Latest news with #Penfold
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
My fiancee is always broke, leaving me to cover our bills — and I'm sick of it. How do I ask her to pull her own weight?
Consider the following scenario: You're engaged to someone you love very much, but they're not pulling their weight financially. They have a dead-end job and lack motivation to seek anything better. They also have car and student loan debts amounting to $32,000 that they aren't working to pay down. And worse, they expect you to cover most of the $3,000 in monthly rent, utilities and living expenses and they aren't even filing taxes or paying their car registration. This is just one example of how money can be a huge source of conflict for couples. In fact, over 25% of respondents said money was the leading cause of their fights, according to a Penfold survey. And Ramsey Solutions echoes this finding, saying money is the number one issue married couples argue about. It's understandable that couples fight about money — there's a lot that can go wrong when you interweave your financial life with someone else. The lack of responsibility and accountability of your partner in this scenario could drain your savings and force you to cover thousands of dollars in shared expenses. It might make you fear things will never change and that financial stress will follow you into marriage. How would you handle this situation? How would you talk to your future spouse? And when should you have difficult conversations about money? Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Having early financial conversations is key to finding the right partner When you share your life with a partner, each person's financial decisions impact the other. This is why it's crucial to get on the same page as early as possible. Unfortunately, many people don't do that. According to Penfold, a M&S Bank study found that just 17% of couples discuss their finances regularly with their partner and over 10% are unaware of their partner's earnings and are concerned about sharing information about their debt and earnings. Other research reported by Penfold, revealed that people typically don't disclose salary details until nine months into a relationship; debt details are shared at 10 months; and investing, checking and savings account details are typically disclosed around the 11-month mark. And some partners fail to disclose critical information until well into the relationship. The problem is, many individuals are already emotionally committed by then, so it becomes a lot more difficult to untangle your shared lives if it turns out you're totally incompatible when it comes to finances. If you want to make sure you don't end up with someone you'll likely have huge money conflicts with, Morgan Stanley recommends asking the following six questions before you commit: How would you spend a $10,000 gift if you received one tomorrow? What financial obligations do you have that I should be aware of? How did your parents deal with money as you were growing up? How would you plan on dividing up household expenses and financial management in a serious relationship? What do you think about the idea of a prenup? What are your goals for the next 5, 10, 20 and 30 years? Talking openly about these issues can help ensure you're on the same page and reduce future financial conflicts. Read more: Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can How to have tough money conversations with someone you love If you're preparing to marry your financially irresponsible partner, it's of course harder to backtrack and establish clear financial expectations. In such a situation, it's crucial to have an open conversation with your partner to better understand the root cause of their financial difficulties. Discuss why they might be reluctant to find a higher-paying job or to pay their taxes. Start by setting aside a time when neither of you is upset to have that initial discussion. From there, suggest setting up regular budget meetings where you can talk about shared goals and get aligned. Avoid being accusatory or defensive, be curious, ask questions and genuinely listen, so your partner can openly share why they are struggling in this regard. From here, you may be able to co-create a plan together. You can also consider a financial therapist who could guide you through discussions and help identify the root of the problem, working to build better habits for the future. If your partner ends up being inflexible, not open to change or willing to respond to your concerns in a mature way, this is a major red flag. The situation could worsen once you take on new obligations, such as a mortgage or children. Only you can decide how much you are willing to live with when it comes to a partner who won't pull their weight — but don't be blinded by love in making this choice, because financial incompatibility is a serious cause of marital breakdown. Because of this, it may be better to break off from this relationship prior to committing even further to someone who isn't willing to do their fair share. While it may be the hard choice in the short-term, it may prevent you from mounting resentment and even harder choices in the future. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 simple ways to grow rich with real estate if you don't want to play landlord. And you can even start with as little as $10 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
It's No Longer Illegal To Be A Proudly Violent Proud Boy
