Latest news with #Gosselin
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
9 Travel Items Retirees Should Always Pack on Vacation To Save Money
When it comes to travel, retirees have a major advantage: Time. But even with flexible schedules and senior discounts, vacation costs can still add up fast. Business Insider is reporting that travel is mainly for the rich now, but the good news? A little smart packing can go a long way in keeping more money in your pocket. Explore More: For You: 'Travel costs often creep up in small, predictable places,' said Andrew Gosselin, certified public accountant (CPA), personal finance expert and senior contributor at Save My Cent. 'Packing a few money-saving essentials keeps those costs under control and lets retirees focus on the experience rather than the bill.' Whether you're jetting off to Europe or road-tripping through the U.S., these must-pack items can help you save on everything from snacks to ATM fees — without sacrificing any fun. According to Gosselin, a printed copy of a photo ID or a Medicare card turns into lower fares at ticket counters, smaller hotel bills at check-in and reduced entry fees at museums. You can slip the copy inside your passport cover so it is ready every time a clerk asks for verification. Trending Now: Chris Heerlein, CEO of REAP Financial, noted that one important item retirees should bring when traveling is a high-quality, reusable water bottle. Bottled water in tourist spots, airports or hotels is often overpriced, and staying hydrated while avoiding these additional costs can make a significant difference over time. This is especially vital for retirees who may need to stay on top of medications. Gosselin agreed that airport kiosks sell water at several times the supermarket price. Filling a fold-flat bottle after security and topping it up at cafés or public fountains during the day can keep your budget intact. Nuts, granola bars and a sleeve of instant oatmeal weigh almost nothing yet replace overpriced pastries and minibar treats that are often unhealthy choices for retirees. Gosselin recommended a handful of resealable bags can handle leftovers from restaurant meals and turn them into tomorrow's lunch. 'Prescription refills abroad can be difficult and expensive,' said Gosselin. For this reason, you should pack the full course plus a small kit that includes pain relievers, antacids and allergy tablets. As a retiree, it's likely you'll have scheduled medications, so keep in mind that a familiar remedy on hand prevents a costly hunt for a tourist pharmacy. Older hotels often provide a single outlet, said Gosselin. An adapter matched with a short power bar can charge your phone, camera and e-reader at the same time. It's especially helpful for retirees who may travel with medical devices, hearing aid chargers or other essentials that need daily power. Buying the same gear in a tourist district can cost three or four times more than packing it from home. Gosselin observed that a printed policy summary can sit in a slim folder alongside photocopies of credit cards and emergency contact numbers, while digital versions live in an encrypted app. Quick access to both formats saves time and money if a flight cancels or a wallet goes missing. Having physical copies offers retirees peace of mind in case of tech issues or limited phone access while traveling. This is a big one, according to Gosselin. Downloading maps and a currency converter before departure removes the need for expensive data roaming. A banking app lets you watch balances in real time and spot any unexpected charges. For retirees on a fixed income, these tools help avoid surprise fees and make it easier to stick to a travel budget. This is a vital pack for retirees looking to travel. Gosselin explained that standard cards often add a fee of 2 or 3% to every international purchase. A fee-free card eliminates that extra cost. For this reason, carry a spare debit card for ATM withdrawals from reputable banks and skip the poor rates at airport exchange booths. These small savings can add up over the course of a trip, helping retirees stretch a fixed retirement budget further. Weather can change quickly, so a breathable rain jacket, a light sweater and trousers that convert to shorts adapt to most climates and reduce the chance of buying expensive emergency clothing. 'A travel-size packet of laundry soap allows quick sink washes and lowers hotel laundry bills,' said Gosselin. Packing smart and light means less strain on the body for retirees and fewer unexpected expenses during long trips. A suitcase that includes these nine items does more than protect a travel budget; it adds a sense of readiness that lets each day unfold with fewer surprises. Small preparations create room in the itinerary and the wallet for unplanned highlights, which Gosselin said is ultimately the reason to travel in the first place. For retirees, that peace of mind makes it easier to focus on enjoying the journey–not troubleshooting it. More From GOBankingRates Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On I'm a Retired Boomer: 6 Bills I Canceled This Year That Were a Waste of Money This article originally appeared on 9 Travel Items Retirees Should Always Pack on Vacation To Save Money
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Ways To Make Money If You Are Unable To Work
