VANCOUVER — Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. Data show the problem spiked during COVID-19 when children began spending more time online — but rates did not wane as police anticipated after lockdowns ended. In B.C., they soared, almost quadrupling from 2021 to 2023. Const. Solana Pare is now warning exploitation of children is likely here to stay, as a technological race between police and predators gains momentum. “Technology is becoming more and more available, and online platforms and social media sites are being used by children younger and younger, which provides an opportunity for predators to connect with them,” Pare said in an interview. Police say child exploitation cases in B.C. went from about 4,600 in 2021 to 9,600 in 2022 to 15,920 reports last year. The upwards trend is seen nationally, too. Statistics Canada says the rate of online child sexual exploitation reported to police rose by 58 per cent from 2019 to 2022, and police data show cases have continued to rise. The RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre reported that from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, it received 118,162 reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation offences — a 15 per cent increase compared with the previous year. Online child sexual exploitation, Pare explained, includes offences such as sextortion, child luring and the creation or distribution of sexually explicit images of a minor. “We don’t see these types of reports going away,” Pare said. “We only see them increasing because the use of electronic devices and social media, and kids being online earlier and earlier is becoming more common. There’s going to be more opportunity for predators to target children online.” Monique St. Germain, general counsel for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said the most common type of child luring is communicating with a youth online in order get them to produce sexual abuse material. She said “the pandemic accelerated those types of cases, and it hasn’t slowed down.” “The tools (Canadian authorities) have to deal with this type of behaviour are inadequate for the scope and the scale of what’s going on,” she said. THE RISE OF ‘SEXTORTION’ Online exploitation gained international attention in 2015 in the case of Port Coquitlam, B.C., teenager, Amanda Todd, who died by suicide after being blackmailed and harassed online by a man for years, starting when she was 12. The month before the 15-year-old died, she uploaded a nine-minute video using a series of flash cards detailing the abuse she experienced by the stranger and how it had affected her life. It’s been viewed millions of times. Dutch national Aydin Coban was extradited to Canada for trial and, in October 2022, he was convicted of charges including the extortion and harassment of Todd. Since then, the term “sextortion” has made its way into the vernacular as more cases come to light. Among them was Carson Cleland, a 12-year-old Prince George, B.C., boy who died by suicide in October 2023 after falling victim to the crime. In New Brunswick that same month, 16-year-old William Doiron took his own life after falling victim to a global sextortion scheme. Mounties across Canada have issued news releases warning of increased cases in their communities, noting that the consequences for the victims can include self-harm and suicide. St. Germain said technology, such as artificial intelligence, is also becoming more user-friendly. “The existence of that technology and its ease of use and ready accessibility is a problem, and it is going to be an increasingly large problem as we move forward,” she said. Pare said police are also adapting to technological advancements in order to keep up with the ever-changing online landscape. “Police are constantly obtaining training on digital technologies to increase our knowledge and understanding of all the intricacies involving their use and how to capture any digital evidence,” she said. Pare said the true rates of the crime are impossible to determine, but pointed to increased social awareness and legislation across North America around mandatory reporting of child abuse material from social media companies as a potential reason for the increase. It’s not going undetected any longer, she said. “Additionally, there’s been a lot of use in artificial intelligence to detect child exploitation materials within those platforms.” Pare said “it’s up to each individual platform” to ensure there is no child sexual abuse material on their sites or apps. “With mandatory reporting, it’s putting the onus back on the electronic service providers to ensure they have measures in place to prevent this from happening, and if it is happening that it is being reported,” she said. “That being said, there are times when things don’t get located.” That is why the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has been advocating for the adoption of the Online Harms Bill that the federal government introduced in February, St. Germain said. “It’s shocking that up until now, we’ve relied on companies to self regulate, meaning we’ve just relied on them to do the right thing,” she said. “What we are seeing in terms of the number of offences and in terms of all the harm that is happening in society as a result of online