DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Hurricane Helene: Now comes the hard work of recovering
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-29 | by ( Steve Almasy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +18 min

Kathleen Flynn/Reuters Boats displaced by Hurricane Helene sit in front of homes in Treasure Island, Florida, on Saturday. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Hurricane Helene is seen in a satellite photo Thursday afternoon. He was briefed Sunday by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall on recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28 in Asheville, North Carolina. Workers clear Cane Creek Road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29 in Fairview, North Carolina.

Persons: Joe Biden, “, Meredith Keisler, Keisler, ”, Krista Cortright, Cortright, ” Cortright, Hurricane Helene, Gerald Herbert, Melissa Sue Gerrits, Sean Rayford, Elmira Glover, Kathleen Flynn, Helene, Joe Raedle, Marco Bello, Jonathan Drake, John Falchetto, Cassandra Randall, Jessica Downey, Greg Lovett, Hailey Morgan, Phelan M, Megan Varner, Sarah Cribbins, Michael, Luis Santana, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Richard Burkhart, Mike Carlson, Mike Stewart, Candice Ocvil, Jibri Tolen, Erik S, Cristobal Herrera, Candace Redwine, Guy Ford, George G, Tapper, Ricardo Arduengo, Joe Burbank, Carol Poulson, Andrew West, Cynthia Centeno, Reuters Charles Starling, Stephen M, Dowell, Chandan Khanna, Thomas Simonetti, Pete Beach, Ramon Espinosa, Paola Chiomante, Michael Callahan, Duke, ” Callahan, –, Avril Pinder, Craig Fugate, William Ray, ” Fugate, ” Cooper, Biden, Brian Kemp, Roy Cooper, Deanne Criswell, Liz Sherwood, Randall, Criswell, Donald Trump, ” Trump, “ It’s, It’s, Ken Graham, Esther Manheimer, ” Manheimer, Michelle Coleman, CNN she’s, Coleman, ” Coleman, Gary O’Dell, he’s, I’ve, ” CNN’s Robert Shackelford, Sarah Dewberry, Rafael Romo, Jade Gordon, Ashley R, Williams, DJ Judd, Sunlen Serfaty, Lauren Mascarenhas, Eric Levenson, Isabel Rosales, Taylor Galgano, Sara Smart, Conor Powell, Caroll Alvarado, Caroline Jaime, Emma Tucker, Artemis Moshtaghian, Afshar, Raja Razek Organizations: CNN, White House, ” Workers, Hurricane, Getty, Reuters, USA, Tampa Bay Times, AP, AFP, East, Savannah Morning, United States Coast Guard, Walt Disney, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Service, Fairview Middle School, Fishel, State Emergency Operations Center, Washington Post, NOAA, Buncombe County , North Carolina –, Emergency, ”, Sunday, Georgia Gov, North Carolina Gov, Federal Emergency Management, Homeland, Weather, National Weather Service, Workers, WLOS, Asheville Dream Center Locations: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Carolinas, Asheville, Marion, Western North Carolina, Hurricane, Steinhatchee , Florida, , North Carolina, Asheville , North Carolina, Treasure Island , Florida, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Boone , North Carolina, Valdosta , Georgia, AFP, Laurel, Vilas , North Carolina, Crystal River , Florida, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, , Florida, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Shore, St . Petersburg , Florida, Key , Florida, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Watauga, Sugar Grove , North Carolina, Port Saint Joe , Florida, Bay Lake , Florida, Fort Myers Beach , Florida, Tallahassee, Leon County , Florida, Eastpoint , Florida, Villages, Tallahassee , Florida, Gulfport , Florida, St, Cross City , Florida, Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Panacea , Florida, Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Clearwater , Florida, Buncombe County , North Carolina, ”, Washington, North Carolina , Tennessee, Rehoboth Beach , Delaware, Florida , Georgia, Alabama, Bend, Alabama , Tennessee, Erie , Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Baltimore, Fairview , North Carolina, Vietnam

☆ Hurricane Helene: Southeast grapples with loss and destruction as Helene leaves over 60 dead, traps families and knocks out power
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-29 | by ( Dalia Faheid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

Here’s the latest:• Over 60 dead across 5 states: Deaths have been reported in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia. • Dozens unaccounted amid communications outage: More than 200 people have been rescued from floodwaters in North Carolina after Helene wrought “biblical devastation,” Gov. Marco Bello/Reuters The Laurel Fork Road bridge is destroyed by floodwaters in Vilas, North Carolina, on Friday, September 27. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Hurricane Helene is seen in a satellite photo Thursday afternoon. A van sits in floodwaters near the Biltmore Village in Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024.

