fishing line

Did you recently receive a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA, beating the Dec. 31 deadline? Excellent. Or perhaps you took this money out earlier in the year. Whatever the case, you're now likely sitting on a decent-sized stash of cash that's waiting to be put to work. If this is the case, don't sweat it. Here's a list of five savvy uses of any RMD money you'd like to use more constructively. You may be able to utilize more than one of these possibilities, in fact, if there's enough to work with. 1. Park it in a high-yielding money market fund Assuming you took your required minimum distribution in the form of cash and have yet to do anything more with it, it's probably in your bank checking or savings accounts. And despite their pointlessly low yields, leaving it there for a brief time is fine. But if your plan is to keep this money relatively available for a while though, there's a better, similar option. As an alternative, invest this money in a higher-yielding money market fund, many of which are paying in the ballpark of 4% to 5% . These funds are bought and sold just like stock or bond funds, meaning they require explicit trade instructions. That's why your bank may not even be able to offer them to customers who only have checking or savings accounts. If you can move this money to a more conventional brokerage account, you're more likely to have access to this option. 2. Pay down credit card debt It almost goes without saying that you'll always want to keep any credit card debt to a minimum. After all, you're racking up interest charges on any balances beyond 30 days. If you've got more than a little left to pay on your total debt right now, however, you might want to knock as much of it out as soon as you can. See, although overall interest rates are still relatively low on a historical basis, credit card interest rates aren't following suit. They're at or near record highs. The Federal Reserve reports the average annualized interest rate charged by credit card issuers right now is a whopping 21.8%, although depending on your card, you could be paying much more. Credit cards issued by retailers are charging a little more than 30% per year, on average, with many of them upping these rates without making a clear announcement of these changes. You'd be hard-pressed to achieve a comparable rate of return on any money not used to pay down this debt... meaning getting rid of this debt is your best investment prospect right now. 3. Use it to cover taxes on a conversion to a Roth IRA Have you been kicking around the idea of converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA so you don't have to worry about taking required minimum distributions ever again (since RMDs don't apply to Roths)? Although such conversions are taxable as ordinary income for the year in which they're completed, the IRS doesn't care where the subsequent tax payment comes from. You could use your RMD money to cover at least some of any such tax bill. That said, right now may be the absolute worst time for some investors to complete a conversion to a Roth. Why? Because traditional IRAs that are heavily invested in stocks would be undergoing the conversion process at a time when the subsequent tax burden would be quite high, while waiting just a little while longer could lower this burden quite a bit. See, stocks are now well into record-high territory, and well overvalued as a result. The S&P 500 's ( ^GSPC -1.11% ) trailing-12-month price-to-earnings ratio is just above 30, while its price-to-sales ratio is in excess of 3.0. Both are uncomfortably high for what's supposed to be a normal economic environment. It matters simply because a corrective pullback could be on the horizon, which would make it at least a little cheaper to convert your conventional IRA to a Roth. 4. Make a charitable donation Were you forced to take a required minimum distribution of cash or assets you just don't need, and probably will never need? Although it's too late to take advantage of the IRS's generous qualified charitable distribution rules (which also satisfy RMD requirements), you can still lower your tax bill by giving away this money or in-kind distribution of assets. Doing so of course will reduce your taxable income for the year in which the donation is completed. Just be sure to get a dated receipt or confirmation from whatever charity you're making a gift to. 5. Reinvest it Finally -- and perhaps most importantly -- just because you're required to remove money or investments out of your conventional IRA doesn't mean this distribution needs to remain held as cash or a cash-like holding. If you needed this money to produce risk-adjusted growth when it was inside a retirement account, you'll arguably still need it to do the same outside that account. So, reinvest it. It wouldn't be inherently wrong to reinvest the RMD in the exact same stocks, bonds, or funds it was invested in before the distribution was made (although an in-kind distribution of these assets could have saved you a couple of steps). But, since you've now got some additional liquidity, now's a great time to make adjustments to your overall portfolio's allocation . Just bear in mind that there are different kinds of investments you'll want to hold in a taxable account, as opposed to a tax-deferred account like an IRA. For example, if you don't actually need dividend income but you still want to own dividend-paying value stocks, holding your growth stocks in a taxable brokerage account will give you more control of your taxable income in any given year. Conversely, dividend payments dished out by dividend-paying stocks held in an IRA don't actually generate taxable income, as these payments are being made. Just optimize your allocation for your particular situation.fishing line 。

