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NEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.Barry Odom begins Purdue career with larger NIL budget and questions about payment dispute at UNLV
HP reports soft Q1 guidance; shares tumble in afterhours trading
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NEW YORK , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhuna, an advanced event management platform developed by the creators of UNTOLD—ranked #3 globally by DJ Mag and one of the world's largest music festivals—announces its partnership with Plume, the first fully-integrated layer-1 modular blockchain focused on Real World Asset Finance (RWAfi). Reaching over 2 million attendees across 165 events, including partnerships with iconic organizers like UNTOLD Festival, this collaboration is set to revolutionize the $700B+ live events industry with cutting-edge innovation. Building the Future of Onchain Events Rhuna's platform integrates into Plume Network, leveraging its ecosystem of 180+ projects, over 200M transactions, and support from 3.5M testnet users. This partnership enables innovative blockchain solutions that modernize event management, offering capabilities such as: Rhuna's Proven Track Record Rhuna's platform has already revolutionized event management in the Web2 space, with: This collaboration amplifies Rhuna's ability to scale globally while delivering cost-effective, engaging, and personalized event experiences. Why This Matters The partnership addresses key challenges in the events industry, combining Rhuna's expertise with Plume's blockchain infrastructure to deliver tangible results, while creating transparent and scalable tools for secure, decentralized event management. " This partnership is a major milestone for the integration of blockchain into real-world industries, " said Chris Yin , CEO of Plume. " With Rhuna's proven success in live events and Plume's infrastructure, we're unlocking the full potential of Web3 to transform how events are managed and experienced. " " We're excited to partner with Plume Network, whose focus on RWAfi and modular blockchain infrastructure perfectly aligns with Rhuna's mission. Plume's technology enhances our platform's scalability, security, and efficiency, helping us deliver seamless, blockchain-powered solutions for event organizers and attendees in real-world asset integration. This partnership is a key step in transforming the events industry, " said Sveatoslav Vizitiu, CEO of Rhuna. About Rhuna Rhuna is a white-label event management platform integrating modular solutions for payments, marketing, ticketing, and analytics into a seamless, blockchain-powered infrastructure. Founded by the creators of UNTOLD, Rhuna's mission is to scale events of all sizes while delivering cost-effective, engaging, and personalized attendee experiences. Learn more at rhuna.io or contact sveat@rhuna.io . Twitter | Website | Discord | Telegram About Plume Plume is the first fully integrated L1 modular blockchain focused on RWAfi, offering a composable, EVM-compatible environment for onboarding and managing diverse real-world assets. With 180+ projects on its private devnet, Plume provides an end-to-end tokenization engine and a network of financial infrastructure partners, simplifying asset onboarding and enabling seamless DeFi integration for RWAs. Learn more at plumenetwork.xyz or contact press@plumenetwork.xyz . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/700b-industry-shake-up-rhuna-x-plume-transforming-events-for-2m-attendees--200m-blockchain-transactions-302316970.html SOURCE Plume NetworkANDOVER, Mass. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TransMedics Group, Inc. ("TransMedics") (Nasdaq: TMDX), a medical technology company that is transforming organ transplant therapy for patients with end-stage lung, heart, and liver failure, today announced that on December 9, 2024 , TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 20,612 shares of its common stock and an aggregate of 13,576 restricted stock units to 3 employees, each as a material inducement for each employee's entry into employment with TransMedics. The grants included stock options to purchase 18,922 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 12,463 restricted stock units granted to Gerardo Hernandez , the Company's Chief Financial Officer. The grants were approved by the Compensation Committee of the TransMedics Board of Directors and were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and pursuant to the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. TransMedics granted non-qualified stock options to purchase 20,612 shares of TransMedics' common stock and 13,576 restricted stock units in the aggregate. The stock options were granted with a per share exercise price of $69.84 , the closing price of the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 9, 2024 . Twenty-five percent of the shares subject to each option will vest on the first yearly anniversary of the date of the employee's start of employment, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the subsequent three year period, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The options have a 10-year term and are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. Twenty-five percent of each restricted stock unit award will vest on the first four anniversaries of the date of the employee's start of employment, subject to the employee's continued service with the Company through the applicable vesting date. The restricted stock units are subject to the terms of the TransMedics Group, Inc. Inducement Plan. About TransMedics Group, Inc. TransMedics is the world's leader in portable extracorporeal warm perfusion and assessment of donor organs for transplantation. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts , the company was founded to address the unmet need for more and better organs for transplantation and has developed technologies to preserve organ quality, assess organ viability prior to transplant, and potentially increase the utilization of donor organs for the treatment of end-stage heart, lung, and liver failure. Investor Contact: Brian Johnston 332-895-3222 Investors@transmedics.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transmedics-reports-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4-302330724.html SOURCE TransMedics Group, Inc.CLC board appoints pastor to temporarily fill vacancy; ‘I am committed to ... supporting policies that prioritize student success’
