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☆ A rural Kansas county wants remote workers to move there. It's giving new residents $4,500 cash, an internet stipend, and fresh eggs.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewLincoln County, Kansas is recruiting new residents. But local community leaders are hoping to attract remote workers and grow the local economy by offering new residents $4,500 cash, a $500 credit toward high-speed internet, a gym membership, and a monthly basket of farm-fresh eggs. These programs were launched in West Lafayette, Indiana; Ellsworth County, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and more. To qualify, remote workers must be employed full-time, make at least $50,000 annually, and reside outside Kansas before moving. The program is marketed and monitored by Make My Move, an Indianapolis-based company that helps communities connect with remote workers through cash and perks.

Persons: —, Lincoln, Kelly Gourley, who'll, Gourley Organizations: Service, Business, Lincoln, Innovation Center, Innovation, Northwest Kansas Business, Economic Development Foundation, Kansas counties Locations: Lincoln County , Kansas, Wichita, West Lafayette , Indiana, Ellsworth County , Kansas, Tulsa , Oklahoma, Kansas, Indianapolis, Northwest Kansas, Northwest, Lincoln, Atlanta, Dallas, Memphis , Tennessee

☆ This college town is experimenting with giving low-income entrepreneurs and gig workers $12,672, no strings attached
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Ann Arbor's program, called Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor, is giving low- and moderate-income residents $528 a month, no strings attached. Over 50 municipalities have tried the GBI model since 2019, offering low-income participants between $100 and $1,000 a month, no strings attached for one to five years. "This pilot will help us learn whether guaranteed income payments can be an effective way to help some entrepreneurs with their business efforts." Chicago announced in April that it restarted its previous GBI program that offered low-income residents $500 a month. A GBI program in Harris County, Texas is being challenged by Attorney General Ken Paxton, who called the program "unconstitutional."

Persons: —, Ann, Ann Arbor's, Monique Gonzalez, Ann Arbor, GBI, Ken Paxton Organizations: Service, Business, Local, Services, Denver, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, University of Michigan, Chicago, Republican Locations: Ann Arbor , Michigan, Ann Arbor, San Antonio, Antonio's, Ann, Michigan, Atlanta, Denver, Flint, Harris County , Texas, Iowa , Arizona, South Dakota

☆ Many Gen Zers in their 'decisive decade' are leaving school and struggling to find work. They're part of America's disconnected youth.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewYoung Americans are feeling increasingly isolated from their offices and classrooms, and these "disconnected youth" — or "opportunity youth" — may be ill-positioned for the future. Loneliness and a tough job market are leaving many Gen Zers feeling stuck, isolated, and unsupported. In fact, they're members of the disconnected youth — defined as Gen Zers who are not in school and not working. Disconnected youth are at risk of long-term stagnationMost Gen Zers — who are between the ages of 12 and 27 — are in this decisive decade. How to help disconnected youthAlthough many disconnected youth struggle with school and work, researchers cautioned against a "one size fits all" solution.

Persons: —, Gen Zers, Richard Reeves, Reeves, Zers, aren't, Zers —, Jonathan Zaff, Ian Rowe, Lara Aknin, Zaff, Zer, isn't Organizations: Service, Brookings, Business, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, National Center for Education Statistics, Boston University, American Enterprise Institute, Partnership Locations: North America, Brookings

☆ 3 reasons your teens and 20s are 'the decisive decade'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

And there are three key reasons Gen Zers' decisive decade will shape their ongoing mental and financial health. Unhappiness can shape long-term mental healthGen Zer's mental health outcomes are shaped by their involvement in school and work, Brookings researchers said. AdvertisementAt work, many Gen Zers are struggling with anxiety, work-life balance, and burnout — more so than millennials, Gen X, and boomers. Unhappiness and social isolation are especially affecting Gen Zers who reached adolescence during the pandemic. Not all Gen Zers start on equal footingTo be sure, Gen Zers' education, work, and financial outcomes are also dependent on their life circumstances in childhood.

