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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Living off Social Security? New report says you will run out of cash in weeks — every state
If you're planning to live only on Social Security checks after you retire — you may want to think again. A new report by GOBankingRates shows that in every U.S. state, people who depend only on Social Security run out of money before the month ends. Why social security alone isn't enough The Social Security Administration has always said these benefits were never meant to be your only source of money after retirement. They are supposed to support you — not fully cover your lifestyle. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Design Thinking Cybersecurity Operations Management Public Policy others Degree Healthcare Data Science Product Management healthcare Technology Artificial Intelligence Project Management CXO MCA Data Science Others Leadership Digital Marketing Management MBA PGDM Data Analytics Finance Skills you'll gain: Duration: 25 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK PCP DTIM Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks IIM Indore CERT-IIMI DTAI Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Now, the latest July 2025 study from GOBankingRates proves that if you're single and relying only on these monthly checks, you'll be in trouble — no matter where you live in the U.S. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jesus' Tomb Is Opened And Scientists Find Something Unbelievable Novelodge Undo ALSO READ: Researchers uncover startling new clue in the hunt for Parkinson's cause What did the study do? The team at GOBankingRates: Collected the average Social Security income for single people Looked at each state's average mortgage costs and basic living expenses Calculated how many days your Social Security check could last per month in each state They used data from: U.S. Census (2023 5-year Survey) Missouri Economic and Research Information Center Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) Zillow Home Index (May 2025) Federal Reserve Economic Data All data was collected as of July 7, 2025. Live Events States where your money lasts the longest Even in the most affordable states, your Social Security check won't last a full month. But some states are still better than others, as stated in the report by GoBankingRates. Here are the top 10 states where Social Security lasts the longest: West Virginia – 21.5 days Monthly mortgage: $989 Total monthly living cost: $2,830 Mississippi – 20.9 days Mortgage: $1,107 Total: $2,910 Arkansas – 20.4 days Mortgage: $1,268 Total: $2,986 Louisiana – 20.3 days Mortgage: $1,226 Total: $2,999 Oklahoma – 19.9 days Mortgage: $1,264 Total: $3,069 Alabama – 19.5 days Mortgage: $1,351 Total: $3,122 Kentucky – 19.2 days Mortgage: $1,294 Total: $3,175 Iowa – 19.1 days Mortgage: $1,358 Total: $3,185 Kansas – 19.1 days Mortgage: $1,393 Total: $3,192 Ohio – 18.7 days Mortgage: $1,416 Total: $3,262 Even in West Virginia — the most affordable — you'll still fall short by 9-10 days each month if you rely only on Social Security. States where money runs out fastest On the flip side, here are the top 10 most expensive states — where your Social Security check runs out the fastest, as mentioned in the report by GoBankingRates. Hawaii – Only 7.3 days! Mortgage: $5,675 Total cost: $8,357 California – 8.7 days Mortgage: $4,698 Total: $7,003 Massachusetts – 9.7 days Mortgage: $3,950 Total: $6,277 Washington – 10.6 days Mortgage: $3,626 Total: $5,750 ALSO READ: 9 guilt-free midnight snacks that will satisfy your cravings and still let you sleep New Jersey – 11.3 days Mortgage: $3,382 Total: $5,387 Colorado – 11.8 days Mortgage: $3,296 Total: $5,179 New Hampshire – 12.0 days Mortgage: $3,042 Total: $5,057 Oregon – 12.1 days Mortgage: $2,987 Total: $5,020 Rhode Island – 12.2 days Mortgage: $2,918 Total: $5,006 Utah – 12.2 days Mortgage: $3,155 Total: $4,996 Clearly, high living costs and expensive housing make it nearly impossible to live on just Social Security in these places. Middle-of-the-Pack states Some states fall in the middle — not the cheapest, but not the worst either. Here's how they compare: Georgia – 15.9 days | $3,829/month Texas – 16.8 days | $3,628/month North Carolina – 15.8 days | $3,864/month Florida – 14.2 days | $4,281/month Wisconsin – 15.9 days | $3,835/month What's the message? No matter where you live — you will fall short. The study proves that Social Security doesn't stretch far enough. Even in cheaper states, you're missing 7 to 10 days of income each month. In expensive states, you might fall short by 15 to 20 days, as per the GoBankingRates reports. This means you must have extra money saved, or other sources of income like: Retirement savings (401k, IRA) Pension Investments