Day: December 11, 2022

Apple to allow third-party app stores in windfall for NFTs and crypto

 

In a win for crypto app developers, incoming EU laws will force Apple to permit alternative app stores and apps without the need to go through its App Store.

Tech giant Apple is gearing up to permit third-party app stores on its devices to comply with new anti-monopolistic requirements from the European Union (EU), which could be seen as a huge win for crypto and NFT app developers, at least in Europe.

Under the new rules, European customers would be able to download alternative app marketplaces outside of Apple’s proprietary App Store, thus allowing them to download apps that skirt Apple’s 30% commissions and app restrictions according to a Dec. 13 Bloomberg report citing those familiar with the matter.

Currently, Apple has stringent rules for NFT apps that practically force users to go through in-app purchases subject to Apple’s 30% commission, while apps are not permitted to support cryptocurrency payments.

Apple’s enforcement of its rule led to a block of Coinbase’s self-custody wallet app update on Dec. 1 as Apple wanted to “collect 30% of the gas fee” through in-app purchases, something that is “clearly not possible” according to Coinbase.

It then claimed Apple wanted the wallet to disable NFT transactions if they couldn’t be done through its in-app purchase system.

Alex Salnikov, co-founder of NFT marketplace Rarible tweeted on Dec. 13 in response to the news that a “crypto app store” could be built and would be a “great candidate” for a venture capital-backed startup.

Apple’s move to open its ecosystem is in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act aiming to regulate so-called “gatekeepers” and ensure platforms behave fairly with part of the measures allowing “third parties to inter-operate with the gatekeeper’s own services.”

It will be applicable starting May 2023 with businesses needing to fully comply by 2024.

Apple hasn’t decided if it will comply with a part of the Act allowing developers to install alternative payment systems within apps that don’t involve Apple. if it does comply, it could open up payment systems that allow cryptocurrencies.

Under consideration by the tech giant is mandating security requirements for software outside of its store, such as verification from Apple, in a bid to protect users against unsafe apps.

The changes to Apple’s closed ecosystem would apply only within the EU, other regions would need to pass similar laws such as the proposed Open App Markets Act in the United States Congress from Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal.

Unlocking Career Opportunities In Finance Banking With A Science Degree

Having a science degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in finance banking. With the ever-changing complexities of the financial markets, employers are increasingly seeking applicants with scientific backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives and technical skills to the field. Those with a science degree are well-positioned to take on positions in financial analysis, risk management, and investment banking, among other roles. This article will examine the various ways in which a science degree can help those in finance banking, from the technical skills gained during their studies to the analytical and problem-solving abilities developed throughout their degree. With these qualities, science graduates can bring a unique approach to their roles in finance banking, helping organizations to stay ahead of the competition.

What are good courses to get into banking & finance? A variety of degree programs can assist you in moving in your career. Financial education includes topics such as investing strategies, money management, and other aspects of financial analysis. The study of financial principles and patterns is one of the primary responsibilities of an economics degree. Working in banking and finance is a diverse career option. Accounting majors may find that their studies help them find a variety of jobs after graduation. It might be a good idea to check out what job opportunities they have available if you’re unsure what you want to do.

Accountants are in charge of ensuring that the company’s accounts are in order and that the necessary taxes are paid. Investment bankers use their skills to research market fluctuations in order to seek investment opportunities. Business development managers are hired to help with business development. A business development manager’s job is to assist corporations in developing their own cultures and corporate structures. Financial advisors are individuals who provide financial advice to clients. Financial advisors may be an advisor or an independent contractor. They can provide information on investment strategies and accounting methods. A loan is made by a underwriting when they assess risk and decide whether to lend to them. CFOs at businesses are C-level executives in charge of all financial decisions.

Students from all fields are welcome to apply to any banking course.

A science student who is interested in banking can apply to appear for the exam. Candidates applying for a bank PO examination must have completed their graduate degree course from a recognized university, and there is no minimum percentage of eligibility required.

The field of data science in banking holds great promise in terms of fraud detection, recommendation engines, customer support services, and other banking activities.

Companies that require advanced financial analyst skills typically require a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) rather than a Bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in Commerce can be used to get started in the job market.

What Degrees Go Well With Finance?

A good double major in finance would be accounting, marketing, or another major related to business, though other options may also be useful.

