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Reuters
3 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Japan's factory decline slows, but tariff worries persist
Japan's factory activity shrank at the slowest pace in five months in May as the decline in new orders eased, but worries over U.S. tariffs have dampened the recovery from an almost year-long contraction, a private-sector survey showed on Monday. Julian Satterthwaite reports.
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Think women aren't funny? You clearly don't know many
Saying that women can't be funny is a little like saying men can't wear pink. Absurd, ignorant, and so outrageously sexist the words shouldn't even be spoken without an accompanying admission of one's wild stupidity. It's also just wrong, which you'd think goes without saying. And yet, the opposite conclusion was drawn following a new study conducted by YouGov. Asked whether men or women tend to be funnier, the 5,075 people surveyed largely agreed there was no difference, with 62 per cent saying as such. But don't let that be a reassuring sign of our so-called progressive modern times: one in four (24 per cent) said that in general, men tend to be funnier. And a staggeringly low number amounting to less than one in 10 (eight per cent) people said that women tend to be funnier. Splitting the results by gender was just as bleak: just four per cent of the men surveyed said women were funnier, while 11 per cent of women said the same. The data is clear: people just don't think women are that funny. Frankly, I'm astonished. As someone lucky enough to be surrounded by a group of friends that is largely female, I am consistently reduced to fits of giggles courtesy of their hilarious anecdotes, astute social observations, and – let's be honest – diabolically disastrous dating stories. I've almost always found the women I know to be remarkably funnier than men. Obviously, characterising one gender as funnier than the other is a huge generalisation within which there will always be exceptions (I have a few funny male friends, sure). But by and large, the people in my life who make me laugh the most are women – and that's including the men I've dated, too, which probably says more about my terrible taste but that's another article entirely. There are myriad examples of women being exceptionally funny – and funnier than men – beyond my own life. Look at the roster of successful comedians who – shock! – happen to be women. I can't bring myself to write 'female comedian', linguistically endorsing the assumption that comedians are male, so I won't. There are simply loads: Katherine Ryan, Kate Berlant, Ali Wong, Wanda Sykes, Kate McKinnon, Chelsea Handler, Sara Pascoe, Jo Brand, Nikki Glaser… no male comedian (see what I did there?) has made me laugh harder than these women. There are so many more I could name but won't purely because I shouldn't have to. To the one in four men out there walking around thinking they're funnier than women, I will say this: firstly, get some female friends. Secondly, films, books, and TV shows about women exist and are worth exploring. And thirdly, therapy should resolve those issues with your mother. On a serious note, I feel sorry for these people who are missing out on so much. There is an entire subsection of life ripe for comedy that they'll never even acknowledge, let alone enjoy, out of misogynistic malaise. Besides, there are a lot of things women can be funny about that men can't. Last year, I attended Grace Campbell's standup show, Grace Campbell is On Heat, an exceptionally clever hour that had me laughing, sobbing, and enthusiastically whooping throughout. At the heart of Campbell's show, though, was something not remotely funny at all: an abortion that left her 'floored by a grief so intense it scared [her],' as she told the Guardian. But thanks to a confluence of intelligence, humour, and self-awareness, she was able to turn her traumatic experience into a relatable show that educated her audience just as much as it entertained them. It left the entire Hammersmith Apollo in hysterics while driving home serious points about reproductive healthcare, female pleasure, and those ignoramus men averse to wearing condoms. I loved it. Not only are women funny, we experience the world in a way that men do not. We've learned how to have the last laugh about that.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
For Gen Z, retirement feels out of reach. Can advisors bring it closer?