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Kylian Mbappé created history as Real Madrid went to Bergamo for the Matchday 6 tie in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League. He scored the first goal within the first half of the match, sending his team into a crucial win while breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time goalscoring record in the process. The game ended with 2-3, favoring Real Madrid. Mbappé’s switch to Real Madrid this summer season had created much hype, although he had a rather muted start to the season. However, in the recent games, the 25-year-old forward has started to get his rhythm going, especially in the Champions League. Finding the back of the net in successive games, the goal against Atalanta was Mbappé’s 12th for the team since his arrival. His strike in the first ten minutes of the game against Atalanta was not only a match-winner but also a milestone moment when he broke Ronaldo’s record of scoring the most goals in the Champions League for a long time. Mbappé has scored 50 goals in just 79 games, which is the quickest time to reach the mark. It took Ronaldo 91 games to do it. Mbappé Beats Legends Mbappé is thus placed in elite company. Not only did he surpass Ronaldo but managed to surpass several other footballing legends on the all-time list, including Raul González, Thierry Henry, Thomas Müller, and Karim Benzema. Mbappé now stands at four with 50 goals at just 79 games with the record book showing some of the quickest players that have achieved this feat, Robert Lewandowski having hit it at 77, Lionel Messi at 66, and Ruud van Nistelrooy at 62. The French forward started his journey in the Champions League back in the 2016-17 season with Monaco, scoring six goals in his debut season. Then he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where his tally grew significantly as he scored 42 goals between 2017 and 2024. Now with Real Madrid, Mbappé has already made his mark in the competition with two goals in just a short period at the Spanish club. Mbappé Among Youngest Players To Score 50 Goals At the tender age of 25 years and 356 days, Mbappé is one of the youngest players to ever have reached 50 Champions League goals. The only player younger than him is Lionel Messi , who achieved the same at 24 years and 284 days. Considering the fact that he reached this milestone in fewer games than most of the stars who compete with him makes the achievement even more significant. This is a landmark achievement which cements Mbappé into the ranks of the brightest stars in European football. As he continues to grow and evolve at Real Madrid, the question now is how many more records he will break before his career is over. The 100-Goal Club With such a stellar scoring rate, Mbappé is now on course to achieving another glorious mark: 100 Champions League goals. At the moment, he will certainly equal football’s all-time greats if he continues at the rate he is going; they include Cristiano Ronaldo, 145 goals; Lionel Messi, 132; and Robert Lewandowski, 109. Currently 25 years of age, Mbappé is indeed on course to become one of the most prolific goal-scorers in this competition. Mbappé, as long as he shines in the Champions League both for Real Madrid and the international arena, seems to have an incredibly bright future. Every goal brings him closer to the pantheon of all-time football players. ALSO READ | Vinicius Jr And Rodrygo Return For Real Madrid’s Champions League Clash Against AtalantaHow deepfake technology works
1. Fuzzy memory foam slippers made for those blissful days they spend at home doing a whole lot of nothing. If they're having a lazy day, it might as well be a comfy and chic one! Promising review : "I absolutely love these! They honestly feel like you’re walking on a cloud. I’ve been using [them] for about one month and they feel just as great as the first use. I got the cream color which can get dirty easily but I think they’ll clean well" — Moojjse Get them from Amazon for $29.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12, two styles, and eight colors). 2. An extendable bathtub tray to make their nights spent soaking in the tub even more luxurious. They'll have enough room to enjoy their bubbles with a few extras, including a book, iPad, candles, and a glass of wine! Promising review: "I am so happy I ordered this! I can put my iPad or a book against the metal rest, have a drink, put my phone in the phone holder, and put some decorative candles on the sides. I am now a bath lover and would recommend this product to anyone looking to step up their bath or relaxation routine. I can now relax in the tub and multitask easily!" — Sierra Ritchie-Gruver Get it from Amazon for $37.97+ (available in three styles and five colors). 3. Plus, a SipCaddy wine holder that'll take their bubble bath experience to new heights — now they won't have to worry about their fave red falling into the tub! Phew, crisis averted. Promising review: "Such a simple idea, how is this just coming into my life now? I didn't think showers could get any better but now I have a brew/wine within reach at all times. Really helps take the edge off after a long day. The thing is way sturdier than you'd expect, I've tugged on it and it's not going anywhere. The slotted design allows you to use stemmed wineglasses, too. A truly perfect product. This piece of plastic is working as hard as my therapist and I stan." — Steven Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six styles). 4. A dreamy 100% satin pillowcase so their bedroom will look and feel more upscale, not to mention they'll sleep more comfortably too! These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. Many reviewers even credit this pillowcase with helping to clear up their acne! Kitsch is a woman-founded accessory brand that was founded in 2010. They also sell cute scrunchies, cloth face masks, satin pillowcases, and more. Check out a TikTok of the Kitsch satin pillowcase in action. Promising review: "I'm really liking this pillow. I woke up today with nice wavy hair, not dry tangled hair. I've been trying to grow out the layer of hair on the top back of my head and it's been so stubborn! Keeps getting tangled and breaks here and there from bleaching and dye damage, but with this new pillow I notice it doesn't tangle, which means it can grow right without rubbing and tangling/pulling! So I'm excited to see what happens by the end of summer! Also the pillow is soft and is so much prettier in person! 