Category Archives: Financial Independence

India, a land of developing businesses and labels, has been working towards evolving itself across varied verticals. However, the nation experienced disruption due to a lack of financial sustainability in the past few years, especially with the health crisis surfacing and other contributing factors coming to light and leading to the decline of firms, especially the highly leveraged ones on the ground. With revenue losses, increased costs, withdrawal of funding, rapid trade contraction, and value chain disruptions, the country witnessed a turbulent ride. Its no secret that businesses have been struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic. But as we start to emerge from the other side, theres an opportunity for businesses that strive for financial stability and independence to thrive.

Yes, the crisis has been a devastating period for many companies. However, some firms were able to bounce back owing to their reform, resolve , and imagination coupled with their effective business sustainability model that drives innovation. They had an understanding of how the market works despite being hit hard during this time period because they had support from previous years profits. These companies were financially sustainable and practiced monetary independence. This is why they also had pre-planned backup plans if anything wouldve happened again or if there are just bad times overall which is what made these businesses so successful-they knew exactly why things happen sometimes but also could handle them when it mattered most without ruining the companys stability. And with the recent industry scape in mind, its about time for everyone to level up and channelise their energy into establishing sustainable operations and going green.

By green, we dont only mean healthy for the environment but also healthy to finance and stabilize ones own company. In uncertain times like these, its more important than ever to be investing in sustainable practices that will help reduce your carbon footprint and protect our planet for future generations. And as consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, theyre more likely to support businesses that are doing their part to make a difference. So if youre running a sustainable business, now is the time to put your green credentials front and centre and show the world that youre part of the solution.

The current economic climate is an indication of how important it will be to have inclusive policies in place for when conditions get worse. Private companies with low debt and self-financing abilities can better withstand fluctuations because theyre not relying on other sources, like banks or governments helping them out during hard timestheyve got themselves covered! This means that these small business owners may become even more resilient than usual during our next depression (in case we have any). We need sustainable growth now more than ever before; lets make sure there are plenty of opportunities available so everyone has a fair shot at success.

As a low debt self-financed business, you can drive new sources of supply by turning the underprivileged section of people at the end of the economic pyramid into consumer markets. Financially sound businesses demonstrate effective crisis responses that play a crucial role in boosting public & humanitarian response with resilient build-back and inclusive recovery promises. A well-run company ready to take on any challenges faced during difficult times while delivering great results even when things get tough.

The market volatility of recent years has caused many businesses to change their approach. This is a chance for sustainable companies that can play an important role in counteracting the effects on society when things go wrong because theyre more agile and Include themselves with other players during this time period where debt financing might not be possible due to low revenue generation or even losses incurred by some firms as well. The self-financing Low Debt Player stands out among others due to his/her ability to withstand negative economic shocks while still generating profits at current levels which will post crisis despite witnessing significant decreases from what was originally expected.

Sustainable operations will help the industry players in making it big across the nation and beyond it as well. This might be just the right time to draw inspiration and thrive as high as they aspire.

Views expressed above are the author's own.

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Integrating sustainable financial strategies to carve the road to a better future - Times of India

By Faye Prosser, WRAL Smart Shopper

Whether you are struggling to make ends meet or living more comfortably within your means, everyone can benefit from a household budget. Here are some helpful tips and worksheets to get you started.

For those of you new to budgeting, this will give you a clear picture of where you are financially regarding your income vs. expenses. If you already have a budget, this is a reminder to revisit the numbers and make sure they are still accurate. If there have been changes to your income or expenses, now is a good time to update your budget, especially during this higher inflationary period.

One of the best ways to stay on track with your financial goals is to create a household budget. If you dont have one, you need one now. It is like a best friend that wants to help you become debt free and achieve financial freedom. Listen to what it says, and you will know what you need to do in order to live comfortably within your means. Its one powerful piece of paper (or online program)!

A basic budget shows you how much money is coming in, how its being spent and how much you have left over at the end of the month (and hopefully you have some left over). Developing a budget is serious business, and a workable, realistic budget is the key to helping you meet your financial goals.

Be prepared to sit down with your financial records, a pencil, a calculator, some scrap paper and plenty of patience. Feel free to work on part of the budget one evening and finish the next night. Creating a budget can take a couple hours, but it doesn't have to happen in one long marathon session.

To develop your household budget, follow these steps:

1. Start by printing the Budget Worksheet HERE.

2. Look over the worksheet categories and amend them to fit your income and expenses. Add and delete categories as they apply to your specific earnings and spending habits.

3. Calculate your average monthly income including net employment income, spouses income and all other sources of income.

4. Use your checkbook, bills and receipts for the last two to three months to average how much you are actually spending per month on the budget categories listed.

5. For expenses that occur more or less often than monthly, convert the annual amount to a monthly figure when calculating the monthly budget amount. For instance, if your homeowners insurance is paid yearly, divide that annual cost by 12 to obtain the monthly amount.

6. Total the income category and total the expenses category.

7. Subtract the total expenses from the total income to calculate your net income (Income Expenses = Net Income)

8. If your Net Income is a positive number, good for you! This means that you have money left over at the end of the month after your expenses have been paid. Apply any extra money to paying off debt and increasing your savings. Remember that extra money left in a checking account tends to be spent.

9. If your Net Income is a negative number, then your expenses equal more than your income and it is time to make some immediate adjustments in your spending. You are living beyond your means and it is time to apply some frugal living techniques right away. Check out the article "Getting Out of Debt" for more information on paying off your debt.

10. Review and update your budget quarterly (or at least every 6 months) to see if any changes need to be made and to ensure that you are staying on track. I know that sounds like a lot of updating, but you can see at a quick glance if anything has changed in the categories and make changes as needed. Your budget will let you know right away if you are spending more than you should. Listen to it carefully and heed its warning if you are spending too much.

11. Once you have completed your budget, it is time to record your daily expenditures in order to determine where you can cut expenses and control total spending. Track your expenses, every day, for everything you spend in a month (minimum of 2 weeks). I know this sounds like an incredibly tedious project (and it is), but it works I promise. At the end of the month, you will have a crystal clear picture of where your money REALLY goes and what non-essential expenses you can cut immediately to get to a positive net income.

If you prefer an online budgeting option, and there are many, see this list of top budgeting software programs.