When will you retire? For nearly 1 in 5 Gen Zers, the answer is: maybe never. In a Nationwide survey of 349 Generation Z investors with $10,000-plus in investable assets, 17% of respondents said they're spending more on leisure despite long-term financial concerns, believing they may never be able to retire. Financial advisors say that many younger investors have become disillusioned with the prospect of retirement. "For generations, many people under 30 haven't prioritized retirement, not because they don't care, but because they're still building their lives and careers," said Melissa Caro, founder of My Retirement Network, a digital media platform to promote financial literacy. "For Gen Z, it's even harder. They're bombarded with financial advice online, but many are struggling to afford basics like rent and groceries. When you're in survival mode, saving for retirement feels not just distant but impossible." READ MORE: Saver's match 'free money' could pad millennial, Gen Z retirements Among survey respondents, 4 in 10 investors said that they worry about their ability to afford monthly bills over the next year. Advisors say that even among young investors who have the means to start saving for retirement, many are more concerned with short-term financial goals. In the survey, almost half (46%) of investors said that paying off loans and debts, such as credit cards, mortgages and car payments, is their top financial priority for the next 12 months. A short-term outlook can go hand-in-hand with retirement savings, as long as advisors know how to approach clients about their money practices. "Engaging Gen Z also requires meeting them where they are, which often means emphasizing tangible, short-term goals that stack up upon each other toward their long-term success," said Craig Toberman, a partner at Toberman Becker Wealth in St. Louis. "When conversations feel directly relevant to their lives today, they are more likely to take action." "For example, I often encourage younger clients to start with manageable steps, like directing a portion of irregular income, such as bonus pay or freelance earnings, into the longer-term 'investment bucket.' Focusing on what's possible today builds momentum, even if retirement feels far off," Toberman added. READ MORE: The 10 cities where retirees receive the highest income For many Gen Z investors, advisors say the prospect of a far-off retirement finish line has lost the luster it once held with previous generations. Instead, advisors say that discussions about financial freedom resonate more deeply with younger investors. "They don't want lectures. They want to understand how financial decisions impact their real lives, not just some far-off retirement fantasy," Caro said. "So, instead of starting with retirement, start with what they care about today — freedom, flexibility and experiences — and show how smart financial choices can make more of that possible over time. It's about building trust early and evolving with them as their income and goals grow." Financial advisors know connecting with Gen Z clients is crucial. But some planners find that easier than others. Mike Casey, the founder of American Executive Advisors in Alexandria, Virginia, said that "many Gen Zers seem to be disillusioned with finances and career prospects, but they can't quite articulate the cause." Engaging with younger clients can be difficult if an advisor is struggling to understand what's behind that disillusionment. John Power, a financial advisor at Power Plans in Walpole, Massachusetts, said that many of the young clients he has worked with recently are simply uninterested in retirement planning. READ MORE: Keeping the kids: An advisor's guide to retaining next-gen clients "Of late, I have encountered several younger clients who simply don't 'get it.' I have tried everything I can think of to get them energized, but to no avail," Power said. "My suspicion is that the instant gratification of current technologies has made it difficult for them to concentrate on anything very long, and financial planning does take some work on the client's part. They seem to be more engaged in having fun than taking their financial lives seriously. Some even have good incomes and have kids, but haven't a clue and can't bring themselves to start." Understanding that attitude isn't simple. Landon Tan, the founder of Query Capital in Brooklyn, New York, said that economic challenges, shifting generational opportunities and policy issues affecting young people's futures discourage many young investors from focusing on retirement planning. Advisors say those concerns are real, but they're also not insurmountable. "People really underestimate just how within reach retirement is for young people who have decades of growth ahead of them," Tan said. "By drilling into the numbers, it's easy to show individuals the truth. I hope that more financial advisors will cater to young people and use fee models that expand access so that more people have the opportunity to be persuaded to believe in their futures." 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
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Visitlex Highlights the Power of Daily Expense Tracking in Avoiding Financial Crises
Imagine needing to fix your car or pay for a medical emergency and realizing you don't have the money. You're not alone. A U.S. News survey found that 42% of Americans don't have an emergency fund, and nearly 40% would struggle with a $1,000 unexpected expense. Even among high-income earners, financial stress is growing. Some Americans consider that just $250 could make the difference in paying groceries or utility bills. Many problems with money happen because people don't track their spending. Without knowing where your money is going, it's easy to overspend and leave yourself vulnerable to financial emergencies. Tracking your daily expenses helps you take control, reduce debt, and build financial security. Let's explore why it matters and how to do it effectively. Why is Tracking Your Expenses Throughout the Month Important? Keeping track of every monthly expense gives you a clear picture of where your money goes. You see your cash flow in real-time when you record each payment—your morning coffee, a streaming service fee you overlooked, or a $255 online cash advance you used for an unexpected medical bill. This detail shows which costs are necessary and which ones you can trim before they create overdraft charges or high credit card balances. Regular checks also highlight patterns soon enough to make changes. If you notice that your grocery spending is already three-quarters of the monthly limit by mid-month, you still have time to adjust your meal plan instead of overshooting the budget. Reviewing expenses against your planned amounts helps you set