😍😍😍💖💖💖" — Amazon Customer 🌷 Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes and many styles). 5. Some seriously beautiful Porter Seal-Tight Glass Containers because even people who love nice things eat leftovers every once in a while. They'll be more than pleased to store 'em in these little beauts. The jars are BPA-free as well as microwave- and dishwasher-safe. BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Rachel Dunkel says: "Before working from home became the norm, I would use these handy jars to bring my lunch almost every day. They're perfect for things like fruit, salad, or something saucy — stuff you really don't want to get squished *and* want to ensure doesn't leak into your bag. *But* I have found that I use them just as much at home full-time! They are of course great for leftovers, but also for prepped ingredients for the week. Shredded cheese, prepped chicken, and chopped veggies usually live in these, ready to be utilized for a quick lunch or snack. They clean *super* well — I even have the cream color and it recovered from storing beets! 10/10 from me." Get them from Amazon for $25+ each (available in two sizes and nine colors). 6. A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker if frozen treats are their love language and they'd appreciate the ability to whip up a healthy, tasty snack in no time. All they gotta do is add their go-to frozen ingredients of choice and they'll have mouthwatering soft serve in a matter of minutes. Promising review: "Such an amazing product. My first recipe was bananas and cashew peanut butter. Super duper fab! I can’t wait for a party just to make the dessert. Already bought another as a gift. Great buy." — desiree Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in six colors). 7. The viral Lululemon Everywhere belt bag they can easily take with them wherever they go *and* instantly feel super stylish, I might add. It can hold their essentials while they're out and about, like their phone, wallet, keys, and lip balm. Promising reviews: "This bag is so durable, looks good, and holds a lot! Perfect for vacations. I'm using it for a spring break cruise in a couple of weeks. It's so stylish while keeping everything I need safe and secure. I wanted one for a while, and they finally had it back in stock! Ordered one for my daughter too!" — Jules "I think this belt bag is great and very handy when it comes to walking in Walmart or walking around in general because it is so much better than lugging around a huge purse that takes up space and gets in the way!! What a great purchase this really handy belt bag was!! And it’s not that expensive!!" — karabelle Shipping info: Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days. Free standard shipping is 2–7 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost at checkout. See full shipping info here . Get it from Lululemon for $38 (available in 20 colors/styles). 8. A Shark FlexStyle hair styling system to give 'em the gift of luscious locks — it'll look like they just paid a fortune at the salon whenever they use this thing! It's super versatile with the base functioning as a normal blow dryer that whisks moisture away. But they can also use any of the included attachments to create bouncy curls, smooth their hair straight, or diffuse it for shiny, springy tendrils. The tool comes with an oval brush, a paddle brush, a curl-defining diffuser, and a styling concentrator attachment. It also includes two 1.25" auto-wrap curlers to curl in different directions. Promising reviews: "I have fine hair, but a lot of it so my hair can be challenging to style especially since I have really hard water. The FlexStyle has been a game changer for me and I’ve had good hair days ever since using it. I love the round brush for every day and I use the curling wands to add bounce when I want to kick it up a notch. It’s so easy to use and is the best styling tool I’ve ever used." — MeganJ "I have never had an easier time styling my hair. This product is amazing. I have the paddle brush, curl wrap and oval brush. My hair is very long and curly and I get a smooth blowout in 17 minutes. " — Vvvr Get it from Amazon for $287+ (available in five versions) or Nordstrom for $299.99 . 9. Brightland's Duo Artist Capsule Set for a magical upgrade to any meal they make. These high-quality oils are perfect for roasting, sautéing, soups, stews, bread, salads, hummus, and more. This set includes Ardor chili olive oil, Rosette garlic olive oil, Lucid lemon olive oil, and Arise basil olive oil. Brightland is a WOC-owned small business that sources olives for their oils from a family-run farm in California. Promising review: "Ordered four different olive oils after trying the chili oil we received as a gift. We've used the basil in salad dressings, the lemon and chili oil in other various dishes, and can't wait to try the garlic oil. These are by far my favorite oils which I will gift to friends and family during the upcoming holiday season. We are hooked !" — Laura B. Brightland shipping info: Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost at checkout. See Brightland's full shipping information here . Get it from Brightland (for gifts, you can also add a personalized message at checkout!) or Amazon for $150. 10. A ~dazzling~ whiskey decanter and glasses set that'll make their bar cart look *extra* enticing. It comes with a sleek decanter and two matching tumbler glasses. Promising review: "Simply beautiful...I received so many compliments on the set!! Everyone asks where we bought it and several offered to buy it outright!" — Theresa Hawkins-Garcea Get it from Amazon for $39.95 . 11. A classic bottle of Chanel's Mademoiselle Perfume because, in the wise words of Taylor Swift, it'll never go out of style! This citrusy-floral scent has stood the test of time and continues to be a cult-fave for a reason. It contains notes of orange, patchouli, and Turkish rose. Promising review: "My signature scent now after trying a few other high-end ones. I wear it daily and it feels amazing — not to mention the compliments I get from random strangers!" — ruchi4 Get it from Sephora for $108+ (available in four sizes). 