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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Boost income by £330 annually with little-known government scheme
It currently costs around £43,900 a year for a comfortable retirement. And with the full new state pension covering £11,973, savers will need to make up the difference themselves. Finance expert Antonia Medlicott has revealed a savvy tip for those eyeing a comfortable retirement, with the current annual cost estimated at about £43,900. With the full new state pension providing just £11,973, Brits are left to bridge the gap themselves. Antonia, MD of Investing Insiders, is pointing savers towards a "little-known government scheme" known as Specific Adult Childcare Credits that could bolster your state pension to the maximum if you're short on qualifying years. The investment expert said: "When a parent gets child benefit, they also get national insurance credits, but if they're working and someone else is doing the childcare, like a grandparent, then those credits can be transferred, which increases your retirement income if you don't have enough national insurance contributions. "Each year of credit can be worth up to £330 in extra pension income. Over a 20-year retirement, that equates to £6,600. Even better, you can backdate credits to 2011 in the application." Should have no effect on state pension entitlement And there's no need to worry about the parents' state pension entitlement – it remains unaffected as long as they're clocking up qualifying years through other means, such as employment. Royal London's analysis shows just over half of the 3.4 million people on the new state pension snag the full amount, reports Lancs Live. The remainder receive amounts proportional to the number of qualifying years they possess. To secure the full sum, you need 35 qualifying years where you either contributed National Insurance or obtained credits such as the Specific Adult Childcare entitlement. To qualify for the credits, you must be aged over 16 but below state pension age, the child's parent or primary carer must consent to transferring their credit to you, and they must verify that you have cared for their child. You must also be an 'eligible family member' - this encompasses aunts, uncles, siblings irrespective of blood ties, grandparents, great-grandparents or great-great-grandparents. Check your pension Antonia also encouraged individuals to monitor their pensions even if retirement is years away. She said: "A staggering 55% of workplace pensions underperform against industry standards, which could leave workers with an income shortfall when they retire. "It's vital to take an active interest in a workplace pension to make sure it's on track for a comfortable retirement. Simply checking a pension regularly (at least once a year) will help workers identify any disappointing returns and take action if they need to change their investment strategy." Antonia highlighted that a mere 10% of the UK population have taken advantage of a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP), which offers the same tax benefits as workplace pension schemes but with greater control over investment choices. She recommended considering a SIPP for several reasons beyond merely enhancing retirement income. She said: "There is a lot of flexibility when it comes to this pension; you can contribute as much or as little as you want. It is also very effective when it comes to estate planning. "You can pass on your pension savings to nominated beneficiaries very easily, which gives good peace of mind to know that your money will end up with loved ones." The finance guru also pointed out a common costly mistake regarding pensions: delaying the start of saving. She elaborated: "If you invest £200 a month from the age of 25, by 65 you could have a pot of over £459,000 at an average return rate of 7.5 per cent. "But if you start at 35, that pot will be £223,000, and it will be just £98,600 if you start at 45." It's important to remember that investments carry risk, and it's advised not to invest more than you can afford to lose at any point in life or when planning for retirement.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
From secret codes to seat hacks, flight attendants share their tips for getting enough sleep while travelling
Getting enough sleep while travelling can be hard, and few understand this better than flight attendants. Flying across the world means that these sky stewards need to know all the tricks and tips for managing their sleep alongside their busy travel itineraries. Which is why flight attendants are a great source for top advice on how to sleep on planes, hotels, and everywhere else on your trip. "Sleeping on a long-haul flight can feel like trying to nap in a noisy, vibrating, overly airconditioned tube with 300 strangers," says Paula S. Adams, an Aviation & Business Trainer at DoYouSpeakDubai. "As a former flight attendant, I've seen the full spectrum — from passengers in economy who built cozy sleep nests, to ones who passed out across three seats before takeoff." We've called upon Adams and Aura Elena Martinez, a life coach and flight attendant to share their tips on how to sleep well when traveling. So, whether you're planning a summer vacation, going on a business trip, or bracing yourself for a night at a cheap hotel, these are the sleep and travel hacks you need to know. Paula S. Adams has over 10 years of flying experience. As a flight attendant and cabin manager, she has frequently flown from the hubs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to global destinations. She's now a Freelance Corporate Flight Attendant