Persons: —, Zers, Gen Zers, Ian Rowe, Gen X, Lara Aknin, it's, Zer, isn't Organizations: Service, Pew, Business, Brookings Institution, Brookings, Urban Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Research Locations: America, Brookings

☆ A 64-year-old 'peak boomer' worries his savings and Social Security won't be enough to retire: 'My biggest fear is finding myself at 75 standing at the door at Walmart.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Kirsch is hoping to start collecting Social Security checks in a couple of years, just before his 67th birthday. Related storiesFor many, Social Security won't be enough to fill the gaps. As of March 2024, the Social Security Administration said that its average monthly check sent to recipients is $1,774.83. And, if lawmakers don't intervene, the US Social Security fund is set to dry out by the late 2030s. "Start saving and do it as aggressively as you can," he said.

Persons: —, David Kirsch, Kirsch, Hill , New Hampshire —, he's, Kirsch isn't, didn't Organizations: Service, He's, Business, Walmart, Survey, Income, Social, Social Security Administration, US Social Security Locations: Caribbean, South America, Hill , New Hampshire

☆ Meet a Gen X ALICE in Michigan who struggles to pay for prescriptions and can only afford one meal a day: 'I make too much to get help.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. As the main income earner for her household, Tobias works to support her 19-year-old son, her fiancé, and her fiancé's mother. Advertisement"I make too much to get help," she told Business Insider. AdvertisementAnd, guaranteed basic-income programs — which are being tried in cities across the US — typically only apply to families living below the poverty line. Tobias works full-time but struggles to afford utilities and healthcareElectricity and mortgage bills are Tobias' top expenses.

Persons: —, Cherie Tobias, hasn't, Tobias, ALICE, Applebee's doesn't Organizations: Service, Business, Survey, United Way's Locations: Hastings , Michigan, Michigan

☆ Hospital wait times will still be bad this year, even with labor gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Small businesses are seeing labor growth this year, but hospitals still have staffing shortages. Healthcare worker numbers are steadily growing but remain below pre-pandemic trends, according to a Bank of America report published in April. Outpatient care centers are 9.4% behind on growth, while the hospital labor force has seen small gains at 0.3%. In fact, healthcare workers made up a significant portion of the people leaving their jobs during the Great Resignation. Patients will still see labor shortages in ERs and care facilitiesDespite labor gains, patients could still experience the impacts of the physician shortage.

Persons: —, Per, KFF Organizations: Service, Bank of America, The Bank of America Institute, of Labor Statistics, Centers, Medicare, Services, Kaiser Family Foundation, American Hospital Association, of America, Peterson Center, Healthcare, of Health, Bank of

☆ What's so great about Australia's retirement plan — and what it means for America
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Australia's superannuation system mandates employer-funded retirement contributions. Meanwhile, the US retirement system has become anxiety-inducing for many, as older adults struggle to make ends meet. AdvertisementAustralian retirement system puts saving responsibility on employers, not employeesAmerica's current retirement infrastructure includes two major categories: defined contribution plans and Social Security. This differs from the American system, where retirees' money is often held between a 401(k), other accounts, and outside investments. Still, Reilly cautioned that applying Australia's retirement system to the US could negatively affect employee wages.

Persons: —, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Catherine Reilly, Reilly, Larry Fink, Fink Organizations: Service, Challenger Limited, Money, TIAA Institute, Georgetown University's Center for Retirement, Social Security, BlackRock, Employers, Pew Charitable Trust Locations: Australia, America, California, Colorado

☆ Here's what the Credit Card Competition Act could do to your airline miles and travel rewards
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-07 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Major airlines' bottom line depends on credit card companiesThe Credit Card Competition Act , which was introduced to Congress in June 2023 would require major banks to use at least one credit card payment network that isn't Mastercard or Visa — companies that control more than 80% of US credit card transactions — to introduce more competition into the credit card market. AdvertisementSen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, is the lead sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act. AdvertisementCredit card rewards incentivize travelersBusinesses typically make up for these credit card swipe fees by raising prices for customers. Bohorquez, however, said increased credit card competition is unlikely to lower prices in practice. "I hope that people continue to earn and enjoy their credit card points and take a lot of free trips."