Life can throw curveballs — injuries, illnesses, caregiving responsibilities or just burnout that hits harder than expected. If you're unable to work right now, that doesn't mean your income has to come to a full stop. Read Next: Learn More: Whether you're looking for a way to bring in a little extra cash from your couch or need ideas that don't require a 9-to-5 hustle, here are some ways to make money when traditional work just isn't an option. One of the first things Andrew Gosselin, CPA, personal finance expert and senior contributor at SaveMyCent, usually suggests is freelance writing or editing. 'The good thing here is you set the pace,' he said. You can take on one small assignment at a time, build up your confidence and see what works. There's no commute and no team meetings — just your words and your time. Gosselin said you can make anywhere from $50 to $500 per article depending on experience, and it really just depends on the topic and the client. The work is out there if you know where to look. Gosselin noted that sites like Upwork and Fiverr are a start, but even pitching blogs or websites directly can open doors. Check Out: It takes a little upfront effort, but Gosselin said once you've made something like a planner, a set of printables or worksheets, they can keep making money without you doing much else. 'People sell these things on Etsy and Gumroad all the time, and you don't need to be a professional designer,' he said. Forbes recommended creating anything from e-books and mini courses to social media template collections. Tools like Canva make it easy, and even using artificial intelligence tools can help shape your ideas if you're not sure where to begin. If you've ever created something useful for yourself, chances are someone else could use it too. According to Kevin Huffman, owner of Kriminil Trading, you can try renting out idle assets, like a parking space, which can generate $50 to $300 per month, or storage space for $100 to $500 per month, on sites like Neighbor. Huffman suggested even renting out high-end clothes. You can also make a couple hundred dollars a month simply by renting out your spare bedroom as a makeshift office. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? 25 Places To Buy a Home If You Want It To Gain Value This article originally appeared on 3 Ways To Make Money If You Are Unable To Work Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Colorado fire departments battle viral ‘Chromebook Challenge'
BROOMFIELD, Colo. (KDVR) — Colorado school districts and fire departments are warning families about a dangerous social media trend showing students how to damage or set fire to their school-issued laptops. Multiple incidents have been reported across the state. Crews at North Metro Fire Rescue say they've responded to about ten calls this month in the Boulder Valley and Adams 12 school districts. Each one posed a risk to students, staff and the buildings. 'They emit flames, sparks, they can even explode or rupture. It's a very dangerous, very serious situation,' said Steven Gosselin, the Division Chief of Fire Prevention at North Metro Fire Rescue District. Aurora fire caused by unattended candle prompts reminder from firefighters He says the social media challenge shows students how to short circuit their school-issued Chromebooks or puncture the batteries. That can cause the temperature to rise, which can lead to a fire or even the release of toxic gas. 'You could not only endanger yourselves, endanger others that might be in the classroom with you, you also risk the destruction of the device you are tampering with,' Gosselin said. Several school districts including Boulder Valley, Adams 12 and Cherry Creek sent communications to parents warning them about the trend. They and firefighters are asking parents to talk to their kids about the dangers and the repercussions. 'I would encourage parents to talk to their children and explain to them the hazards associated with this type of activity, and they could carry consequences that they could regret for the rest of their lives,' Gosselin said. It's possible students who participate in the challenge could face discipline at school or legal consequences. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Stellantis Windsor Assembly plant adopts fluctuating production schedule for 12 weeks
The Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant will switch between full-production, reduced shifts and full shut-downs for the next 12 weeks. This is happening as auto makers continue to navigate new market conditions brought on by U.S. tariffs on the Canadian auto sector. But a spokesperson for the company did not mention the tariffs in an email to CBC about the new schedule. Instead, Lou Ann Gosselin said the changes are associated with the changeover in production year. "These modifications are necessary as we complete the 2025 model year, build and prepare for the launch of the 2026 model year Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Voyager/Grand Caravan and Dodge Charger," Gosselin said. "We will continue to monitor the situation." The union representing workers at the plant has told its members to expect "alternate and fluctuating work schedules" for the next 12 weeks. Unifor Local 444 posted the following schedule on its Facebook page: Week of May 12, May 19 and June 30: two shifts running Week of May 26, June 9 and June 23: only Shift One working Week of June 2, June 16 and July 7: only Shift Two working Week of July 14: production down Weeks of Aug. 18 and 25: Planned summer shutdown
CBC
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
One-week shutdown hits Stellantis assembly plant in Windsor
The Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant will shut down next week as the trade war with the U.S. drags on, but the company isn't pointing to tariffs as the reason behind the closure. LouAnn Gosselin, head of communications for Stellantis in Canada, says the change relates to the plant's transition to building 2026 models. "As the company prepares for the upcoming launch of the 2026 model year Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Grand Caravan/Chrysler Voyager and Dodge Charger Daytona, we are adjusting production at the Windsor Assembly Plant in order to complete the build out of the 2025 model year vehicles," Gosselin said. The plant is closed for the week beginning May 5, and the company said it will "continue to monitor the situation." Unifor Local 444, which represents workers at the plant, also announced the shutdown on Thursday. "We will keep you informed as more information becomes available regarding the following weeks," the union said on social media. The union did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Production at the facility was paused for two weeks last month after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on imported vehicles, but the plant reopened on April 22. Trump has since enacted some measures to offer automakers some relief. U.S. tariffs on foreign parts are set to kick in on May 3.