New Zealand has lifted the terrorist group designation from the extremist group the Proud Boys, sparking fears their members may resurface. It started as a fringe movement in the United States - a group of self-described "Western chauvinists" known as the Proud Boys. A bunch of them were jailed after the 6 January US election riots, and they have now been pardoned by President Trump. Their legacy of far-right extremism, violent rhetoric, and polarising influence has raised questions not just in American courtrooms but on Kiwi shores too. "They have been organising in New Zealand, although they deny that is the case," Stuff investigative journalist Paula Penfold tells The Detail. "Now, the terrorist designation that they were given [in New Zealand] in 2022 has been allowed to expire, and we don't yet know the reasons for that to have been allowed to happen, we don't yet know whether the Proud Boys are still active in New Zealand, but we think it's pretty important that our authorities should find out." Founded in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, the Proud Boys quickly gained notoriety for their involvement in violent street clashes, their role in the 6 January Capitol riots, and their unwavering embrace of conspiracy theories. While their presence in New Zealand has remained relatively low-key, Penfold - who has been investigating the group for several years - says their ideology has crossed borders with concerning implications. "We had been working with a researcher of the Far Right who had been compiling a dossier of people he believed had been sympathising and identifying with the Proud Boys for several years by then, going back to around 2019. "They had been making posts on social media, which were anti-Muslim, and racist, and misogynistic, and were promoting gun culture. "They had come up with their own New Zealand Proud Boys insignia. They would attend anti-immigration rallies, wearing the distinctive black and yellow polo shirts of the Proud Boys that they wear in America. "And they would post on social media, in New Zealand, quite openly at that stage, using the term 'uhuru', which is a Swahili word for freedom that they had co-opted, the Proud Boys, and they would photograph themselves doing the 'okay white power' symbol. And they were reasonably open about it." She says the 15 March terrorist used that same "okay white power" symbol in court, before he was convicted of killing 51 people in two mosques in Christchurch in 2019. But when Penfold questioned the Kiwi men online about their ties to the Proud Boys, she was met with quick denials. "They were dismissive. They said they were just a group of friends. Although they did admit at their height, a leader had been in contact with the founder Gavin McInnes in the States, but they denied they were doing anything other than going drinking, and shooting, and hanging out, just as a bunch of mates, a fraternity." Then, in 2022, the New Zealand government took a bold stance, listing the Proud Boys as a terrorist entity, a move that made global headlines and was praised by anti-extremism campaigners. "It was big news... and what it would mean in practice was that anyone who supported or funded or participated in Proud Boys actions here was committing a criminal act, imprisonable by up to seven years, so it was a big deal," Penfold says. But then last month, without any fanfare, the group slipped off the list of designated terrorist entities. The only statement on the move was released on the website of the New Zealand Gazette - the newspaper of the government. Penfold describes it as bland and brief. "The designation had been made under the Terrorism Suppression Act... and every three years that designation will expire unless the prime minister seeks to extend it." When asked why he didn't extend it, a response to Penfold from the prime minister's office "didn't specifically answer that", but she was told "the Proud Boys remain on the radar... and if any new information comes to hand, they will consider it." "Those who monitor terrorist organisations and far-right extremist groups... are really concerned at this step that the designation has been allowed to lapse", Penfold says. So as New Zealand grapples with the rise of conspiracy-fuelled protests and declining trust in democratic institutions, the Proud Boys' shadow, although faint, may still be felt. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
The Advertiser
28-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
New service could save about a third of red bin waste from landfill
About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost. About a third of red bin waste on average could be diverted from landfill in three Hunter council areas when they roll out a food and garden organics service next week. Maitland, Cessnock and Singleton councils have partnered to deliver a coordinated food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service. Weekly green bin collections start from June 30. The new service means households in all three local government areas can place food scraps, such as vegetables, meat, bones and dairy, in their green bins with garden waste for weekly collection. It will be processed into compost rather than going to landfill. Lake Macquarie already has a FOGO service, while Newcastle is planning to introduce the service. The NSW government has set a requirement that all councils implement a weekly FOGO service by 2030. The most recent audit for Cessnock showed on average about 29 per cent of red bin contents comprises of waste that will be appropriate for the new green bin service. A further 15 per cent was waste material that could go in the yellow bin for recycling, meaning almost 45 per cent of red bin contents on average will be able to be diverted from landfill from June 30 if placed in the right bins. Maitland mayor Philip Penfold said the rollout demonstrated what regional collaboration could achieve. "This is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce waste going to landfill. By combining our efforts, we've streamlined delivery and education for residents across the region," said Cr Penfold said. "This is more than just a bin service. It's a meaningful shift in how our cities handle waste." Cessnock mayor Dan Watton said the service marked a significant milestone in local waste reform. "FOGO is a game changer," he said. "FOGO will have significant long-term benefits for our environment, economy and community." Singleton mayor Sue Moore said the system was simple for residents. "Households have received a kitchen caddy and compostable liners make it easier for people to collect food scraps as they go," she said. "Empty your caddy, liner and all, into your green bin every few days then put it out for collection weekly from 30 June." An education campaign is underway to support residents with what to put in the green bin, how to use caddies and the environmental benefits of composting. The councils are working with Solo Resource Recovery to manage weekly green bin collections and with Australian Native Landscapes to process the materials into nutrient-rich compost.