Persons: —, Jess Bohorquez, Bohorquez, she's, Banks, Sen, Dick Durbin, Durbin, I'm Organizations: Service, Sydney Opera House, Business, Federal, Mastercard, Visa, Airlines, United, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, BI, Airlines for America, American Airlines, America, Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs, House Locations: Illinois, Delta

☆ Gen Zers and millennials are skipping the doctor's office because they can't afford the bills
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She has health insurance, but couldn't afford to pay the $1,800 cost of her insulin pump prescription, she said. And, Gen Zers reported avoiding medical appointments at more than twice the rate of boomers. Over a quarter of Gen Zers and millennials, however, say they do not have sufficient coverage to meet their needs, per the report. Because Gen Zers and some millennials are newer to the workforce, many of them are working these entry-level roles. Eight in 10 Gen Zers also said they are stressed on a daily basis — more than other generations, the report found.

Persons: —, Zers, Grace Cochran, Cochran, millennials, Gen Xers, Gen Zers, aren't Organizations: Service, Wakefield Research, Federal

☆ The benefit that pays for itself and increases worker productivity
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The organization advocates for company and government policy that supports working parents. All companies offered some form of childcare benefits — stipends, on-site care, or backup care. And, for each company, its annual net return for childcare benefits far outweighed the cost. But, when a company offers childcare benefits, retaining just 1% of eligible working parents could cover the price a company pays for those benefits, the study said. Childcare benefits boost employees' career prospects and earning potentialNot only do childcare benefits support a company's bottom line, but the study shows it improves the earning potential and career growth of individual employees.

Persons: —, it's Organizations: Service, Business, Companies, Bank of America, UPS

☆ When a Gen Zer studied in Milan, he met a best friend online to combat loneliness. They still maintain a friendship despite living in different continents.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Nick Portello (left) and Michele Gandolfi (right) maintain their international friendship over social media. Portello loved getting to experience Milan from a local's perspective, and Gandolfi appreciated doing new activities in his home city. "It's different living as a queer person in Italy, in a big town like Milan, or in New York like Nick." Portello said his experience meeting Gandolfi has encouraged him to reach out to new people and continue building real friendships on social media. Are you a Gen Zer who met friends online or maintain a long-distance friendship?

Persons: —, Nick Portello, Michele, Mycah, We've, Zers, Michele Gandolfi, Portello, Gandolfi, Milan, — he's, It's, Nick, Zer Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Italy, Milan, Reddit, American, That's, New York, Stockholm, London, Europe

☆ The Big Stay is great for companies and the economy, but workers might just be biding their time
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewProductivity for many companies is soaring — all thanks to the "Big Stay." AdvertisementThere are a couple of reasons workers have shifted to the Big Stay, Glassdoor Chief Economist Aaron Terrazas told Business Insider. The US economy added 275,000 jobs last month, but the job market recovery from the pandemic is slowing. The Big Stay has benefits, but they may be short-livedTerrazas said lower quit rates are giving way to high productivity across companies. At the same time, job openings have tumbled since post-pandemic highs, forcing a lot of workers to stay in their roles.

Persons: —, Aaron Terrazas, Terrazas, It's Organizations: Service, Companies, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business, Employees, The Conference Board, Labor Statistics, Federal

☆ San Antonio experimented with giving people $5,108 no-strings-attached. They spent it on housing and school supplies for their kids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewWhen Monique Gonzalez received her money from the San Antonio guaranteed basic income pilot, she bought school supplies, shoes, and Christmas gifts for her children. San Antonio is one of several cities nationwide piloting guaranteed basic income programs. Ingrid Sullivan, a participant with four children and three grandchildren, told UpTogether that basic income allowed her to secure housing and reliable transportation. San Antonio participants also told UpTogether that the GBI payments significantly improved their mental health. Have you benefited from a guaranteed basic income program in San Antonio or elsewhere?

