign | Moment | Getty ImagesAs millions of Americans compare health plans on the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplaces, experts say it's critical to run projections and rethink popular tax moves before enrolling in subsidies. The average enrollee is paying premiums of $124 per month after the subsidies, which were boosted through 2025 via the Inflation Reduction Act. If your actual income exceeds your estimates, you might be required to repay some or all of the subsidy. "If your actual income exceeds your estimates, you might be required to repay some or all of the subsidy." The subsidy eligibility calculation also considers your location, family size and whether you spouse has available coverage.

Persons: Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, Sean Lovison Organizations: Affordable, American, Center of Budget, Security, Philadelphia Locations: Orlando , Florida

☆ Common contaminants linked to accelerated weight gain in children
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The research network aims to examine the lifetime impact of exposure in the womb to chemical contaminants in air, water and food. Both DDT and HCB contamination in people occurs “mainly through bioaccumulation in the food chain via fish, fish products, meat (and) dairy products,” Montazeri said. The July 2022 report also found PFAS exposure was sufficiently associated with decreased infant and fetal growth as well as decreased antibody response to vaccines in both adults and children. Pregnant people can take steps to reduce their exposure to various chemicals in commercial products, food and water. “Phthalates and phenols come from plastics and personal care products,” Montazeri said.

Persons: ”, Parisa Montazeri, “, Montazeri, Leonardo Trasande, HCB, ” Montazeri, Trasande Organizations: CNN, Barcelona Institute, Global Health, BMI, NYU Langone Health, Environmental, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Getty, NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, National Sanitation Foundation Locations: Spain, United States, PFAS

☆ The 'ideal booking window' for holiday airfare is closing, economist says. 'Travelers are going to miss out'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

D3sign | Moment | Getty ImagesIf you have yet to purchase your fall and winter holiday travel and are hoping for a bargain airfare, time is running out. "Travelers are going to miss out on the opportunity to save when they wait too long," said Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper. In early October, 85% of Hopper app users who intended to book holiday travel had yet to do so, according to a survey of 500 people. In the last few days before Christmas, travelers could see price jumps of about $40 a day, Hopper anticipates. Fares will likely become increasingly competitive as travelers wait, "judging by the number of people traveling this year," said Elizabeth Ayoola, a personal finance writer at NerdWallet.

Persons: Hayley Berg, Hopper, Berg, airfare, Elizabeth Ayoola Organizations: Travelers, Finance, Air, Getty

☆ Singapore’s birth rate is at a record low — but ‘throwing money’ at the problem won’t solve it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Mai Yo | Klaud9 | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — Almost two decades ago, Loh and her husband made a decision not to have children. Singapore's birth rate hit a record low in 2022, after years of decline. "There is a sense of instability is dragging people further away from having children," Zheng told CNBC. Shrinking labor forceA declining birth rate, coupled with an aging population, will have repercussions on Singapore's labor force. "Having fewer children means you have a smaller workforce that can contribute to the economy.

Persons: Mai Yo, Loh, Jaya Dass, " Dass, Wen Wei Tan, EIU's Tan, Tan, Mu Zheng, Zheng, Tan Poh Lin, Lee, Carlina, Dass Organizations: Institute of Policy Studies, Getty, SINGAPORE, CNBC, Singapore Department of Statistics, Ranstad's, Women, Getty Images Government, Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, National University of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, of Public Locations: Singapore, Jaya, Jaya Dass Asia, Pacific, Covid, Ranstad's Asia, —, New York City, Singapore's

☆ The 'time gap' in unpaid caregiving costs women an extra $321.56 billion a year, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Women spend an average 51.6 minutes a day caring for household children, other household members and nonhousehold members, according to a new analysis from the National Partnership for Women and Families. Men spend an average 26.4 minutes daily on such tasks. On a broader level, unpaid caregiving is worth $305.01 billion a year for men and $626.57 billion for women, the National Partnership for Women and Families estimates. In other words, the caregiving time gap costs women an extra $321.56 billion a year. About 38 million people provided unpaid care to an adult family member or friend in 2021, according to the latest data from AARP.