In the financial industry, there are three types: public, corporate, and personal. Depending on your interests, you may be able to choose from a variety of degrees. After earning a bachelor’s degree in finance, you will be prepared to work in the entry-level finance field. You will be able to become a financial researcher as well as a financial instructor if you earn a doctorate in finance. Earning a career as a commercial banking professional allows you to open savings accounts, check accounts, and take out multiple loans. You can pursue a financial career depending on your educational level and personal preferences. Mortgage brokers, mortgage companies, and life insurance companies are just a few of the career paths available in the financial sector.

The chief financial officer is in charge of overseeing the company’s finances and developing a financial strategy to keep it on track. Because studying finance courses will give you a solid understanding of financial insight, technology, and interpersonal skills that will help you land a good job, you will be prepared for any job you may be offered. A thorough understanding of the various types of financial environments will also be required in order to determine where you want to focus your financial career. A bachelor’s degree in finance is sufficient to qualify you to take the CPA exam. The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) of GMercyU has accredited the BS in finance program. As part of the program, students learn about investments, risk management, sports business finance, and taxation.

The most important thing that people can do in order to advance their careers is to pursue a master’s degree in finance or a related field. While a master’s degree does not always qualify you for a position in finance, there are numerous advantages to it. The benefits of applying online go far beyond helping you stand out from other applicants; they also give you a competitive advantage in a highly competitive job market. A master’s degree can also help you improve your leadership skills as you progress up the career ladder. If you have a strong understanding of complex financial concepts and experience, you can better manage a team or department. A master’s degree also allows you to network with industry professionals and form relationships that will be useful for your career.
Those who pursue a master’s degree in finance or a related field can put their skills to use when it comes to progressing their careers. To be successful in a senior position, you must have the right education; with the right education, you can distinguish yourself from other candidates and prepare for higher levels of responsibility. In addition, with a master’s degree, you will be able to build connections and gain valuable knowledge in the long run.

Can We Consider Business Finance As A Science?

 

 

The field of finance as a business and a study of statistics and mathematics has strong roots in these fields. Furthermore, a number of modern financial theories rely heavily on scientific or mathematical formulas.

Finance’s roots are in related scientific disciplines like mathematics and statistics. There are numerous modern business theories that are similar to scientific or mathematical formulas. Financial industry professionals, on the other hand, may not always consider it to be scientific in nature, comparing it to art. Human emotions, for example, are significant in a variety of financial markets. A broad definition of finance includes banking, credit, leverage or debt, capital markets, investments, and funds. Finance experts divide the most important areas into three areas: accounting, spending, and debt. In public finance, a variety of activities are carried out, such as spending, taxation, debt issuance, and budgeting.

We look at personal finances in the context of strategizing, budgeting, saving and investing for the protection of assets, and purchasing financial products. According to the National Association of Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Compliance Officers have the highest annual salary in finance: $128,385. A direct wage is frequently the basis for pay, but profit sharing, fees, and commissions are also frequently used. Managing Directors of investment banking earn as much as $315,50 per year.

Finance: A Balance Of Science And Art

Despite the fact that there is a great deal of debate surrounding finance, some argue that it is a Bachelor of Arts degree and others argue that it is a Bachelor of Science degree. Finance, as a result, is neither a nor a combination of these two elements. Finance is considered a science because it is based on an organized body of knowledge, which contains certain universal truths, and it is an art because it necessitates certain managerial skills and personal items that managers possess. Financial management necessitates the use of classified and tested knowledge to resolve business issues and practical problems, which is also a science and an art. While finance requires some math training and knowledge of accounting and economics, it is not necessarily more difficult than other fields of study, and it is a worthwhile area of study for those with a knack for math.

How Does Computer Science Help In Finance?

 

 

Computer Science has become an indispensable tool in the financial industry, helping to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve the accuracy of financial decisions. It has enabled the use of sophisticated algorithms to automate financial transactions and analyse large amounts of data quickly and accurately. For example, computer science has enabled the use of predictive analytics to identify trends in the stock market and help investors make informed decisions. Additionally, computer science has enabled the development of trading systems that can interact with financial markets and execute trades in an automated fashion. In addition, computer science has enabled the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to better understand customer behaviour and to develop more informed financial strategies. Overall, computer science has enabled financial institutions to become more efficient, secure, and profitable.

Computer science is a branch of computer science that studies computational theories, hardware and software architecture, algorithms, and how humans interact with computers. Financial planning, investment planning, and analyzing spending are all covered as part of your finance education. Students pursuing CS degrees can specialize in a variety of subjects.