Part-time work Help from family Experts Have Warned This Before This isn't a surprise. The Social Security Administration has said for years that the program is not enough to fully support a retired person — especially with today's inflation and housing costs. GOBankingRates' study just puts real numbers and days to the warning. If you're hoping to rely only on your Social Security checks — don't count on it. You'll run out of money in every U.S. state in less than a month. You must plan ahead, save more, and understand the true cost of living in retirement , as per the report by GoBankingRates. This report is a wake-up call for every future retiree — especially if you're single and living on a tight budget. FAQs Q1. How long can I live on Social Security in the U.S.? In every U.S. state, Social Security lasts less than a month for single retirees, according to a 2025 GOBankingRates report. Q2. Which state is the cheapest to live in on Social Security? West Virginia is the cheapest, where Social Security lasts about 21.5 days each month for one person.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Texas floods: Over 100 people still missing even after two weeks of devastating deluge
In the days after the deadly July 4 floods in central Texas, more than 100 people still missing statewide after floodwaters roared through summer camps, riverside homes, campgrounds and RV parks, claiming at least 135 lives. People keep looking overhead to spot medical choppers among the Black Hawk helicopters searching for the missing. As days have turned into weeks, the number of missing, still stubbornly high, may be the flood's biggest lingering question. The total in Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, dropped this week to 97 from 173, and then stalled, raising still more questions. At least four others are missing or unidentified from Travis County, just east of Kerr. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science Leadership Operations Management Product Management Design Thinking Healthcare Data Analytics others Management Technology CXO MCA Others Project Management Degree PGDM Finance Digital Marketing healthcare Data Science MBA Artificial Intelligence Public Policy Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details "Even though we are reporting 97 people missing," in Kerr County, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas told reporters on Monday, "there's no certainty that all 97 of those people were swept away by the storm." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jesus' Tomb Is Opened And Scientists Find Something Unbelievable Novelodge Undo The fluctuation of the numbers has only contributed to the puzzlement, as bodies are recovered and it becomes clear that some counts are incorrect. Abbott has said that in the days following the floods, local and state officials were better able to identify people from out of town who had come to the Hill Country to stay at camps and hotels. Out-of-towners might have survived the deluge but have not checked in with authorities. Others who are still listed as missing were reported to the authorities by friends and relatives, the governor said, but officials have no record of them "logging in anywhere" -- not at hotels, camps or summer rentals. Live Events Officials in Kerr County have said that search efforts could carry on for months. It is common for the number of missing to fluctuate after natural disasters. In the days that followed a devastating August 2023 wildfire in Maui, Hawaii, the number of missing reached a staggering 1,100, and then plunged. About six months later, there were only two, with 102 confirmed deaths. Few of the missing were actually dead. As with a fire, a flood makes recovering bodies and identifying remains challenging. And like Maui, the Hill Country of Texas is a vacation spot, attracting visitors who complicate the tally. Who gets counted as missing and how they might be found depends on several factors, including the accuracy of information that officials receive, experts said. Clerical errors, like a misspelled name, can land people who have already been accounted for among the missing. It is especially difficult to keep track of people who were visiting from somewhere else, as was the case along the Guadalupe River on the July 4 weekend, according to Ingo Bastisch, a director of the Science and Technology Program with The International Commission on Missing Persons, an organization in the Netherlands that partners with other groups to find the missing. FAQs Q1. When did Texas floods happen? A1. Texas floods happened on July 4. Q2. What is casualty number in Texas floods? A2. More than 100 people still missing statewide after floodwaters roared through summer camps, riverside homes, campgrounds and RV parks, claiming at least 135 lives.