12. An itty-bitty Theragun Mini that'll show 'em how much you care about their well-being. This can help relieve pain and tension, but it's also great for rest and recovery if they've been hitting the gym super hard. It comes with three different attachments for personalized treatment depending on their needs! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Melanie Aman loves her Theragun Mini for post-workout relief: "Exercising has been a huge boost to my mental health during quarantine, but the DOMS man — the DOMS hurt like hell!! I'm talking hurts to walk, hurts to lower myself and sit, hurts to stand up, hurts to lift things heavier than a stuffed animal, hurts to exist. I learned early on that this little gadget was suuuuuuuuper helpful in reducing my discomfort and loosening my tight, angry muscles. While jackhammering my calves and thighs is not an incredibly fun experience (TBH it hurts especially when I'm massaging already sore muscles), I know the next day I'll wake up with significantly less pain." Promising review: "I got one of these for my husband, 15-year-old son, and 75-year-old father-in-law. They ALL use it every other day! My son loves it after his basketball practices and husband after long days of work! It is the perfect size, fits right in your hand, and is super easy to travel with!! Comes with its own carrying case and charger! Just need a wall mount for the outlets!" — Kristin Conlon Get it from Amazon for $199 (available in four colors). 13. A Vahdam tea set , aka a dream come true for that one person whose ideal night is spent buried in a book with a hot cup of tea. They come in lovely gold tins and there are nine delicious blends to choose from! It comes with nine types of Chai and Black teas, including Roasted Darjeeling, Classic English Breakfast, Earl Grey Citrus, and more! Promising review: "All Vahdam teas are excellent. If you are a tea lover and you haven’t tried Vahdam, you’re missing out! This set is particularly nice for gifting. It’s beautiful." — Jen Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three other options; additional assortments also available). 14. A splurge-worthy towel warmer they'll soon wonder how they lived without. All they have to do is toss a towel in before a shower, and they'll have a warm and toasty hug waiting for them in 15 minutes. It fits two large bath towels at a time (getting out of the shower will never be the same!) and they can program the heat in 15-minute intervals up to an hour. Promising review: "Absolutely love this warmer. I got this as a Christmas present for myself and use it every time I shower. It is definitely worth the price. I usually put clothing inside first, unravel a towel and place it in next, then turn the warmer on before I shower. In 15–20 minutes, the towel is HOT. If you’re contemplating purchasing this warmer, do yourself a favor and submit your payment ASAP!" — Brittvny Thomvs Get it from Amazon for $139.99 . 15. A charmingly curvy ceramic vase so they can top off their IG-worthy table decor with some faux flowers that'll *literally* never get old. Promising review: "Stunning! This looks like it could be sold at West Elm for sooo much more. It’s such a steal, feels quality, and gives your arrangement such a striking look." — Rachael S. Get it from Amazon for $13.45 (available in three colors). 16. A Nespresso Vertuo for the self-proclaimed coffee aficionado who has been talking *nonstop* about upping their home brew game. They'll become a bona fide barista with this sleek gadget in their kitchen! It can brew single-serve coffee and espresso, which can be fully customized to their strength and temperature preferences! Each machine comes with a free variety pack of Nespresso pods to get them started! Promising review: " This Nespresso machine is the best investment I have made in my kitchen . Since I tasted delicious coffee, I will never drink any other brand. I used to drink Starbucks daily, for which I would spend $6 a day, but now I ONLY spend a dollar or two (think of a long-term saving) . I would definitely recommend this coffee maker. Thank you, Nespresso, for making such a delicious coffee. I am in heaven each morning." — senada Get it from Amazon for $164.49+ (available in three colors, plus a bundle option with the Aeroccino , Nespresso's milk frother). 17. A Trtl neck pillow with more than 18,000 5-star reviews — need I say more? They'll be able to get some mandatory beauty sleep before arriving at their destination! Promising review : "WOW! Literally life changing; used it on my 11-hour flight to and from Norway to SF and I usually can never sleep on planes, but this did the trick! It’s also super packable and doesn’t take up too much space! " — Julie Cox Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in four colors). 18. An aesthetically-pleasing Beast blender that'll make their kitchen look very fancy while simplifying their smoothie-making routine. It's super compact and comes with a drinking lid and carrying cap for on-the-go deliciousness with fewer dishes to clean! PS: The blending cup also doubles as a portable thermos and comes with a screw-on drinking lid, carry cap, and two straws. "I got this blender last summer, and wow, as someone who had firmly decided I was an 'I don't need a blender' person, I quickly changed my mind after the first use. For starters, it's not as large as those super industrial-strength blenders, and it's so aesthetically-pleasing that I have it out on my counter at all times. Plus, it couldn't be easier to use — just fill the bowl with your ingredients, pulse, and in a matter of ~moments~ you'll have a perfectly uniform blend of whatever you're trying to blitz. I first tried it out on a smoothie made with frozen bananas and peaches (see it in action on TikTok !), and it pulverized the icy fruit like a champ. Best of all? It's a total breeze to clean , which, if I'm being honest, was probably the biggest factor in my having waited so long to add a blender to my kitchen arsenal. I can't recommend it enough, 15/10, no notes." —Britt Promising review: "I have tried so many blenders and they all end up breaking or the blending power won’t be as strong within a few months. This blender has been so great the last few months! Before I purchased the blender, I was worried the blender cup would be too small for my husband's smoothie, but it was a perfect size for us. It’s super easy to use and super easy to clean. The blending power is amazing and the blender isn’t loud either! " — Vanessa Menendez Get it from Amazon for $164.95 (also available in additional colors/styles ). 