Latest news with #WEP
Mint
an hour ago
- General
- Mint
Wi-Fi router buying guide: Speed, range and smart home tips
We usually spend hours comparing internet plans, but barely give a thought to the Wi-Fi router. It's high time we realise that this little box sitting in a corner actually decides how strong and stable your connection will be. A weak router can slow everything down, no matter how fast your plan is. So, if you're looking to buy a new router for your home, here's what you need to check. Consider the size of your home: Larger or multi-level houses generally require a high-range router, mesh system, or additional extenders to ensure consistent coverage. What's your internet usage: Do you consume your internet for streaming, gaming, working from home, or general browsing? This will help you determine the performance level you need. Number of devices connected to your network: Routers with better capacity and bandwidth are essential for handling multiple connections smoothly. Standard routers: These are ideal for small or medium-sized homes where internet use is basic and limited to browsing, streaming, and a few connected devices. Dual-band routers: These Wi-Fi routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. This prevents network congestion and provides better speed, especially if you have multiple users at home. Tri-band routers: These come with one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz bands and are a great fit if you have many devices connected at once, like smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, etc. Mesh systems: These are ideal for large homes or places where the Wi-Fi signal drops in corners or across floors. They use multiple router units placed around your home to give strong, consistent coverage everywhere. Your router should be able to handle the internet speed you're paying for. If your internet plan gives you 1 Gbps speed but your router can only support 300 Mbps, then you won't get the full speed you're promised. Routers come with speed ratings like AC1200 or AX1800. The higher the number, the faster it can be, but keep in mind, the actual speed mostly depends on your internet plan and how your home is set up. You cannot compromise on your security and privacy. Therefore, your Wi-Fi router should keep your network safe from online threats. Wi-Fi routers that support WPA2 or WPA3 security are stronger and more reliable than older options like WEP. Besides, other features like firewalls, security suites (offered by internet providers) and parental controls also help keep your data safe. Today, most of us have smart devices at home, like Alexa speakers, Google Nest cameras, smart TVs, or robot vacuums. That's why it makes sense to choose a Wi-Fi router that can easily connect and work with all of them. A good router helps everything run smoothly, whether you're asking Alexa to play music, checking your video doorbell, or streaming 4K shows on your smart TV. In the past, we didn't think much about which router to get. But now, with more connected devices and higher internet use, choosing the right router for your smart home is more important than ever. Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act
Changes in Social Security policy can cause alarm to those currently on or soon to be claiming benefits. However, one piece of legislation, The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), signed by President Joe Biden in the last couple of weeks of his presidency, is designed to help certain groups of Social Security recipients. Find Out: Read Next: Financial experts explained what the SSFA means for retirees, and some budgeting tips when these changes go into effect. The SSFA repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) from 1989 and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from 1977, according to Don Grant, a CFP and CFP Board ambassador at CFP Board. 'Those two programs affect approximately 2.8 million government workers who were considered to have been double-dipping if they were to collect Social Security benefits while receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered public sector jobs or a government pension,' he explained. By eliminating the WEP and GPO programs, nearly 3 million public workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers and federal employees, will now be allowed to take their Social Security benefits in addition to their pensions, Grant explained. Learn More: While the SSFA reinstated eligible recipients' Social Security benefits, retroactive through 2024, Grant pointed out that recalculating benefits for 3 million current retirees takes time and resources. 'That effort is ongoing and may be in jeopardy due to the current administration's efforts to slash budgets and manpower in the agencies that perform those recalculations,' he urged patience to government and/or public sector workers affected by WEP or GPO, who haven't received benefits yet. 'There is no assurance that you'll receive the benefits as directed by the SSFA's repeal of those programs, but you can hold out hope.' If you do end up receiving the extra benefits, be careful of how you spend it, according to George McFarlane, president of 7 Waters Advisors. 'First and foremost, it's important these retirees don't let this income boost lead to a change in their lifestyle,' McFarlane warned. 'Increased income could lead to increased spending.' Retirees may also want to visit with a tax advisor in case the income pushes them into a higher tax bracket, McFarlane said. 'This could happen, especially if the retiree is pulling money from pensions, IRAs or other investments. Looking into strategies to reduce taxable income may be necessary,' he said. Retirees should also consider using extra funds to build a larger safety savings account, such as an emergency fund. 'This account should be earmarked for emergency expenses that may arise in retirement. This account should be enough to cover six- to 12-months' worth of living expenses,' McFarlane said. Another smart move with extra income is to purchase long-term care insurance or estate planning vehicles (life insurance or trusts), McFarlane advised. 'These products can help retirees maintain control during retirement, while ensure there is a legacy left behind for your family after you're gone.' Regardless of how you plan to spend additional income, Grant urged some smart budgeting basics. First, look at your total income, from all sources (pension, rental properties, investment royalties, annuities, etc.) and then calculate your spending across 'needs' and 'wants.''Net your earnings to your spending. Do you come up short? Or do you have a surplus of income? If it's a surplus, you should be fine. If a deficit, there are several actions you can take. You have two choices: Spend less or make more.' One way to enhance your income would be to shift your investment allocation, Grant said. He recommended working with a CFP to build a 'more income centric investment portfolio.' This means finding products that are designed for income, such as dividend-bearing stocks, hedged equity funds and options-based those who are expecting but haven't yet received these increased benefits, should stick with their existing budgets and act as though the additional money may never come. That way, you won't overspend or make plans you can't afford. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act 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