Persons: Katherine Gallagher Robbins, Caregiving, Carolyn McClanahan, McClanahan Organizations: National Partnership for Women, Partnership for Women, AARP, Planning Partners, CNBC, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Federal authorities have been probing roughly 5,000 pilots suspected of withholding major health issues that could imperil their ability to fly safely, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Federal officials are probing roughly 5,000 pilots suspected of withholding major health issues, per The Washington Post. Many of the other pilots possess commercial licenses, which gives them ability to be hired to fly for a range of clients. Pilots have to pass regular health screenings, but according to The Post, the tests are often not always comprehensive. "The vast majority of these pilots may continue to operate safely while we complete the reconciliation process." "I know of a lot of pilots who have told me about [medical conditions] they aren't telling the FAA about," he said.

Persons: they're, Matthew Lehner, Lehner, Rick Mangini, Mangini Organizations: Washington Post . Veterans Affairs, Service, Washington Post, Federal Aviation Administration, Veterans Affairs, FAA, Post, Pilots, The, Veterans Administration, Aerospace Medicine, Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, Army Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ American Airlines is suing Skiplagged, accusing the travel site of being a 'classic bait and switch'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Taylor Rains | Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

American Airlines filed a lawsuit against Skiplagged.com on Thursday. Both United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have sued Skiplagged.com in the past. American Airlines has had enough of Skiplagged.com. Then, Southwest Airlines filed a lawsuit against Skiplagged in 2021 after it showed the airline's ticket prices. United Airlines and travel booking Orbitz accused Skiplagged of costing them $75,000 in their 2014 lawsuit.

Persons: Skiplagged.com, Orbitz, Aktarer Zaman, Zaman, d3sign, Skiplagged, Dan Gellert, United, Charlotte —, Gellert Organizations: American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Morning, American, His North, Skiplagged, Delta Air Lines Locations: The Texas, Texas, Florida, New York, Charlotte, His, His North Carolina, American, Chicago, New York City, Southwest

☆ Gen Z eats fast food like no other generation. From a love for spicy food to constant snacking, these are 8 traits that define their dining habits.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rebhun said that El Pollo Loco's work with influencers "without a doubt" drove customers to the brand. Dickey said that Dickey's work with influencers – in particular those involved with food and sport – was "directly in response to millennial and Gen Z." "Any lingering traditional media that we do," like TV commercials, radio spots, and out-of-home ads, is "all for boomers and Gen X," she added. Execs told Insider it was "leveraging youth culture," including music, sport, influencers, and TikTok, to create an image of a "Gen Z-esque aspirational lifestyle." Wendy's has also been working with sports, gaming, and music companies to lure in Gen Zers, Loredo said.

Persons: Dickey, Rebhun, influencers, Carl Loredo, influencers –, Gen, Wingstop, Execs, Chipotle's Perdue, Zers, influencers Alexis Frost, Keith Lee, Chipotle, Wendy's, Loredo Organizations: El, El Pollo, Twitter Locations: Fortnite

☆ Here's the inflation breakdown for July, in one chart
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

July's CPI report was "better than we were expecting," said Eugenio Aleman, chief economist at Raymond James. Nearly all of the monthly inflation increase came from shelter costs, which increased by 0.4% and were up 7.7% compared with one year ago. Despite rising oil costs, energy prices increased just 0.1% in July and food increased 0.2%, according to the bureau. However, there was relief for used vehicle prices, which dropped by 1.3%, and medical care services, which were down 0.4%. 'Jumping oil prices' is a threat to inflation targetwatch nowMillions of households are 'stretched financially'Despite falling inflation, many Americans are still feeling the pinch of higher prices.

Persons: July's, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James, it's, Aleman, Greg McBride, It's Organizations: U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, July's CPI Locations: U.S

☆ Why a ‘good enough job’ may be better than a dream job
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“I really didn’t feel like I was choosing between two jobs,” Stolzoff said. But at the time, he also realized he was hoping to find his “vocational soulmate,” a job that would decide his identity. Stolzoff, now 32, left his designer job in 2022 to finish writing his book and explore other sides of himself that had been crowded out by his day job. One of the necessities is to take some time away from that.”If you can’t work for yourself, another strategy is working a “good enough job,” which rejects the conventional wisdom that we should be seeking our dream job, Stolzoff said. “Work is certainly one container with one set of metrics for success and one definition of what ‘good’ looks like,” Stolzoff said.