practical limits for areas like entertainment or transport. Reliable day-by-day data supports bigger goals, such as building savings, reducing debt, or increasing retirement contributions. You can only redirect money when you know exactly how you spend it. Tracking expenses each month is not busywork; it is a straightforward way to keep daily decisions in line with your long-term financial plans. What Will Tracking Expenses Help You Do? Even if you don't see the benefits in the short term, they show over time, and you'll find out how to: Identify Spending Patterns Many people underestimate how much they spend on small purchases. A few dollars here and there can quickly add up. By tracking your expenses, you can recognize patterns, such as spending on drinks at a local coffee shop, subscriptions, or impulse buys. Set Realistic Budgets Budgeting without knowing how much you spend is like dieting without checking what you eat. Tracking your money allows you to set a budget that reflects your real expenses rather than just rough estimates. Avoid Debt Overspending leads to credit card debt, personal loans, or payday loans. When you track expenses, you can identify problem areas and reduce your expenses before you get into financial trouble. Save More If you're wondering why you can't save money, tracking your expenses will reveal the answer. Once you see where your money goes, shifting some of that spending toward savings or investments is easier. Common Financial Pitfalls That Lead to Emergencies Many financial emergencies happen because of poor money management. Here are some common mistakes that cause stress: Impulse buying. Making unplanned purchases leads to unnecessary expenses. Living beyond your means. If your lifestyle is too expensive for your income, you'll eventually face problems. Ignoring small expenses. A $5 croissant daily adds up to over $1,800 a year. Not having an emergency fund. Without savings, even small setbacks can turn into financial crises. How to Track Your Spending Effectively Here are several tips on how you can monitor your budget and save money in the long term: Use Special Apps Many budgeting apps make expense tracking easy. Some of the best include: Mint – Connects to your bank accounts and categorizes spending automatically. YNAB – Helps you plan every dollar to avoid overspending. Personal Capital – Tracks both spending and investments. Keep a Spending Journal If you prefer a manual approach, write down everything you spend. This will make you more aware of your purchases and help you control unnecessary spending. Review Bank Statements Check your bank statements regularly to see patterns in your spending. Look for subscription services you forgot about, random charges, or trends that need adjusting. Set Alerts Banks and credit cards allow you to set up alerts for purchases or low balances. This can help prevent overdrafts and fees. Budgeting Methods to Stay on Track Choose the option that better fits your financial needs: 50/30/20 Rule This simple method divides your income into three categories: 50% for needs. Rent, groceries, utilities, insurance. 30% for wants. Dining out, entertainment, hobbies. 20% for savings and debt. Emergency fund, retirement, and paying off loans. Zero-Based Budgeting With this method, every dollar is assigned a purpose. Your income minus expenses should equal zero, ensuring that all money is spent wisely or saved. Envelope System Use cash-filled envelopes for different expense categories. When an envelope is empty, you can't spend more in that category. This is great for people who tend to overspend. Cutting Unnecessary Expenses Without Sacrificing Comfort Making small changes can free up extra cash without making life difficult. Cooking at home instead of dining out can lead to significant savings. Canceling unused subscriptions is another effective way to cut costs, as many people continue paying for services they rarely use. Coupons and cashback apps like Rakuten and Honey can help save money on everyday purchases. Shopping smarter by planning grocery trips and avoiding impulse buys can prevent unnecessary spending. Why Emergency Funds are Important for Your Financial Stability? An emergency fund is essential for preventing financial crises by covering unexpected expenses such as medical bills or car repairs. Having one ensures you don't rely on credit cards or loans in emergencies, reducing financial stress by providing a safety net. It also helps you stay on track with your budget. You should save enough to cover three to six months' living expenses. Start by setting aside small amounts and gradually build your fund over time. Build Long-Term Financial Security Through Smart Money Management If you want to avoid stress, make money management a habit. Here's how: Keep learning. Read books, take online courses, or listen to finance podcasts. Set financial goals. Short-term (pay off debt) and long-term (buy a house, retire comfortably). Review your budget regularly. Adjust it as needed based on changes in income or expenses. Automate savings. Set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund or retirement account. Bottom Line Keeping track of your daily expenses might seem small, but it can save you from big financial headaches. When you know where your money goes, you can spot problems early, cut unnecessary costs, and build a safety net for emergencies. It's not about giving up everything fun. It's about being smart with your cash. A simple habit like tracking your spending can help you stay in control, avoid debt, and reduce stress. So, grab a notebook, use an app, or check your bank statements regularly. A little effort today can keep your finances strong and secure for the future. Media Contact Company Name: Visitlex Contact Person: James Smith Email: Send Email City: New York Country: United States Website:
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
MDOT invites I-75 travelers to respond to survey on HOV lanes
The Michigan Department of Transportation is asking motorists who use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes of Interstate 75 to participate in a survey on how the feature is working for them. The HOV lanes on I-75 are in Oakland County, between 12 Mile Road and South Boulevard. During the designated hours, which are weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., vehicles must have at least two people occupying the vehicle in order to use the lane. Emergency vehicles, transit buses and motorcycles also can use the HOV lane, regardless of how many people are rising. The survey is open until June 30 to anyone who live or works nearby, and travels along the HOV feature. This 14-mile section has the first HOV designated lanes in Michigan. The intentions were to reduce congestion, promote carpooling and improve travel time.