CNET
5 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Social Security Fairness Act: Some Beneficiaries Have To Wait Until November To Get Paid
The Social Security Fairness Act means more money for certain beneficiaries. Here's what to know. J.J. Gouin/Getty Images The Social Security Fairness Act went into effect in Feb 2025 and the SSA has been sending billions in retroactive payments and benefit adjustments to qualifying individuals. The act gets rid of two rules and will result in a boost in monthly payments for former and current public employees who previously had their benefits reduced due to having "noncovered pensions." As of Apr 29, over $14.8 billion in retroactive payments have been sent out to 2.2 million beneficiaries. The SSA says the average retroactive payment so far is $6,710 and new benefit amounts could be over $1000 for some people. Payments and benefit adjustments began rolling out in April, but if you qualify and haven't noticed any change in your payment yet, don't worry. Read on to find out exactly what rules were repealed, who benefits from the Social Security Fairness Act and why some people are still waiting for their payments. For more, don't miss the Social Security payment schedule and how to apply for Supplemental Security Income. What is the Social Security Fairness Act? The Social Security Fairness Act was passed by the House in November, and signed by former President Joe Biden on Jan. 5. It eliminates earlier rules that limited payments to public service workers such as teachers, firefighters, postal service workers and police officers, meaning that those people will soon receive bigger payouts. Specifically, it repeals these two rules: The Windfall Elimination Provision (PDF), enacted in 1983, is a formula used to adjust Social Security worker benefits for people who receive "noncovered pensions" and who qualify for Social Security benefits on other earnings that are covered by Social Security. A noncovered pension is one paid by someone's employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes from their salary. The Congressional Budget Office predicts (PDF) the elimination of the WEP would increase benefits by $360 on average for 2.1 million Social Security beneficiaries. This would further increase to $460 on average for 1.8 million recipients by December 2033. The Government Pension Offset was enacted in 1977 and adjusted in 1983 and reduced the Social Security benefits of spouses, widows and widowers who also received government pensions of their own. The elimination of the GPO, the CBO predicts, will increase monthly benefits payments by around $700 for spouses and $1,190 for surviving spouses in December 2025. By December 2033, payments would be up to $860 and $1,520, respectively. Collectively, only about 4% of all Social Security beneficiaries (PDF) are affected by the WEP and GPO, but to the 2.8 million qualifying individuals (down from the 3.2 million the SSA reported in April), the impact on those households could be profound. The act applies to payable benefits after December of 2023, meaning back payments will be issued for qualifying individuals. Due to the increase in Social Security payments, the CBO estimates a reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments for those who participate in both programs. How will qualifying individuals be notified? The SSA says that if you are due a retroactive payment or an adjustment, you will receive a notice in the mail. However, some beneficiaries might receive two notices in the mail. One to inform when the WEP or GPO is being removed from their record and another with the benefit change or retroactive payment. In some cases, a beneficiary may receive a retroactive payment before they receive their mailed notice. Some might have to wait until November to get paid While the SSA has made substantial strides in getting back payments and new benefit amounts to beneficiaries, this is largely in part due to automation. However, the SSA says that more complex cases that can't be handled through the automation process must be manually updated. This goes for both retroactive payments and benefit adjustments, and the payments are being sent out as they complete each case. The SSA expects to complete the remaining adjustments by early November. As of May 23, 87% of the adjustments have been completed, totaling 2.4 of the 2.8 million beneficiaries. What should qualifying individuals do in the meantime? Now that the Social Security Fairness Act has gone into effect, there isn't much a qualifying individual needs to do. The only thing the SSA suggests is to have your current mailing address and direct deposit information listed in your account. You can do this online via your my Social Security account or by visiting a local office. For more, don't miss our Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet and four ways you could potentially lose your Social Security benefits.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Activists protest outside Parliament, demand justice for murdered child, 11
Jayden-Lee Meek was murdered outside his home after failing to come home on 12 May 2025. Image: Supplied At their own expense, a Johannesburg-based women's rights organisation has travelled to Cape Town to picket outside Parliament in a desperate bid to force the police to take decisive action in the brutal murder case of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. The Women Empowerment Platform (WEP), led by founder Natalie Solomons, joined local activists and community leaders in calling for justice after Jayden-Lee's body was found just metres from his home in Fleurhof, Roodepoort. The organisation is urging Parliament and the Portfolio Committee on Police to prioritise the case and ensure that an arrest is made. 'We got involved in the Jayden case because it's a child who was murdered in the very community we serve,' said Solomons. 