Tausi Insider

Workers at the largest U.S. rail union voted against a tentative contract deal reached in September, raising the possibility of a year-end strike that could cause significant damage to the U.S. economy and strand vital shipments of food and fuel. Reuters https://www.tausiinsider.com/video-biggest-u-s-rail-union-raises-threat-of-strike/?feed_id=333095&_unique_id=6473f346ef917

Photo : Attasit saentep ( Shutterstock ) Home repair projects can be intimidating to tackle yourself—but w hen you need to hire someone to do it for you, finding the right contractor for the job can be equally as challenging . Comparing prices, experience, and timelines is much more stressful when you have an active plumbing leak or a problem with your furnace . There are some simple things to keep in mind when the task of choosing a repair expert seems daunting . Get advice from friends ( or other contractors) The first thing to consider when choosing a contractor is if they’re recommended by others who have hired them . Looking at reviews might give you some idea, but it’s better to get advice from people you know who have had similar work done. Another reliable source is other contractors you’ve worked with and trust who don’t do the kind of work you need for this project or repair , but may have a working relationship with someone who does. C ontractors often stake their re...

Railways across the U.K. are facing major disruption on Dec. 13 as thousands of rail workers start a series of strikes over the Christmas period, and that's just the latest action in what is shaping up to be a winter of labor unrest. https://www.tausiinsider.com/u-k-labour-unrest-deepens-as-rail-strike-begins/?feed_id=328834&_unique_id=6428b3c2bbcab

Photo : NDAB Creativity ( Shutterstock ) After taking time off to focus on stay-at-home parenting, it’s no easy feat to re-enter the work force. First and foremost, you’re now doing the work of not one but two demanding jobs: one is whatever earns you a physical paycheck, and the other is being a parent. Former staff writer Sarah Showfety advises parents returning to work, “If you learn only one thing here, learn this: Do not ‘see how it goes.’ Select not only a daycare, nanny, or family member to care for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, but also someone to entertain, feed, get ready, and drop-off older kids at various activities when they return home from school. (Because, unless you have preternaturally independent (or older) children, guess who’s office they will be barging into for help with snacks, petty disputes, finding shin guards, and untying their blasted, double-knotted cleat laces—while you’re on deadline or in a meeting?)” Read the full piece here . https:/...

Photo : Colin Dewar ( Shutterstock ) SECURE 2.0 was signed into law at the end of 2022. Standing for “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement,” the second version of this act is designed to keep building on improvements to the U.S. retirement system. Whether retirement is far off or fast approaching for you, here’s what to know about how SECURE 2.0 will impact your retirement planning. Changes to required minimum distributions Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are the IRS-mandated amount of money you must withdraw from your retirement account each year. SECURE 2.0 lessens the blow of RMDs in several ways. First off, the age to start taking RMDs increased to 73 in 2023 and will increase again to 75 in 2033. This gives savers an extra year for tax deferral (the previous age was 70.5 years old in 2022). Previously, failure to take your RMD before the deadline would result in a 50% penalty. Under SECURE 2.0, the penalty for failing to take an RMD decreased to 25% of...

Railways across the U.K. are facing major disruption on Dec. 13 as thousands of rail workers start a series of strikes over the Christmas period, and that's just the latest action in what is shaping up to be a winter of labor unrest. https://www.tausiinsider.com/u-k-labour-unrest-deepens-as-rail-strike-begins/?feed_id=330551&_unique_id=63b9b41a5b0a5