19. A glorious foot-massaging machine because they should be able to pamper themselves with an at-home foot rub whenever they please. The detachable foot sleeves can be thrown into the wash to keep things from getting too smelly, and there are three kneading and three squeezing intensity levels to choose from. Promising review: "This is an incredible machine for foot pain. It ranges in pressure from 'firm, relaxing massage' to deep kneading. I have issues with my feet and a lot of pain as a result, so I use the medium setting with heat for 15 minutes and then the high setting with heat for 15 minutes. Best 30 minutes of my day. The pressure can be intense at times on the high setting, however, it is exactly what my feet need. Very impressed." — veber Get it from Amazon for $181.97 . 20. A gold-tone mirror tray so absolutely stunning, you may have to snag one for yourself, too. It's an elegant way to store perfume bottles, skincare products, or pretty much anything else they can think of! Promising review: "This tray is solid. Feels sturdy, heavy, and well-constructed. The gold shines well and the mirrored bottom is quality glass. It holds a decent amount of our perfumes, colognes, and bathroom accouterment." — RasBerrie Get it from Amazon for $24.13+ (available in four colors). 21. A Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club subscription to ~shake~ up their beverage routine with some delicious new flavors. Each month, they'll receive three new recipes and the necessary ingredients (minus the alcohol) to make four servings of each. Bottoms up! What they'll get: Every month they'll receive three cocktail recipes and all of the ingredients with which to make them, aside from the liquor. Ingredients include syrups, bitters, mixers, garnishes, and more. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Shaker & Spoon features a different liquor every month to show just how versatile each one can be when paired with the right ingredients. Promising review: "Our son gave us a gift subscription and then renewed it when we said how much we enjoyed it. We have recommended the monthly box to so many people and intend to give subscriptions as gifts to friends. Not only are the boxes well crafted and detailed, but the company has amazing customer service. We have done an awful lot of subscription boxes ranging from wine, clothes, and personal items to snacks and bespoke gifts. This is the first one that we have wanted to stick with!" — Marta V. Shipping info: If you need a box by a certain date, reach out to Shaker & Spoon by clicking the Contact Seller button (at the bottom of the page) and they'll hook you up with a different box from their vault. For last-minute gifts, there's also an option to download and print out a PDF note to let them know it's on its way! Get a gift subscription from Shaker & Spoon on Cratejoy: a 1-month for $49.92/box, a 3-month for $56.33/box, a 6-month for $53.16/box, or a 12-month for $49.91/box. 22. A cuddly Barefoot Dreams throw blanket , which has a loyal cult following, including none other than Chrissy Teigen and the Kardashians. This comfy throw is bound to earn a permanent spot on their couch, and if you're lucky, they might even share it with you! The blanket is made from 100% polyester microfiber blend that makes it SUPER soft. It can be washed on cold and tumbled dry on low. Promising review: "This is the BEST, softest, coziest blanket. After having one for almost a year, we had to give in and buy another because it became the whole family’s favorite!" — simplysarahxo Get it from Amazon for $125.58 (available in four colors) or Nordstrom for $180 (available in two colors). 23. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle that'll upgrade their space with an upscale smell *and* feel. The divine scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood, so it's basically guaranteed to carry them away to a serene paradise whenever it's lit. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business that specializes in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "I enjoy having a scented candle burning in my house. But I don’t like heavy, floral scents, so finding the perfect scent is difficult. This scent is perfect. It doesn’t slap you in the face, it doesn’t cling to your clothes and hair hours after leaving the house. This candle is warm, inviting, and elegant." — Micknan Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in six sizes, in gift box options, in packs of two, and in a variety of scents). 24. A pair of bedazzled safety pin earrings they'll be thrilled to add to their glamorous jewelry collection, especially if they're a fan of understated pieces that still have a decent bling factor! Promising review: "First of all, let me say that these are BEAUTIFUL and look even better in person. They look so expensive and I get compliments every time I wear them. Secondly, I have terribly sensitive ears and these don’t bother me at all. Love love love!" — Ashley Anderson Get them from Amazon for $20.99 . 25. A palm-sized hot stone massager to help them level up their self-care game. Fill it with hot water and they'll enjoy a soothing sensation so they can relax and unwind *without* an expensive trip to the masseuse. Lanshin is an Asian American-owned, Brooklyn-based small biz that was founded by Sandra Lanshin Chiu, who left her job in finance to pursue a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her beautiful gua sha, massage, and skincare tools are intended to help us "feel present and reconnected to the environment, our minds, and our bodies." Promising review: "This tool is epic. I use it to get knots out of my muscles. It keeps hot to warm for a good 30 minutes. And it fits in your palm perfectly! I'm a hoarder of self-care tools and this little tool is at the top of my list!" — Kim R. Shipping info: Items typically ship within 1–3 business days, and expedited UPS 2nd Day Air and Next Day Air shipping options are available for an additional cost. See full shipping info here . Get it from Lanshin for $41 (originally $59; also available in additional styles ). 26. Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones when the audiophile in your life could use a break that involves some solo time and a soothing playlist or podcast of their choosing. These babies boast up to 40 hours of battery life *and* personalized spatial audio for a premium listening experience. Promising review: "These are the most comfortable over-the-ear headphones I have ever used. Sound quality and noise cancellation is amazing . I can sleep with these on for hours. I work the night shift and drown out the surrounding noise from the kids in order for me to sleep before work! Well, let me tell you, these will give you the quietness you need." — Suecarla Adams Get it from Amazon for $349.95 (available in eight colors). 27. A radiant wine-chilling bucket — it'll make their beloved hosting duties a tad more luxurious. Trust me, they'll be beyond proud to bust this out at the next holiday gathering! It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine. Promising review: "Top marks! This wine/bottle cooler is both an elegant AND practical addition for any occasion where you want cooled wine, champagne, or other beverages close at hand. I used it at Thanksgiving for the first time and my company remarked how nice it looked. I like its 'clean' elegant design and it’s more effective than what I’ve used in the past. I also think it would make a lovely hostess or holiday gift!" — Bev Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in stainless steel or a copper finish). 28. And! A VoChill stemless wine glass chiller because their Pinot Grigio should always be precisely chilled without having to resort to ice cubes that'll just water their drink down. They can store this nifty gadget in the freezer and take it out when it's time for an evening ~wine~ down sesh. VoChill is an Austin, Texas-based small business started by a husband and wife after not being able to fully enjoy white wine because it warmed up too much in the heat. Former BuzzFeed Editor Abby Kass LOVES this glass chiller: "I wanted a nice glass of white wine because it paired nicely with my dinner, but realized I didn't have any chilled. Luckily, I remembered that I had put the VoChill in the freezer, so I was able to grab it, attach it to the base, and set my glass of wine in it. It chilled it and kept it cold the whole time I was drinking it. It was so nice. Plus, it was super easy to grab my wine glass when I wanted a drink, and I never felt like the glass would tip or wobble in the "cradle" because there's actually a bit of rubber in it that helps keep glasses of all sizes in place. I was seriously surprised how cold it kept my drink to the last drop. If you like a nice cold glass of white wine (or even a chilled red), I highly suggest keeping this in your freezer because you never really know when you're going to need it." Get it from Amazon for $44.95 (available in three colors and in a pack of two). 29. Fluffy shearling-and-suede lace-up Ugg Neumel boots for anyone with a flawless footwear game who would love to ~step~ it up even more. In typical Ugg fashion, these are next-level warm and comfy but have a chic design that's a bit more elevated than the classic slip-on. Promising review: "So cute. So comfortable. True to size. Love them. Easy on and off. I have worn them a few times, even dressed down with some sweatpants and dressed up with some jeans and a cute shirt. I also have the Ugg jacket that is the same color as the shoes. I love them! If you are on the fence, do it. They are pricy but def worth it. You get what you pay for ." — Samantha Get them from Amazon for $139.95 (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 12 colors). 30. A best-in-class KitchenAid stand mixer to justify the countless hours they spend in the kitchen whipping up baked goods. This thing can do it all: it mixes, it fluffs, it kneads. Basically, it's a baker's dream come true. In addition to whisk and paddle attachments, it comes with a dough hook for all of the bread lovers out there, as well as a pouring shield, which keeps flour from getting all over their counter (and them!). Promising review: "I really debated on spending so much money on a mixer. Would it really be worth it?? For sure it is! I can't say enough great things about this mixer. First of all, love the color! It's a great accent piece in my kitchen. I have made cookies, bars, cakes, and mashed potatoes in the few weeks that I have had it. It mixes the batter so much better than I ever could with my hand mixer! And I think the food actually tastes better! For a busy mom, it almost seems to be saving me time, because it mixes while you can gather other ingredients, etc. It takes me less time to bake and the clean up is easier since it's just one bowl and mixing paddle. Well, worth the money, I wish I would have decided to get one sooner! " — Prof. G Get it from Amazon for $329.95+ (available in 21 colors). 31. A personalized serving tray , which is pretty much the perfect gift for that special someone who *loves* to entertain. This will add such a unique personal touch to all the goodies they whip up for parties that all the guests will ask, "Where did you get that?!" Left Coast Original is a family-owned small biz based in Florida that makes a variety of personalized products, including serving trays, cutting boards, wallets, coasters, and more. Check out everything else the shop sells here . Promising review : "Beautiful platter. Exceeded expectations. We gave this as a gift, and they absolutely loved it." — Jen Shipping info: The shop offers free standard shipping on domestic orders and items typically ship within 1-2 business days. Expedited shipping options available at checkout. Get it from Left Coast Original on Etsy for $59.26+ (originally $84.66+ available in two sizes). 