platforms is completely tied to the decision not to regulate. We need to have rules in any sector, and this sector is no different.” ‘CANADA IS REALLY BEHIND’ The Online Harms Bill covers seven types of harms, from non-consensual sharing of intimate images to content that can be used to bully a child. Earlier this month, Justice Minister Arif Virani announced the Liberal government will split the bill into two parts: dealing with keeping children safe online, and combating predators and issues related to revenge pornography. “We are putting our emphasis and prioritization and our time and efforts on the first portion of the bill,” Virani told reporters on Dec. 5. Such measures would include a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada, which would compel social media companies to outline how they plan to reduce the risks their platforms pose to users, particularly minors. It would have the power to levy fines and evaluate companies’ digital safety plans. St. Germain said such a split “makes sense,” noting that most objections to the bill are related to changes to the Criminal Code and not measures around curbing harms to children. “There obviously are differences of opinion in terms of what is the best way forward, and what kind of regulatory approach makes sense, and who should the regulator be, but there does seem to be consensus on the idea that we need to do more in terms of protecting children online,” she said, adding that the organization is still in support of the second half of the bill. She said the United Kingdom previously passed its own Online Safety Act that will come into effect in 2025, which includes requiring social media firms to protect children from content such as self-harm material, pornography and violent content. Failure to do so will result in fines. “Canada is really behind,” she said. “The amount of information that has come out of the U.K., the amount of time and care and attention that their legislatures have paid to this issue is really quite remarkable, and we really hope that Canada steps up and does something for Canadian children soon.” In the absence of national legislation, province’s have filled the void. In January, B.C. enacted the Intimate Images Protection Act, providing a path for victims to have online photos, videos or deep fakes expeditiously removed. Individuals are fined up to $500 per day and websites up to $5,000 a day if they don’t comply with orders to stop distributing images that are posted without consent. B.C.’s Ministry of the Attorney General said that as of Dec. 11, the Civil Resolution Tribunal had received a total of 199 disputes under the Intimate Images Protection Act. It said the Intimate Images Protection Service had served more than 240 clients impacted by the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, adding that four awards of $5,000 each and one for $3,000 had been supplied as of mid-December. Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta and Saskatchewan have also enacted legislation targeting unauthorized distribution of intimate images. St. Germain said the use of provincial powers is also necessary, but it’s not enough. “A piece of provincial legislation is going to be very difficult to be effective against multiple actors in multiple countries,” she said, noting that the online crime is borderless. “We need something bigger — more comprehensive. We need to use all tools in the tool box.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2024. Brieanna Charlebois, The Canadian Press'Jimmy who?' The US president 1970s America really neededThe cramped visitors locker room at Kaseya Center felt extra crowded last week after the Los Angeles Lakers' 41-point shellacking at the hands of the . and were assigned lockers across from each other, leaving a couple of dozen reporters to pack the space in between them, waiting for the stars to explain how their defense could be so thoroughly decimated by the Heat. James spoke first. "We got to figure it out," he said after L.A. lost for the sixth time in eight games. "Because it's definitely embarrassing, for sure." Miami shot 57.8% from the field and a volcanic 51.1% on 3-pointers -- tying a franchise record for 3s in a regular-season game with 24 while pouring 134 points on the Lakers -- tied for the most L.A. has allowed under new coach JJ Redick. The Lakers bottomed out in the third quarter when single-handedly outscored them, hitting seven straight 3s and leading Miami to win the period 36-20. When asked what the Lakers did wrong in guarding Herro, James quipped: "Everything." After James finished answering questions, reporters pivoted to Davis, who put the onus on himself after scoring a season-low eight points on 3-of-14 shooting. "I hate losing," Davis said dejectedly. "The way we're losing, we're playing bad, blown out. I'm not playing well individually. It's an accumulation of things and it's frustrating." Davis took accountability, but even had he made the 11 other shots he attempted that night in Miami, L.A. still would have lost by double digits. A quarter of the way through the season, the Lakers are 13-11 and have issues that Davis can't fix individually. With James starting to show his age, L.A.'s defense continuing to be exposed in multiple facets and even the normally headstrong Redick admitting, "We're all trying to find it," after the loss to Miami, there is mounting evidence that this season could go sideways without a significant shakeup. With Redick taking advantage of a break in the schedule to give his team time to reset this week ahead of Friday's game on the road against the , here's a look at what's plaguing L.A. -- and what can be done to fix it. Porous defense "They weren't even trying," one Western Conference scout, who reviewed film from the L.A.