Persons: Helene, Roy Cooper’s, Brian Kemp, Ron DeSantis, Glenn Youngkin, Roy Cooper, Avril Pinder, ” Pinder, Crews, Burke, Haywood, Joe Raedle, Elmira Glover, Kathleen Flynn, Marco Bello, John Falchetto, Jonathan Drake, Cassandra Randall, Jessica Downey, Greg Lovett, Hurricane Helene, Hailey Morgan, Phelan M, Megan Varner, Sarah Cribbins, Michael, Luis Santana, Miguel J, Rodriguez Carrillo, Richard Burkhart, Mike Carlson, Mike Stewart, Candice Ocvil, Jibri Tolen, Erik S, Cristobal Herrera, Candace Redwine, Guy Ford, George G, Tapper, Ricardo Arduengo, Joe Burbank, Carol Poulson, Andrew West, Cynthia Centeno, Gerald Herbert, Reuters Charles Starling, Stephen M, Dowell, Chandan Khanna, Thomas Simonetti, Pete Beach, Ramon Espinosa, Sean Rayford, Paola Chiomante, Helene “, Kemp, it’s, ” Kemp, Carolina ‘, ”, swamping, Cooper, ” Cooper, Stevie Hollander, Hollander, “, Sofia Grace Kunst, ” Kunst, Uno, van, Patrick McNamara, McNamara, ” McNamara Organizations: CNN, Gov, Getty, Reuters, USA, Tampa Bay Times, AP, AFP, East, Savannah Morning, United States Coast Guard, Walt Disney, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Service, Fairview Middle School, Fishel, State Emergency Operations Center, Washington Post, NOAA, National Weather Service, Biltmore, ” North Carolina Gov, Kunst Locations: Bend, Carolina, South Carolina , Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Saluda County, Georgia, Alamo, In Florida, Pinellas County, Craig County , Virginia, Buncombe County, Asheville –, McDowell County, •, Avery, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga, Yancey, Treasure Island , Florida, Steinhatchee , Florida, Horseshoe Beach , Florida, Valdosta , Georgia, AFP, Boone , North Carolina, Laurel, Vilas , North Carolina, Crystal River , Florida, Hurricane, Peachtree Creek, Atlanta, , Florida, Savannah , Georgia, Savannah, Shore, St . Petersburg , Florida, Key , Florida, Tarpon Springs , Florida, Sugar Grove , North Carolina, Port Saint Joe , Florida, Bay Lake , Florida, Fort Myers Beach , Florida, Tallahassee, Leon County , Florida, Eastpoint , Florida, Villages, Tallahassee , Florida, Gulfport , Florida, St, Cross City , Florida, Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Panacea , Florida, Puerto Juarez, Cancun, Mexico, Clearwater , Florida, North Carolina , Georgia, ’, National Weather Service Greenville, Spartanburg , South Carolina, Appalachian, Asheville, Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Virginia , Kentucky , Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Asheville , North Carolina, ”, , North Carolina, Sofia, ’ North Carolina

For Love & Money is a column from Business Insider answering your relationship and money questions. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form. I imagine your wife doesn't view it as a tragedy. If you can't live this way, then something has to change, and your wife must open her heart to this. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form .

Persons: —, she's, it's, we're, I've, you'll, doesn't Organizations: Business, Service

When my dad died, I realized life insurance was a priority, but it doesn't cover everything I need. After that ordeal, I decided to up my life insurance to ensure that my family wouldn't face the same troubles if I died unexpectedly. It was important to me that — on top of paying funeral costs — my life insurance policy also covered our home's mortgage. Unlike critical illness insurance, cancer insurance only covers costs associated with cancer. While different health insurance plans offer different treatment coverages, Aflac's cancer insurance offers supplemental coverage that covers several treatment options.

Persons: I'm, doesn't, Samantha Chavarria Samantha Chavarria, she's, Read Organizations: Cancer, Aflac, Ambulance, Houstonia, Twitter Locations: Latina, Houston

While HYSA rates are dropping, they're still far higher than many traditional savings account rates. With the Fed cutting rates for the first time in four years, many are anticipating a decrease in the interest rates on high-yield savings accounts — finding a high-yield savings account with a 5% interest rate is already getting harder. High-yield savings accounts are low-riskOne major reason to keep your money in a high-yield savings account is that it is a low-risk option. Interest rates still beat other savings accountsOne of the best reasons to keep your money in a high-yield savings account is the higher interest rate compared to traditional bank savings accounts. High-yield savings accounts are still ideal for your emergency fundHigh-yield savings accounts are an excellent choice for short-term (up to a year) and medium-term (one to five years) financial goals.