32. A set of marble salt and pepper bowls if you just know they'll love anything with chic but minimalist vibes. It'll complement their decor while also being practical, which they're sure to appreciate! This set also includes a salt spoon and a mango wood tray base. Promising review: "I love this little salt and pepper server. The quality is sturdy and beautiful and for the price, it is a beautiful statement as a gift or for your home. The price point is perfect and makes it truly a wonderful housewarming or host/hostess gift. I am very picky about quality and this product I give 5 stars. Will be buying many more." — Sancha88 Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 33. A Bean & Bean coffee subscription to permanently win the heart of the coffee snob you love so much. These USDA organic, fair trade, and direct trade beans are freshly roasted prior to shipping, so the quality is *chef's kiss* top-notch. What they'll get: Every month for three months they'll receive a 12-ounce or 3-pound bag of USDA organic, fair trade, and direct trade coffee beans (you select the type of beans, size, and grind type). Based in NYC, Bean & Bean is an Asian mother and daughter-owned small biz focused on bridging the gender gap in coffee. Promising review: "I love Downtown Blend and have gifted it to my parents a few times, they loved it too. So I decided to gift them this prepaid subscription. They think of me every day while brewing Downtown Blend! This made for such an awesome gift!! I'm so happy with it." — Sarah P. Shipping info: Ground Shipping is 3–7 days and Priority Shipping is 1–3 days. Orders placed before Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. Eastern arrive before Christmas (see Bean & Bean's full shipping information here ). Get a three-month gift subscription from Bean & Bean for $76+ (available in two sizes, four types of beans, and two types of grinds). 34. A sleek fountain pen so their most tedious tasks will suddenly be something they look forward to. Writing "thank you" cards with a swanky pen in your hand just hits different. This pen does *not* come with ink, but it does include a converter to fill it with bottled ink, as well as a storage case. Ink cartridges are sold separately. Promising review: "I LOVE this pen. I’m a professional writer — I spent 22 years as a business journalist, am a published author, and now work as a columnist and editorial director for a financial publisher. I say all that not to boast, but to underscore why I love pens so much. I collect them. And I really enjoy trying out new types and new brands. I’m 'old school,' in that I still take notes by hand. And I have to admit that I 'doodle' as I’m taking notes during meetings. (I’ve seen studies that say doodling actually boosts your information-retention rate.) So I sample LOTS of pens. And I can say with sincerity that this fountain pen is a great value for the money. It’s heavy (which I like). With the cap on the top, it’s long — which I also like. And it’s such a smooth writer — as good as or better than some really expensive fountain pens that I have. Add in the very affordable price, and this pen checks all the boxes in terms of what I look for." — The Famed Tollgate Terror Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in six styles and 12 colors). 35. Truff's 2024 Holiday Gift Set for treating their tastebuds to some of the most mouthwatering flavors around. Tbh, the bottles are extravagant on their own but the taste will knock it out of the park! Now they can add a lil' Jalapeño Lime Hot Sauce or Habanero Hot Sauce to any meal. It made Oprah's Favorite Things list of 2024 for a reason! Truff is a small business that specializes in unique hot sauces. Check out the rest of Truff's Amazon storefront for more gift options! Get it from Amazon for $27.99 (available in many varieties). Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.Wisa technologies CEO Brett Moyer sells $166 in stock
NEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025. Whether you're saving to move out of your parents' house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma. “Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year," Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.” If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they're attainable for your lifestyle. Here are some tips from experts: Think about how you currently deal with finances — what's good, what's bad, and what can improve. “Let this be the year you change your relationship with money,” said Ashley Lapato, personal finance educator for YNAB, a budgeting app. If you feel like money is a chore, that there's shame surrounding the topic of money, or like you were born being “bad at money,” it's time to change that mentality, Lapato said. To adjust your approach, Lapato recommends viewing money goals as an opportunity to imagine your desired lifestyle in the future. She recommends asking questions like, “What do my 30s look like? What do my 40s look like?” and using money as a means to get there. Liz Young Thomas, head of SoFi Investment Strategy, added that it’s key you forgive yourself for past mistakes in order to move into the new year with motivation. When setting your financial resolutions for 2025, it's important to establish the “why” of each, said Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial tracking app. “If you can attach the financial goal to a bigger life goal, it’s much more motivating and more likely you’ll continue on that path,” Watson said. Whether you're saving to buy a house, pay off credit card debt or take a summer vacation, being clear about the goal can keep you motivated. Watson also recommends using a tool to help you keep track of your finances, such as an app, spreadsheet, or website. “After three years of inflation, your pay increases are likely still playing catch up to your monthly expenses, leaving you wondering where all the money is going," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Make that monthly budget for 2025 and resolve to track your spending against it throughout the year." McBride said that you may need to make adjustments during the year as certain expenses increase, which would require cutting back in other areas. “Calibrate your spending with your income, and any month you spend less than budgeted, transfer the difference into your savings account, ideally a high-yield savings account,” he said. “Interest rates aren’t likely to come down very fast, so you’re still going to have to put in the hard work of paying down debt, especially