-Miami game, told ESPN of the Lakers. "The Lakers play with zero physicality," he said. "It's easy to get transition baskets. It's easy to score via pick-and-rolls. It's easy to post up and cut for easy baskets. Everything is just easy." The numbers back up that assessment. The Lakers have allowed opponents to shoot 63% on layups and dunks in the half court this season, which is fourth worst in the league. Part of the reason for that alarming percentage is that the Lakers are allowing the third-highest shot quality on those shots at the rim in the half court, according to Second Spectrum, with only 64% of those point-blank attempts considered to be heavily contested by L.A.'s defenders. When asked about L.A.'s pick-and-roll defense against Miami, and against the Wolves in the game that preceded it when the Lakers lost by 29 points, Redick was direct as he exhumed the defeats. "Did not execute our switches, were not physical, did not communicate," Redick said Wednesday. "Communication was a big issue in Miami as well, no matter what we tried. Again, you can't play basketball and not talk. In terms of technique and schemes, if you don't talk, you're dead. In terms of tweaking stuff, we've done it. We've done it in coverage. We've done it with 1 through 5, and we've done it being physical. We've done it talking, so that's what we have to do. We can make adjustments on that. If you're not talking and you're not competing, you can't really make adjustments." As rough as the half court has been, the open court has been even worse. L.A. is 29th in transition defense, allowing 1.44 points per possession. The Lakers have also had to defend the sixth-most transition possessions per game in the league this season. Part of that problem can be linked to effort. They have had a man advantage when defending a transition possession just 44% of the time this season -- the fifth-lowest rate in the league -- meaning there aren't enough players wearing purple and gold sprinting back to protect their basket. However, with largely the same personnel as last season's team that ranked 17th in defense, by allowing 114.8 points per 100 possessions, maybe L.A. ranking 26th and allowing 117.0 points per 100 possessions this season shouldn't be so surprising. "It's been interesting to me, Darvin [Ham] took a lot of s--- last year," another Western Conference scout told ESPN. "I think now you're seeing like, 'Oh, maybe it wasn't Darvin. Maybe it's the f---ing roster.'" He is not the only person among the half-dozen scouts, coaches and front office employees ESPN interviewed to suggest that L.A. needs different players if it expects different results. "They need to trade for a good point-of-attack defender that can at least be capable of knocking down open shots," an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN. "They don't have many perimeter defenders." Added another Eastern Conference executive to ESPN: "I don't think they have the personnel to be a good defensive team." Though expected return next month will give Redick a player with a solid defensive track record to add to the Lakers' rotation, Vanderbilt's offensive limitations are also well documented. "Honestly, they need what everybody wants," one of the West scouts told ESPN. "It's that versatile wing defender that can guard 2 through 4 and then can make an open 3. Your , your , those type of players. And those guys, either: One, aren't available; or two, if they are available, they're not cheap, they're at a premium. Everybody in the NBA wants guys like that." Not enough consistency from James and Davis, or players around them Part of L.A.'s slide has coincided with snapping his personal iron man streak of 129 straight regular-season games played before missing the past five games because of a left pelvic injury. Before going out, Reaves had averaged a career-best 16.7 points, adding 4.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. "AD and LeBron need consistency from the rest of the group," the East exec said. "The only guy that they rely on is Austin. He finally got to the point of not deferring to those guys. The rest of the group should follow suit. Too many guys don't know how to play with them because they feel like they need to just give AD and LeBron the ball and wait for a pass. They end up forcing shots late-clock because that is when they get the ball." Another Eastern Conference front office member pointed to L.A.'s second tier of role players failing to make a difference. "Getting very little from , , , has been disappointing," he told ESPN. "One of those guys needs to play better." Though a Lakers team source told ESPN that one of L.A.'s strengths is that Reaves, or rookie is capable of being the leading scorer any game to take the burden off James and Davis, that's still a relative rarity. In 24 games, Davis has