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany's far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper's opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country's stagnant economy. Musk's guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag —a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. "The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country," Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party "can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality." The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country's condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. The technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party's public image. "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk's commentary has led to a debate in German media over the boundaries of free speech, with the paper's own opinion editor announcing her resignation, pointedly on Musk's social media platform, X. "I always enjoyed leading the opinion section of WELT and WAMS. Today an article by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. I handed in my resignation yesterday after it went to print," Eva Marie Kogel wrote. A critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, accompanied Musk's opinion piece. "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong," Burgard wrote. Responding to a request for comment from the German Press Agency, dpa, the current editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Ulf Poschardt, and Burgard — who is due to take over on Jan. 1 — said in a joint statement that the discussion over Musk's piece was "very insightful. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression." "This will continue to determine the compass of the "world" in the future. We will develop "Die Welt" even more decisively as a forum for such debates," they wrote to dpa. Musk waded heavily into the 2024 U.S. presidential election, putting millions into electing President-elect Donald Trump. Trump rewarded him after the election by naming Musk to head the newly-created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, with Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk and Ramaswamy were embroiled over the weekend on X, the social media platform Musk owns, over H-1B visas, which are applied to highly skilled workers. Musk, who came to the U.S. on a H-1B visa, defended the use of the policy amid backlash from Laura Loomer and other Trump supporters who endorse hardline immigration policies. In an interview with the New York Post , Trump said he "always liked the visas," although he tried to change the program during his first time. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I've been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It's a great program," Trump told the newspaper. Elon Musk GermanyHow a GoPro camera has helped the Vikings keep rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on track

Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’"Yellowstone" ends this week. New shows like "No Good Deed" and "Dexter: Original Sin" are also premiering. Buzzy movies like "Conclave" and "Maria" are now streamable. Advertisement It's the end of an era: "Yellowstone" takes its final bow this weekend. (Or maybe not, depending on how those Beth and Rip spinoff rumors shake out.) There are also some TV premieres this week, including the "Dexter" prequel series, "No Good Deed," from "Dead to Me" creator Liz Feldman, and a new reality show featuring Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Advertisement Over on the film side, there are documentaries like " Elton John : Never Too Late," acclaimed dramas like "Conclave," and buzzy-for-the-wrong-reasons movies like "Joker: Folie à Deux." Here's a complete rundown of all the best movies, shows, and documentaries to stream this weekend, broken down by what kind of entertainment you're into.

