Things To Do In SW Florida

Marcos Cabello | Bankrate.com (TNS)

When unexpected expenses arise, having an emergency fund can provide peace of mind and financial stability. However, Bankrate’s 2024 Annual Emergency Savings Report found that the majority of U.S. adults (56 percent) do not have enough emergency savings to cover even three months of expenses.

So, how much emergency savings should you have? For some, following the standard advice of three to six months of living expenses might be sufficient. Others, however, may prefer to save more or less than that amount, depending on factors such as income, cost of living and household size. That savings can go into a money market or high-yield savings account, where it can grow with interest and have some liquidity.

Thus, the answer may vary depending on individual circumstances, but one thing is clear: having some emergency savings is crucial. Knowing you have a safety net can help alleviate some worry, as Bankrate’s Money and Mental Health Survey found that 47% of Americans say money negatively impacts their mental health, at least occasionally. read more

Alex Brown | Stateline.org (TNS)

For decades, states have relied on gas taxes to provide much of the money to maintain roads and bridges. But as cars become more fuel efficient, and some Americans switch to electric vehicles, state leaders say the gas tax won’t pay the bills for much longer.

At the same time, many cities have seen their streets crowded with delivery trucks from Amazon and other companies, as consumers increasingly opt to have products delivered to their homes. In a few states, lawmakers think fees on those deliveries could be part of their road-funding solution.

“If you’re going to be creating wear and tear on our roads, you should help pay to maintain them,” said Colorado state Rep. Cathy Kipp, a Democrat who chairs the Energy and Environment Committee.

In July 2022, Colorado became the first state with a retail delivery fee, a charge on all vehicle deliveries to consumers within the state. The fee, which currently stands at 29 cents per delivery, provides funding for highways, bridges, tunnels, electric vehicle charging stations and projects to reduce air pollution and to electrify vehicle fleets and transit systems. It has brought in more than $160 million. read more

A massive grille on the Trump Series Cadillac is just one detail buyers are checking out during the Mecum Auctions Florida Summer Special on July 10-13 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla., Wednesday, July 10, 2024. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

Mecum Auctions auctioneer Matt Moravec calls out the bids for this 1963 Pontiac Catalina during the Florida Summer Special auction at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The Summer Special features an estimated 1,200 American and imported cars to cross the auction block for consignors, registered bidders and spectators through July 13. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)

Mecum Auctions auctioneer Trevor Moravec points at the buyer as he calls out the auctioned car during the Florida Summer Special auction on July 10-13 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla., Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The Summer Special features an estimated 1,200 American and imported muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs, and more to cross the auction block for consignors, registered bidders, and spectators.n (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel) read more

James Royal, Ph.D. | Bankrate.com (TNS)

Investors have a lot of concerns right now – the potential for falling interest rates, the U.S. elections and the emergence of artificial intelligence. How should they play these events?

Bankrate’s Market Mavens survey asked the experts about some of the most important questions for investors in 2024:

— Once the Fed begins cutting rates, how might investors and savers respond when yields or returns on savings are moving lower?

— With the U.S. election ahead, how should investors approach the uncertainty and the variety of potential outcomes?

— What is your view of the market’s enthusiasm around tech stocks and AI, and how should investors with long-term time horizons approach it?

How the pros respond to falling interest rates

The Federal Reserve has made it clear that it’s poised to move interest rates lower as soon as it sees inflation more consistently moving toward its 2 percent target. With inflation having moved lower, most market watchers think it’s only a matter of time until the Fed cuts rates. read more

By Courtney Neidel | NerdWallet

Black Friday used to happen only in November. But even as we’ve been getting used to the idea of those sales creeping into October, retailers have also been conditioning us to associate a third month with big deals — July.

This month has sales scheduled from Amazon (Prime Day, anyone?), Target, Walmart and other big retailers.

“Consumers are being trained,” says Ayalla Ruvio, associate professor of marketing at Michigan State University. “Right now, it’s almost like tradition. Once you train consumers, they’re expecting it. They’re getting ready for it.”

But labeling a sale as “Prime Day” or “Black Friday” doesn’t necessarily make it a bargain. Protect your wallet this month by steering clear of these four shopping mistakes.

1. Letting time-sensitive deals decide your spending

The hallmark of these July sales is urgency. They don’t last forever. And that could push you into a transaction without thinking twice.

On one hand, the pressure is real. Products like clothing, shoes and cosmetics that were marked down with deep discounts have sold out in prior years, Ruvio points out. read more