been the leading scorer 12 times, James six times, Knecht three times, Reaves twice and Russell once. As far as a big three goes, the results have been a big negative. The Lakers have a minus-8.4 net efficiency in the 383 minutes that Davis, James and Reaves have played together this season. That's the third-worst net efficiency among 73, three-player combinations to appear on the court together for at least 350 minutes this season. "If Austin Reaves is your third-best player -- and I love Austin, I think he's a very good basketball player -- but if he's your third-best player, you're not a championship contender, you're just not," one of the West scouts told ESPN. "If you put Austin Reaves on the or the , he's probably the fifth-, maybe even sixth-best player, on those rosters." James has been poor by his standards If you judge by plus-minus, James has not only ceded control of the team to Davis and become the team's second-best player in his 22nd season, he has become the Lakers' worst player. This season, the Lakers are minus-129 when James is on the floor, by far the worst on the team. And the Lakers are plus-42 when he is off the court. James has used the off week to "take some time" away from the team for personal reasons, according to Redick. By sitting out against Minnesota, he will get eight days of rest and treatment on his sore left foot, and only miss two games. Though his overall production -- he's averaging 23 points on 49.5% shooting, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds -- is unprecedented for a player at this late stage of his career, his recent struggles prior to the foot injury are alarming. His 66 turnovers over the past 13 games are the most he has had in a 13-game stretch since signing with the Lakers in 2018. And before he went 6-for-11 on 3-pointers in an overtime loss against the (with two misses coming late in the fourth in an attempt to ice it and at the buzzer in OT), James shot 4-for-34 from deep (11.8%) in his seven games prior to that. "He had that stretch where he looked probably as human as he's never looked in his career," one of James' former assistant coaches told ESPN. "It seems like he's prolonged it more than anybody ever has, but at some point, he's going to just reach a point where he can't do it. And it seems like that day is getting closer and closer now. I don't think it's yet. I think that was just a rough stretch, but I think it is eye-opening to see it like, 'Oh f---, he's not God.' He's, at some point, going to not be able to do this anymore." Though Miami's Erik Spoelstra suggested James' combination of size, strength and smarts would allow him to keep playing the game at a high level for another decade if he wanted to, some of his effectiveness has clearly waned. James has been off not only from the outside. He's shooting 65% on layups and dunks, his lowest in a season since player tracking began in 2013-14, according to Second Spectrum. And his 62% mark on shots 8 feet from the basket is his lowest since his rookie season in 2003-04. "When he just wasn't knocking down shots from the outside, and with him not being as explosive as he once was, he's going to struggle if he can't play with the threat of his shot," the East scout told ESPN. One of the West scouts said it is Redick's responsibility to engage James to impact winning, stats be damned. "They will go nowhere if Redick and staff don't find a way to challenge him beyond his historic numbers," the scout told ESPN. "The supporting cast is always going to follow his lead. When they have these horrible games, it's a reflection of him being able to cruise and still get great stats. They can't cruise." Though James, along with Davis, shouldered the blame in Miami -- saying a clunker such as that has to fall on the players, and not the coaches -- a couple of nights later in Atlanta, he pointed to a different reason for L.A.'s loss. "We don't have much room for error," James said, pointing to the "big pieces" in Reaves, Vanderbilt, Hayes and Wood. Of course, that reality of James missing the matchup against Minnesota, and even more games, becomes unfeasible if L.A. hopes to win. "Sure, it'd be great to rest your second-best player who's 40 years old, but with the lack of talent and obviously also the lack of health, it makes it incredibly difficult to sit somebody like that," one of the West scouts told ESPN. "So I don't know what the right answer is. Because probably yes, the right thing for LeBron is to take some nights off just to rest his body and rest his mind. But you run the risk of not being able to win games just with your talent deficiency." Added the scout: "I think that comes back to the roster issue of he can't consistently do it over an 82-game stretch at his age. And he needs help ... and he doesn't have help."new jili 。

