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Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Most Americans Are Not Even Halfway to ‘Financial Happiness' — 4 Reasons Why and What To Do About It
Americans have been on a wild financial ride so far in 2025, with the stock markets bouncing up and down and economists sounding the alarm about a possible recession. Given all the volatility, it's perhaps not surprising that most Americans have a lukewarm view of their overall financial situation. On average, they rate their happiness with their overall personal finances a 4.97 out of 10, according to a new survey results from Empower. This means most Americans aren't even halfway to financial happiness. Find Out: Read Next: Based on those results, here are four reasons Americans are not financially happy — and what they can do about it. Out of 2,208 U.S. adults surveyed, more than one-third (35%) of respondents said one of the biggest roadblocks to achieving financial happiness is income. They provided an average rating of 4.65 out of 10 on salary, meaning most don't think they are even halfway to their ideal income. In terms of financial challenges, an inadequate income can seem like one of the toughest. However, there are a few ways to boost your income, including asking for a raise, taking on a side hustle or finding a better-paying job. It might also be helpful to look for positive macro trends. For example, average wage growth in the U.S. has outpaced inflation since February of 2023, according to Statista. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that median weekly earnings for full-time workers reached $1,194 during the 2025 first quarter — up 4.8% from the previous year and above the inflation rate of 2.7% Explore More: Another major roadblock to achieving financial happiness is the feeling that 'expenses are adding up' — a problem that was also cited by 35% of Empower survey respondents. The best way to deal with high expenses is to find areas to cut back — and many Americans are doing just that. About one-third (32%) of the survey respondents said they're cutting their discretionary spending and spending less on non-essential items. The same percentage said they're switching to cheaper brands. Seven in 10 survey respondents said the economy is 'too uncertain' to make big money moves. 'What we're seeing across these scores is more than economic uncertainty — it reflects what we're calling a 'Great Decide,'' Rebecca Rickert, Empower's head of communications and consumer insights, said in a press release. 'People find themselves at financial crossroads with important choices about saving, investing and, critically, where to turn for advice to get where they want to go.' If you're worried about the economy, a good first step is to adopt more frugal habits, such as establishing 'no-buy' days and building up your emergency fund. You should also assess your financial situation to determine where there is room for improvement in terms of spending, savings and debt. Nearly one-third (31%) of Americans believe they're not in a place where they can save money, according to Empower. As a whole, the survey respondents rated their satisfaction with retirement savings at an average of only 4.54 out of 10 — the lowest rating among all categories. One way to save more money is to reduce your spending and put whatever is left over into your savings accounts. Earning additional income can also boost your savings. And if you haven't done so already, put your money into a high-yield savings account to ensure the best return on your deposits. More From GOBankingRates 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 This article originally appeared on Most Americans Are Not Even Halfway to 'Financial Happiness' — 4 Reasons Why and What To Do About It 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
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- General
- Newsweek
Couple Rip Down Wall To Reveal 245-Year-Old Door, Shock At Where It Leads
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A couple renovating their home were shocked to discover a 245-year-old hidden door leading to the most unexpected of places. Interior remodeling was the most frequent project undertaken by U.S. homeowners renovating their property in 2024. A Statista survey of just over 20,000 U.S. adults found about 69 per cent of respondents had completed some interior remodelling over the previous 12 months. While all renovations are done with a view to improving a home and adding value, sometimes unexpected surprises can spring up as a result. That was the case for Deborah and Luke Finch, a UK couple who made a shock discovery just days after moving into a picturesque home with a unique history. "The house was built in 1780 just outside of Durham by the Prime Minister Charles Earl Grey," Deborah Finch told Newsweek. "The Grey family name is on the original deeds." Deborah and Luke Finch were intrigued to see what was behind the plaster board. Deborah and Luke Finch were intrigued to see what was behind the plaster board. Instagram/the_olive_finch Charles Grey served as Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834. During his time in office the Great Reform Act of 1832 was passed, giving a greater proportion of the UK population a chance to vote. He also passed the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, which ended the