If you combine computer science and finance, you can work in the tech and finance industries with ease. Graduates with a background in both computing and finance are well-equipped to bridge the gap between the two disciplines. A degree in this field opens up a wide range of employment opportunities for students, allowing them to use their knowledge to create software and applications that benefit businesses or assist financial institutions in better managing their funds. Students who major in computer science and finance can also gain a better understanding of how laws and regulations affect business operations, as well as gain insight into how these laws affect the economy overall.
Individuals who want to be at the forefront of technological and financial innovations should major in computer science and finance, as this is the most likely path to follow. Students who study both disciplines can create computer programs and applications that make businesses more efficient, as well as develop methods for more informed investments. Graduates of this degree program can help financial institutions make sound decisions as well as stay ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the legal implications of their operations.

Make The Switch: Combining Computer Science And Finance For Lasting Success

It is very powerful to combine computer science and finance. Earning a double major in computer programming and investing will allow you to develop computer software as well as develop strategies for investing. The course will cover the fundamentals of business operations, calculus, mathematics, and algorithms, as well as provide a strong foundation for understanding these topics.
If you want to switch your focus from finance to computer science, there are a lot of career options available to you. Computer-based systems allow financial departments to send financial reports and strategies more easily, increasing the flow of information among members of an organization. If you’re interested in computer science, now is the best time to switch because the earlier you do so, the better your chances of success in the long run.

How To Get Into Finance With A Science Degree

There is no better path to pursue a career in finance than with a science degree, especially if you consider it a difficult science. The primary goal is to build relationships and to demonstrate your interest in finance. If you’re still in school, you might be able to get involved with finance-related clubs, take accounting classes, and so on.

Bloomberg Experiential Learning has selected Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business to be a partner. 100% of Adelphi finance students have access to job shadowing, mentoring, and internship opportunities. Finance graduates in 2019 have 95% of their degrees completed in six months*. All students will be required to take BMC as part of their major. Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) is an e-learning course. Students in the Student Investment Fund are given the responsibility of making recommendations for the funds, and they work under the supervision of a faculty member. Bloomberg terminals are housed in the same manner as those used by Wall Street financial professionals in Adelphi’s James Riley, Jr. Trading Room.

It is possible for science and technology students to pursue a career in finance. With the ever-changing nature of the finance industry, it is critical to develop innovative and data-driven approaches to money management and investment management. Graduates of STEM programs with a background in finance are well suited to take advantage of this opportunity. In addition to having technical knowledge, they have the analytical ability to develop strategies and make better decisions. Furthermore, a finance graduate with a background in engineering possesses distinct advantages. They excel at making smart business decisions due to their unique combination of science and technology skills, as well as financial expertise. They can, as a result, provide invaluable insights into a company’s financial health, allowing the company to make sound investments while also improving the company’s prospects. A career in finance can be both exciting and rewarding for people with a STEM background and a passion for the game. Students with the right training and dedication can make a positive impact in the financial industry by utilizing their knowledge and skills.

Open The Door To A Financially Rewarding Career With A Biology Or Computer Science Degree

A bachelor’s degree in biology or computer science can lead to a variety of career opportunities in finance. A biology degree can be used to gain entry-level positions as a financial analyst, while computer science majors can demonstrate their knowledge of relevant computer systems, languages, and research skills to obtain financial jobs. You can get a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree if you want to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. You can expect to earn an average of $61,000 per year if you both earn a degree in finance. If you are still in school, adding some business and mathematics courses to your schedule will help you stay on top of your financial responsibilities.

Banking And Finance Degree Salary

A banking and finance degree can open the door to a variety of careers with lucrative salaries. The median annual salary for a banking and finance degree holder is $84,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who work as financial managers, financial analysts, and risk management analysts can often earn salaries above the $100,000 mark. Careers in banking and finance also offer a variety of benefits, such as stock options, bonuses, and other incentives. With a degree in banking and finance, you can enjoy a stable and rewarding career that offers the potential for a lucrative salary.

A typical year’s salary is $70,479, and a typical month’s salary is $5,873. These salaries are outliers. The national average for employment is $26,499.19. A household earning $39,000 is ranked 25th. This is a top wage: the 90th percentile is $123,500 – $141,500, which is considered highly compensated. Banking Finance jobs are in high demand in and around Bordentown, NJ. ZipRecruiter pays salaries ranging from $141,500 to $26,000 per year, depending on the job.

