Latest news with #Charalambous
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Scorching puts Woodbine trainer Charalambous in position to chase King's Plate dream
King's Plate favourite No Time trains ahead of Saturday's race. Michael Burns photo Horse racing is a sport of dreams — everyone who works in the sport in Canada dreams of winning, or at the very least participating in, the King's Plate. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account For the bigger operations, being in the Plate is usually a given. For smaller stables, the wait can be a lot longer. For John Charalambous, that wait was 43 years. Charalambous has been a mainstay on the Woodbine backstretch since he started training thoroughbreds in 1982 at the age of 22, but having a Canadian-bred three-year-old good enough to start in Canada's biggest horse race eluded him. That changes on Saturday when he sends out Scorching in search of the lion's share of the $1 million prize. And at 10-1 in the morning line, he's a contender. 'If this is my first one and only one, I'm in with a very good chance,' Charalambous said. 'I'm excited, but more so, I'm nervous.' A son of Mo Town, Scorching broke his maiden in the Simcoe Stakes last August. He was then beaten by a nose in the Cup and Saucer Stakes, but was promoted to top spot via disqualification. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Scorching then picked up where he left off in June when finishing second to Mansetti in the Marine Stakes. He followed that up with a strong third-place finish in the Plate Trial, giving up a mid-stretch lead late to Sedbury's Ghost and Notorious Gangster. 'I thought he ran really well,' Charalambous said. 'He needed the race because he had a significant amount of time off before his first race of the year.' The only real concern that Charalambous has is Scorching's ability to last 1¼ miles. He has enlisted U.S.-based rider Jose Lezcano to try and squeeze every last inch out of the colt. But don't expect any wasted energy. '(Scorching) is just very professional, enjoys his training, and enjoys everything about being a racehorse,' Charalambous said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mythical Man and Watsonville Red were listed at 50-1 when post positions were drawn at Woodbine on Tuesday. For Watsonville Red, being a longshot winner is nothing new as his maiden score returned $58.90 for two bucks. He was 34-1 in the Plate Trial, but a fourth-place finish made a few superfecta bettors happy and gave trainer Mike De Paulo hope that the long distance of the Plate could produce another large mutuel price. 'I think his strength is that he's a stayer,' De Paulo said. 'If you have a Canadian-bred who is fit, happy and can run long, you have a chance.' Leo Salles was on board Watsonville Red for both the maiden score and the Trial effort so he has again earned De Paulo's confidence here. Mythical Man is a bit of an unknown. Trained by Danny Gargan, best known for his 2024 Belmont Stakes win with Dornoch, Mythical Man won at both Aqueduct and Gulfstream last year, but his only outing this year resulted in a non-factoring seventh-place finish in the minor Manila Stakes at Saratoga. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Mythical Man's greatest strength is that he is a trier,' Gargan said. 'He's a grinder. His biggest thing is that he tries every time.' Sofia Vives, Canada's champion apprentice jockey the past two seasons, gets her first Plate mount. BETTER FORECAST Last year's Plate will be long remembered for the freak rain storm that resulted in a five-day postponement. Saturday's forecast calls for some clouds, but the race should go off without issues. Read More PLATE FIELD 1. Mansetti (Kevin Attard/Pietro Moran*) 10-1 2. William T (Don MacRae/David Moran) 20-1 3. Notorious Gangster (Josie Carroll/Fraser Aebly) 9-2 4. Scorching (John Charalambous/Jose Lezcano) 10-1 5. Mythical Man (Danny Gargan/Sofia Vives) 50-1 6. Faber (Kevin Attard/Pietro Moran*) 30-1 7. Runaway Again (Sid Attard/Javier Castellano) 12-1 8. Dewolf (Kevin Attard/Flavien Prat) 30-1 9. Watsonville Red (Mike De Paulo/Leo Salles) 50-1 10. No Time (Mark Casse/John Velazquez) 7-2 11. Tom's Magic (Michael Stidham/Rafael Hernandez) 5-1 12. Sedbury's Ghost (Barb Minshall/Ryan Munger) 6-1 13. Ashley's Archer (Mark Casse/Sahin Civaci) 12-1 Toronto Blue Jays Canada Toronto Blue Jays World Sunshine Girls
RTÉ News
04-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Cash stuffing: The old-school budget trend returns