ATLANTA (AP) — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. They play in the NFC South. There is more good news: The Falcons' next two opponents, the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, are tied for the NFL's worst record at 2-11. Coach Raheem Morris says he is sticking with Cousins for next Monday night's game at Las Vegas. Sunday's 42-21 loss at Minnesota dropped Atlanta to 6-7, one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Buccaneers, so if they can take advantage of their cushy closing stretch of games that also includes Washington and Carolina, they could salvage their season. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at." Lindstrom said he maintains "the ultimate belief in what we’re doing and everything that we have going on and everything is still in front of us.” Cousins and the Falcons must solve their red-zone woes to maintain hopes of the team's first playoff appearance since 2017. The Falcons rank eighth in the NFL with 371 yards per game but only 19th with their average of 21.4 points thanks to their persistent problems inside the 20. Even the forgiving NFC South can't make up for the scoring problems caused by penalties, turnovers and other persistent breakdowns. “You can't live with it at all,” Morris said Monday when asked about Cousins' recent streak of interceptions. Even so, Cousins remains the starter as first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. awaits his opportunity. “It’s for sure Kirk is our quarterback but I have no hesitations about what our young man has been doing and how he has been preparing and the things he is ready to do,” Morris said. “So if that time ever came I would have a lot of confidence in what Mike is able to do, but Kirk is our quarterback. Kirk is the guy who is going to lead us.” With four sacks against the Vikings, the Falcons may have finally solved their longtime pass-rush woes. Atlanta had five sacks in a 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 1, giving the team back-to-back games with at least four sacks for the first time since 2019. Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie had one of Sunday's sacks, giving him four for the season. With nine sacks in the last two games, the Falcons have almost doubled their NFL-low total of 10 through their first 11 games. Even as the pass rush was productive, the Falcons' defense showed a sudden inability to prevent big plays through the air. Atlanta allowed four completions of more than 40 yards as Vikings receivers Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson combined to catch five scoring passes from Sam Darnold, who did not throw an interception. Morris said the Vikings' strategy was to avoid cornerback A.J. Terrell, “making other people make plays, and we didn’t go out there and make them.” Running back Tyler Allgeier had nine carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Even while Bijan Robinson continued to produce with 22 carries for 92 yards and a score, Allgeier re-emerged as a strong complement with his second-highest rushing total of the season. Cousins has an unhealthy ratio of 17 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions. “Kirk was the guy who led us to the 6-3 record,” Morris said. “We’ve got to find a way to get out of the funk. ... For us, it’s going to be his opportunity to go out and right the ship and he has earned it.” 142: Wide receiver Darnell Mooney set a career high with 142 yards on six catches. It was the third game this season Mooney has led the Falcons in receiving yards. Former Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to start for the Raiders on Monday night after Aidan O’Connell's knee injury in Sunday's 28-13 loss at Tampa Bay. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of John F. Kennedy, has claimed his cousin who recently became intertwined with , Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is a “Russian spy”. , a 70-year-old Democrat-turned-Independent, for his political involvement with Trump and insinuated Kennedy has ties to Moscow. But on Wednesday, Schlossberg Kennedy is “so obviously a Russian spy” in response to an that alleged Kennedy wants his daughter-in-law to be part of the CIA to uncover the truth behind JFK’s assassination. “You all think I’m joking,” Schlossberg wrote in his post before adding four “ha”s. Schlossberg, whose mother is Caroline Kennedy, did not clarify what he meant by that or elaborate on his point. Though he did of Kennedy with Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, the former prime ministers of the Soviet Union as well as Leonid Brezhnev, the former general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. . Back in May, that portrayed Kennedy as a Russian “hero” for siding with President Vladimir Putin in the Russia – Ukraine conflict. Schlossberg, and , have criticized Kennedy for abandoning the family’s traditional Democratic values and espousing anti-vaccine beliefs and other conspiracy theories. . you are so obviously a Russian spy ... You all think I’m joking. Hahahaha — Jack Schlossberg (@JBKSchlossberg) Last year, Kennedy launched a long-shot presidential campaign focussed heavily on improving food and healthcare. However, he also spread unsubstantiated health-related theories that raised concerns in the medical community. After Kennedy dropped his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, the Kennedy family released a statement blatantly opposing him. Soon after, Trump announced Kennedy would join his transition team. Last month, he announced Kennedy was his Recent reports claimed that Kennedy is utilizing his closeness to the president-elect, to push for his daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, for a top CIA position so she can help him uncover the truth behind JFK’s assassination in 1963. Kennedy has often espoused the belief that the CIA was involved in the assassination. Meanwhile, Schlossberg has used his social media presence as a means to mock and ridicule Kennedy for his newfound political endeavors – hoping to undermine his cousin’s influence.