In your area, the average annual salary for a Banking Finance is $69,424, or $1,055 (1%) less than the national average salary of $70,479. In Atkinson, Neb., there is a 32,553 (32.3%) increase in the national average. In close proximity are Dimondale, MI, and Cambridge, MA, both of which have 17%. Average salaries for the top ten cities are generally in the range of 18% between Atkinson, NE and Riverside, CA.

Lure Of Lucrative Pay: Finance Degree A Great Choice For Career Path

If you want to make a good living, you should think about earning a finance degree. Finance majors can expect a steady rise in pay once their salaries reach an average of $55,000 and a mid-career average of $110,000. A degree in finance not only prepares you for a high-paying career in banking, but it also allows you to advance in your career. Students with a business administration or finance undergraduate degree are more likely than non-degreed students to land entry-level banking, money management, real estate, and investment banking jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for business and finance occupations in 2021 is expected to be $76,570, with the average entry-level finance salary expected to be $88,160. With such a lucrative salary potential, combined with the fact that most jobs in the finance sector necessitate a bachelor’s degree, it is no surprise that finance degrees are an excellent choice for those looking for a stable and long-term career.

Where Can I Work If I Study Banking And Finance

Their goal is to provide corporations and individual investors with insight into the stability and risk of investments, whether corporate or private.

The financial sector accounts for approximately $16 trillion of global economic output and employs hundreds of millions of people around the world. There are hundreds of career opportunities in finance, according to the job descriptions below. I intend to link to more detailed guides for each of them as much as I can, if not exclusively. M&A has the highest salary, but it also has the most demanding hours. A Project Finance team is in charge of analyzing and funding infrastructure projects such as roads, ports, airports, and others. Those who are interested in securities like debt, equity, and derivatives will find asset/ portfolio management to be an enjoyable career. A hedge fund or a private equity fund are investments in companies that are not publicly traded on a stock exchange.

Venture Capital is a type of capital that focuses on early stage startups. It’s not just about financial or investment decisions, but it’s also about assisting your portfolio companies. Wealthy people can invest in hedge funds in a similar way to how they can invest in mutual funds. Because hedge funds only accept money from accredited and qualified investors, there is a lot of scope for their business. Clients of Financial Markets can access the market through equity, fixed income, derivatives, commodity, and other types of trades. Working in trading is a demanding, high-reward profession that provides excellent benefits. Someone with a PhD in quantum physics could be building extremely complex trading models at home or someone with a day job could be doing it from home.

Oil traders are, in fact, the largest users of oil, in addition to being oil firms themselves, as well as airlines, refineries, and others. Retail banking can be quite rewarding if you know what you want to do and have the right personality. A wealth manager’s job is to manage all aspects of a person’s wealth, from investing to taxes to estate and retirement planning. Small Business Banking offers a wide range of banking services to businesses of all sizes, from large corporations to small retailers. Accounting for the vast majority of jobs, business banking assists SMEs in running their businesses. Despite the fact that it is not as flashy as investment banking, this sector offers its own set of unique challenges and rewards. There is no end to the opportunities or challenges that exist.

This article will give you an idea of the various career options and opportunities available in FinTech. If you understand all of the rules and are able to enforce them, you can be a good compliance officer. People with little interest in client interactions are ideal candidates for risk management positions. Tax advisory careers are similar to those in law, but there is an overlap. A corporate finance role is made up of some accounting and banking elements. Furthermore, successful accountants are able to make a lot of money by providing clients with valuable expertise that no other firm can provide. There will always be a treasury department at any large corporation (though it may or may not be referred to as such).

A budget analyst is an accountant who works for a firm and is in charge of managing its finances as well as overseeing its accounting and financial planning departments. Financial analysts prepare reports that are distributed to managers in order to assist in decision-making and planning. A stressed asset is one that is past due on a loan or other type of financial instrument that is at risk of default. Typically, these are handled by a team of specialists, with the majority of the time consisting of attorneys.

Best Careers In Banking And Finance

Banking and finance careers offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences, from managing investments and providing financial advice to helping customers with their banking needs. With the right qualifications, skills, and experience, a career in banking and finance can be incredibly rewarding. Financial analysts, for example, are responsible for researching and analyzing data to help investors make informed decisions about their investments and can earn a six-figure salary. Meanwhile, loan officers can help customers navigate the often-complicated loan process and can enjoy a generous salary plus commission. Finally, financial advisors can help individuals and businesses make sound financial decisions and can earn a salary plus commission. With the right qualifications and experience, a career in banking and finance can be lucrative and rewarding.