This method involves dividing physical cash into labelled envelopes, or budgeting binders, for specific expenses. Swipe, tap, spend - repeat. In a world where money disappears with a click, a surprisingly old-school budgeting trend is making a major comeback - cash stuffing. Made popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this method involves dividing physical cash into labelled envelopes or budgeting binders for specific expenses. What started as a niche personal finance hack has exploded into a movement, especially among Gen Z and millennials looking to regain control of their spending in a world of instant transactions. How does cash stuffing work? Cash stuffing is a modern take on the old school envelope system, a simple yet effective method where you withdraw cash and divide it into separate envelopes labelled by spending category - such as rent, groceries, or entertainment. "At the start of each week or month, you decide how much money you want to spend in each area," explained Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of financial advisory firm Alpha Wealth. "Then, you withdraw that amount in euro and "stuff" it into the corresponding envelope. "The golden rule? Once the money in an envelope is gone, you stop spending in that category until the next budgeting cycle," he said. While many people rely on digital tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets, cash stuffing appeals to those who want to see and feel their money. "For some, tapping a card or checking an app balance can feel abstract or easy to ignore," Mr Charalambous said. "But when you open your groceries envelope and see €40 left, you know exactly what you can afford at the supermarket and you're far less likely to overspend." While this method has long been used by older generations, it has recently struck a chord with younger people in Ireland who are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. What are the benefits of cash stuffing? There are plenty of reasons people love cash stuffing and for many, it just works. "I recently overheard a woman in a supermarket say she always brings a set amount of cash on holidays so she doesn't overspend," Mr Charalambous said. "That's the beauty of this method - it puts real, tangible limits on your spending." For anyone who finds themselves a bit "tap happy" on a night out or during an online shopping scroll, cash stuffing acts as a simple but effective safeguard. "When the money is gone, it's gone. No overdrafts. No unexpected bills. "Cash stuffing is best for those who have a hard time controlling their spending, have a lot of debt or frequently find themselves buying things on impulse," he added. What are the main disadvantages? Like any budgeting method, cash stuffing isn't without its drawbacks. While it offers structure and control, it also comes with limitations, especially in today's increasingly digital world. For example, it lacks flexibility. "If an unexpected expense comes up, you might find yourself short in one category and unable to reallocate funds easily," Mr Charalambous warned. "It's also, by nature an old-school method, one that doesn't always align with the way we shop and pay for things today. "Digital wallets and banking apps allow instant transfers and easier access to your money when you need it," he added. While deposit rates are relatively low, keeping money in the right accounts can help you earn interest, something cash in an envelope simply won't do. Also, from a safety perspective, carrying or storing large amounts of physical cash isn't ideal. Is cash stuffing the same as the old-school envelope system? Pretty much. Cash stuffing is essentially a modern rebrand of a budgeting technique that previous generations swore by. "It mirrors the traditional "envelope system" many households used long before contactless payments and budgeting apps," Mr Charalambous said. "Think of your parents or grandparents setting aside envelopes for the bin man, gas man, rent or the childminder - each one holding a set amount of cash for specific weekly or monthly expenses. "What's old is new again and with the added flair of TikTok tutorials and colourful budget binders, cash stuffing is enjoying a 21st century revival," he added. Is TikTok shaping our financial habits? Social media is having a significant impact on how people, especially younger generations, approach their finances. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become go to sources for financial tips and trends. The rise of cash stuffing is a perfect example. It has gained massive traction online amassing over 3 billion views collectively on TikTok alone. Rather than turning to traditional financial institutions, many Gen Z and millennials are looking to relatable influencers for practical, bite sized advice. How do I get started? If you're curious about cash stuffing and want to give it a go, the good news is it's easy to start and doesn't require anything more than some cash, envelopes and a bit of discipline. We asked financial advisory firm Alpha Wealth for their top tips to help you get going. 