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Endure and remain true to an ethic of all-embracing and forgiving love
Imagine if countries invested in peace rather than war, Andrew Shephard writes. The world of geopolitics has entered a new period. Established alliances and agreements of the last 80 years are being discarded. The United States administration threatens both bordering countries and its allies and is, once again, dropping bombs in the Middle East. In Europe, an empire of old, led by a strong man, seeks to expand its territory westwards. Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific, China's growing strength, previously projected softly, through aid and economic projects, is manifested through increasing military presence. Such developments, broadcast via news headlines and tweets, are, for many, a cause for considerable concern. Clamouring voices warn us of the inevitability of future conflict and the necessity to prepare for this. How do we do this? We arm ourselves. Accordingly, unsurprisingly, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) details that in 2024, global military expenditure rose for the tenth consecutive year. The $US2.7 trillion (about $NZ4.6 trillion) spent is the highest in Sipri's six decades of records, and a 9.4% increase on the previous year. Over the last decade, global military expenditure has increased by 37% and now accounts for 2.5% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). The largest military spender remains, by far, the United States. The $US997 billion it spent in 2024 accounted for 37% of the total global expenditure. Yet, even in remote Aotearoa New Zealand, our leaders, alarmed by the geopolitical reordering, have responded in kind. The government's 2025 Budget sets aside $9b in extra defence funding over the next four years, on top of the current annual operating budget of nearly $5b. Over the next eight years, New Zealand's military spending will increase from just over 1% to more than 2% of the GDP. This rise in military expenditure has received little questioning. It is taken as self-evident that the appropriate response to the developments of emerging global powers, the territorial ambitions of authoritarian leaders, the emergence of new conflicts and the resurgence of old wars is to escalate military spending. But is this the only possible and only reasonable response? What if we were to interrogate one of the underlying assumptions at play here: that to live in a world of peace, one must be prepared for war? To engage in such questioning requires, firstly, a more honest accounting of human history: specifically, the crucial awareness that the current events we are witnessing are not an aberration but are par for the course. Periods without war, characterised by genuine peace, are the exception, not the norm of human history. This recognition, that peace is fragile and fleeting, appears to be at the heart of Jesus' enigmatic teachings contained in the Bible. In the gospels (Matthew 24:3-14), Jesus informs his followers that they will hear of "wars and rumours of wars." Strangely, though bombarded with bad news, with devastating accounts of humanity's inhumanity and predictions of grim futures of violence, Jesus tells his followers not to be "alarmed". Throughout his ministry, Jesus instructs his followers in a way of life characterised by love for their enemies and a commitment to peacemaking. Both then and now, amidst a culture of fear, trapped in catastrophising and hypothesising, always planning and preparing for conflict, Jesus proposes another way. Jesus warns his followers not to allow their imaginations and therefore actions to be configured by the constant, fear-inducing rumours of war. They are not to be "led astray", to "betray" their commitment to peace, to succumb to "hatred" or to allow their commitment to love to "grow cold". To remain true to an ethic of all-embracing and forgiving love in the face of human hatred and violence, Jesus encourages his followers to offer the watching world evidence an alternative is possible. An embrace of the way of peace, Jesus contends, is good news to a world addicted to war. Throughout the centuries, many have taken Jesus' commission seriously. A history of courageous leaders — Martin Luther King, Desmond Tutu, Archibald Baxter, Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi, to name a few — ignoring the ceaseless rumours, have instead attuned themselves to a still, small voice and, imagining a new future, pursued peace. What might it mean for us as individuals, a society, globally, to mute the cacophonous voices of fear and embrace ways that make for peace? To suggest this alternative is not, as detractors often contend, utopian idealism. Nor is it confined to those who profess to be followers of Jesus' way of peace. After a civil war concluded in 1948, the country of Costa Rica abolished its military, redirecting military spending to environmental, education and health initiatives. Today, Costa Rica has some of the highest standards of living in its region, and a remarkable record of preserving and enhancing its ecological biodiversity. Imagine if Aotearoa New Zealand, with the same size population, redirected its weekly military spending of $110million away from preparing for death-dealing towards life-affirming ventures. Building new hospitals? Investing in the struggling education sector? Increased funding to preserve and protect our whenua, waterways, oceans and threatened biodiversity? How might such funds be used to prepare us for the impacts of climate change already being experienced? A proposal: for a future in which conflict is resolved not through war, and peace is less episodic, redirecting military funding toward peacebuilding and conflict resolution training in our schools might be a good place to start. ■Dr Andrew Shepherd is a senior lecturer in theology and public issue at the University of Otago. He will teach CHTH231-331 Christianity, War and Violence, as a pre-Christmas Summer School course in late 2025.
