Things To Do In SW Florida

By MATT OTT (AP Business Writer)

U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in eight months last week as the labor market continues to show strength in the face of elevated interest rates.

U.S. applications for jobless claims fell by 20,000 to 201,000 for the week ending Sept. 16, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the lowest figure since the last week of January.

Jobless claim applications are seen as representative of the number of layoffs in a given week.

The four-week moving average of claims, a less volatile measure, fell by 7,750 to 217,000.

Though the Federal Reserve opted to leave its benchmark borrowing rate alone this week, it is well into the second year of its battle to stamp out four-decade high inflation. The whopping 11 interest rate hikes since March of last year have helped to curb price growth, but the U.S. economy and labor market have held up better than most expected.

Earlier this month, the government reported that U.S. employers added a healthy 187,000 jobs in August. Though the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.8%, it’s still low by historical measures. read more

Q: I have no debt and a high-deductible health insurance plan through my employer. Should I fund a Health Savings Account?  –  W.W., Orlando

A: Yes! HSAs are an excellent investment vehicle that allow for tax-free growth providing your withdrawals are used for qualifying medical expenses. Plus, your contributions are deducted against federal income taxes. They are available at most financial institutions, including banks. Some employers offer them as well.  – John M. West III

Q: As the market goes down, should I make any changes to have fewer investments in stocks? – S.A., Longwood

A: Over time, rebalancing your portfolio to move back to your risk target is a great strategy, as it will typically mean you are buying into the market as it declines. Make sure that you review your financial plan so your goals match your investment risk. – Colby Winslow

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final installment of the Ask an Expert financial advice column. Coming next week: The Savings Game by Elliot Raphaelson, a columnist with decades of experience as an adviser, teacher and author in personal finance. read more

A new design for Walt Disney World’s specialty state license plate has been rolled out. The revised look features a blue silhouette of a castle on a darker field of blue that’s sprinkled with starry pixie dust that runs behind the numbers.

It’s not a drastic departure from its predecessor, which leaned into the resort’s 50th anniversary look with purples and a big 5-0 on the castle.  The plate reads Florida across the top and has the signature Walt Disney World logo at the bottom.

Sales of the specialty plate, introduced in 2021, benefit Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida. More than $2 million has been raised, Disney says.

“Wish-granting is a huge part of what we do here at Disney, and we love that Florida drivers choosing the new Disney World license plate will help make even more wishes come true, while creating joy for children and families who need it most,” Stefanie Steele, WDW’s senior manager of corporate social responsibility, said in a news release.

The plates are available through county tax collector’s offices and license plate agencies across the state.  Gift certificates for the tags to Floridians and personalized plates also are available in this style. read more