Opinion: MAGA billionaires have captured the political system

President Emmanuel Macron will announce on Friday his choice for France's next prime minister, his office says, in a bid to end months of political turmoil. Macron said two days ago he wanted to name a new head of government within 48 hours. The new team is due to replace the one led by Michel Barnier, who resigned last week after far-right and leftist lawmakers voted to topple his government, plunging France into its second major political crisis in six months. Macron will try to nominate a unifying figure, although media reports say there is no clear frontrunner. Centre-right politician François Bayrou, 73, has been mentioned most often by political commentators after Macron consulted with all parties except the extreme left and right to try to form the broadest possible government. If Bayrou is chosen, it remains to be seen whether the Macron ally will be able to form a majority capable of governing, and there are expectations he could face a similar fate to former Brexit negotiator Barnier. Former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve has also been mooted in the press, as well as former defence minister Sébastien Lecornu and former decentralisation minister Catherine Vautrin. Last Wednesday, the opposition brought down Barnier after he had only been in office for three months in a dispute over an austerity budget. Macron is under pressure due to the fall of the government after he called snap elections this year which backfired. Opposition parties have even demanded Macron resign amid the political and economic crisis, with a 2025 budget still not passed by parliament. with DPA

Tetairoa McMillan, one of the best wide receivers in Arizona history, will skip his final year of eligibility and enter the 2025 NFL Draft, he announced on social media on Thursday. Projected as a top-10 draft pick, the 6-foot-5, 212-pound McMillan finished his illustrious career at Arizona with 3,423 receiving yards, breaking the mark set by Bobby Wade (3,351). In three seasons, the Hawaii native also posted the fourth-most catches (213) and third-most touchdowns (26) in school history. "Wildcat Nation, this journey has been everything I dreamed of and more," McMillan wrote on Instagram. "From the moment I committed to the University of Arizona, to every second spent wearing that Arizona jersey ... it's been an absolute honor. "The University of Arizona has provided me with the platform to grow and chase my dreams. ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the best fans in the country, I appreciate you for all of the love and support you have given me these last 3 years. I will always be a Wildcat." In 2024, McMillan totaled 84 grabs (ninth in Division I) for 1,319 yards (third in Division I) and eight touchdowns for the 4-8 Wildcats. He also ranked third in Division I with 109.9 receiving yards per game. McMillan is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. --Field Level Media

NEW YORK (AP) — Top-ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans . Lamenting the contretemps, International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement Sunday that he'd let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, and other “elegant minor deviations” from the dress code. He said Carlsen's stand — which culminated in his quitting the tournament Friday — highlighted a need for more discussion “to ensure that our rules and their application reflect the evolving nature of chess as a global and accessible sport.” Carlsen, meanwhile, said in a video posted Sunday on social media that he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship when it begins Monday. “I think the situation was badly mishandled on their side,” the 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster said. But he added that he loves playing blitz — a fast-paced form of chess — and wanted fans to be able to watch, and that he was encouraged by his discussions with the federation after Friday's showdown. “I think we sort of all want the same thing,” he suggested in the video on his Take Take Take chess app’s YouTube channel. “We want the players to be comfortable, sure, but also relatively presentable.” The events began when Carlsen wore jeans and a sportcoat Friday to the Rapid World Championship, which is separate from but held in conjunction with the blitz event. The chess federation said Friday that longstanding rules prohibit jeans at those tournaments, and players are lodged nearby to make sartorial switch-ups easy if needed. An official fined Carlsen $200 and asked him to change pants, but he refused and wasn't paired for a ninth-round game, the federation said at the time. The organization noted that another grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, was fined earlier in the day for wearing sports shoes, changed and continued to play. Carlsen has said that he offered to wear something else the next day, but officials were unyielding. He said “it became a bit of a matter of principle,” so he quit the rapid and blitz championships. In the video posted Sunday, he questioned whether he had indeed broken a rule and said changing clothes would have needlessly interrupted his concentration between games. He called the punishment “unbelievably harsh.” “Of course, I could have changed. Obviously, I didn’t want to,” he said, and “I stand by that.”

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Deutsche Bank Appointed as Depositary Bank for the Sponsored American Depositary Receipt Program of Jinxin Technology Holding Company