Persons: they're, Jovan Johnson Jovan Johnson, Jovan Organizations: Barclays Bank, Bank of America, CPA, Instagram Locations: Atlanta , Georgia

Mortgage rates are expected to drop, which means that it might be a good time to buy a second home. There's no perfect time to buy a home, so I'm more concerned with whether it feels like a good time. So, while mortgage rates are expected to go down this year for primary homes, mortgage rates for second homes might not fall as equally. Still, the Fed rate cut is already impacting mortgage rates, which could benefit second-home mortgages, as well. Barring a big windfall of cash allowing you to buy something outright, there may never be a "perfect" time to buy a home.

Persons: Grams, I'm, Grams —, doesn't, Cheryl Lock Cheryl Lock, Read Organizations: USA, Forbes, MarketWatch, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Denver

The simplest credit card debt management option I've learned is the balance transfer card. He used a business credit card to buy the t-shirts, totes, inks, transparencies, cleaners, and other tools he needed to fulfill orders. Balance Transfer Credit CardsThe best balance transfer credit cards can help you take control of your debt. A balance transfer credit card will make paying off the debt easierThat's where the balance transfer card came in. Credit card companies often offer an interest-free introductory period when you transfer your balance from another credit card company onto their card.

Persons: —, I've, He's, Wells, it's Organizations: Service, Chase, Citi

For Love & Money is a column from Business Insider answering your relationship and money questions. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form. My great-grandparents passed down a large fortune to their kids, who passed it down to my parents when they died. Now, my parents have their share of the family inheritance. Write to For Love & Money using this Google form .

Persons: —, grandchildren's, Grandpa, doesn't Organizations: Business, Service

I grew up in a big city and have, until very recently, always lived in cities. I'd already been on the hunt for a location within commuting distance of the big city when the pandemic hit. House hunting in a new location in an increasingly hot market — as a result of the mass exodus from the big city — was like taking on another full-time job. My three-to-five-year plan now includes the lofty financial goal of buying a remote property with more land and freedom. I'm keeping in touch with my mortgage brokerLastly, I'm maintaining close ties with my phenomenal mortgage broker, the wise and wonderful Lisa Okun.

Persons: I'd, I've, I'm, It's, it's, Lisa Okun, she'll, what's Organizations: Service Locations: We'll

I recently bought a used car, and I ended up getting gap coverage and an extended warranty. Gap insurance is crucialGap insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan or lease and the car's actual cash value in the event that your vehicle is totaled or stolen. So, for me, paying $1,060 extra for gap coverage and also checking to make sure my auto insurance coverage is sufficient is well worth it. If you're looking for the best car insurance, look no further. MaxCare provides coverage for unexpected vehicle repairs after the manufacturer's warranty has expired, protecting you from high out-of-pocket repair costs.

Persons: —, MaxCare, I'm Organizations: Service, CarMax Locations: CarMax

We have also focused on using our favorite strategy to save on travel — using travel rewards credit card points to get some of it for free. While we mostly rely on airline miles to save money on travel, we also use flexible rewards points and hotel points for some aspects of our plans. My husband's birthday trip to MemphisI was able to book my husband a surprise weekend getaway for his 45th birthday this year using credit card rewards. Still, using rewards to take the sting out of what would otherwise be an expensive trip feels like a win when it makes sense. My whole travel plan also underscores something I have believed about the world of travel rewards for a long time.

Persons: Billy Strings, Rewards, Miles, Billy Organizations: Service, Delta Reserve American, Chase, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Credit Locations: Memphis, Memphis , Tennessee, Delta, Caribbean, Indianapolis, Delta Comfort, FedExForum

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. So when your little sleuth asks, "Are we rich?" in particular, Lieber writes that the question can lead to discussions on possessions, wealth, and what it actually means to be "rich." One mom and sociology professor whose story is recounted in "The Opposite of Spoiled" took a straightforward approach when her third-grade son asked if his family was rich. She continued in a 2017 interview with Business Insider: "If they say, 'Are we rich?'