high-cost credit card debt, and do so with urgency,” McBride said. Start by taking stock of how much debt you have now relative to the beginning of the year. Hopefully you’ve made steady progress on paying it down, but, if you’ve gone in the other direction, McBride encourages making a game plan. That includes looking into 0% balance transfer offers. “You have more power over credit card interest rates than you think you do," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Wielding that power is one of the best moves you can make in 2025.” A 0% balance transfer credit card is “a good weapon” in the fight against high card APRs, or annual percentage rates, he said. A low-interest personal loan is an option as well. You may simply be able to pick up the phone and ask for a lower interest rate. LendingTree found that a majority of people who did that in 2024 were successful, and the average reduction was more than 6 points. When planning for your financial resolutions, it’s important to consider how you’re going to make your goals sustainable for your lifestyle, said Credit Karma's Alev. “It really is a marathon, not a sprint,” Alev said. Alev recommends setting realistic, practical goals to make it easier to stick with them. For example, instead of planning to save thousands of dollars by the end of the year, start by saving $20 a paycheck. Even when your plans are achievable, there are times you'll get derailed. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill or an extraordinary life event. When these situations happen, Alev recommends trying not to feel defeated and working to get back on track without feeling guilty. “You can't manage what you can't see, so set a New Year’s resolution to check your credit score monthly in 2025," said Rikard Bandebo, chief economist at VantageScore. “Be sure to pay more than the minimum on your credit accounts, as that's one of the best ways to boost your credit score.” Bandebo also advises student loan borrowers to make all payments on time, as servicers will begin to report late payments starting in January, and missed payments will affect borrowers' credit scores. Automated changes, like increasing workplace 401(k) plan contributions, setting up direct deposits from paychecks into dedicated savings accounts, and arranging for monthly transfers into an IRA and/or 529 college savings accounts all add up quickly, McBride said. Your financial goals can encompass more than just managing your money better — they can also be about keeping your money safe from scams . A golden rule to protect yourself from scams is to “slow down,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president of security solutions at Mastercard. “You have to slow down and talk to other people if you’re not sure (whether or not) it’s scam,” said Gerber, who recommends building an accountability system with family to keep yourself and your loved ones secure. Scammers use urgency to make people fall for their tricks, so taking your time to make any financial decision can keep you from losing money. Your financial goals don’t always have to be rooted in a dollar amount — they can also be about well-being. Finances are deeply connected with our mental health, and, to take care of our money, we also need to take care of ourselves. “I think that now more than any other year, your financial wellness should be a resolution," said Alejandra Rojas, personal finance expert and founder of The Money Mindset Hub, a mentoring platform for women entrepreneurs. "Your mental health with money should be a resolution.” To focus on your financial wellness, you can set one or two goals focusing on your relationship with money. For example, you could find ways to address and resolve financial trauma, or you could set a goal to talk more openly with loved ones about money, Rojas said. —— The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
Why United Natural Foods Stock Popped TodayPheu Thai Party list-MP Prayuth Siripanich has been in the limelight following his proposal to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act, aiming to reduce the military's power to conduct coups d'etat. Mr Prayuth's bill is one of three -- the other two were proposed earlier by the People's Party and former defence minister Sutin Klungsaeng. The bill proposed by Mr Prayuth is now open to public opinion on parliament's website until Jan 1. Mr Prayuth is known as a bold and decisive politician who refuses to back down and continuously moves forward with his plans. However, this proposal may cause tensions between Pheu Thai and the military, as well as among coalition parties or even among members of the party. On Oct 18, 2013, when Yingluck Shinawatra was prime minister, Mr Prayuth, as deputy chairman of the House committee on reviewing the amnesty bill, proposed amending Article 3 to grant amnesty to individuals involved in political gatherings, conflicts or those accused of wrongdoing by groups established after the coup from Sept 19, 2006, to Aug 8, 2013, regardless of whether they acted as perpetrators, supporters or leaders. The proposed version faced strong opposition from political opponents, who argued it was designed to benefit former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been living in self-imposed exile since 2008. The amnesty bill at that time escalated tensions, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among various factions and leading to people taking to the streets. Yingluck later announced the dissolution of parliament in 2013. This event was a catalyst for the political crisis that led to the military coup by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014. Mr Prayuth has been in Thai politics for a long time. Born on Sept 30, 1945, in Maha Sarakham, he gained a bachelor's degree in law from Ramkhamhaeng University. He has served as an MP for Maha Sarakham for eight terms since 1979. He once held the position of secretary-general of the Social Action Party under the leadership of the late Montri Pongpanich. He also held ministerial positions in several governments. In 2010, Mr Prayuth was chosen as deputy leader of Pheu Thai. In April 2011, he resigned from this role along with several other executive committee members. During the Yingluck government, he was made an adviser to deputy premier Plodprasop Suraswadi.