* Create a Financial Goals Worksheet and list your short-term, medium-term and long-term goals. This worksheet will help you determine how much you need to save each week/month in order to meet your financial goals by the specified period of time.

* List your goals on the worksheet. Make sure you work with your spouse/partner (if applicable) to set the goals so you are both on the same page when it comes to spending and saving.

* Determine how much you will need to set aside each week/month to reach each goal in a specific amount of time.

* Amend your household budget to include the amounts for the goals.

* Post your goals in an easy to see location to keep you motivated and on track.

* Review your goals on a quarterly basis to make sure you are still on track. If you find that you are not meeting some of your goals, you may need to change your spending habits or amend the worksheet. Life happens and sometimes you may not reach a goal when planned. The key is to keep working towards the goal.

The next step for many after becoming debt free, is to aim for financial independence (FI). This is the point where you have saved enough to live off your investments (or investments plus Social Security) and you no longer have to work to pay your expenses. There are people who reach FI in their 20's and people who don't make it until their 60's. No matter how old you are, it is never too late to employ the methods used by the FI movement to become more financially secure.

I recommend the website Choosefi.com and encourage you to listen to the informative podcasts on the site. If you are new to FI, there are plenty of beginning resources available on this website as well. See more details at Choosefi.com.

You have now made it through the eye-opening world of budgeting and should have a much better idea of where you stand financially. Continue to update your budget, especially as your expenses drop and you live more frugally.

As I always say, its your money spend it wisely!

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Create a household budget to live more comfortably within your means - WRAL News

Chicago,United States June 17, 2022

The Gold Rush Crypto Summit educates the crypto community beginners about the phenomenal secrets of how to participate in secure cryptocurrency platforms and achieve financial independence. It is dedicated to holding everyones hand and educating them on the biggest truth people dont know about bitcoin investment and how to use cryptocurrencies to develop wealth.

Despite the fact that cryptocurrency has been around for more than a decade, many people still think of it as an alien term. While many people have heard of the word cryptocurrency, many more have no idea what it is or what it means.

According to a Bitcoinist post, 38 percent of people in the United Kingdom are unfamiliar with cryptocurrency. According to another survey, less than half of Russians know what cryptocurrency is, and a study published on Seeking Alpha.com indicated that 34% of European clients have never heard of the term cryptocurrency. Despite the fact that the crypto ecosystem is quickly increasing, countries such as the United Kingdom are still unwilling to include cryptocurrency teaching modules in school curricula, which is crucial!

Cryptocurrency education is an essential part of the process of understanding and accepting cryptocurrency. People cannot trust or invest in cryptocurrencies unless they understand their value.

Cryptocurrency education is a vital component of learning about cryptocurrency techniques and processes, and it can be the first step towards financial independence. Here are a few reasons why understanding cryptocurrencies on a personal level is critical.

Cryptocurrency education benefits everyone, from millennials to retirees..

Cryptocurrencies are not just for young people or millennials, contrary to common assumption; they are a significant tool and means of investment for individuals of all ages, even pensioners. Crypto can make a retirees money work for them if they have a huge chunk of money that they are tired of wasting. People can turn their retirement fund into a highly profitable portfolio by learning how to make smart investing decisions in this rising business while studying crypto.

Cryptocurrency education gives a persons investment portfolio a personal touch.

Many crypto investments, unlike traditional stocks and investments, can be carried out alone by the investor. A fancy broker, huge contacts at a firm, or anything of the type are not required. To grow and maintain their bitcoin portfolio, all they need is an internet connection and to study as much as they can about this emerging market.

Cryptocurrency education helps people stay current in the job market.

Staying up to date on the newest trends and developments in order to refine your skill sets is the most crucial method to stay relevant in the job market. Similar to how many people who never bothered to learn fundamental computer skills ended up unemployed in a short period of time, the situation surrounding cryptocurrencies could quickly become the same. Keeping up with these big markets might help people keep their brains sharp and remain relevant in the employment market. Its not just about cryptocurrency, either! DApps (Decentralized App Development), DeFi (Decentralized Finance), and a plethora of other blooming companies in the area of blockchain and cryptocurrency are sure to provide job opportunities.

Cryptocurrency education assists people in making the best decisions possible, preparing them for future success.

Learning about cryptocurrencies now, when it is still relatively new, is similar to learning about Amazon in the 1990s. People that learn about Amazon and invest early on benefit. The crypto world has the same potential, and it might help people achieve long-term success and even early retirement.

Cryptocurrency education solves the existing problems in financial systems.

Cryptocurrencies were established to address problems that the global financial system is currently experiencing. Privacy, long transfer times, and expensive commissions were the top worries when it came to banks and traditional financial services. Crypto emerged as a solution to these issues, guaranteeing secrecy, rapid transfers, and incredibly low fee charges. These solutions have contributed to the establishment of a new financial system in which even banks are becoming involved because they are appealing. Many institutions are now considering creating their own blockchains and offering cryptocurrency services. This indicates that these solutions are realistic, and that cryptocurrencies will continue to exist.

There are many tools available to help crypto newbies learn what cryptocurrency is and how they may utilize it to enhance their money. Crypto education has the potential to transform both their minds and their wallets! From world governments to major banks and massive institutions, everyone is learning everything they can about decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies and everyone else should, too!

One of The Gold Rush Crypto Summit co-founders, Rick Hayhurst says, We are dedicated to teaching the crypto beginners on how to invest in safe cryptocurrency platforms and avoid making costly investment mistakes in order to achieve financial independence.

The Gold Rush Crypto Summit is now live. Its a spectacular and extraordinary three-day event that will stream interviews and discussions with some of the Worlds Top Crypto Investors and Experts, who will share their knowledge and success secrets with cryptocurrency.

The summits founders, Monika Krimedahl and Rick Hayhurst, invite the crypto community to attend this must-attend event and learn fantastic strategies and methods on making more money with cryptocurrencies.

Get ready to learn how to start your crypto journey with some organic and effective strategies from the experts.

More information can be found at http://www.thegoldrushsummit.com/crypto-summit

The Gold Rush Crypto Summit prepared a 5-day Crypto Challenge for all the Crypto Beginners and for everyone who wants to start their journey with Cryptocurrency, creating more money and diversifying their financial portfolio.

Register for the challenge now for FREE!

