The internet is both a blessing, and a curse. A blessing because I can Google whatever I want and have any and all information in a matter of seconds. I can pay bills online, order groceries and meals for delivery from my favorite restaurants, make appointments for just about everything and more. And I enjoy social media – I’ll admit it: I’m a Facebook junkie.
In March 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed. When a bank fails, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) repays depositors up to a $250,000 limit, a limit that is widely known. Approximately 90% of SVB’s deposits were above this limit.
While we all hope for the best, it’s important to be prepared for the worst. Unexpected events such as job loss, a medical emergency or car repairs can throw our finances off balance, leaving us scrambling for ways to cover the expenses. This is when an emergency fund comes in handy. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of having an emergency fund and how to build one.
Due to losses on its bond portfolio, Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in March. What happened? Bonds are safer than stocks, but not perfectly safe. Bonds carry two risks: default risk and interest rate risk.
Currently, my partner and I are in the crucial phase of planning our big, summer adventure. Why crucial? One reason is because I have a “Type A” personality, so planning is required, and secondly, because two adults on their first European vacation as a couple plus one small boy equals, again, some advance planning.
Written between 1755-1750 BC in Babylon, the Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest and most famous examples of early law. The definition of law is fluid but may be defined as a set of rules that are created and enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior. The development of law mirrors the development of civilization itself. Ancient Egyptian law dates back to 3000 BC and its pronouncements are based upon the concepts of truth, harmony, order, morality and justice. The first known law “code” was started in approximately 2200 BC by Sumerian King Ur-Nammu. It consisted of simple “if … then …” statements, usually doling out harsh consequences for those who deigned to “break” the law. When Hammurabi came to power around 1760 BC, he built upon the statements made by Ur-Nammu by adding to, codifying and inscribing them in stone. The 282 “laws” are now known as the famous Code of Hammurabi.
While April Showers bring May flowers, it can sometimes still be rainy in May. We start this month’s style trend with a new jacket!
On Mother’s Day, moms everywhere are celebrated – it’s a joyous occasion filled with flowers, gifts and delicious meals (that mom didn’t have to cook). I have many fond memories of the day spent with my own kids, relaxing, enjoying handmade cards, bouquets of flowers (sometimes wilted) and breakfasts in bed (sometimes burned) prepared by little hands.
When I open my personal email inbox, I am usually overwhelmed with invitations to shop from the many retailers whose offerings I browse online. The solicitations are filtered into one folder. I have been known to simply open that folder and hit “delete all” but in recent weeks, something has stopped me. I keep getting similar emails sent by everyone from small boutique owners to big-box store marketing departments, letting me know I can opt out of their Mother’s Day promotions. So far, I have deleted them all; but the sentiment gives me pause.
There is a line in the “Top Gun” movies that applies not only to fighter pilots, but anyone with a heartbeat – and that is: “I feel the need … the need for speed!”
When the March Vogue Magazine Style Edition described spring fashion trends, the SHIFT team was oh so happy to read, “The vibe will be creative, adventurous and most of all, fun.”