1. Create a financial budget Before stuffing a single envelope, take a look at your recent bank and credit card statements. Categorise your expenses - groceries, rent/mortgage, utilities, socialising, etc. and total how much you've been spending in each area over the last few months. This will give you a realistic starting point for setting limits. Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs (rent, utilities, groceries) 30% for wants (dining out, entertainment) 20% for savings or debt repayments 2. Set spending limits by category Decide how much cash you want to allocate to each category. If you're hoping to save more, identify areas where you can cut back - even €10 or €20 can add up. For categories with more frequent spending, like groceries or petrol, consider weekly limits to avoid blowing your budget early in the month. 3. Create your envelopes or budget binder This is the fun part. You can use plain envelopes, colour-coded folders, or buy a budget binder with labelled wallet inserts - popular on TikTok and ideal if you're on the go. Whatever you choose, the key is to clearly mark each one with its category. If you don't feel comfortable carrying cash, keep your envelopes at home in a secure place. 4. Withdraw your cash and stuff the envelopes Once you've finalised your limits, calculate the total cash you'll need for the week or month. Withdraw that amount, sort it into piles, and stuff your envelopes accordingly. 5. Only spend what's in the Envelope Discipline is key. When making a purchase, use the relevant envelope. If the money runs out, that's it until the next cycle. Avoid topping up from other envelopes or reverting to your debit or credit card unless it's absolutely necessary. If you keep running out too early in certain categories, reassess your spending patterns or consider adjusting your limits. 6. Save your surplus If you come in under budget and have leftover cash at the end of the month, instead of rolling it into next month's spending, consider using it to pay down debt or add it to a savings account with interest. Over time, these small wins can help you build towards bigger goals like holidays. 7. Start small
RTÉ News
04-08-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Cash stuffing: The old-school budget trend returns
Swipe, tap, spend - repeat. In a world where money disappears with a click, a surprisingly old-school budgeting trend is making a major comeback - cash stuffing. Made popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, this method involves dividing physical cash into labelled envelopes or budgeting binders for specific expenses. What started as a niche personal finance hack has exploded into a movement, especially among Gen Z and millennials looking to regain control of their spending in a world of instant transactions. How does cash stuffing work? Cash stuffing is a modern take on the old school envelope system, a simple yet effective method where you withdraw cash and divide it into separate envelopes labelled by spending category - such as rent, groceries, or entertainment. "At the start of each week or month, you decide how much money you want to spend in each area," explained Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of financial advisory firm Alpha Wealth. "Then, you withdraw that amount in euro and "stuff" it into the corresponding envelope. "The golden rule? Once the money in an envelope is gone, you stop spending in that category until the next budgeting cycle," he said. While many people rely on digital tools like budgeting apps or spreadsheets, cash stuffing appeals to those who want to see and feel their money. "For some, tapping a card or checking an app balance can feel abstract or easy to ignore," Mr Charalambous said. "But when you open your groceries envelope and see €40 left, you know exactly what you can afford at the supermarket and you're far less likely to overspend." While this method has long been used by older generations, it has recently struck a chord with younger people in Ireland who are feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living. What are the benefits of cash stuffing? There are plenty of reasons people love cash stuffing and for many, it just works. "I recently overheard a woman in a supermarket say she always brings a set amount of cash on holidays so she doesn't overspend," Mr Charalambous said. "That's the beauty of this method - it puts real, tangible limits on your spending." For anyone who finds themselves a bit "tap happy" on a night out or during an online shopping scroll, cash stuffing acts as a simple but effective safeguard. "When the money is gone, it's gone. No overdrafts. No unexpected bills. "Cash stuffing is best for those who have a hard time controlling their spending, have a lot of debt or frequently find themselves buying things on impulse," he added. What are the main disadvantages? Like any budgeting method, cash stuffing isn't without its drawbacks. While it offers