Author: TECH

Those receiving Social Security started 2026 with a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This took the average monthly Social Security benefit from $2,015 to $2,071, giving recipients an extra $56 a month on average. Dave Ramsey warns on Ramsey Solutions this extra cash isn’t a raise. It’s a buffer against rising prices. And, as recent inflation data makes clear, it was barely adequate when it was set, and it’s already falling short. When the adjustment was calculated using third-quarter 2025 data, annual inflation sat around 2.8%. By April 2026, the consumer price index had climbed to 3.8%, the highest…

In Des Moines, Iowa, a new tiny home village has been approved for an innovative new housing scheme. It’s called Joppa Village, and it will include tiny cottage homes, where rent starts at $300 a month. Each home comes with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, and an abandoned 19th-century schoolhouse will be at the center of it all, serving as a community hub with a chapel, gym, and free health services.It’s all designed to lift people out of homelessness.Joppa is a Des Moines-based homeless nonprofit and cleared its first approval hurdle in the fall of 2025 for the tiny house project.…

Many couples feel like something is missing in their relationships even when everything seems fine on the surface. You might share a home, make plans together, and care deeply for each other, but still sense a gap in your connection. Spiritual intimacy goes beyond physical and emotional bonds and creates a deeper sense of unity and shared purpose that can transform your relationship. Creating this kind of connection doesn’t require complicated rituals or dramatic changes to your daily routine. You can start building spiritual intimacy in your relationship through simple practices that fit naturally into your life together. Whether you…

While millions of Americans depend on Social Security benefits as part of their retirement plan, those benefits could be cut because of the growing issue of pay inequality. The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report projects that the trust fund used to help pay benefits may run out as early as the fourth quarter of 2032, at which point benefits may be automatically cut. Beneficiaries may be left to get by with less, and financially vulnerable households may be impacted. While there are several factors impacting Social Security’s looming insolvency, such as the sizable Baby Boomer population, growing pay…

Japan is making sweeping efforts to improve LGBTQ awareness across the country, and this includes changes to the workplace and how employers support their staff. Where corporate LGBTQ programs may be losing ground in the West, Japan is returning to work on its 2023 law, drawing Pride Month to a close by choosing to acknowledge and embrace diversity. In an effort to increase public awareness of the LGBTQ community and the various aspects of their lived experiences that often go unacknowledged, Japan has recently begun developing an educational program for its citizens. The program isn’t about laws and regulations for…

Many workers have heard the same rule about Social Security for years. Claiming benefits at 62 means accepting a smaller monthly check in exchange for starting payments early. What some younger boomers may not realize is that the reduction is no longer the same as it was for earlier generations. As Social Security’s full retirement age (FRA) moved higher, the cost of claiming at 62 increased as well. Understanding how those rules work can help you make the right moves before filing for benefits. What changed for boomers born in the 1950s and 1960s Changes made…

Body scan meditation is all about systematically focusing on different parts of your body What’s the story Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. For beginners, simple techniques can make the practice more accessible and enjoyable. These methods focus on mindfulness and relaxation, helping individuals find calm in their daily lives. By incorporating these practices into a routine, beginners can experience significant reductions in stress levels without needing extensive training or resources.

“At Mencap everyone knows everyone, like one big village,” says Amber, one of four Sheffield siblings who have been supported by the learning disabilities charity. As it reaches its 75th anniversary in the city, the Raynes family say they now all volunteer as a way of giving back for the support they have received. “I was told in primary school that if Aidan couldn’t read or write, he would end up in prison,” says mum Sarah Raynes.”That was a shock, but now he’s thriving.”Sarah is talking about her son, now 26, who has since been selected to play for the…

The Ministry of Social Affairs is expanding early mental health services and providing €277,000 in additional funding, aimed at getting people help before problems escalate. The funding is intended to strengthen a stepped-care system that ranges from self-help tools to specialist treatment, with the goal of improving access and reducing late intervention.Minister of Social Affairs Karmen Joller (Reform) said the plan is to centralize resources in a single digital platform.”We are trying to bring these materials together into one logical place online — the health information system,” she said.Joller described the stepped care model as a tiered system of support,…

Start each day by reflecting on three things you are grateful for What’s the story Mindfulness is all about being present and aware of your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. For beginners, mindful habits can help improve focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. These simple practices can be added to your daily routine without much effort or time. By concentrating on the present moment, you can develop a greater sense of calm and clarity in your life. Here are five mindful habits perfect for beginners.