Persons: —, Monique Gonzalez, Gonzalez, UpTogether —, UpTogether, Ingrid Sullivan, Sullivan, GBI, Austin, Stephanie Hendon, she's, Jessica Nairns, Texas State Sen, Paul Bettencourt, John Gillette Organizations: Service, San Antonio, Business, Houston, Austin, Urban Institute, Texas State, Republican, House, Republicans Locations: San Antonio, Denver, Austin, Boston, Minneapolis, Durham, City, Antonio, Texas, Harris, City of Austin, Washington ,, Harris County, Dakota, Iowa, In Arizona, Arizona, Flint , Michigan

☆ The pandemic forced many women to leave their jobs. Hybrid work is bringing them back.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A rise in remote and hybrid jobs has allowed many women to seek higher-income roles. A narrowing of gender labor force gap since 2019 has added about $1.5 trillion to global income. Many women were forced to leave their jobs during the pandemic, thanks to poor market conditions and a rising need for childcare and older adult care. In the US, around 70% of working-age women participated in the labor force in 2020. Remote jobs also offer more flexibility.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, US Bureau of Labor, Statistics, Pew Research Center, European Union Locations: Australia, India, Japan

☆ Millennial women are about to get richer, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

With the expected financial windfall, many women said they are becoming more financially confident and planning to invest. Women are set to inherit more wealth over timeAs more women accrue generational and independent wealth, Ellevest researchers expect the gender wealth gap will shrink. AdvertisementThe gender pay gap refers to the amount of money men and women make, while the wealth gap is the discrepancy between what men and women own. The gender wealth gap won't close completely, but the change is likely to lead to more women investors and business leaders. Women invest more in philanthropy and climate causesWomen are likely to invest in other women, hire other women, and pay women high salaries, the survey said.

Persons: —, We've, Ellevest, allisonkelly@insider.com Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Abortions now cost over $450, more than double the price before Roe was overturned, per a reproductive care nonprofit director
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Abortion funds provide information and help offset costsThe demand for funds like CAF has risen significantly since June 2022, Jeyifo said. It also received funding from the city of Chicago and is one of the few abortion funds to receive local government funding. AdvertisementSo far this year, Hidalgo-Cuellar said 84% of Cobalt's clients requiring travel support have come from Texas. She said it's difficult to keep the work of abortion funds in the public eye — and she worries about donations drying up. Imminent rulings from the Florida Supreme Court will also decide the fate of the state's abortion bans, and whether voters will have a say in abortion laws this November.

Persons: —, Roe, Wade, Megan Jeyifo, Jeyifo, Dobbs, they'll, Melisa Hidalgo, Cuellar, Sumeyye, you's Organizations: Service, Chicago Abortion Fund, CAF, Business, Jackson, Health Organization, Guttmacher, Kaiser Family Foundation, Guttmacher Institute, The, Abortion, ARC Locations: Chicago, Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, Hidalgo, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arc, Florida

☆ Millions of veterans are about to get expanded healthcare access
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Specific military, naval, and air service veterans who served in active duty after October 1981 were eligible before recent expansions. AdvertisementBiden has also expressed support for expanding federal healthcare access for veterans. "We expanded resources to end veterans' homelessness, end veterans' poverty, end the silent scourge of suicide, which is taking more veterans than war is." Trump, the GOP frontrunner, has not announced any new plans for veteran healthcare access as part of his campaign. Are you a veteran who will be impacted by expanded healthcare access?