Sky News AU
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
ABC News ends horror month with humiliating correction over claims 14,000 babies in Gaza would starve to death in 48 hours
ABC News has issued an embarrassing correction after it repeated an 'absurd' claim that thousands of babies were at risk of dying of starvation in Gaza over a 48 hour period. The national newsroom headed by News Director Justin Stevens admitted it had reported an 'incorrect' claim made by a UN spokesperson in its 11th correction published this month. The UN's Tom Fletcher had claimed during an interview with the BBC last week that '14,000 babies would be at risk of dying in Gaza within a 48-hour period due to starvation', the claim was then picked up by multiple international media outlets and was repeated by ABC News Breakfast, ABC News Mornings and Afternoon Briefing. Just hours after the BBC published the claims online, it had added a clarification, quoting a UN figure who admitted the initial claim had overstated findings from an IPC report that was projecting there could be 14,100 cases of severe acute malnutrition in Gaza over the next year. Not only does the IPC report's projection cover an entire year – from April 2025 to March 2026 – rather than 48 hours, it also refers to severe acute malnutrition among children aged between six months and five years. In its own correction, published on Wednesday, May 28 – a full week after the BBC had added its own correction - the ABC admitted its reporting was wrong. 'The remarks were based on an IPC report that warned 14,100 severe cases of acute malnutrition were expected to occur between April 2025 and March 2026 among children aged between six months and five years,' the ABC's correction states. 'The relevant content has been removed from all on-demand platforms.' The correction, which fell short of an apology, was only made after Sky News Australia's Chris Kenny fact checked the programming, pointing out the errors. 'The 14,000 babies lie did not stand up to a moment's reflection let alone two minutes of fact-checking, yet journalists eagerly ran with it because it suited their anti-Israel narrative,' Kenny said about the correction on Thursday. 'Yet again lies were peddled about Israel and the corrections were too late and too little to repair the damage.' has contacted the ABC for comment. The correction of the Gaza comment comes just days after the ABC apologised for "hurtful" remarks made on its Insiders program about Nationals MPs Alison Penfold and Pat Conaghan. The ABC federal politics reporter Claudia Long had falsely claimed the two Nationals MPs had abandoned their electorates while they grappled with devastating floods in order to focus on the short-lived split between the Liberal and National parties. "The ABC wishes to clarify that both Penfold and Conaghan spent the week in their electorates and sincerely apologises for the error. The comment has been removed from the on-demand version of the program," the ABC said in it's correction. Ms Penfold told Sky News Australia she had been in Wingham, west of Taree, that morning talking to businesses and flood-affected residents and the ABC journalist had "not even bothered to call me before making these sorts of comments". 'This journalist, I've never met her, in fact, I'd never heard of her until yesterday," Ms Penfold said. ' I've been hard at work and as has Pat in the electorate. We live here, we know people affected.' The ABC's nine other corrections issued in May include topics ranging from significantly overstating the number of women killed by their partner each year to a woman leaving a Gold Coast conference being incorrectly referred to as former US vice president Kamala Harris. The Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory hit out at the ABC, telling the Gaza starvation claim was 'absurd' and should never have been published. 'The claim that 14,000 babies could starve to death within 48 hours was so absurd that no thinking person should have believed it, yet the ABC published it,' Mr Gregory said. "Unfortunately, such egregious errors happen far too often at the ABC, and they consistently fall in one direction." He said the claim was 'inflammatory' and the damage had 'already been done'. "This particular claim was not just false; it was inflammatory,' he said. "It echoed the kind of ancient slanders that have historically endangered Jewish communities. "While I welcome the ABC's belated acknowledgment of the mistake, the damage has already been done."