for VIPs, while also running her own online Aviation Business Center. As a flight attendant, Aura E. Martinez has travelled all across the globe. The experience has lead her to start a career as a life coach and as the author of the self-help books, Creating a Lifetime of Wellness: Start Having the Life You Deserve and Creating a Lifetime of Wellness Journal: Your Personal Coach to the Different Areas of Your Life. Planes are built for travelling, not for napping — and that can be a painful truth when you're trying to get some sleep on a long-haul or red-eye flight. "I've spent thousands of hours in the sky and heard just about every sleep struggle you can imagine," Adams tells us. "From business class executives trying to squeeze in four hours before a meeting, to economy passengers asking if we have 'a secret nap room somewhere.'" So, here are five tips for getting an undisturbed nap on a long distance flight. Turns out, if you want to get enough sleep on a plane, you first need to change your habits on the ground. "As a flight attendant who works overnight international flights, I've learned that preparation before you board can make all the difference," says Martinez. "I always recommend limiting screen time an hour before attempting to sleep in-flight. Adams agrees, and says that you should prepare for your in-flight nap before you've even left your home — from the week before the trip to getting dressed on the day of the flight. "Don't take a sleeping pill or supplement on a flight if it's your first time taking them," she advises. "Instead, test it at home a few days beforehand. As for getting dressed, she recommends dressing in loose and comfortable clothes. "Don't wear tight waistbands, belts, or jeans," says experienced flyer Adams. "They restrict circulation and make sleeping uncomfortable." Whenever she's a "deadheading" crew member (that is, an off-duty flight attendant on a plane who is traveling in order to reposition for their work schedule), Martinez remembers to dress for any temperature by bringing layers. "Cabin temperature fluctuates, and being too cold or too hot can interrupt your sleep cycles," she says. "When I'm a deadheading crew member or when I am traveling as a passenger, I always bring my own blanket and, just in case, a scarf and a sweater." Martinez tells us that getting some good shut-eye on a plane means you may have to create a cocoon-like sleep environment with a kit containing travel-friendly sleep essentials (there's more on sleep essentials in the next section). "Create a cocoon-like environment for your senses: eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs," she tells us. "And a relaxing scent like lavender essential oil can signal to your body that it's safe to rest." Adams also advises bringing a sleep kit containing everything you need to create your own 'first class' comfort, especially when you're flying coach. "Keep all of this in a small pouch you can access easily from your seat, as digging through the overhead bin once you're drowsy is a mood killer," she says. If you can, choose where you sit on the plane wisely. "Where you sit affects how you sleep," warns Adams. She says window seats are the best for sleeping, as you can lean, control the window shade, and avoid disturbances by seatmates needing to get up. However, if you have no control over where you sit, the VIP flight attendant says there are some seat hacks you can try: When it comes to dining before and during your flight, make sure to keep your food light and drinks caffeine-free. "Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during the flight (both mess with your sleep cycle and hydration) and eat light, easily digestible meals," Adams suggests. Plus, while it's important to stay hydrated, both Adams and Martinez say that slow sips are key to avoiding nocturia (which is when you wake from sleep once or more to urinate). "Stay hydrated, but don't chug water right before trying to sleep unless you enjoy aisle trips at 2 a.m," says Adams. While you may want to plan your sleep according to your own time zone, it's important to sleep as if you're already living in your destination. "Try to sleep when it's night in your destination, especially if crossing time zones. Use your meal service as a guide: eat, then sleep," says Adams. "If flying west, you may need to stay up a bit longer before sleeping, and don't feel obligated to eat all meals. if you're tired, skip it and sleep." Bringing products that make you feel sleepy, safe, or even as if you're back in your own bed are a must if you want to get some shut-eye while travelling. Adams even says that you can use products to send secret 'do not disturb' codes to the crew. Adams and Martinez both tell us that, if you can't sleep through humming engines or clinking cutlery, then you'll need to cancel or block it out. "Noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer for light sleepers, especially when babies are crying or there's cabin activity," says Martinez. Meanwhile, Adams likes to use molded earplugs to drown out cabin noise. If the cabin's lights or your seatmate's screen is keeping you up, then take an eye mask made from soft and breathable cotton or silk to block out the glare. "Choose one that blocks all light and feels gentle," says Adams. "The ones we used to give in business class were nice, but I always carried my own 100% blackout mask." The last thing you want to do is alight the plane after your flight with neck pain, so make sure your head is supported while you snooze with a memory foam neck pillow. "I use a Cabeau neck pillow when I travel as a passenger, and I recommend a memory foam neck pillow since it supports proper alignment even in upright seats," says Martinez. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow: from $39.99 at AmazonFlight attendant Martinez uses a Cabeau travel pillow whenever she flies as a passenger as the plush memory foam promotes healthy alignment. The brand's Evolution S3 Travel Pillow currently has 4+ star score from over 7,400 ratings on Amazon, with customers praising the neck support, head stability, and value for money. Lavender is a scent that's been proven to have a soothing, relaxing effect, so apply lavender roll-on to pulse points for some sleep-inducing aromatherapy. Martinez says she uses the roll-on essential oil to signal to her brain that it's "wind-down" time. Adams recommends using lavender roll-on as opposed to lavender mist as spraying the fragrance can cause discomfort to other passengers. "We were never allowed to spray scent in the cabin (lavatory included)," Adams shares. "So, I strongly recommend something that I personally do: dab a little on my pulse points before long rest breaks." According to Adams, crew members swear by compression socks as essential on-flight wear. "Not only are they good for circulation, but they also stop your legs from feeling heavy or achy and keeping you awake mid-flight," she explains. This is a complaint that Adams would often hear from passengers. "Cabin air is incredibly dry, so crew usually apply lotion three to four times during long-hauls," she reveals. "So, hydrate before and during flight, wear layers, and apply moisturizer before takeoff." Let's face it, jet lag can be tough and even prevent you from enjoying your vacation, or getting back to normal life once you return home. However, there are some things you can do to cheat this common sleep issue. Both Adams and Martinez advise adjusting sleep gradually before you fly anywhere, in order to fit your flight's direction. "If flying west, go to bed later in the days before," suggests Adams. "If flying east, start sleeping earlier. This isn't always possible, but even an hour or two shift helps." Martinez agrees: "If I'm flying east, I'll start going to bed an hour earlier a few days before departure. Flying west, I do the opposite." Planning your meals around local time can help, too. "This helps sync digestion and hormones with the new time zone," explains Adams. "It sounds odd, but eating breakfast at local time, even when your body is screaming 'It's 2 a.m!'... can help adjust things faster." Maintaining good sleep hygiene is always important, even when you're on the move. One of the best ways to fight off jet lag is to create a morning and nighttime routine as soon as you arrive at your destination. "If I arrive in the morning, I resist the urge to nap, and go for a walk outdoors," says Martinez. "Exposure to natural light helps reset the circadian rhythm. " At night, she opts for a comfortingly familiar bedtime routine that includes three relaxing activities: stretching, listening to something that feels good and uplifts, and journaling. "I also avoid caffeine at least six hours before bed and heavy meals late in the day, and I spray lavender on my pillow to help me sleep better," she shares. Getting enough sunlight is important if you want your circadian rhythm to align with your destination's time zone, and Adams says the best way to do this is to get some sunshine as soon as you land. "Natural light resets your body clock," she says. "Even 20-30 minutes of morning sun helps signal 'it's daytime now' to your body." While on board, you may be tempted to grab a cup of joe to perk you up or a glass of wine to chill out, but Adams says this is a travel don't. "So many passengers would have a glass of wine 'to relax' then complain of feeling wired or parched later," she recalls. "It messes with your sleep cycles and hydration." In recent years, melatonin supplements have become a sleep saviour for many, including crew members. "Some crew members used 0.5–1mg melatonin for short-term help after red-eye flights," Adams tells us "Passengers from Europe especially liked this method." However, Adams stresses that you should trial the melatonin in the days before your flight, avoid high doses to prevent sleep issues, and must always consult a doctor before taking any medication. When staying at a hotel or another unfamiliar environment, your sleep may be disturbed by the "first night effect" (the experience of struggling to sleep during the initial night in a new place). Here's how Martinez and Adams overcome this challenge. Martinez admits that, as someone who sleeps in different hotels on a weekly basis, she can relate to the feeling of being disorientated when staying at a new one. "The key is to create a sense of control and familiarity wherever you are," she explains. "I always pack a small diffuser with calming essential oils, listen to something that relaxes me, and dim the lights early to wind down my nervous system." To give yourself peace of mind when staying at an unfamiliar place, Adams suggest doing a room check routine. "Many crew members (especially solo women) did a full 'room sweep' to feel safe before bed: checked under beds, behind curtains, locked everything. That peace of mind made sleep come easier," she explains. Creating a bedtime routine can help signal to your brain that it's time to hit the hay, and ease any anxiety you might be feeling. "If nighttime anxiety hits, I journal before bed to empty my mind," Martinez reveals. "I also do something I call 'anchoring': reminding myself I am safe, I am supported, and I can rest. If needed, I do a short guided meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing to shift my body into relaxation mode."