structure and control, it also comes with limitations, especially in today's increasingly digital world. For example, it lacks flexibility. "If an unexpected expense comes up, you might find yourself short in one category and unable to reallocate funds easily," Mr Charalambous warned. "It's also, by nature an old-school method, one that doesn't always align with the way we shop and pay for things today. "Digital wallets and banking apps allow instant transfers and easier access to your money when you need it," he added. While deposit rates are relatively low, keeping money in the right accounts can help you earn interest, something cash in an envelope simply won't do. Also, from a safety perspective, carrying or storing large amounts of physical cash isn't ideal. Is cash stuffing the same as the old-school envelope system? Pretty much. Cash stuffing is essentially a modern rebrand of a budgeting technique that previous generations swore by. "It mirrors the traditional "envelope system" many households used long before contactless payments and budgeting apps," Mr Charalambous said. "Think of your parents or grandparents setting aside envelopes for the bin man, gas man, rent or the childminder - each one holding a set amount of cash for specific weekly or monthly expenses. "What's old is new again and with the added flair of TikTok tutorials and colourful budget binders, cash stuffing is enjoying a 21st century revival," he added. Is TikTok shaping our financial habits? Social media is having a significant impact on how people, especially younger generations, approach their finances. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become go to sources for financial tips and trends. The rise of cash stuffing is a perfect example. It has gained massive traction online amassing over 3 billion views collectively on TikTok alone. Rather than turning to traditional financial institutions, many Gen Z and millennials are looking to relatable influencers for practical, bite sized advice. How do I get started? If you're curious about cash stuffing and want to give it a go, the good news is it's easy to start and doesn't require anything more than some cash, envelopes and a bit of discipline. We asked financial advisory firm Alpha Wealth for their top tips to help you get going. 1. Create a financial budget Before stuffing a single envelope, take a look at your recent bank and credit card statements. Categorise your expenses - groceries, rent/mortgage, utilities, socialising, etc. and total how much you've been spending in each area over the last few months. This will give you a realistic starting point for setting limits. Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs (rent, utilities, groceries) 30% for wants (dining out, entertainment) 20% for savings or debt repayments 2. Set spending limits by category Decide how much cash you want to allocate to each category. If you're hoping to save more, identify areas where you can cut back - even €10 or €20 can add up. For categories with more frequent spending, like groceries or petrol, consider weekly limits to avoid blowing your budget early in the month. 3. Create your envelopes or budget binder This is the fun part. You can use plain envelopes, colour-coded folders, or buy a budget binder with labelled wallet inserts - popular on TikTok and ideal if you're on the go. Whatever you choose, the key is to clearly mark each one with its category. If you don't feel comfortable carrying cash, keep your envelopes at home in a secure place. 4. Withdraw your cash and stuff the envelopes Once you've finalised your limits, calculate the total cash you'll need for the week or month. Withdraw that amount, sort it into piles, and stuff your envelopes accordingly. 5. Only spend what's in the Envelope Discipline is key. When making a purchase, use the relevant envelope. If the money runs out, that's it until the next cycle. Avoid topping up from other envelopes or reverting to your debit or credit card unless it's absolutely necessary. If you keep running out too early in certain categories, reassess your spending patterns or consider adjusting your limits. 6. Save your surplus If you come in under budget and have leftover cash at the end of the month, instead of rolling it into next month's spending, consider using it to pay down debt or add it to a savings account with interest. Over time, these small wins can help you build towards bigger goals like holidays. 7. Start small
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Money dysmorphia: When your mind tricks your wallet