Persons: CNN — Simone Stolzoff, Stolzoff, “, ” Stolzoff, ”, Derek Thompson, they’re, Workism, multitask, I’ve, ’ ”, Donald Winnicott, that’s, there’s Organizations: CNN, Getty Locations: United States

☆ Selling Sunset's Emma Hernan and other experts say now is the time to buy a house: 'It's one of the best investments you could make'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Real Estate experts tell CNBC Make It why they think now is the time to buy a home. "This isn't the market where sellers can just try for a high number and see if it'll happen." "When it comes to real estate, I think it's one of the best investments you could possibly make. Think about the big picture and look at real estate as an investment for your future. Emma Hernan Star of Netflix's "Selling Sunset" and real estate agent at The Oppenheim Group

Persons: Mike Biryla, Mike Biryla Real, they're, Emma Hernan, Hernan, Marko Geber, you'll, Emma Hernan Star Organizations: CNBC, The Agency, Digitalvision

☆ Are sports drinks good or bad for you? A medical analyst explains
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Dr. Leana Wen: It’s important to distinguish between sports drinks and energy drinks. There are also energy drinks that are often, and unfortunately, confused with sports drinks. Those consuming energy drinks instead of sports drinks or water may become dehydrated. This could be because of confusion between sports drinks and energy drinks, so people should be careful to choose the beverage that’s appropriate for their purpose. And really distinguish between sports drinks that replenish electrolytes and fluids versus energy drinks.

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Leana Wen, Wen, I’d Organizations: CNN, US Food and Drug Administration, Prime Energy, Red Bulls, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Energy, US Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatrics, Getty, Endurance

☆ 'We’re all crazy when it comes to money,' advisor says. How to manage your psyche for better finances
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

D3sign | Moment | Getty ImagesHuman psychology and money don't mix well. Left unchecked, our psyches can easily sabotage financial decision-making, behavioral experts said during a panel discussion at CNBC's Financial Advisor Summit. "We're all crazy when it comes to money," said Brad Klontz, managing principal of YMW Advisors in Boulder, Colorado, and a founder of the Financial Psychology Institute. Additionally, feelings of shame, such as thinking we have too much or too little money, are pervasive, experts added. It's kind of like a thumbprint, so it's very unique," added Cherry, a CFP and member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council.

Persons: Brad Klontz, Klontz, Preston Cherry, Charles Schwab, Cherry Organizations: CNBC's Financial, YMW Advisors, Financial, Institute, CNBC Locations: Boulder , Colorado, Green Bay , Wisconsin

☆ More taxpayers will receive tax forms from apps such as Venmo, PayPal for 2023. Here's how to avoid tax issues
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

As a result of the change, more taxpayers are likely to receive Form 1099-K, which reports third-party business payments to the IRS. Some lawmakers are pushing to increase the reporting threshold, so it could change further. However, regardless of the tax reporting threshold, it's important to remember P2P business payments have always been taxable, experts say. Here are some additional tips to consider before the reporting change in January. An accounting system may also make it easier to track business expenses, which may be deducted to reduce taxable income, Guarino said.

Persons: Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, It's, Jim Guarino, Baker Newman Noyes, Guarino, Adam Markowitz, I've, Markowitz Organizations: Getty, Taxpayers, PayPal, eBay, IRS Locations: Orlando , Florida, Woburn , Massachusetts, Windermere , Florida

☆ Gen Z eats fast food like no other generation. From a love for spicy food to visiting restaurants in big groups, these are 6 traits that define their dining habits.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

They eat with their phones first and are pulled in by influencer marketingd3sign/Getty ImagesGen Z diners like their food to be "Instagrammable," the execs said. But as well as organic content, restaurants are paying influencers to advertise their products. Rebhun said that El Pollo Loco's work with influencers "without a doubt" drove customers to the brand. Dickey said that Dickey's work with influencers – in particular those involved with food and sport – was "directly in response to millennial and Gen Z." "We noticed massive fanfare around the viral hack and partnered with the creators to officially add the Fajita Quesadilla to our menus for our Gen Z superfans," Perdue said.

☆ I've studied the sun for 23 years. Here's what happened during the last solar maximum and what to expect from this one.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Crystal Raypole | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Solar maximum is a peak in the sun's activity that happens around the middle of each solar cycle. Mathew OwensThe solar maximum represents a peak in solar activity when the sun's magnetic field reaches its strongest and most disordered and dynamic point. NASA/Solar Dynamics ObservatorySolar cycles typically last 11 years, and the solar maximum happens roughly in the middle of each cycle. The sun's magnetic field reaches peak strength during solar maximum, generating an increase in events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections. These bursts are around four times as likely to occur during a solar maximum than a solar minimum.

Search resuls for: "d3sign"

25 mentions found