Los Angeles Times
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Christians should be speaking up against ‘cruel' immigration raids
To the editor: I am appealing to Christians in Los Angeles and those who were raised Christian and still have good values to speak up against these cruel raids ('A crisis of faith: ICE raids force some churches to take 'extraordinary' action,' July 11). The Bible tells us to take care of strangers. Undocumented immigrants must be treated as individuals with histories and given due process. They should have legal status after years in this country. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated that many are only here illegally because of our broken immigration system and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, said mass deportations 'represent a profound social crisis before which no person of good will can remain silent.' Each individual in this country has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are watching good people's lives being destroyed by racists who only care about themselves and not about their neighbors or our country. A true Christian is not filled with hate. Jesus' commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves, and those of us who strive to be true Christians must speak up now and act to protect and shelter the least of these: our immigrant neighbors, co-workers and friends. Laura Murray, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I'm sorry my fellow Catholics are afraid to go to Mass in person, but I understand their fear. For those who have a computer, there may be one thing that might help. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Monica's Catholic Community invested in a lot of television equipment and broadcast the Sunday Mass online. It proved so popular that it continues. People from across the country tune in because they like the community. Kay Devonshire, Santa Monica
Black America Web
10-07-2025
- General
- Black America Web
7 Bible Verses to Read by the Beach
7 Bible Verses to Read by the Beach There's something sacred about the ocean. The crashing waves, the endless horizon, the warmth of the sun—it all creates the perfect setting for rest, reflection, and reconnecting with God. The beach offers a natural pause from the busyness of life, allowing space for your soul to breathe and your spirit to listen. Whether you're on vacation, taking a solo walk along the shore, or simply sitting in stillness with the sound of waves as your soundtrack, it's a beautiful place to draw near to God. The Bible often uses water and the sea as symbols of power, peace, and divine presence. From parting seas to calming storms, Scripture reminds us that God not only created the oceans—but He also moves through them. Reading the Word by the water can feel like an invitation to encounter God in a fresh way. So whether you're seeking clarity, peace, or simply a moment to soak in His promises, these seven Bible verses are perfect for your beach day devotion. Let the waves wash over your worries and allow God's Word to renew your heart, right where you are—between the sand, the sea, and His still, small voice. RELATED: 7 Bible Verses to Uplift You This Summer 7 Bible Verses to Read by the Beach was originally published on 1. Psalm 93:4 (NIV) 'Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty.' Let the sound of crashing waves remind you of God's unmatched power and presence. 2. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.' A beautiful reminder that no matter where you are—even oceans deep—God is with you. 3. Psalm 139:9–10 (NIV) 'If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.' Whether you're chasing sunrises or walking along the shoreline, you're never out of His reach. 4. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) 'He has made everything beautiful in its time.' Just like the ocean tides, life has its seasons—and beauty flows through each one. 5. Matthew 8:27 (NIV) 'The men were amazed and asked, 'What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'' Reflect on Jesus' power over the storm—He brings calm to the chaos. 6. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) 'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Let the beach be your quiet space to receive divine peace. 7. Genesis 1:10 (NIV) 'God called the dry ground 'land,' and the gathered waters he called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good.' The beauty of the ocean isn't just scenic—it's sacred.