Click here for more information https://goldrushmasterclass.com/challenge

Contact Info: Name: Monika KrimendahlEmail: Send EmailOrganization: The Gold Rush Crypto SummitAddress: 1461 W Summerdale Avenue, #3a Chicago United States, Chicago, IL 60640, United StatesWebsite: http://www.thegoldrushsummit.com/crypto-summit

Release ID: 89076675

If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [emailprotected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.

COMTEX_408818478/2773/2022-06-17T02:05:35

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The Gold Rush Crypto Summit Shares The Impact of Cryptocurrency Education - Digital Journal

Being rich and in a royal family is a dream for many, but for Harry and Meghan, the story is a little different. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry permanently quit the British royal life to enjoy a financially independent life.

Hmm! Now that sounds a little strange! The announcement came soon after a fortune teller predicted their split from the family as she saw it from her asparagus spears. Interestingly, the prediction came true.

That means the future is, to some extent, predictable, and you can consider getting a psychic reading from a reputable teller if you are concerned about your career, a relationship, etc. If you wish to consult an online psychic, make sure you read the reviews on MysticMag to pick the best one.

Meanwhile, let us try and find out how the prediction of the fortune-tellers helped Harry and Meghan decide to quit the royal family and lead an everyday life.

The fortune-teller saw a drastic situation in the royal family. She saw splits and testing times in the life of Harry and Meghan three years before the couple decided to step back from the senior members of the royal family. The psychic reading also hinted that the royal couple would leave the UK for good. However, Harry, the son of Princess Diana, is not allowed to live outside the UK.

Now, there is nothing wrong with believing that the fortune-tellers prediction boosted the couple in achieving their life goals. They often have been spotted feeling uncomfortable in the media as they didnt like the limelight the family received.

In 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their plans to leave the UK. The British press described their announcement to leave the UK as Megxit, which Harry condemned as a misogynistic term.

There are many stories behind Harry and Meghan leaving the royal family tag. The move followed some rifts in the family, and for some, it was a deliberate move to lead an independent life.

Harry and Meghan, on their Instagram handle, wrote about their desire to step back as the senior member of the royal family. It was then that some media reports said the couple sought financial independence. However, the British royal family members are barred from earning their own money.

They should take the money from the Sovereign Grant, a fund set up by the UK Government. Taking the money from the grant came with a lot of complications. For instance, the press has access to their expenses and has condemned Harry and Meghan for things like renting a private jet.

The privilege of being in a royal family also includes living in a home owned by their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. That means they cant own property. Harry and Meghan have a good financial background, which means they can buy a property, but they are not allowed. Poor royals!

There is more speculation around the corner. According to a Mirror press report, the couple decided to quit the royal family after an incident that followed the removal of their photograph and their baby Archie from a book during the monarchs 2019 festive broadcast.

The photograph from the Brothers and Wives: Inside The Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan book by Christopher Andersen was allegedly removed at the request of the Queen. After a month after the incident, Harry and Meghan decided to start a new life overseas.

The photograph was initially framed and placed on a desk alongside the other family images. Now, thinking from a parents point of few, anyone would have disliked the move.

A family is an institute where we learn to respect emotions, feelings, and sentiments. A family has to be cordial to survive. Sometimes, respect and feelings come naturally if the individuals are compatible.

Harry and Meghan now reside in Montecito in the US. They are doing quite handsomely on their career front. They have recently launched the Archewell organization and have signed contracts with entertainment companies Netflix and Spotify to produce content.

They enjoy a celebrity life and have a private security team. As the couple stepped back from the royal family, they felt an alleged threat to life to visit the UK. As per a report by Mail on Sunday, Home Office has barred Harry from paying for police protection when in the UK. His familys safety in the UK is one of the primary reasons why we dont see the couple in the UK anymore.

Living a royal life is not always easy. It does come with its perks and downsides. To be in a family with a royal background means you will have to keep your personal affairs and finances open. Imagine yourself living a lavish life that is always subjective to prying eyes. Tough! Right? Let us wish the couple great success in their life, and let us hope the royal couple will bring great entertainment in the future.

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Why Did Harry and Meghan Leave the Royal Family? Where Are They Now? - Salon Priv Magazine

WASHINGTON and TORONTO, June 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAB Holding Company (JAB) and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) (TSX: FFH and FFH.U) today announced a transformational strategic partnership, in which JABs pet insurance business has agreed to acquire all of Fairfaxs interests in the Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group (C&F Pet) and Pethealth Inc., including all of their worldwide operations. As part of the transaction, Fairfax will also make a $200 million1 investment in JCP V, JABs latest consumer fund.

As a result of the transaction, in which Fairfax will receive $1.4 billion in the form of $1.15 billion cash and $250 million in seller notes, JABs combined global pet insurance and ecosystem platform will be estimated to have gross written premiums and pet health services revenues of well over $1.2 billion by 2023, insuring more than 2.1 million pets. The pet insurance industry, which has been expanding at a rate of approximately 20% per year on a global basis, is expected to continue to see many years of steady, strong growth, driven by attractive long-term trends in petcare and significant opportunities to expand penetration, especially in the US and Canadian markets which have less than 3% penetration. C&F Pet today insures over 500,000 pets and markets or serves as underwriter for numerous brands, including ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, 24Petprotect, Hartville Pet Insurance, Spot Insurance Services, Pumpkin Insurance Services and PetCoach, LLC (provider of Petco pet insurance plans) in the United States and Pets Plus Us in Canada. Pethealth provides wellbeing and safety solutions to shelters and pet parents under the 24Pet brand, which includes the 24Petwatch Registry with over 20 million registered pets.

Fairfax is very happy to partner with Olivier Goudet and JAB Holding Company, said Prem Watsa, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax. JAB has had an outstanding track record over the past 10 years and we expect this to continue. While we have sold our pet insurance business to JAB, we will invest $200 million in their JCP V to become their partners. We expect JAB to soon become leaders in pet healthcare and pet insurance globally. We wish them much success.

We are extremely excited to partner with Prem and his organization on this transformational transaction, and to welcome them as a partner in our fund, said Olivier Goudet, Managing Partner and CEO of JAB. Prem has an incredible multi-decade track record of building great businesses and compounding returns, and we look forward to accelerating the growth of their pet insurance business as part of our focused pure-play pet insurance platform.