Financial analysts assist businesses and individuals with investment decisions. Customer relationship managers are in charge of developing and maintaining relationships with customers. Financial Advisors assist individuals in their efforts to manage their money for the long term and short term. In 2022, the average annual salary for Relationship Managers will be $86,466. Business expenses and income must be accounted for by accountants who analyze, plan, and evaluate them. People can apply for loans through loan officers. Branch Managers The Branch Managers set goals for their branch and manage its budget.

Customers frequently see bank tellers as the first point of contact in their banking process. The Treasury Secretary is in charge of all financial aspects of an organization, including budgeting, objectives, and goals. As budget officers, they are in charge of managing the organization’s budget and overseeing major investments. In 2021, bank tellers were paid a median annual salary of $36,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the entry level, it is possible to work as a teller or clerk in a bank. Other career options include financial analyst, auditor, accountant, or investment banker.

If you want to work in banking after graduating from high school, the Bachelor of Finance and Accounting is a great course to take after 12th. It is an essential course that will assist you in gaining the necessary knowledge and skills required to become a successful banking executive. A student must have completed 12th grade and studied subjects such as mathematics, economics, and accounting in order to take this course. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting will have the opportunity to work in banking as a result of their studies. Loan officers, chief financial officers (CFOs), and chief risk officers (CROs) are among the highest-paid banking employees, among other roles. Students who complete this course will have the skills required to succeed in banking and have the opportunity to build a future in financial services.

Benefits Of Studying Finance

The master’s degree will prepare you for employment in the real world. A degree in finance teaches you the analytical and strategic skills required to become an effective risk manager, capital allocation specialist, and investment strategist, as opposed to more general degrees like business administration.

A variety of classes are designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths in finance. Financial analysts and personal financial advisers are two of the many career paths available to finance majors. The following possibilities exist as well: cost estimating and budget analysts. Some financial careers may advance at a faster rate than others, depending on the situation.

A Smart Investment: Studying Finance For Career Success

Students must be familiar with financial principles in order to enter the world of business and commerce. Finance encompasses nearly every aspect of business operations and is an in-demand career field. Aside from the expected 5% job growth in business and finance occupations over the next ten years, finance is a smart choice for those looking to get a career in the field. The finance major can prepare for a variety of career paths in finance, including financial advisor, investment banker, budget analyst, and investor relations associate. Students who have the right combination of knowledge and experience can be well prepared for a successful career in finance.

 

Top Quality Forex Education Is Essential to Success

The Foreign Exchange Market or Forex offers traders a unique opportunity as the most expansive financial market across the world. There is no need for a centralized location because trades are executed electronically, allowing the entire world to participate.

Forex trading has to do with making money by trading in different currencies. As with most investments, the idea is to buy low and sell high, which is easier said than done. Most traders wouldn’t describe Forex as complicated. But there are some important things to know before you can expect to make profitable trades in this highly liquid financial market.

The reality is that currency trading offers an opportunity to make huge profits. People trading in the currency exchange market have literally made millions before they even realized it. However, whenever there is huge earning potential, as there is with Forex, there are huge risks as well. In fact, many people have lost substantial amounts of money trading in foreign exchange market.

Investment experts always advise people to get a good Forex education before going down this path. To do well, you need to be fully educated and this cannot be achieved with a crash course or by reading a few articles you find online.

Most colleges and universities in the United States with a good business school will offer courses that teach the ins and outs of trading in financial markets, including Forex. These courses provide students with the knowledge and training needed to be successful. Rather than going in blindly and risk losses it’s important to be fully prepared with the right Forex education from a highly rated business school.

Ideally, your Forex education should teach you how to most effectively read charts so that you can spot the trends. Once you become skilled at reading currency exchange market charts you’ll see where certain currencies are going. Learning this will be critical in helping you decide which ones to buy and sell and when. This is why it is so important that you know how to accurately read these charts before getting into the foreign exchange market. Honing this particular skill will definitely help you increase your odds of making money. Without knowing how to accurately read the charts, your risk of losing money is greatly increased. That’s the reality.