practice in the British Empire. Though Finch and her husband had fallen in love with the property the moment they first laid eyes on it, they agreed it was in need of an update and wasted little time in getting to work. "We began decorating the house soon after we'd purchased it," Finch said. Things took an unexpected turn when they noticed a section of stone wall in one of their hallways that was being covered over by plasterboard. "We really wanted an exposed stone wall and one night just started pulling at the plasterboard," Finch said. "Before we knew it we'd pulled off almost half a wall." As they were ripping away at the plasterboard, Finch and her husband came across something else. "We noticed a bricked up section and decided to pull down some bricks. We were too curious to see what was behind," she said. "That's when we found the doorway." In removing the plasterboard, Finch had uncovered a doorway sealed up by bricks dating back to 1830. She quickly realized where the doorway led: right through to her neighbor's house. "We went straight next door to ask if we could look to where it led and if they knew there had been a door between us," she said. "It led into their kitchen - we joked with them about what it would be like if we opened it up again." After conducting a little more research, Finch discovered that the two homes had once been part of the same property and that the door was used by servants. "If you put an ear to the bricks you could hear the sounds of next door," Finch said "Our dogs used to talk to each other through it!" The doorway's original wooden lintel and some old quarry tiles were visible around the doorway. But while there was undoubtedly a temptation to open it up, Finch wasn't sure about creating a doorway between the two homes. So they found a different solution. "We kept it sealed up with the original bricks and made it into a shelving display. It was a talking point every time someone came round," she said. "We didn't realise how much work would be involved to finish the wall but after finding the doorway, there's no way we could cover it up again so we kept it!" Though it may have resulted in a lot more work than they had bargained for, Finch has no regrets about ripping up that plasterboard. "We were so shocked," she said. "We were just so thrilled to have chosen that wall to expose or it would have remained hidden today and no one would ever know it was there!" The couple shared the video of the "hidden door" to their TikTok page, @the_olive_finch, at the end of May, where it amassed more than 2,000 views. The story follows on from that of a couple who made an alarming discovery while renovating their 135-year-old home. In another surprise discovery, a couple who had recently purchased a home dating back to the 1600s found something unwanted when they began removing the wallpaper at the property.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Check Point Software Technologies Recognized as a Best Company to Work For by U.S. News & World Report
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today announced that U.S. News & World Report has named the company among its 2025-2026 list of Best Companies to Work For. In addition, Check Point was also recognized as a Best Company to Work For in the IT industry. This recognition highlights Check Point's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous growth across its global workforce. The U.S. News rankings evaluate companies based on metrics that matter most to employees, including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance, professional development, and workplace culture. 'We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Companies to Work For,' said Tom DiMartino, Head of Human Resources, Americas at Check Point Software Technologies. 'At Check Point, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest deeply in creating an environment where employees can thrive, innovate, and make a real impact.' This recognition adds to a series of accolades for Check Point, including being named one of America's Best Cybersecurity Companies in 2025 by Newsweek and Statista, one of the World's Best Companies by TIME and Statista in 2024 and earning a spot on the Forbes list of the World's Best Employers for five consecutive years. Check Point continues to grow its global team, offering career opportunities across engineering, cyber threat research, sales, and more. This award underscores the company's dedication to attracting and retaining top talent in the cybersecurity industry. To learn more about career opportunities at Check Point, visit: Follow Check Point via:LinkedIn: X: YouTube: About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. ( is a leading protector of digital trust, utilizing AI-powered cyber security solutions to safeguard over 100,000 organizations globally. Through its Infinity Platform and an open garden ecosystem, Check Point's prevention-first approach delivers industry-leading security efficacy while reducing risk. Employing a hybrid mesh network architecture with SASE at its core, the Infinity Platform unifies the management of on-premises, cloud, and workspace environments to offer flexibility, simplicity and scale for enterprises and service providers. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point's industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. MEDIA CONTACT: INVESTOR CONTACT: Ana Perez Kip E. Meintzer Check Point Software Technologies Check Point Software Technologies press@ ir@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘In order to build the future of Europe, we need to focus on Africa', says AMDIE