Todays transaction is a major milestone for us in our mission to become a global leader in pet insurance and the pet health ecosystem, said Dirk Beeckman, CEO of JABs pet insurance portfolio. It also significantly advances our mission of providing the leading health and wellbeing ecosystem for pets through the offering of affordable, comprehensive pet products and brands throughout a pets lifecycle. C&F Pets long history of disciplined omni-channel underwriting fits perfectly with our culture, and we look forward to working with the team.

We are extremely proud of what we have built and accomplished together in the animal welfare community and the pet insurance ecosystem, said Gary McGeddy, President of Crum & Forster A&H. We are confident that JAB will continue to invest and focus on pets and pet parents while growing their global presence and we are excited about the future and our partnership.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including various regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2022.

About JAB

JAB Holding Company invests in consumer-focused industries with attractive long-term dynamics, including strong growth prospects, attractive margin and cash flow characteristics, and proven resiliency. Together with JAB Consumer Partners, JAB Holding Company is the largest shareholder of Keurig Dr Pepper, a leader in the North American beverage market, and has controlling stakes in JDE Peets, the largest pure-play fast-moving consumer goods coffee company in the world; NVA, one of the worlds largest animal care services platforms; Independence Pet Group, a leading provider of pet insurance; Krispy Kreme Doughnut, a global leader in doughnuts and other premium-quality sweet treats; Panera Brands, one of the worlds largest fast casual restaurant companies, which includes Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bagels; Pret A Manger, a leading company in the ready-to-eat food market; and Espresso House, the largest branded coffee shop chain in Scandinavia. JAB Holding Company is also the largest shareholder in Coty Inc., a global leader in beauty, and owns luxury goods company Bally.

About Fairfax

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.

About Crum & Forster Pet

For over 20 years, Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group has been committed to helping people get access to reliable and affordable pet insurance plans. From routine exams to unexpected illnesses, our plans are available to pet parents of cats and dogs. Plans are customizable based on individual needs, including coverage levels, policy limits, and deductibles. We pride ourselves on pioneering new advancements in the industry. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group is founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Pethealth Inc. offers pet services through two brands 24Pet and VioVet. 24Pet are the experts in lost pet solutions, pet adoptions, animal welfare and shelter support. A family of platforms, services, products, and people, obsessed with pets. From connecting them with loving families, to protecting and helping keep them happy, healthy, and home. VioVet is a UK registered veterinary online pet retailer that offers a variety of pet and horse supplies, including prescription and non-prescription medications, supplements, food, toys and more.

About Independence Pet Group

Independence Pet Group is an integrated, full-stack pet insurance platform indirectly majority owned by JAB Holding Company. It offers a comprehensive range of underwriting options, turnkey partner solutions, and consumer-facing insurance products through its wholly own subsidiary, Independence American Insurance Company, a leading provider of underwriting services to the pet insurance sector with licenses in all 50 states. It also is a majority shareholder in Pet Partners, Inc., which distributes and administers through world-class pet insurance brands AKC Pet Insurance and its worksite brand, PetPartners. PetPartners in turn owns Figo, a leading direct-to-consumer brand which utilizes a highly engaging and mobile friendly Pet Cloud that allows consumers to manage their pet's healthcare, socially engage with fellow pet parents, and easily discover and locate services within the pet ecosystem, and Third Party Pet, providing business services to breeders, pet retailers and their customers ranging from live pet inventory management software, scheduling and facilitating adoptions, micro-chip and registration services and customized pet products.

Media Contacts

JAB: Tom Johnson or Jake Yanulis, Abernathy MacGregor, tbj@abmac.com or jjy@abmac.com

Crum & Forster Pet: Hallie Harenski, Head of Corporate Communications at mediainquiries@cfins.com

Fairfax: John Varnell, Vice President, Corporate Development at (416) 367-4941

Independence Pet Group: Amanda Trcka, Marketing Communications and PR Manager at (203) 231-9975 or atrcka@petpartners.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Particularly, statements about the transaction described above and the terms thereof (including relating to the terms, conditions and the timing for closing of the proposed transaction described above) are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Fairfax to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: failure to complete the transaction described above which is subject to customary conditions; reduction in net earnings if our loss reserves are insufficient; underwriting losses on the risks we insure that are higher or lower than expected; the occurrence of catastrophic events with a frequency or severity exceeding our estimates; changes in market variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and credit spreads, which could negatively affect our investment portfolio; risks associated with the global pandemic caused by a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), and the related global reduction in commerce and substantial downturns in stock markets worldwide; the cycles of the insurance market and general economic conditions, which can substantially influence our and our competitors premium rates and capacity to write new business; insufficient reserves for asbestos, environmental and other latent claims; exposure to credit risk in the event our reinsurers fail to make payments to us under our reinsurance arrangements; exposure to credit risk in the event our insureds, insurance producers or reinsurance intermediaries fail to remit premiums that are owed to us or failure by our insureds to reimburse us for deductibles that are paid by us on their behalf; our inability to maintain our long term debt ratings, the inability of our subsidiaries to maintain financial or claims paying ability ratings and the impact of a downgrade of such ratings on derivative transactions that we or our subsidiaries have entered into; risks associated with implementing our business strategies; the timing of claims payments being sooner or the receipt of reinsurance recoverables being later than anticipated by us; risks associated with any use we may make of derivative instruments; the failure of any hedging methods we may employ to achieve their desired risk management objective; a decrease in the level of demand for insurance or reinsurance products, or increased competition in the insurance industry; the impact of emerging claim and coverage issues or the failure of any of the loss limitation methods we employ; our inability to access cash of our subsidiaries; our inability to obtain required levels of capital on favourable terms, if at all; the loss of key employees; our inability to obtain reinsurance coverage in sufficient amounts, at reasonable prices or on terms that adequately protect us; the passage of legislation subjecting our businesses to additional adverse requirements, supervision or regulation, including additional tax regulation, in the United States, Canada or other jurisdictions in which we operate; risks associated with government investigations of, and litigation and negative publicity related to, insurance industry practice or any other conduct; risks associated with political and other developments in foreign jurisdictions in which we operate; risks associated with legal or regulatory proceedings or significant litigation; failures or security breaches of our computer and data processing systems; the influence exercisable by our significant shareholder; adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on independent brokers over whom we exercise little control; impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or investments in associates; our failure to realize deferred income tax assets; technological or other change which adversely impacts demand, or the premiums payable, for the insurance coverages we offer; disruptions of our information technology systems; assessments and shared market mechanisms which may adversely affect our insurance subsidiaries; adverse consequences to our business, our investments and our personnel resulting from or related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and the failure to complete or realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction described above. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in Fairfaxs most recently issued Annual Report which is available at http://www.fairfax.ca and in Fairfaxs Base Shelf Prospectus (under Risk Factors) filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which is available on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Fairfax disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law.