In looking for the right school, you will want to choose one that offers you real-time trading experience, which is typically done with dummy as well as real accounts. We all learn best through experience, so the best schools offering Forex education will require students to set up dummy investment accounts to practice with. They will also expect you to set up real funded accounts for actual currency trading. But since you’re just learning, these real accounts should be quite small so that you’re not at risk of losing a lot of money.

The only way you’ll gain the experience you need to feel confident as you enter the foreign exchange market is by doing practice trades in dummy and real accounts. Then, when you actually start trading in currencies, you’ll have a good idea of how it all works. A top-quality business school will be equipped to teach you how to use various Forex trading systems. This will give you a chance to determine which one is easiest for you. All of this practice gives you first-hand knowledge on how these systems work, so you can avoid mistakes once you’re doing this for real.

Since currency trading is available to practically anyone with a computer connected up to the Internet, people are often under the impression that few skills are required. This is far from the truth because do well you do need skills, plus a considerable amount of money. This is not for amateurs because there is no guarantee that your investment(s) will be profitable. Forex is risky, which is why you need the skills to accurately read the charts before investing in the foreign exchange market. A good Forex education is essential if you want the best chance of success.

It is extremely important that you understand the risks involved in currency trading. You need to realize that many investors have had severe financial losses because they entered the foreign exchange market without the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. The key to making money in the Forex market is to learn the fundamentals and get the necessary practice ahead of time.

When you’re equipped with a good Forex education, you greatly increase your chances of making good money trading currencies. Without that, you could put yourself at huge financial risk.

The Montana Law Prohibiting COVID-19 Kill Shot Vaccination Mandates in Health Care Settings Is Unconstitutional: According to Molloy, a Clinton Appointee, Satan Soldiers Never Stop!

 
 
 

HNewsWire:

American health care, as we call it today, and for all its high-tech miracles, has evolved into one of the most atrocious rackets the world has ever seen. By racket, I mean an enterprise organized explicitly to make dishonest money.

A federal judge in Montana has ruled that parts of the state’s law preventing discrimination against individuals in health care settings based on their COVID-19 vaccination status are unconstitutional.

 

 
 
 
Profile-332

Sources: HNewsWire  HNewsWire  HNewsWire

Profile-266
Profile-474

 

Christmas and Chanukah, Eco Style

There are so many easy and festive ways to have an eco-friendly Holiday Season. Here’s how to bring sustainable celebrating to Christmas and Chanukah.

Check out our simple and fun alternatives to cutting down a live tree. In addition to those options, there is an awesome company called The Living Tree that operates in California that brings live trees to your home for the holidays. Then after the holidays, they pick it back up and replant it. How cool and kind is that? Bear and I have done this many times.
San Francisco, California offers a similar tree ‘rental’ service, in which you pick out a tree, pick it up, and then either return it or arrange to have it picked up for a $25 fee. After your tree is picked up, it gets planted along San Francisco’s city streets.
Somers, Connecticut, Pell Farms is another company that sells both cut and potted Christmas trees.

An Even More Eco Option:

Instead of buying a tree, decorate one in your yard using decorations you already have, along with energy-efficient Christmas lights, if you like.  Then not only do you get to enjoy the decor, but your neighbors do too! You can also hang these DIY pine-cone bird feeders on your outdoor Christmas tree to celebrate the season with your feathered neighbors. Be creative!

If you’re gonna have a tree, it might seem like an artificial tree is the more eco way to go, since they are reused, but really, it’s not. Surprising, right? People usually only use them 4 times or so and then toss them out where they will sit in a landfill forever. They also use lots of energy to produce, package, and ship them….not to mention that they are made with toxic materials.

If you are going to get a cut-tree, search for an eco-friendly tree farmer near you.  Organic Christmas tree farms including low-spray and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Christmas trees exist!  If you decide to go this route, your most green option is to find a sustainable grower from a certified organic farm. You will also be supporting your local farmers. If you go this route, be sure to recycle your tree after Christmas by chipping it into mulch or composting it. You can also visit this article to find tree recycling and other Christmas item recycling options.
I’m always so sad when I walk the streets of New York after the holidays with all the trees dead and discarded on the street. It feels so wasteful and sad. Luckily, there are lots of alternatives- let’s not be the people who leave our resource-guzzling, discarded Christmas trees out on the curb!