The Hill
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
RFK Jr. bans Head Start, health clinic access for people in US illegally
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Thursday it was rescinding a nearly 30-year interpretation of legislation that allowed undocumented immigrants to access certain federal public benefits. HHS said it was officially rescinding a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) that allowed undocumented immigrants to access services like community health centers and Head Start, the federal program that provides education, health and nutrition services to low income families. In fiscal year 2022, Head Start provided services to 833,000 children and pregnant women. The PRWORA, passed in 1996, restricted eligibility of benefits for undocumented immigrants and many legal immigrants during their first few years in the U.S. But exemptions allowed for states to extend benefits to undocumented immigrants, including programs for public health and emergency services. 'For too long, the government has diverted hardworking Americans' tax dollars to incentivize illegal immigration,' Kennedy said in a statement. 'Today's action changes that—it restores integrity to federal social programs, enforces the rule of law, and protects vital resources for the American people.' HHS said in its announcement that the new interpretation 'reverses outdated exclusions' from the bill's language. The programs no longer exempted from the PRWORA's restrictions include Head Start, health center programs, health workforce programs and substance use programs, among others. The new interpretation goes into effect immediately upon being published in the Federal Register, though there will be a 30-day comment period.
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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Dabur shares gain 4% as urban volume growth picks up with demand uptick
Shares of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Dabur rose nearly 4 per cent after it witnessed a sequential recovery in demand, with an uptick in urban volume growth. The company's stock rose as much as 3.89 per cent during the day to ₹514.3 per share, the steepest intraday gain since January 30 this year. The stock trimmed some gains to trade 3.6 per cent higher at ₹513,3 apiece, compared to a 0.10 per cent decline in Nifty 50 as of 10:18 AM. Shares of the company rose for the third day on Monday and currently trade at 15 times the average 30-day trading volume, according to Bloomberg. The counter has risen 1.5 per cent this year, compared to a 7.7 per cent advance in the benchmark Nifty 50. Dabur has a total market capitalisation of ₹91,070.12 crore. Dabur Q1 business update The Indian FMCG sector witnessed a sequential recovery in demand with an uptick in volume growth, particularly in urban markets, Dabur said in an exchange filing. It added that its Home and Personal Care (HPC) division is expected to perform well, driven by the oral, home and skin care categories. Key brands such as Dabur Red Toothpaste, Odonil, Odomos, and Gulabari are expected to post strong growth coupled with market share gains, it said. "Within healthcare, our brands such as Dabur Honey, Hajmola, Dabur Honitus, and Dabur Health Juices are expected to post robust double-digit growth." However, the company's consolidated revenue is expected to grow in low-single digits due to a decline in beverage sales, it said. Consolidated operating profit growth is expected to marginally lag revenue growth. Dabur's beverage portfolio was impacted during the quarter due to unseasonal rains and a short summer. International business is expected to post double-digit constant currency growth, led by key markets like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Turkey, Bangladesh and the US Namaste business. "The fundamentals of the business remain strong, and we are continuing to invest behind our brands, expand our distribution reach, build a strong back end and capture efficiencies to deliver good growth in revenue and profitability for the year." Dabur Q4 results Dabur reported its consolidated net profit of ₹320.13 crore for Q4FY25, marking an 8.31 per cent drop on a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) basis. The company posted revenue from operations at ₹2,830.14 crore, marginally higher than ₹2,814.64 crore recorded during the fourth quarter of the previous financial year.
The Hill
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
California given deadline to overhaul sex education program
The Trump administration gave California a 60-day deadline to overhaul its sex education program or risk losing federal funding. California must eliminate 'all gender ideology references' in its program and curriculum, the Administration for Children and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services said in a letter to the state. The administration condemned the federally funded Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) for teaching gender identity is different from a child's biological sex. 'The Trump Administration will not tolerate the use of federal funds for programs that indoctrinate our children,' said Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. 'The disturbing gender ideology content in California's PREP materials is both unacceptable and well outside the program's core purpose. ACF remains committed to radical transparency and providing accountability so that parents know what their children are being taught in schools.' The Hill has reached out to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) office for comment. The department said it is also investigating other grant recipients that administer PREP to ensure similar concepts are not taught in other areas of the country. The announcement comes days after the Supreme Court ruled Tennessee's ban on medical care for transgender kids is legal. It also comes after the Department of Education has opened investigations into numerous school districts who have allowed transgender individuals to play on girls' sports teams.