1 All dollar amounts in the news release are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

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JAB's Pet Insurance Business to Acquire Global Pet Insurance Operations of Fairfax Financial, Expanding Its Presence in the Fast-Growing Industry -...

Ruchita Sahukari has all her life battled a rare disease called Osteogenesis imperfecta. The condition leaves a person with fragile bones that break easily. After a troubled childhood due to her disability, which made schooling difficult, Ruchita now has one mission in life to ensure no child misses out on education due to physical disabilities.

Ruchita's studies were compromised while growing up because none of the schools that she tried to take admission in were willing to admit students with special needs.

Ruchita, who recently turned 22, has started a petition on change.org urging the government to make schools and colleges inclusive for all. She wants to ensure that no child ever has to compromise on education due to their physical disabilities.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is an inherited or a genetic bone disorder that is present at birth, and is also known as brittle bone disease.

A child suffering from this condition may have soft bones that break or fracture easily, bones that are not formed normally, and other problems. The symptoms of Osteogenesis imperfecta include easily broken bones, bone deformities, discoloration of the white region of the eye, a barrel-shaped chest, a curved spine, a triangle-shaped face, loose joints, muscle weakness, skin that easily bruises, hearing loss in early adulthood, and soft, discoloured teeth, among others.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, complications may affect most body systems in a child with Osteogenesis imperfecta. The complications may include respiratory infections such as pneumonia, heart problems such as poor heart valve function, kidney stones, joint problems, hearing loss, and eye conditions and vision loss. Due to her condition, Ruchita's eyes are discoloured. She has blue sclera and eyesight problems.

Her petition titled 'Schools and colleges that don't become fully inclusive should be derecognized' is addressed to Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Dr Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education. Through her petition, she is urging the government to make classrooms on the ground floor of school and college buildings, introduce elevators, and set up ramps and disable-friendly access points for water and washrooms.

Ruchita could not study in a school because all the schools she approached refused to take her in due to her condition. "I took NGO support to move ahead in my career," Ruchita told ABP Live.

Born in 2000, in Srikakulam district of Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, Ruchita underwent treatment for Osteogenesis imperfecta at AIIMS, New Delhi, from 2001 to 2005. Every time her bones fractured, her parents had to rush her to the hospital. Later on, her parents could not take her to the hospital every time her bones broke, because of financial constraints. Therefore, they started bandaging her at home. She said many people in her hometown considered her a "burden" to her parents.

Ruchita received most of her primary education through home tuition. In 2019, she approached an NGO called Amritavarshini. Based in Kerala, the NGO made Ruchita aware of distance education. The same year, in the month of June, she wrote a Bachelor's Preparatory Programme (BPP) examination. This programme is offered by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to those students who wish to take admission in an undergraduate course from IGNOU but do not have the essential qualification of having passed 10+2. "The programme is equivalent to 10+2. It takes six months to complete the course. I enrolled myself in the programme in June 2019, and passed the examination after six months. In June 2020, I joined a Bachelor's course under IGNOU," Ruchita said.

She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Sociology from IGNOU, and is in second year. "I need to write my exams at a study centre in Odisha because there is no study centre in my town," she said.

Ruchita believes that everyone should have the right to education no matter their condition, and this is what motivated her to start the petition. "I hope that schools and colleges will become accessible to all and I want them to become aware that education is a basic fundamental right for everyone. My only purpose is to make education accessible to all," she said.

Ruchita added that in India, many parents are not aware of how to handle a child with special needs, and hopes that her petition will help raise awareness. She said that due to her condition, she could neither enjoy a social life nor go to school. Her aim is to ensure that no other child suffers the same fate as her.

"I expect to bring a change in society, and the first step will be from schools and colleges. They must become aware of disabilities and accept people with special needs. They should be accessible to all, and have elevators and ramps," Ruchita further said.

She also wants the government to introduce more laws for children with special needs, and derecognise the schools and colleges that do not accept disabled children.

Fortunately, Ruchita's condition has improved since 2018. She wants all children with special needs to be physically independent. "My dream is to achieve physical and financial independence in future," she said.

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Meet Ruchita Sahukari: 22-Year-Old With Osteogenesis Imperfecta Fighting To Make Education Accessible To All - ABP Live

SOITEC

AVAILABILITY OF THE 2021-2022 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT INCLUDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS OF DIRECTORS PROPOSED AT THE SHAREHOLDERS' GENERAL MEETING OF JULY 26, 2022

Bernin (Grenoble), France, June 20, 2022 Soitec (Euronext Paris), a world leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative semiconductor materials, today announces the publication of its 2021-2022 Universal Registration Document for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022, filed on June 20, 2022 in European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) with the French financial markets authority (Autorit des marchs financiers AMF) under number D.22-0523.

The French version of the 2021-2022 Universal Registration Document is available for consultation on the Companys website (www.soitec.com), under Investisseurs Informations actionnaires Assembles Gnrales 2022 AGOE 26 juillet 2022. It is also available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

An English courtesy translation for information purposes is available for consultation on the Companys website (www.soitec.com), under Investors Shareholders Information Annual General Meetings 2022 SOITEC O&EGM 07.26.2022, at the following link: https://www.soitec.com/en/investors/financial-reports/2021-2022.

Copies of the Universal Registration Document are also available at the Company's registered office: Parc Technologique des Fontaines, Chemin des Franques, 38190 Bernin, France.

The Universal Registration Document notably contains:

the annual financial report, comprising the management report, the consolidated and statutory financial statements and related Statutory Auditors reports, information on the fees paid to the Statutory Auditors and the declaration by the person responsible for the Universal Registration Document;

the Board of Directors report on corporate governance;

the description of the share buyback program;

the consolidated statement of non-financial performance;

the information relating to the Combined Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders General Meeting of July 26, 2022; and

the list of appointments and reappointments of directors approved by the Board of Directors that will be submitted to the shareholders vote at the Annual General Meeting of July 26, 2022.