Morocco had the fifth highest GDP in Africa in 2024, according to Statista. At the same time, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the country's credit rating to BB+ with a positive outlook, replacing the previously stable outlook. This gives the country the third highest rating on the continent, after Botswana and Mauritius, which are the only nations to achieve 'investment grade status'. According to S&P, the BB+ status denotes an expectation that 'the Kingdom will strengthen its track record of implementing reforms to support growth and reduce its deficits.' This aligns with the country's conscious efforts to attract foreign direct investment and establish itself as a gateway between Europe and Africa. In this episode of The Big Question, Euronews' business editor Angela Barnes is joined by Ali Seddiki, general director of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), to discuss the country's future role in the global economy. As Europe grapples with competitiveness challenges and uncertainty over its future economic relationship with the US, it is crucial for the bloc to explore other strategic partnerships. 'When we discuss with our European counterparts, we understand that green and ESG-compatible industries are important for Europeans. They are also looking for additional cost-efficiency, competitiveness, and also for future markets,' Mr Sedikki told The Big Question. 'Africa is also the market of the future [...] and clearly we think that Morocco is part of the solution for the European companies.' Related Stability is the key to investment, says Moroccan Minister Zidane Morocco's Investment Charter, first introduced in 2022, seeks 'to raise the share of private investment to two-thirds of total investment by 2035.' The charter implemented investment support mechanisms, an improved business climate by simplifying processes and bureaucracy, improved governance so all regions can benefit, tax incentives and legal safeguards. 'It works on creating a suitable environment for investors, less bureaucracy, more efficiency,' Mr Sedikki explained. The country also created a Ministry for Investors and AMDIE 'to help investors and provide end-to-end services and we work as a one-stop shop for any kind of investor,' he added. Related The Big Question: What will it mean for Europe if Trump's tariffs resume? 'That would be a huge mistake', fashion alliance fears 'watering down' of environmental legislation Morocco has a growing green energy industry, with a particular focus on wind and solar. The Kingdom is aiming to source at least 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, positioning itself as a regional leader in the energy transition in Africa. 'What we want to make sure of is that this potential is used to positively impact the Moroccan economy,' Mr Seddiki noted. 'We have a great young population entering the job market, that's a huge opportunity, but also it's a challenge, we need to create jobs. So now the strategy is how can we leverage our natural, sustainable resources in order to create sustainable jobs for our young people entering the job market?' The Big Question is a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today's agenda. Watch the video above to see the full discussion with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development. 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
Euronews
14 hours ago
- Business
- Euronews
The Big Question: Why should Europe look to invest in Morocco?
Morocco had the fifth highest GDP in Africa in 2024, according to Statista. At the same time, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the country's credit rating to BB+ with a positive outlook, replacing the previously stable outlook. This gives the country the third highest rating on the continent, after Botswana and Mauritius, which are the only nations to achieve 'investment grade status'. According to S&P, the BB+ status denotes an expectation that 'the Kingdom will strengthen its track record of implementing reforms to support growth and reduce its deficits.' This aligns with the country's conscious efforts to attract foreign direct investment and establish itself as a gateway between Europe and Africa. In this episode of The Big Question, Euronews' business editor Angela Barnes is joined by Ali Seddiki, general director of the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development (AMDIE), to discuss the country's future role in the global economy. As Europe grapples with competitiveness challenges and uncertainty over its future economic relationship with the US, it is crucial for the bloc to explore other strategic partnerships. 'When we discuss with our European counterparts, we understand that green and ESG-compatible industries are important for Europeans. They are also looking for additional cost-efficiency, competitiveness, and also for future markets,' Mr Sedikki told The Big Question. 