Persons: —, Ron Lieber's, Lieber, Beth Kobliner Organizations: Service, Business, New York Times, PTA

I'm exploring how we could save money on these purchases by opening up a new credit card, so I asked certified financial planner Bobbi Rebell whether it's a better idea for us to open a store credit card or a rewards credit card. "Sometimes store credit cards come with 0% interest for a given period of time." The Pottery Barn credit card also works at all seven brands under the store's umbrella, including West Elm and Williams Sonoma. Rewards credit cards come with more flexibility and ongoing perksDespite the perks that store credit cards offer, Rebell says that other credit cards come with more flexibility, especially with how you can use your rewards. That's useful, especially if we need more than 12 months to pay off our credit card bills once a store credit card's 0% APR wears off.

Persons: —, we've, we're, Bobbi Rebell, Rebell, We've Organizations: Service, Business, Elm Locations: Williams Sonoma

I grew up working class and learned good work ethic from my parents. The novelty of cap erasers and Airheads from the school store wore off fast, and money didn't have much luster. In our part of Wisconsin, with its German roots and farm families, work ethic is our moral code. What 'good work ethic' means for your financesBecause it's in my DNA, I can't help but see a strong work ethic as a virtue. What I wish I'd learned about money earlierI'll always be grateful for the work ethic I learned from my parents ... and I wish I'd gotten the nuances of money a bit earlier in life.

Persons: —, didn't, I'd, you've, I'm, fritz, it's, I've Organizations: Service, Quicken Locations: Midwest, Wisconsin

As a frequent traveler, I get a lot of value out of reaching elite status with Delta. Maximizing my points and miles with my travel credit card means I can travel more. You can earn $1 MQD per $1 spent on Delta flights, but you can earn more with a Delta credit card. Rewards Credit Cards The best rewards credit cards can be a great way to earn cash back or travel rewards on your everyday purchases. Popular cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Bank of America Travel Rewards card.

Persons: —, we're, I've, Felipe Carrillo Organizations: Delta, Service, Diamond, Delta Medallion, American Express, Delta Sky Club, Delta Reserve, Chase, Bank of America, Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport Locations: Tulum, New Zealand, Delta, New York, Hawaii, Yucatan

Racking up a balance on your old credit cardA popular way to manage debt is to transfer the balance on an existing credit card to a balance transfer credit card with a low or 0% APR. Being unaware of the balance transfer feesMany people fail to consider the balance transfer fees when getting a balance transfer card. Balance Transfer Credit CardsThe best balance transfer credit cards can help you take control of your debt. Conversely, when you open a balance transfer credit card, your total credit limit will increase, lowering your credit utilization ratio. Neglecting to shop around for the best offerPeople with credit card debt will sometimes jump on the first credit card balance transfer offer they get.

Persons: —, I've, DJ Jack, you've, Jack, Wells, you'll Organizations: Service, Chase

See how we rate personal loans to write unbiased product reviews. One way my husband did that was by consolidating his loans to get out of debt. Back then, I had a decent credit score and about $18,000 in student loans, and he had a poor credit score and about the same amount in consumer debt and car debt. Here's what we did to tackle Marshall's credit score and debt ratio before officially tying the knot in January 2021 and eventually buying a home. It turned out a few inaccuracies were holding back his credit score, and he was able to get them deleted with just a phone call.

Persons: —, Marshall, Rich Dad, Robert T, JL Collins, Dave Ramsey, Chris Hogan, Christopher R, Jarvis, David B, Mandell, Gary John Bishop, we've Organizations: Service, Business, Nationwide

Getting stuck in New York"My heart stopped," says Jeremy, who messaged Faye Travel Insurance while on board. Their travel insurance company arranged a weddingBut their insurance company offered another solution. Get Travel Insurance Quotes Online Protect your trip with the best travel insurance. "This was an extraordinary situation that we addressed with extraordinary measures," says Faye Travel Insurance CEO Elad Schaffer. Jeremy has previously worked in the insurance industry, but this was the first time the couple purchased travel insurance.

Persons: Jeremy, Adam Geinitz's, —, Adam Geinitz, Hurricane Fiona, Faye, Adam, AJ Steele, Elad Schaffer, they're Organizations: Service, Faye Travel Insurance, City Hall, Get, Squaremouth, Puerto Rico, Faye Travel Locations: New York, Denver, Puerto Rico, Italy, Faye, Central Park, Caribbean, Puerto

☆ CIA director saw ‘genuine risk’ of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons early in Ukraine war
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-07 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

CIA Director Bill Burns testifies next to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines during a House (Select) Intelligence Committee hearing on diversity in the intelligence community, on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 27, 2021. CIA Director William Burns believed there was a real risk in the fall of 2022 that Russia could use nuclear weapons on the battlefield against Ukraine, though he said the West should not be intimidated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats. "There was a moment in the fall of 2022 when I think there was a genuine risk of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons," Burns said. In the more than two years since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has regularly signaled that it would consider using nuclear weapons in the war. It allows the use of nuclear weapons in response to an attack with nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, as well as a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the Russian state.

