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Wall Street Stumbles as Trump’s Tariff Threats Rattle Global Markets

U.S. stock markets kicked off the week in the red as renewed trade tensions sparked by former President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled over 400 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.8% and 0.9% respectively. The sell-off followed Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs set to take effect on August 1. In a series of public letters posted to social media, Trump warned that countries including Japan, South Korea, South Africa, and Malaysia would face levies ranging from 25% to 40% unless trade agreements are finalized by a self-imposed July 9 deadline. Adding to the market jitters, Trump declared that any nation aligning with the “Anti-American policies of BRICS” would be hit with an additional 10% tariff, escalating tensions with key trading partners like China and India. The tech sector bore the brunt of the downturn, with Tesla shares plunging nearly 7% amid political controversy surrounding CEO Elo...
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How to Achieve Financial Wellness in 2024: Six Simple Steps

 

Financial wellness is more than just having enough money to pay the bills. It’s also about feeling confident, secure, and satisfied with your financial situation. Achieving financial wellness can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as your relationships and quality of life.

If you want to start 2024 on the right foot, here are six simple steps you can take to boost your financial wellness:

  • Set SMART goals: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Having SMART goals can help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. For example, instead of saying “I want to save more money”, say “I want to save $10,000 by December 2024 for a down payment on a house”.
  • Track your spending: Knowing where your money goes is essential for managing your finances effectively. You can use apps, spreadsheets, or journals to record your income and expenses. This will help you identify your spending patterns, habits, and areas for improvement.
  • Make a budget: A budget is a plan for how you will spend and save your money. It can help you align your spending with your goals and priorities. A budget can also help you avoid overspending, debt, and financial stress. You can use the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline: spend 50% of your income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and debt repayment.
  • Build an emergency fund: An emergency fund is a savings account that you can use for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Having an emergency fund can help you avoid using credit cards or loans, which can worsen your financial situation. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.
  • Pay off high-interest debt: High-interest debt, such as credit cards, can eat up a large portion of your income and prevent you from saving and investing. Paying off high-interest debt can help you save money on interest, improve your credit score, and free up cash flow. You can use strategies such as the debt snowball or the debt avalanche to pay off your debt faster and more efficiently.
  • Invest for the future: Investing is a way of making your money work for you. It can help you grow your wealth, achieve your long-term goals, and secure your retirement. You can invest in various assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Before you invest, make sure you understand your risk tolerance, time horizon, and objectives. You can also consult a financial advisor or planner for guidance and advice.

By following these six steps, you can improve your financial wellness and enjoy a happier and healthier 2024. Remember, financial wellness is not a destination, but a journey. It requires consistent effort, discipline, and adaptation. Start today and reap the rewards tomorrow.

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