Story continues

Board assessment

In accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code and the Board of Directors Internal Regulation, the Board of Directors performs an annual assessment of its composition, organization and operation, as well as those of its Committees.

In addition, as announced in January 2022, the Board of Directors appointed Christophe Ggout, in his capacity as an independent director, and Ledconseil, represented by Juliette dAboville, in its capacity as an external governance expert, to examine its governance processes and structure.

Following completion of the process carried out over several weeks, the expert issued a series of recommendations, notably confirming the Boards intention to propose to the July 26, 2022 Shareholders General Meeting to appoint new directors who will raise the level of independence of the Board of Directors and its Committees so that they comply with the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

The Board of Directors also intends to appoint a Lead Independent Director further to the appointments of the new directors. Among other things, the Board intends to organize joint training for Board and Executive Committee members on governance rules and issues related to the code of conduct. The Board of Directors approved all of these recommendations and worked on an implementation timetable, with the aim of them being fully deployed by the end of fiscal year 2022-2023.

Composition of the Board of DirectorsIn accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code to which it refers, Soitecs Board of Directors regularly reviews whether the Board and its Committees have a balanced membership structure, in order to assure shareholders and the market that it carries out its duties with due care, independence and objectivity, with proper regard to the Groups imperatives and strategy.

Taking advantage of the fact that the terms of office of eight directors are due to expire at the Shareholders General Meeting to be held on July 26, 2022, the Board has therefore decided to rework its membership structure and create a better balance between independent members and members representing Soitecs value chain (i.e., with directors representing suppliers, strategic shareholders and independent minority shareholders). At the same time, it is seeking to retain its diverse membership and varied, cross-sector and complementary skills.

Through its proposals, the Board is aiming to achieve a proportion of independent directors exceeding 58% and to have a majority of independent directors on all of its Committees, while ensuring a smooth staggering of directors terms of office, in accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code, by proposing a mixture of three-year and exceptionally in order to implement staggered terms this year four-year terms, subject to the adoption of the associated amendments to the Companys by-laws.

The Boards proposals relating to changes in its composition are as follows:

Appointment Pierre Barnab for a four-year term; Pierre Barnab will also replace Paul Boudre as the Groups Chief Executive Officer at the close of the Shareholders General Meeting of July26,2022.

Reappointment of Bpifrance Participations as a director for a three-year term; if reappointed by the Shareholders General Meeting, Bpifrance Participations would designate Samuel Dalens as its permanent representative.

Appointment of CEA Investissement, a long-standing partner of Soitec, as a director for a three-year term; if appointed by the Shareholders General Meeting, CEA Investissement would designate its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Franois Jacq, as its permanent representative.

Appointment of Fonds Stratgique de Participations (FSP) as an independent director for a three-year term; FSP is an investment company held by seven French insurance companies; if appointed by the Shareholders General Meeting, FSP has stated that it intends to appoint Laurence Delpy as its permanent representative.

Reappointment of Christophe Ggout as an independent director for a four-year term.

Appointment of Maude Portigliatti as an independent director for a four-year term; Maude Portigliatti is currently Executive Vice President of Michelins High-Tech Materials business.

Appointment of Delphine Segura, as an independent director for a four-year term; Delphine Segura is Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources at SEB and a member of its Executive Committee.

Reappointment of Kai Seikku, appointed by NSIG, as a director, for a three-year term.

Subject to the adoption of the proposed appointments and reappointments by the shareholders, the composition of the Board of Directors at the close of the July 26, 2022 Shareholders General Meeting would comply with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code, as follows:

7 out of the 12 Board members would be independent (excluding the employee directors, who are not included in this calculation), i.e., 58%, compared to 42% currently;

5 out of the 12 Board members (excluding employee directors) would be women, i.e., 42%, which is higher than the minimum ratio of 40% required under the French Commercial Code;

4 out of 6 of the members of the Audit and Risks Committee (excluding employee directors) would be independent directors, i.e., 67%, compared to 57% currently;

3 members of the Compensation Committee (excluding employee directors) would be independent directors, i.e., 100%, compared to 50% currently;

4 out of 7 of the members of the Nomination and Governance Committee would be independent directors, i.e., 57% independent, compared with 43% currently.

In addition to the diverse and complementary profiles of its members, the Board of Directors would comprise five different nationalities (American, Belgian, Japanese, Finnish and French).

Lastly, the staggering of directors terms of office would be further optimized, as follows:

The terms of office of Paul Boudre, Laurence Delpy, Guillemette Picard, Thierry Sommelet and Jeffrey Wang, which are set to expire at the close of the Shareholders General Meeting of 26 July, 2022, will not be renewed. The Board of Directors wishes to place on record its warm thanks to the outgoing directors for their contributions.

# # #

Agenda

First-quarter 2022-2023 revenue: July 25, 2022, after market close.

Shareholders General Meeting: July 26, 2022.

# # #

About Soitec

Soitec (Euronext, Tech 40 Paris) is a world leader in designing and manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials. The company uses its unique technologies to serve the electronics markets. With more than 3,700 patents worldwide, Soitecs strategy is based on disruptive innovation to meet its customers needs for high performance, energy efficiency and cost competitiveness. Soitec has manufacturing facilities, R&D centers and offices in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Soitec and Smart Cut are registered trademarks of Soitec.

For more information, please visit http://www.soitec.com and follow us on Twitter: @Soitec_EN

# # #

Soitec is a French joint-stock corporation with a Board of Directors (socit anonyme conseil dadministration) with share capital of 70,301,160, having its registered office located at Parc Technologique des Fontaines - Chemin des Franques - 38190 Bernin (France), and registered with the Grenoble Trade and Companies Register under number 384 711 909.

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Attachment

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AVAILABILITY OF THE 2021-2022 UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT INCLUDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS OF...

Want to make great money in Vermont? Go to medical school.

That's the clear lesson to be learned from a list of the top 25 highest paying jobs in Vermont, compiled by Mat Barewicz, labor market information director for the Vermont Department of Labor. The top 11 slots on Barewicz's list are occupied by members of the medical profession, led by ophthalmologists. These doctors earned amedian wage of $100 per hour, which translates to $208,000 annually.

Barewicz said the salaries on the list are based on 52 weeks of a 40-hour work week, for a total of 2,080 hours.