Persons: Bill Burns, National Intelligence Avril Haines, William Burns, Vladimir Putin's, Burns, Richard Moore, Joe Biden's, Sergey Naryshkin, We've, Putin, Sergei Ryabkov, Ryabkov Organizations: National Intelligence, Capitol, CIA, Financial, Kremlin Locations: Washington, Russia, Ukraine, Russian, Russia's Kursk, Kursk

It's never too early to start thinking about saving for college, and a 529 plan can help with that. A 529 plan is great for saving on taxes, but its lack of flexibility makes it less valuable to me. She's had a 529 plan since she was only a few weeks old. Your contributions can grow tax-free in a 529 plan. This is a fantastic benefit that can give families the ability to diversify the taxability of accounts for a 529 plan beneficiary in the future.

Persons: It's, —, She's, Roth, doesn't Organizations: Service

I had been saving to buy a house, but prices in Southern California have made that unlikely. I decided to stop focusing on trying to buy a house, which means I can put more toward retirement. I'm okay knowing I might be renting for life, as it means I can streamline my finances. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Retirement Planning The best robo advisors can help you start your retirement planning journey.

Persons: —, I've, I'm, homeownership, Roth, it's, There's Organizations: Service, realtors, SoFi Locations: Southern California, Los Angeles

Fortunately, we like to earn American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I also transferred Chase points to Hyatt and redeemed them for one night in a hotel in the city. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use itCheck mark icon A check mark. $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. Another Southwest flight home to Denver, also courtesy of credit card rewards, and our anniversary spectacular was complete.

Persons: —, Chase, Chase Travel ℠, Hilton, It's, we're Organizations: Service, Business, American, American Express, ANA Airlines of, Polish Airlines, Chase, Southwest Airlines, LaGuardia, Hyatt, Chase Travel, Sapphire, Chase Sapphire, TSA, FDIC, Hilton Lost Property, Hilton Honors Business, Hilton, Eurostar, ANA, Southwest Locations: London, Paris, Normandy, ANA Airlines of Japan, Newark, New York, JFK, Warsaw, Denver, Central Park, Paul's, New York City

My wife and I just got married, but we've been open about our finances our whole relationship. For some expenses like retirement planning, keeping our finances separate makes sense. That means we're able to work toward our financial goals of finding our forever home, paying off any student loan debt, and allocating funds for things we love, like vacations and dinners at our favorite restaurants. We're planning our retirements separatelyAlthough we are a couple, we keep some aspects of our finances separate. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area in minutes.

Persons: we've, —, Roth, it's, we're, doesn't Organizations: Service, Urban Outfitters

☆ Suspected Iranian hackers breached personal email account of someone associated with Trump campaign, investigators believe
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Sean Lyngaas | Evan Perez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The FBI and other investigators probing the apparent hack-and-leak of Trump campaign documents, which Donald Trump has blamed on Iran, suspect that the hackers were able to compromise the personal email account of someone associated with the campaign, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The hackers used access to the breached personal email account to try to break into the account of a senior Trump campaign official as part of a persistent effort to access campaign networks, one of the sources said. The FBI also briefed the Biden-Harris campaign in June about Iranian hackers targeting that campaign, one of the sources said. The FBI said in a statement Monday that it was investigating the reported cyberattack on the Trump campaign but declined to comment further. But the techniques used by the hackers to target the Trump campaign match those associated with Iranian hackers, according to one source familiar with the matter.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Harris, “, Avril Haines, CNN’s Zachary Cohen Organizations: CNN, FBI, Trump, Microsoft, Biden, stoke Locations: Iran, Israel

For Love & Money is a column from Business Insider answering your relationship and money questions. This week, a reader's dad died and left all his money to one sibling. Dear For Love & Money,My dad died almost two years ago and left my younger brother and me here. I know my dad caused this situation, but my brother doesn't have to handle it like that. Maybe your dad felt bad for your brother because he always secretly felt you had more promise.

Persons: —, doesn't, I've, didn't, I'm, it's Organizations: Business, Service

Search resuls for: "Avril"

25 mentions found