You've got a steady income, a roof over your head, and maybe even some savings - but why does it never feel like enough? Welcome to the age of money dysmorphia - a mindset where your financial reality never quite matches how secure, or insecure you feel. Much like body dysmorphia distorts how people see their physical appearance, money dysmorphia warps an individual's perception of their financial health. Some might feel financially secure because they drive a new car, go on regular holidays, or host lavish events, but in reality, they may be carrying substantial debt, have little savings, and lack long-term financial planning. "At the heart of this is emotional pressure fuelled by social comparison," said Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of financial advisory firm Alpha Wealth. "Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often create unrealistic expectations, where people see polished lifestyles and feel the need to 'keep up' even if that means borrowing to fund it," he said. What problems can money dysmorphia cause? One of the most immediate and damaging consequences of money dysmorphia is its potential to fuel excessive borrowing. People with money dysmorphia may take on debt in an attempt to match the financial image they perceive others have. Here in Ireland, borrowing is on the rise. Figures published just last week show that €2.5 billion worth of personal loans were drawn down last year - a record high. Borrowing isn't inherently bad as it helps people get on the property ladder, invest in education or improve their homes. However, Mr Charalambous said it becomes a problem when it's being used to maintain lifestyles rather than build financial stability. "The issue arises when people borrow without a clear repayment plan or use credit to fund 'wants' instead of 'needs'," he said. "This creates long-term strain that can snowball out of control particularly with high-interest loans or credit card debt." In particular, he warned about the consequences of Personal Contract Purchase finance, known as PCP. "It offers low monthly payments that appear affordable, but often come with a large balloon payment at the end. "Many people roll into new deals without ever owning the asset, essentially renting a lifestyle they can't afford," he said. Is borrowing during global uncertainty wise? Borrowing during times of global uncertainty can be especially risky, as fluctuating interest rates and market volatility can quickly turn manageable debt into a financial burden. In uncertain economic climates - marked by inflation, geopolitical tensions, or recession fears - borrowers may find themselves facing rising repayment costs or reduced income, making it harder to stay afloat. "In uncertain times, caution is key," said Mr Charalambous of Alpha Wealth. "Ireland has low financial literacy levels compared to other European countries and many people are not maximising their savings or investing efficiently," he added. At Alpha Wealth, they see some clients with large sums sitting in low-interest deposit accounts while they take out expensive loans. "If people built better saving habits, they would need to borrow less," he said. Before taking on any new debt, Mr Charalambous encourages clients to ask - "is this a want or a need?" "Weddings, for example, are joyful occasions but spending tens of thousands on one day, while taking out loans to do so, may not be the smartest financial decision," he added. He said it's about making decisions that don't cause you to spend extravagantly beyond your means - which may affect you into the longer-term. How to avoid money dysmorphia? Simply put, don't let your finances be driven by emotion. Everyone has a certain amount of money to work with - Mr Charalambous said it's how you manage it that makes the difference. "Whether you're dealing with debt or unsure where to start, don't bury your head in the sand," he said. Money dysmorphia is a powerful reminder that financial perception does not always align with financial reality. Taking a proactive, informed approach to managing your finances can replace anxiety with confidence and help shift focus from comparison to progress. In uncertain times, the experts say clarity - not emotion - should guide your financial decisions.
The National
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Rangers 'monitoring' teenage Cypriot centre-forward
The Ibrox side are set for a major overhaul this summer with a proposed takeover by the 49ers Enterprises group. Read more: And reports in Cyprus have revealed Rangers have sent scouts to watch Anorthosis Famagusta's 19-year-old striker Charalambous in his last three he's scored in every one of the matches, including a double in his last game. Charalambous has made a big impact after bursting onto the scene this year and has scored five goals for his club in just seven starts. And representatives of the Ibrox club watched him score against Nea Salamis, Enosis and AEL Larissa in his recent games. He has two years left of his contract at the Cypriot club, but Rangers would face competition from second tier German side, Kaiserslautern to sign the promising youngster.