As a reminder, median wage is the point at which 50% of the wages are less than and 50% of the wages are more.All median wages on the list are from 2021. Barewicz said all of the medical professionals are listed at $100 per hour because of the limitations of the survey.

"Eventually the grid runs out, that's why it can't be a precise estimate," he said. "(The salaries are) somewhere beyond the stratosphere."

Barewicz compiles the list not for those who already know they can command $200,000 or more annually, but for the rest of us, the majority who don't make that kind of money. He also compiles lists of the occupations that employed the most people in Vermont, the occupations expected to have the fastest rate of growth through 2028, and the occupations expected to have the most annual job openings through 2028. The lists are intended to help Vermonters figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

"The whole purpose of our division is not to tell you what to do, we don't know you, your family or your circumstances," Barewicz said. "But we can provide information to help you make the best decision for you in your situation."

The stranglehold on income in Vermont held by orthopedic surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists and other doctorsis only broken when we get to, of all things,physicists,who had a 2021 median hourly wage of $92.84, or about $193,000 annually.

Barewicz said there were 41 physicists in Vermontas of 2018, the latest data available, with three more job openings expected annually through 2028. The largest share of the physicists in Vermont 40% are involved in commercializing scientific research by developing products or services. Another 20% are academics and another 20% work for the federal government. Barewicz doesn't know the circumstances of the remaining 20%.

The largest category of high earners in Vermont are chief executives, with a median hourly wage of $63.67, or an annual salary of about $132,500. There were 1,208 CEOs in Vermont as of 2018, with another 74 openings expected annually through 2028. All other managers in Vermont made a median hourly salary of $50.61, or an annual salary of about $105,000.

Yes, computer hardware engineers are on the list of highest paying jobs in Vermont, coming in with a median hourly wage of $61.39, or about $128,000 annually.

The fastest growing occupation in Vermont is personal care aides and home health aides, not surprising given Vermont's aging demographic. These aides make a median hourly wage of $14.44, or about $30,000 annually. Solar photovoltaic installers are third on the fastest growing list, making $18.11 per hour, or about $37,600 annually.

Software developers, third on the list,make a median hourly wage of $47.70, or about $99,000 annually. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers a staple in Vermont's manufacturing sector make a median hourly salary of $29.40, or about $61,000 annually. If you love animals, veterinarians are on the fastest growing list, making a median hourly salary of $47.32, or about $98,500 annually.

Barewicz points out that low-paying jobs are by no means a dead end. Take those solar installers for example, making about 18 bucks an hour.

"That might not sound super high, but you're talking about a high school degree, these are people who are 19," Barewicz said. "Within a few years you could be starting your own company doing solar installations."

Guess what occupation tops both the "Largest Employment" and "Most Openings" list? Cashiers, making a median hourly wage of $13.74 per hour, or about $28,500 annually. Again, Barewicz speaks up for low-paying jobs. He was a cashier himself, he said, at the local grocery store all the way through high school.

"That's where I got my start," Barewicz said. "I could have made more at fast food, but that was where I thought I would be successful."

There were 9,527 cashiers in Vermont as of 2018, most of them, hopefully, on their way to bigger and better careers like Barewicz. The biggest occupation by far making good money is registered nurses. There were 6,778 nurses in 2018 making a median hourly wage of $36.24, or about $75,000 annually. Basically we're talking about the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Another relatively high paying occupation with lots of Vermonters doing it is general and operations managers. There are 3,615 of those in the state, making an median hourly wage of $36.85, or about $76,600 annually.

Registered nurses and general and operations managers are also the two best paying jobs expected to have the most openings through 2028 431 annual openings for nurses and 332 annual openings for managers. The career path to becoming a registered nurse is obviously more clearly defined than the path to becoming a general and operations manager.

Barewicz said when he talks to Vermont employers about the skills they're looking for, the three he hears about most are:

"Those are three core skills that never do you wrong in any situation, and are not captured in this skill data," he said. "(Employers tell me), 'Give me someone who can show up on time, work well with others and follow instructions and we will train them and put them on a path to financial independence.'"

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 802-660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

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Who makes the most money in Vermont? What skills are most desirable? - Burlington Free Press

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Amon and Christina Browning had no idea FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) was a movement. They just wanted to do whatever it took to quit their jobs.

It was really hard to find information on FIRE when we started, says Amon. When we started our journey in 2011, we werent thinking of it as financial independence, retire early. What has become the FIRE movement, I think, is a title put on something people have been doing foreverbasically, amassing enough assets to support their expenses so that they dont need to work anymore.

The Brownings officially achieved FIRE in 2019, at 39 (Amon) and 41 (Christina), with $2.5 million in investment assets. Without FIRE information readily available, the Brownings house hacked, did retail arbitrage, drove for Uber, sold items on Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, made money listing on Airbnbs, and flipped houses. It took eight years, but they hit their FIRE number.

Once retired, The Brownings moved their family of four from the San Francisco Bay Area to Portugal, where they now live well on a $2,000 a month budget. Theyve built an online education company, an Instagram page of over 100,000 followers, and a YouTube channel with 606,000 subscribers to share what theyve learned with others.

Heres the advice the Brownings have for anyone curious about achieving FIRE and what to do if you feel off track to course-correct and turn your financial goals into reality.

Your FIRE journey begins the day you crunch the numbers and face your goals head-on.

The first thing the Brownings did was calculate their FIRE number: the amount of money you need to have in active investments to live off of the returns after you quit working. A simple formula touted by many FIRE enthusiasts is to take your annual expenses and multiply them by 25:

Annual Expenses x 25 = FIRE Number

This formula became popular after the release of the Trinity Study, a research paper that popularized the idea of the 4% rule. Build enough wealth to where annual gains offset a 4% annual withdrawal and youll have what you need to retire at any age.

The Brownings started their FIRE journey as federal government employees with modest salaries. Christina was an attorney making $70,000 a year, and Amon was an urban planner earning $98,000 a year. They lived in Oakland, where the cost of living is 49% higher than the national average, and wanted to have the option to continue living there in retirement. They estimated they would need about $100,000 a year in living expenses; based on the above formula, their FIRE number was $2.5 million.

When we started to learn about creating financial independence, we learned how you calculate your FIRE number, how much you need to live off of a stock portfolio, and even invested in real estate, says Christina. For us, it was about saving more and learning about investingto try and invest right.

