Personal Finance

  Quite a few brands are recalling bags of organic carrots that were distributed nationwide, including in Wisconsin, for potential E. coli contamination according to last week's announcement by the Food and Drug Administration Department. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 39 people have become sick from the carrots, and one person has died. As of Monday morning, the cases have spread to 18 states. Although Wisconsin has not logged any cases, the CDC noted that the actual number of cases is "likely to be much higher" than currently reported, since people often recover from E. coli infection without medical care and are not formally tested for the bacteria. Neighboring states Minnesota and Michigan have reported six cases in total. Here's what to know about the E. coli outbreak -  which brands are affected, what to do if you have purchased any recalled carrots and symptoms of the infection. Where did the contaminated carrots come from? The pote...

  Nigeria rounded off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series  at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo  with a shock 2-1 defeat to Rwanda. The Super Eagles came into the game already qualified for next year’s tournament as Group D winners. The three-time African champions took the lead in the 59th minute through a fine solo goal from Samuel Chukwueze.  But the Rwandans replied with two quick goals from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti to claim their first ever win over Nigeria and the  first defeat under interim Manager, Augustine Eguavoen, who might be stepping down from the role. Nigeria’s Super Eagles thus concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda. The match, held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, showcased the underdog’s resilience as the Rwandan side came from behind to secure victory.  The first half ended goalless, with both teams missing opportunities to take control.  ...

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Courtesy Google   Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in a coma, reports  Israeli media outlet Ynet News, citing Iran International. The Assembly of Experts allegedly chose his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor during a secret meeting on September 26. The decision is being kept secret to avoid potential public backlash. These reports are yet to be confirmed by the Iranian authorities. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly in a coma, and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has allegedly been chosen as his successor, according to a report by Israeli media outlet Ynet News, which cited Iran International. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the 85-year-old leader, was reportedly selected during a secret meeting of the Assembly of Experts on September 26. The meeting, convened at Khamenei’s request, was reportedly marked by intense pressure on the 60-member assembly to reach a unanimous decision, with a...

  Congratulations on paying off your debt! That's a huge achievement and now you are in a great position to make your money work for you. Here are some steps to consider moving forward: Build an Emergency Fund Start by setting up or bolstering an emergency fund.  Aim to save three to six months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings account.  This fund will provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses. Set New Financial Goals With your debt paid off, it's time to think about what you want to achieve next.  Whether it's buying a home, starting a business, or traveling, setting clear financial goals will help guide your savings and investment strategy. Increase Retirement Contributions If you haven't already, consider your contributions to your retirement accounts.  Maximize contributions to your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement plans to ensure a comfortable future. Invest Wisely With extra funds available, explore investment opportunities. Consi...

Welcome, dear readers, to the whimsical and often baffling world of personal finance! If you're tired of the same old snooze-fest advice about saving and budgeting, then you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the hilarity that is managing your money with a smile on your face. The Budgeting Blues Ah, budgeting. It sounds so serious, doesn't it? But think of it as trying to fit your entire wardrobe into a a carry-on suitcase. Sure, it seems impossible at first, but with a little creativity and a lot of squeezing, it can be done.  Here's how: The Coffee Conundrum : If you spend $5 on a latte every day, that's $150 a month! Instead, consider becoming a home barista. Sure, your first few attempts might taste like "burnt sadness", but think of the savings!  Plus, you'll eventually master the art of frothing milk ... probably.                                     ...

Debt is a double edged-sword. While it can be a useful tool for achieving personal goals, it often comes with significant personal costs that extend beyond financial strain. Understanding these costs is crucial for managing debt effectively and maintaining overall well-being. Financial Burden The most obvious cost of debt is the financial burden it imposes. Interest rates and fees can quickly add up, making it difficult to pay off the principal amount. This can lead to a vicious cycle where individuals make minimum payments without ever reducing the total debt.  A Credit Card debt is a very good example. With high-interest rates, a small balance can balloon over time, making it challenging to pay off.                                          Mental Health Impact Debt can have a profound effect on mental health. The stress of managing multiple debts, worrying ...