Tree Ornaments & Decorating

I like to use things I’ve found or made to decorate. This will also save you $$$ instead of buying them all new from the store. You can use a baby shoe or an old children’s toy as an ornament and add a little one’s name and date. Hang cookie cutters from a ribbon. Make ornaments from nature!! Pinecones and twigs. Go crazy….buttons, silverware, things in your sewing kit….glue photos onto wood scraps or lids.  Use Pinterest for crafting ideas, that’s a treasure trove of upcycling ideas!
If you do buy ornaments, try to find groovy used ones on eBay, Craigslist, or from your local thrift store. If buying new ones, choose the most eco ones you can get your hands on. This usually means lead-free, Fair Trade, or ethically sourced options.

Stockings!
They don’t have to be something super fancy, in fact, the more you use them, generally, the more you start to love them and enjoy pulling it out each year. You can look for used stockings and big socks, or even big oven mitts from your local thrift shops, garage sales, Craigslist, or eBay. If you buy a new stocking for the holidays, look for ones made from recycled or organic animal-friendly materials (that means no wool, too).

Holiday Cards
I save the fronts of holiday cards and reuse them. I keep them in a little box and pull them out when I need them. Try to reuse old cards, or make them out of stuff you have at home…magazines, old wrapping paper, etc.
But if you will be purchasing new ones, definitely try to go for 100% recycled cards….made from 100% post-consumer waste, or seed paper that can be planted. And if they are printed with soy-based ink, that’s even better! GreenFieldPaper.com sells recycled cards and hemp cards too!

Gifts & Gift Wrapping
You can peruse my Holiday Gift Guide Here.  For wrapping paper use old newspaper or thrift store fabrics and ribbons. You can also re-use brown paper bags (although hopefully, you don’t have a ton of these, because you are using your reusable canvas bags), or get creative with magazines and even junk mail (hopefully you have stopped your junk mail. If you haven’t, go here to learn how).

Holiday Meals & Parties
Choose a holiday recipe from The Kind Life website which is full of kind, warming, beautiful meal options that would all be great for your holiday gatherings!
Try to make your party a little or no-waste event.
In conclusion – here’s a cheat sheet to green up your grand fete!

  1. Do not use disposables. You and your family members can trade dishwashing. That includes tablecloths and napkins! Investing in vintage or new cloth napkins and tablecloths is a beautiful tradition!  Go for your own plates, cloth napkins, glasses, and silverware, but if you will be buying disposable, try for recycled or compostable/biodegradable dishware and utensils.
  2. Bring Tupperware, or send the family home with doggy bags that are freezable.
  3. Drop your leftovers off at a local homeless shelter, or feed them to the doggies (as long as there is no chocolate or onions involved, of course!)
  4. Compost food leftovers, or drop your leftovers to your local farmers market or co-op which always have compost.
  5. Don’t overbuy – buy exactly what you know your guests will eat. I personally hope that’s not tortured, dead birds! If you need tips on a vegan Christmas meal or Latkes – use the search engine!
  6. Use your own cloth or reusable bags when shopping.
  7. Use acorns, small pumpkins, pinecones, rosemary, wildflowers, and gourds to decorate your tablescape – and when you’re done with them – leave them out for wildlife outside to nosh!

Christmas shoppers at rising risk of loan fee scams, watchdog warns

 

People could be at greater risk of loan fee fraud this Christmas, the City regulator has warned.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) typically receives an increase in reports of loan fee fraud over the festive period.

Loan fee fraud happens when someone pays a fee for a loan they never receive – and the FCA is concerned that rising financial stress could place more people at risk of scammers’ tactics this year.

Some consumers may be tempted to take out loans to meet these extra costs. Unfortunately, this is where loan fee fraud scammers and illegal lenders see an opportunity

An often-used tactic by loan fee fraudsters is to pressurise people who are seeking quick access to cash – but those falling victim stand to lose £260 on average.

The regulator said such scams have already increased in frequency in the past year, with the number of cases reported rising by around a fifth (21%) between November 2021 and October 2022 compared with the same period a year earlier.

The FCA is asking people to check its register if they are asked to provide an upfront payment for a loan.

It found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of consumers are unaware what loan fee fraud is.

Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight, FCA, said: “This Christmas period is going to be tough for many consumers, and those who have been hardest hit by the rising cost of living will understandably be anxious about meeting the additional expenses that Christmas brings.

Don’t let scammers be the ones enjoying your Christmas this year

“Some consumers may be tempted to take out loans to meet these extra costs. Unfortunately, this is where loan fee fraud scammers and illegal lenders see an opportunity.