Why investors don’t need to be nervous about a stretched stock market in 2025: StrategistLeBron James and Anthony Davis might not be the only former top overall picks on the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster for long. Lakers writer Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported Friday that the team has had internal discussions about adding veteran guard Markelle Fultz. The 26-year-old Fultz remains an unsigned free agent after spending the last five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic. Fultz was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers (over later lottery picks such as Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Donovan Mitchell, and Bam Adebayo). But he is universally seen as a bust, having averaged just 7.7 points per game on 41.4 percent shooting for the 76ers before being traded less than two years after he was drafted. Fultz’s Philly tenure was also marred by an ugly and bizarre saga with his jump-shooting form . The former University of Washington star Fultz did manage to rebuild his reputation some though in a lower-stress environment in Orlando, posting 14.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in the 2022-23 campaign. With the Lakers getting next to nothing from their backup point guard Gabe Vincent, Fultz could have some appeal for them. But it could require much more ( such as a trade for this rumored target ) for the Lakers to turn around their mediocre 13-11 season. This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

MONTREAL — Laurentian Bank of Canada reported fourth-quarter profits that were up from a year ago, while it reported a loss for 2024 as a whole. The Montreal-based bank said Friday its quarterly profits amounted to $40.7 million, up from $30.6 million a year ago. For the fiscal year, it reported a loss of $5.5 million, compared with a net income of $181 million the year before, as it took charges related to its turnaround efforts. Impairment charges for the year totalled $228.4 million, including a $155.9 million writedown on the value of its personal and commercial banking segment, and $72.5 million in restructuring charges. In the fourth quarter, the bank reported $7.8 million in severance charges and a $5.7 million writedown in the value of its software and licences, plus impairments on its office space and leases. The efforts are part of a turnaround that chief executive Éric Provost said in a statement was going well. "Six months after presenting our strategic plan, I am pleased with the progress we’ve made." Profits in the fourth quarter amounted to 88 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Oct. 31, up from a profit of 67 cents per diluted share in the same quarter last year. Revenue for the quarter totalled $250.8 million, up from $247.4 million a year earlier. The bank's provision for credit losses for the quarter amounted to $10.4 million compared with $16.7 million a year ago. On an adjusted basis, Laurentian says it earned 89 cents per diluted share in its latest quarter, down from an adjusted profit of $1 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. The average analyst estimate had been for an adjusted profit of 87 cents per share, according to data provided by LSEG Data & Analytics. Scotiabank analyst Meny Grauman said the bank's low provisions for credit loss were impressive, especially given its commercial-heavy loan book as businesses face pressure. "It should highlight for investors the underlying quality of this bank’s commercial franchise at least from an underwriting perspective," he said in a note. Laurentian shares were up nine per cent in early trading Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange while they were up around 4.6 per cent by late afternoon. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 6, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:LB) The Canadian PressThe opening season of the San Pedro Volleyball Indoor Tournament will conclude this Sunday, December 8th, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium. The final rounds of matches will feature teams competing in the Junior category, followed by COED, and finishing with the Senior divisions. The games will start promptly at 4PM. In the second round of the semi-final matches held on December 1st, the Jr. Female division featured a matchup between Isla Bonita Girls and Island Academy Girls. In the Male division of the same category, the Island Boyz faced off against ACES Boys. In the COED division, the Warriors competed against SPHS, followed by a match between Barbos and SPHS Sharks in the Seniors category. The results of the final games will feature ten teams competing for the championship in their respective categories. In the Jr. Female division, the Island Academy Girls will face the SPHS Jr. Sharks. In the Male category, Rompe Pechitos will take on the Island Boyz. In the COED division, the championship will be contested between the WD 20s and the Warriors. In the Seniors category, SPHS will compete against Wildsets in the female group, while in the male division, the Barbos will aim to win the championship by defeating the Vikings. Erick Santizo, the organizer, President of the San Pedro Volleyball Association , and Sports Coordinator at San Pedro High School (SPHS), is excited about the upcoming volleyball final. This marks the eighth year of organizing the tournament, and he extends his gratitude to all the teams and supporters for their participation in another year of competitions. Santizo invites islanders and volleyball fans to the auditorium at San Pedro High School to cheer on their favorite teams. After the event, the San Pedro Town Council will provide the winners with their medals and trophies. Looking ahead, Santizo is eager to host another tournament in 2025.