The Brownings advice is to:

Even after you calculate your FIRE number and start taking action, unexpected expenses or an increased cost of living can throw you off track. In 2015 four years into their FIRE journey the Brownings realized they needed to make more money if they wanted to retire by 40.

We were house hacking, at one point even drove for Uber, says Amon. We sold things on Etsy and had an Etsy store, invested in real estate, and had three Airbnbs going. Every additional dollar we made outside of our jobs was thrown into investments. We looked at our nine-to-five jobs and said, Okay, we just cant do it with these jobs; we have to find different ways to produce more income.

From 2015 to 2019, the Brownings found success with earning extra income through real estateit jumpstarted the FIRE process for them. They found creative ways to make more money and eliminate expenses; one of those approaches was to do what they call house hacking.

The Brownings would find properties that had been sitting on the market for a long time. These properties needed renovations, but were things the Brownings could fix. They bought distressed properties, did all of the renovations themselves, lived in them for a while, rented some out, and then sold the properties for a profit. They did all of their own flips.

Related: People Are Turning to Fixer-Uppers In Todays Ultra-Competitive Housing Market. Heres What the Creators of Cheap Old Houses Want You to Know

Another example of house hacking involved the Brownings renting a three-bedroom apartment, living in one room, and renting out the other two. Altogether, these streams of income enabled the Brownings to live on 30% of their monthly income and invest the other 70%. They credit their house hacking, side hustles, and money saving-strategies as the way they were able to get to FIRE sooner.

The Brownings advice is to find the opportunities to earn more that dont require a significant investment of time or money. They suggest that you might be able to rent a room on Airbnb, downgrade or sell material possessions, or start a side hustle.

Find a side hustle that dont require a significant investment of time or initial capital to free yourself up.

FIRE participants tend to favor index funds and total market funds. Amon and Christina invested money every week into the stock market, and any lump sums they got from a side hustle or sale of real estate also would be invested. 60% of their portfolio was invested in Vanguards Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX). Its an index fund that tracks the performance of the entire stock market.

The whole plan was to have investments that were passive and didnt require too much thought, says Christina. We decided that the VTSAX Index Fund would make up the bulk of our portfolio, and we would add little pieces.

Regardless of all the madness or craziness that was going on in the world, we consistently stuck to our investment plan, adds Amon. We wanted to build a portfolio that could not only sustain us to get to FIRE, but also keep us financially independent for decades to come, and even to the point where we could leave that money to our children.

Today, besides the VTSAX index fund, the Brownings portfolio includes other index funds, a couple of individual stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and passive income from real estate. They own sector ETFs that complement their portfolio by providing more dividends and technology ETFs like the Vanguard Information Technology index fund (VTG).

After eight years of making more money and investing everything they could, the Brownings achieved FIRE in 2019. They celebrated reaching their FIRE goal by quitting their jobs.

When we hit our FIRE number, we went in to work and put in our two-weeks notice, says Amon. We quit. We didnt fully celebrate until later.

Upon retiring, the Brownings had some time to reflect. They decided to leave the United States and relocate their family to Portugal. They bought a home for 190,000 euros in cash, a property that they currently list on Airbnb, and are building a tiny house that theyll rent out. Their cost of living in Portugal is less than $2,000 a month, and their Airbnb income covers their living costs, further preserving their nest egg.

We live on an acre of land on the Silver Coast of Portugal, working on our farm, says Christina. We spend time at the beach and travel a lot. Were still parents and meet with our network of friends. We have so much freedom that we didnt have working jobs.

The Brownings maintain a financial education company and create content on YouTube and other social media channels, but they do it because they enjoy being financial educatorsnot because they have to work.

We believed that we could do this, says Amon. We believed it and we stayed consistent. There are some negative things in the world that could stop you from moving forward.

If youre curious about FIRE, all you need to start your journey is one number and a belief, adds Amon.

Have the mindset that you can do this.

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Our Family Achieved FIRE at 39 and 41 on Salaries Of Under $100K a Year. Heres How We Did It - NextAdvisor

In the digital world, NFTs are a hot topic that has fascinated many people. Like famous artworks or historical monuments, these digital assets might be precious.

All tokens are unique, and you cannot substitute them for another, making them non-fungible. Blockchain games are exploring all the NFT potential, and Shazu is one of the latest initiatives to join this trend.

As the projects website reveals, Shazu has a ninja-based storyline and several features aiming to attract NFT fans worldwide.

Shazus storyline takes place between the Ethernal Realm and the Bininja Plateau. Everyone living here knew of the immense treasure resting in this land.

Shazu and his silent assassin ninja army were responsible for guarding the treasure. Specifically, the guardians only let those being pure of heart put their hands on the wealth.

When Ragon, the demon ruler from the Ethernal Realm, discovered these riches, the world changed. He assembled a massive army of evil spirits in an attempt to seize control of the world as a whole.

Ragon had been trying for centuries to take control of the riches, and Shazu had always managed to fight back. Everything changed when Shazu began feeling that his power to guard the treasure weakened.

He needed to fulfill the prophecy and locate a suitable warrior who could wield the riches. In order to do so, the fighter had to defeat Ragon and restore the world order.

An unseen but powerful ghost appeared in Shazus dream and informed him about a realm called Earth. Here souls resided and had enormous power and wisdom.

People needed a painting that showed their actual forms to be able to tap into this ability entirely. Shazu knew that he had to locate these paintings if he wanted to have a chance to defeat Ragon.

At this point, Shazus trip to Earth will need to unveil new ninja fighters to obtain financial freedom.

Shazus ecosystem will primarily rely on four different types of NFTs (or Action Cards):

Shazu has an internal marketplace where users can buy NFTs with BNB or SHAZU, the projects native token.

The year will end with the realization of a metaverse ninja game and connected marketing operations. We will see a beta version of this product by Q4, and the developers will work to optimize the game.

The team is betting on the success of its boosting staking feature. Users can connect to the Dojo page of the project and follow the simple process we summarized below:

The project is aiming high thanks to the uniqueness of its features. Another essential matter is the attractiveness of passive income schemes in the crypto world. Considering that this market is famously volatile, the promise of a steady income can appeal to many risk-averse investors.

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Shazu - A Ninja-Based Project Wishing to Achieve Financial Independence - NewsBTC