'I still can't get the picture of how he was found that morning out of my head. It was a very evil sight to see – I don't know how somebody can do that to a little boy. I'm a mother. There's no way I could turn away from this. That's why we travelled from Johannesburg to Parliament. We want action. Someone needs to be held accountable.' Jayden-Lee went missing on Tuesday, 12 May 2025. He was last seen being dropped off by school transport at around 3.30 pm at the Swazi Court complex, where he lived. According to his mother, who works from home, Jayden never made it inside the flat. His body was discovered the following day, just two metres from their doorstep. He was rushed to Discovery Hospital, where he was declared dead. Anti-gender based activists picketing outside parliament demanding justice for slain Jayden-Lee Meek Image: Supplied According to witnesses, his body was still warm when found, indicating he may have died shortly before being discovered. What followed has sparked outrage. Community members say police and forensic teams only arrived after residents had already begun searching for Jayden's school clothes and bag. According to community members, the crime scene was neither secured nor barricaded, and no arrests have been made more than two weeks after his death. Community activist Althea Cluff, among the first to raise the alarm, said she fears the case will simply fade away. 'We are afraid this case will be buried like so many others — that it will become another cold case.' Solomons and Cluff were livestreaming from the scene on TikTok the day Jayden's body was found, demanding urgent action from authorities. The Women Empowerment Platform, established in 2020, runs a children's home called Legacy Children's Home and a gender-based violence (GBV) facility in Northcliff, Johannesburg. The organisation currently houses over 10 children rescued from abusive environments. 'We see these horrors daily,' said Solomons. 'One of the girls we're housing now is 11, the same age as Jayden, and she was raped (and sodomised). But Jayden's case hit differently. That picture of his body lying there... As a mother, I just couldn't turn away.' Following pressure from activists, a meeting was held on 27 May at Parliament with MP Dereleen James. The delegation submitted a formal request for a sitting with the Portfolio Committee on Police and was granted permission to hold a peaceful picket. The case has since drawn national attention, with South Africans from multiple provinces donating to support the efforts of the self-funded group. But what the activists want most, is justice. 'We are not going anywhere until there is justice,' said Cluff. 'Jayden deserves that. All our children do.' The community continues to call on SAPS, the Ministry of Police, and Parliament to ensure that the investigation proceeds swiftly, transparently, and with the urgency it deserves. Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, confirmed that the committee had unanimously supported the call for a dedicated meeting to address Jayden-Lee's death and the broader policing challenges it exposes. 'This follows a formal request sent to me yesterday by committee member Dereleen James MP,' said Cameron. 'We will ensure that the necessary accountability mechanisms are activated without delay. South Africa's children deserve better, and we will act accordingly.' [email protected]
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Move to boost women hires catching on
KUALA LUMPUR: Government tax incentives aimed at encouraging the hiring of women returning to the workforce and promoting flexible work policies are gaining traction among employers, said TalentCorp chairperson Wong Shu Qi. Wong said although official data has yet to be released, the agency has seen a surge in enquiries from companies keen to take advantage of the incentives. 'Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced additional 50% tax incentives under Budget 2025 to encourage employers to hire women returning to work, adopt flexible work arrangements and provide paid caregiver leave. 'However, these incentives are in the process of being gazetted before full implementation.' She said to close the gender pay gap, the government is offering a one-year income tax exemption for women re-entering the workforce, part of a broader push to boost female labour participation. Speaking after launching Malaysia's first Women's Empowerment Principles (WEP) Corporate Action Lab yesterday, Wong said the policy would remain in place until 2027 as part of ongoing efforts. 'We will be announcing the full incentive mechanism soon. Once that is in place, more companies will come forward and we will be able to collect clearer data on women returning to work.' Earlier, theSun reported a need for greater salary transparency and stricter enforcement of fair pay to address gender wage disparities. Women's Aid Organisation executive director Nazreen Nizam highlighted that the absence of legislation mandating equal pay for work of equal value has allowed gender wage gaps to persist unchecked across various sectors. She stressed that Malaysia must roll out clear legal frameworks, backed by enforcement and penalties, to ensure pay equity. Wong said narrowing the gender pay gap is not the sole responsibility of any one agency as it also requires active participation from the private sector. 'A wide pay gap not only hampers economic growth but also shifts hidden costs to families. Tax relief policies are a start but they must be part of a broader strategy. 'There is no one-size-fits-all solution but businesses must understand that hiring more women delivers long-term returns. Failing to do so ultimately hurts the economy and individual companies.' She also reaffirmed TalentCorp's commitment to building pathways that empower women to balance careers and caregiving, aligned with the national target of 60% female labour participation. UN Women, LeadWomen and TalentCorp have launched the WEP, which is an initiative to guide companies in adopting gender-responsive strategies and creating more equitable workplaces. 'Malaysia's female labour participation has remained stagnant at around 56%. We have been working with policymakers and partners to push that number forward,' said Wong. Australian High Commission to Malaysia political and economic counsellor Clare Gatehouse said the proportion of women in senior management and board roles dropped from 40.4% in 2023 to 36.5% this year. 'Despite equal or higher levels of education, Malaysian women earn about 80% of what men make in similar roles.' To support change, Australia has worked with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to strengthen Malaysia's care economy, including by developing policies to improve the quality of care services for workers and users. 'Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri believes family-friendly workplaces and a strong care sector are crucial to achieving gender parity. Without focused action, we will not see these numbers improve,' she said.