Sky News AU
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Nationals MP Alison Penfold responds to ‘hurtful' false claim made by ABC reporter as national broadcaster apologises
Nationals MP Alison Penfold has responded after an ABC reporter made a 'hurtful' mischaracterisation of her response to the disastrous floods in her electorate of Lyne on the Mid North Coast. During the ABC's Insiders discussion on Sunday, federal politics reporter Claudia Long heavily suggested Nationals MPs, including Ms Penfold, had abandoned their electorates grappling with devastating floods to turn their attention to Canberra during their party's dispute with the Liberals. The ABC segment focused on the standoff between the Liberals and the Nationals, during which Ms Long said, 'I think the other thing that's probably really important to regional communities is that they have a local member who's there when their electorate is, for example, flooding and people are dying.' Speaking to Sky News host Peta Credlin on Monday evening, Ms Penfold said she was 'pleased' the ABC apologised, however, Ms Long has yet to clarify her remarks. The ABC journalist said two of the deaths, a 63-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, had both occurred on Wednesday and Thursday in Ms Penfold's seat before suggesting the Nationals MP's attention was elsewhere. 'On Thursday afternoon, that's when we had the press conference from the Nationals in the hall, just to go over that timeline,' she said. Ms Long then took aim at Nationals MP Pat Conaghan, adding that a 60-year-old woman had died in her car in his seat of Cowper, near Coffs Harbour. 'I think the important thing is that when you're in opposition it's also still your job to be a local member and represent your communities and to be there for them,' she said. Ms Penfold told Credlin she had been in Wingham, west of Taree, that morning talking to businesses and flood affected residents. 'This journalist, I've never met her, in fact, I'd never heard of her until yesterday, had not even bothered to call me before making these sorts of comments,' Ms Penfold told Sky News. ' I've been hard at work and as has Pat in the electorate. We live here, we know people affected.' On the morning of the 63-year-old man's death, Ms Penfold said she had been in a community in Coopernook, 24 kilometres north of Taree, but couldn't go any further south because highway had been cut off. Ms Penfold said the next morning she wanted to meet with the man's daughter. 'I'd gone in the morning after the gentleman had passed away. I'd been asked to bring down some milk and bread and I'd being told about this incident and I wanted to go and see the daughter of the gentleman who passed away, but the community said, 'look, she's so raw, you can't go,'' she said. 'I felt the pain of the families that have been affected by this flood and to be somehow then shamed, my reputation tarnished for doing something that I hadn't done.' Ms Penfold said she was a member-elect and had not yet been declared as the elected MP, and therefore had no government resources to assist in her response and community work. 'Look, I am pleased the ABC took steps to apologise. I noticed [the apology was] from the ABC and not the journalist in question, but it's an apology all the less,' she said. 'I just want to get on with the job and be out there supporting people who need me.' The ABC issued an apology on Sunday and said Ms Lon had made 'comments inferring' the National MPs were not in their electorates during the recent NSW floods. 'The ABC wishes to clarify that both Penfold and Conaghan spent the week in their electorates and sincerely apologises for the error. The comment has been removed from the on-demand version of the program,' the ABC apology read. has contacted Claudia Long for comment. She did not respond before publication. Speaking of her flood response, Ms Penfold said she had been at a dairy property outside of Taree where the debris had been pushed through from the force of the floodwater until it was 'up to the level of the roof of a house'. 'Today, I was in another community called Croki, which is right on the Manning River ... my boots sunk into mud to ankle depth. They need the sort of equipment that can move lots of big logs and trees … so people can get on with their lives,' she said. 'We have a long way to go and this government better dig deep because this community had a major flood only just under five years ago. A lot of people still haven't recovered. There's a lot of pain and a lot of need here and we need the government to step up, governments to step-up and really help these communities.'