AI is a game changer for students with disabilities. Schools are still learning to harness itLaurentian Bank reports profits up for the quarter but down for the yearKanesatake app on the way

U.S. officials have added a ninth telecommunications company to the list of entities compromised by a sweeping Chinese-linked cyberespionage operation known as Salt Typhoon, a top White House official said Friday. Anne Neuberger, the U.S. deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, told reporters on a call that the unnamed telecom was added to the list after the U.S. government shared guidance on how to detect and defend against the operation. Officials have previously alleged that the attackers targeted Verizon, AT&T, Lumen and others. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Dec. 18 urged senior government and political figures to move mobile communications to end-to-end encrypted apps as a result of the Salt Typhoon campaign, which has targeted officials associated with the campaign of former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, according to reports. Officials have said "a large number of Americans' metadata was taken" as part of the campaign. Chinese officials have previously described the allegations as disinformation and said Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms." Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat from New Mexico, called Salt Typhoon the "largest telecommunications hack in our nation's history" during a Dec. 11 hearing, while Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz said the U.S. "must plug any vulnerabilities in communications networks." Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said Dec. 5 her agency was proposing rules requiring telecommunications carriers to secure their networks in light of the Salt Typhoon revelations. Neuberger said Friday that the "Chinese gained access to networks and essentially had broad and full access," giving them the capability to "geolocate millions of individuals, to record phone calls at will," and that updated FCC rules could help limit the scope and impact of future intrusions. (Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Cage-Free Egg Supply Takes Outsized Hit As Bird Flu Surges 4 Ways to Hit Your Family Savings Goals in 2025 What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet . 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Government willing to explain agreement's benefitsKey Trends in the Indoor Hydroponic System Market with Insights from OPCOM Farm, CitySens, VIVOSUN, Click & Grow, Gardyn, Tower Garden, Rise Gardens, Lettuce Grow 12-13-2024 07:44 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: STATS N DATA Indoor Hydroponic System Market The Indoor Hydroponic System Market has emerged as a pivotal sector in the modern agricultural landscape, providing innovative solutions to address the growing demand for fresh produce in urban environments. Hydroponics, the practice of growing plants without soil, utilizes nutrient-rich water solutions to nurture plants, making it an ideal choice for indoor farming. With increasing urbanization and the rising need for sustainable food production methods, the relevance of indoor hydroponic systems has never been more pronounced. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=82819 Recent developments in this market have been fueled by a combination of technological advancements and strategic collaborations among industry players. Innovations in hydroponic technologies, such as automated nutrient delivery systems and advanced lighting solutions, are enhancing the efficiency and productivity of indoor farms. Additionally, partnerships between hydroponic manufacturers and agricultural technology firms are leading to the creation of integrated systems that optimize growth conditions and reduce operational costs. Current trends within the indoor hydroponic system market indicate a shift towards more user-friendly and efficient solutions, enabling even novice growers to engage in indoor farming. This evolving landscape presents actionable insights for stakeholders looking to capitalize on the burgeoning market. By staying attuned to consumer preferences and technological advancements, companies can position themselves for success in this rapidly growing sector. Key Growth Drivers and Trends Several factors are driving the demand for indoor hydroponic systems, primarily centered around sustainability, digitization, and heightened consumer awareness. As global concerns about food security and environmental sustainability intensify, more consumers are seeking locally sourced and organically grown produce. Indoor hydroponic systems offer a viable solution by enabling year-round cultivation in controlled environments, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming practices. The integration of advanced technologies is another significant trend shaping the future of the indoor hydroponic system market. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are being harnessed to create smart hydroponic systems that monitor and adjust growing conditions in real time. This level of automation not only enhances productivity but also allows for greater customization of growing conditions based on individual plant needs. Additionally, product customization is becoming increasingly important as consumers seek tailored solutions that fit their specific growing requirements. Companies that can offer modular systems with customizable features will likely gain a competitive edge in the market. Market Segmentation The indoor hydroponic system market can be segmented into various categories to provide a clearer understanding of its landscape. The key segments include: Segment by Type - Wifi-enabled: These systems allow users to remotely monitor and control their hydroponic setups via mobile applications, providing convenience and enhanced management capabilities. - Wifi-disabled: These traditional systems operate independently without internet connectivity, catering to consumers who prefer straightforward, less technology-driven options. Segment by Application - Household Use: This segment comprises individual consumers who engage in home gardening and growing herbs, vegetables, and fruits for personal consumption. - Other: This includes commercial applications, educational institutions, and research facilities that utilize hydroponic systems for larger-scale operations. Each segment presents unique opportunities and challenges, influenced by consumer preferences and technological advancements in the industry. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=82819 Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the indoor hydroponic system market is characterized by several key players who are significantly influencing trends and driving innovation. Notable companies include: - OPCOM Farm: Renowned for its innovative hydroponic solutions, OPCOM Farm focuses on integrating smart technology to improve user experience and plant growth outcomes. - CitySens: This company specializes in urban gardening solutions, providing compact hydroponic systems designed for small spaces, promoting sustainable living in cities. - VIVOSUN: A prominent player known for its extensive range of hydroponic products, VIVOSUN emphasizes quality and affordability, catering to both novice and experienced growers. - Click & Grow: This company is known for its smart indoor gardens that utilize patented technology to simplify the growing process, making it accessible for everyone. - Gardyn: Offering a unique vertical gardening solution, Gardyn focuses on enhancing user engagement through innovative design and technology. - Tower Garden: This brand specializes in vertical aeroponic systems, promoting space-saving solutions that are ideal for urban environments. - Rise Gardens: Known for its modular gardening systems, Rise Gardens enables users to customize their growing experience, focusing on family engagement and education. - Lettuce Grow: This company emphasizes sustainability and easy gardening solutions, offering a variety of hydroponic systems that cater to different consumer needs. - AeroGrow: A leader in indoor gardening, AeroGrow focuses on innovative hydroponic systems that combine advanced technology with user-friendly designs. Each of these companies is contributing to the market through product innovations, market expansions, and strategic partnerships, ultimately shaping the future of indoor hydroponic systems. Opportunities and Challenges The indoor hydroponic system market is ripe with opportunities, particularly in untapped regions where traditional agriculture faces challenges such as land scarcity and water shortages. As more consumers become aware of the benefits of hydroponic systems, especially in urban settings, there is a growing demand for sustainable and efficient growing solutions. This creates potential for companies to expand their offerings and reach new markets. However, the market also faces several challenges that must be addressed. Regulatory constraints can pose obstacles to market entry and expansion, particularly in regions with strict agricultural laws. Additionally, operational inefficiencies and supply chain disruptions can hinder growth. To mitigate these challenges, companies can focus on building strong partnerships and investing in research and development to streamline operations. Moreover, the talent shortage in the agricultural technology sector can impact innovation and growth. Companies need to invest in training programs and attract skilled professionals to ensure their teams are equipped to tackle the challenges of the evolving market. Technological Advancements Technological advancements are at the forefront of the indoor hydroponic system market, driving efficiency and innovation. The integration of AI and IoT technologies is transforming how hydroponic systems operate. For instance, AI algorithms can analyze data from sensors to optimize nutrient delivery and environmental conditions, leading to healthier plants and higher yields. Virtual tools and augmented reality (AR) are also making strides in the market, offering users interactive experiences that enhance their understanding of hydroponic systems. These technologies can provide real-time feedback and guidance, making it easier for users to manage their indoor gardens effectively. Additionally, advancements in LED lighting technology are revolutionizing how plants are grown indoors. These lights are designed to mimic natural sunlight, providing the optimal spectrum for photosynthesis while reducing energy consumption. Research Methodology and Insights STATS N DATA employs a comprehensive research methodology to ensure accurate and actionable insights into the indoor hydroponic system market. The approach includes both top-down and bottom-up methodologies, allowing for a thorough analysis of market trends and dynamics. Primary research involves engaging with industry experts, key stakeholders, and players in the market to gather firsthand insights. Secondary research supplements this data by analyzing existing reports, publications, and market data from reputable sources. Triangulation techniques are utilized to validate findings and ensure the integrity of the insights provided. This rigorous approach enables STATS N DATA to deliver reliable and relevant information that supports strategic decision-making for businesses in the indoor hydroponic system market. In conclusion, the indoor hydroponic system market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. As stakeholders navigate this dynamic landscape, staying informed and adaptive will be essential to harnessing the full potential of this burgeoning sector. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=82819 Full Indoor Hydroponic System Market Report Link: https://www.statsndata.org/report/Global-Indoor-Hydroponic-System-Market-82819 Related Reports: Biomedical CRO Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/biomedical-cro-market-282392 Warehouse Robotics Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/warehouse-robotics-market-6569 Employee Scheduling & Shift Planning Software Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/employee-scheduling--shift-planning-software-market-151862 Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma Autoclave Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/hydrogen-peroxide-gas-plasma-autoclave-market-154832 Multi-sim Smartphone Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/multi-sim-smartphone-market-75686 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.

The secret to making successful financial New Year’s resolutionsDonald Trump has yet to move back into the White House and already fissures are opening in his coalition, amid squabbling between Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley "tech bros" and his hardcore Republican backers. At the heart of the internecine sniping is Trump's central election issue -- immigration -- and the H1-B visas that allow companies to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the United States. The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley, and Musk -- who himself came to the United States from South Africa on an H1-B -- is a fervent advocate. The world's richest man, who bankrolled Trump's election campaign and has become a close advisor, posted on X Thursday that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump as Musk's co-chair on a new advisory board on government efficiency, suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an "American culture," which he said venerates mediocrity. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, "we'll have our asses handed to us by China." Skepticism over the benefits of immigration is a hallmark of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and the billionaires' remarks angered immigration hawks who accused them of ignoring US achievements in technological innovation. Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller posted a 2020 speech in which Trump marveled at the American "culture" that had "harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet." The post appeared calculated to remind critics that Trump won November's election on a platform of getting tough on immigration and boosting American manufacturing. But it was Michael Faraday, an English scientist, who discovered that an electric current could be produced by passing a magnet through a copper wire and Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander, who first split the atom. And Alexander Graham Bell may have died a US citizen but he was a British subject in Canada when he invented the telephone. Trump voiced opposition to H1-B visas during his successful first run for the White House in 2016, calling them "unfair for our workers" while acknowledging that he used foreign labor in his own businesses. The Republican placed restrictions on the system when he took office, but the curbs were lifted by President Joe Biden. More from this section Trump is known for enjoying the gladiatorial spectacle when conflict breaks out in his inner circle. He has been conspicuously silent during the hostilities that Politico characterized as "Musk vs MAGA." Many MAGA figures have been agitating for a complete closure of America's borders while the problem of illegal entries is tackled, and hoping for a steer from Trump that would reassure them that he remains firm in his "America First" stance. For some long-time loyalists, Silicon Valley has already inserted itself too deeply into MAGA politics. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender -- and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline," said Matt Gaetz, the scandal-hit congressman forced to withdraw after being nominated by Trump to run the Justice Department. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." When Musk almost single-handedly blew up a deal painstakingly hammered out between Democrats and Republicans to set the 2025 federal budget, Democrats used "President Musk" to mock Trump, who is famously sensitive about being upstaged. It remains to be seen whether these cracks can be smoothed out or if they are a portent of further strife, but critics point to the chaos in Trump's first term as a potential indicator. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a MAGA figure with so much influence that she had a seat on Trump's plane during the campaign. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." Loomer has subsequently complained of censorship after she was stripped of her paying subscribers on X, which is owned by Musk. "Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" rle/ft/sms