“At a time of heightened stress and pressure, scammers and illegal lenders will rush consumers into bad decision-making.

“Be aware of red flags – such as being asked for a fee or being asked to pay in an unusual way. And if you are considering taking out a loan, please pause and check the FCA’s Register to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate lender. Don’t let scammers be the ones enjoying your Christmas this year.”

Here are some warning signs of potential loan fraud, according to the FCA:

– Having made several loan applications online, you are then contacted out of the blue by text, email or phone and offered a loan.

– Being asked to make an upfront payment into a bank account, or transfer money via an unusual method.

– Scammers may claim that the fee is refundable and will be used as a deposit, administrative fee, insurance, or because of bad credit history.

– You may be put under pressure to pay the fee quickly.

– Once the first payment has been made, the scammer might contact you again to ask for more payments before they can give you the loan.

– Even though you make the payments, you never receive the loan.

Paul Kraus sworn in as county’s new family law judge

 

“I did not know that intended running for choose sometime,” he mentioned, just several hours ahead of his swearing-in ceremony at the Ottawa County Circuit Courtroom, where he’ll specialize in spouse and children regulation.

Kraus, a senior prosecuting attorney, was sworn in Friday, Dec. 9, after getting elected to serve the county by dealing with circumstances of baby abuse, adoption, custody and additional.

Kraus explained his marketing campaign brought “tremendous worry of very long nights, speaking at public functions, making your way throughout all of Ottawa County.”

“It puts a toll on a loved ones to be capable to do it suitable and to be in a position to get out there and actually meet the public,” he mentioned. “It’s critical for Ottawa County citizens to know their elected officials, to be able to have a dialogue with individuals looking to serve and to come to feel relaxed with them.”

Kraus mentioned he frequented 26 villages, cities and townships all through his campaign, chatting to people and hearing about their experiences with the court method.

“I spoke numerous instances in all of those people places so that everybody — not just those people in our populated centers — would know about our marketing campaign and would experience cozy with me as an elected official,” he claimed. “I’ll carry with me the tales and details that citizens shared with me.”

From speaking to a mom who felt she was treated wrongly in a different county, to listening to a current widower talk of his late spouse, Kraus stated he options to take those stories, and listening techniques, to the bench.

“For me, it’s pausing and reflecting on the information and facts that comes in advance of me,” he claimed. “Not staying rash in judgment or striving to promptly arrive to an response with no a finish set of information and facts before me.”

Far more:Ottawa County Loved ones Justice Middle kicks off design

With the election of Kraus and the design of the new Household Justice Middle in West Olive, the Ottawa County Loved ones Courtroom will have a a person-decide-per-loved ones design. Cases will keep with a one judge by all proceedings to retain consistency.

“You quickly recognize that absolutely nothing is black and white in the legislation, and just about every case and relatives needs to be seemed at individually with a individual interest to element,” Kraus said.

As a father of two, Kraus claimed he can empathize and relate to mom and dad in a way he couldn’t at the beginning of his profession.

“Having my possess little ones provides me great comprehending of what households knowledge on a day-to-day foundation,” he said.

Kraus stated, when desired, he’ll get the job done to connect family members to means.

By way of the conclusion of December, Kraus will end his work with the county prosecutor’s office environment, the place he’s used yrs functioning on baby abuse and kid welfare. Before that, he was a household law attorney with Cunningham Dalman in Holland. In his vocation, he also served as an assistant lawyer normal handling kid abuse cases in Iowa.

Kraus strategies to attend a “judge camp” delivered by the Michigan Supreme Courtroom, and has been assigned a seated decide as a mentor.

“Long expression, I strive to be a statewide leader on problems similar to little one welfare and its intersection with the court technique,” he explained.

Recognizing that prison kid sexual abuse reviews are escalating each individual calendar year in Ottawa County, Kraus said leaders in the authorized, psychological health and social operate communities are attempting to comprehend how and why these crimes proceed to transpire.

Subscribe:Find out much more about our newest subscription features!

“My doing the job principle is the abuse has always been in this article, but based on our initially-course Children’s Advocacy Center we have in Holland and much better reporting procedures … we have small children that truly feel relaxed sharing and disclosing as survivors of the abuse,” Kraus mentioned.

“It’s heading to consider a deep dive by a quantity of pros to genuinely recognize all of the dynamics … but it is undeniable that there is at the very least an increase in court docket conditions and prosecution.”