'Africa is also the market of the future [...] and clearly we think that Morocco is part of the solution for the European companies.' Morocco's Investment Charter, first introduced in 2022, seeks 'to raise the share of private investment to two-thirds of total investment by 2035.' The charter implemented investment support mechanisms, an improved business climate by simplifying processes and bureaucracy, improved governance so all regions can benefit, tax incentives and legal safeguards. 'It works on creating a suitable environment for investors, less bureaucracy, more efficiency,' Mr Sedikki explained. The country also created a Ministry for Investors and AMDIE 'to help investors and provide end-to-end services and we work as a one-stop shop for any kind of investor,' he added. Morocco has a growing green energy industry, with a particular focus on wind and solar. The Kingdom is aiming to source at least 52% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, positioning itself as a regional leader in the energy transition in Africa. 'What we want to make sure of is that this potential is used to positively impact the Moroccan economy,' Mr Seddiki noted. 'We have a great young population entering the job market, that's a huge opportunity, but also it's a challenge, we need to create jobs. So now the strategy is how can we leverage our natural, sustainable resources in order to create sustainable jobs for our young people entering the job market?' The Big Questionis a series from Euronews Business where we sit down with industry leaders and experts to discuss some of the most important topics on today's agenda. Watch the video above to see the full discussion with the Moroccan Agency for Investment and Export Development. UK house prices edged up slightly to 3.5% on an annual basis in May, up from 3.4% in April, according to Nationwide's latest House Price Index report. This was ahead of analyst estimates of 2.9%, pointing to a still-resilient UK housing market, despite cost challenges following stamp duty threshold decreases at the start of April. On a month-on-month basis, UK house prices jumped 0.5% in May, bouncing back from a -0.6% fall in April. This was more than the 0.1% increase expected by the market as well. The average UK house price was £273,427 (€324,232.5) in May, up from £270,752 (€321,053.7) in April. Nationwide's chief economist, Robert Gardner, said in the May house price index report on the company's website: 'Official data confirmed that there was a significant jump in residential property transactions in March, with buyers bringing forward their purchases to avoid additional stamp duty costs. 'Owner occupier house purchase completions were around twice as high as usual and the highest since June 2021, which was also impacted by stamp duty changes.' He also noted that mortgage approval data suggests market activity has remained resilient following the end of the stamp duty holiday, with underlying UK housing market conditions staying robust despite broader global economic volatility Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at online investment platform Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, said in an email note to Euronews: 'While some buyers are clearly pushing ahead with their purchase journey, others may now be mulling their options more carefully as higher costs pose a fresh challenge. Lower stamp duty thresholds have the biggest impact on first-time buyers as they must now save enough to cover a potentially sizable tax bill in addition to their deposit.' She noted that this may encourage lenders to offer 100% mortgages to help first-time buyers get started on the property ladder, especially as several loan providers have already relaxed their requirements in an effort to draw more clients. Falling interest rates as the Bank of England loosens monetary policy somewhat has also helped borrowing conditions, although sticky-high inflation may slow progress. Businesses passing on higher employment costs to consumers, mainly because of changing US tariff conditions, could impact the housing market as well. 'Uncertainty is becoming the new normal and for many first-time buyers or home movers looking to refinance their existing mortgage soon, it may be better to push ahead with a purchase rather than wait for the ideal borrowing conditions,' Haine noted. "Plus, the traditional surge in listings at this time of year is a positive buyers can take advantage of, as a wider stock of homes to choose from raises the potential for heavier negotiation on price,' she added. According to a recent special report by Nationwide, average house prices in mainly rural areas have continued to grow faster than more urban areas, rising 23% between December 2019 and December 2024. This is compared to an 18% increase in mainly urban areas. Nationwide's chief economist, Robert Gardner, highlighted: 'The pandemic had a significant impact on housing demand during 2021 and 2022, with a shift in preferences towards more rural areas, particularly amongst older age groups. Whilst these effects have now faded, less urban areas have continued to hold the edge in terms of house price growth.' The report also revealed that among house owners who have moved in the last five years, 63% moved within the same type of area, mainly between large towns or cities. 9% of homeowners moved to rural areas such as hamlets or villages from towns and cities, whereas 7% did the opposite. Perhaps unsurprisingly, younger movers between the ages of 25 and 34 preferred to move to more urban localities, whereas older people, especially above 55 moved to more rural places.