Persons: —, US Department of Veterans Affairs —, Orange, Shereef Elnahal, Elnahal, Joe Biden, Biden, Donald Trump, Trump Organizations: Service, —, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Business, Affordable, PACT, Department of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, Biden Administration, Arlington National Cemetery, KFF, Kaiser Family Foundation, Democratic, GOP Locations: Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan

☆ Over a million boomers on Medicare could save big on prescription drugs next year
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewSome Medicare recipients could save thousands of dollars on out-of-pocket drug costs next year as even more boomers reach their spending threshold. In 2023, 50.5 million Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Part D plans. About 65 million people in total are enrolled in Medicare, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. If the national cost cap had been in place in 2021, KFF estimates that 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries would have seen relief. Are you a Medicare beneficiary who has seen relief from the out-of-pocket drug cost cap?

Persons: —, Joe Biden's, California Medicare enrollees Organizations: Service, Medicare, Business, Kaiser Family Foundation, Institute, Social Security, Centers, Medicaid Services, California Medicare, Services Locations: California, California , Florida , Texas , New York, Pennsylvania

☆ Half of Gen Z workers think ChatGPT gives better career advice than their manager, survey says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

To retain Gen Z talent, companies should emphasize mentorship and learning in the workplace. AdvertisementWhen some Gen Z workers need career advice, they think ChatGPT will offer better guidance than their managers. In fact, 44% of Gen Z respondents said they are considering quitting their jobs in the next six months. Gen Z workers are looking for learning and development, not just money, from their jobs, according to research by The Standard. And, when young workers feel disconnected from their managers, they likely feel disconnected from their employers.

Persons: —, Gen Z, Zers, Gen Zers, Gen Xers, Gen Organizations: Service, Workplace Intelligence

☆ Gen Z prefers paychecks over promotions, survey says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Advertisement"Since 2021, Gen Z has been living with rates of inflation not seen in the US in decades," the Standard reported. AdvertisementAccess to loans, a strong 401(k) retirement account, and reliable insurance coverage are benefits that Gen Zers expect from employers. Over 90% of Gen Zers and millennials said they're considering leaving their jobs, per a 2023 LinkedIn survey. AdvertisementBy offering intentional tools toward sustained economic stability, The Standard said companies will have better luck recruiting and retaining Gen Z workers. Are you a Gen Z worker and willing to share details about your economic stability goals and how you plan to achieve them?

Persons: —, Zers, Gen Z, Gen Zers, X, millennials Organizations: Service, Business, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Standard Locations: homebuying

☆ A Gen Z diabetic said a 3-month supply of insulin pumps would cost her $1,800 — even with insurance
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-03 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

However, others, like 25-year-old Cochrin, are still seeking some relief for the costs of insulin and other necessary diabetes tools, like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. While the costs of insulin have skyrocketed, and the direct medical costs of treating diabetes have also increased by about 7% since 2017. AdvertisementEarlier this month, Cochrin posted a TikTok explaining that a 3-month supply of her insulin pumps would cost her $1,800, even after insurance. Her continuous glucose monitor doesn't cost her anything right now, but in the past, she paid $30 a month with insurance. AdvertisementDifferent people may have increased sensitivity to different types and brands of insulin, Cochrin said, but insurance companies sometimes only offer one option for coverage.

Persons: —, Grace Cochrin's, Joe Biden, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, it's, Cochrin, She's, Campbell Hutton Organizations: Service, American Diabetes Association, National Institutes of Health, Business, White, US Department of Health, Human Services, that's Locations: Charlotte, North Carolina

☆ Texas moms can now get an additional 10 months of Medicaid after giving birth
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

New mothers in the state were previously eligible for Medicaid for only two months following childbirth. Increased access to Medicaid correlates with improved pre-pregnancy health, maternal health, and infant health outcomes, according to reports published in 2020 and 2021 by the KFF, formally known as the Kaiser Family Foundation. Texas is now one of 43 states that have extended the window for postpartum healthcare coverage under Medicaid. The monetary relief Texas mothers will receive depends on their specific income level and number of dependents. And Texas has seen recent efforts to limit abortion and reproductive health care access, especially following the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

Persons: —, Diana Forester, Forester, Roe, Wade Organizations: Service, Business, Centers for Disease Control, Texas, Kaiser Family Foundation, Texans Care, Children, Medicaid Locations: Texas, United States

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