Image by Richard Sagredo Much of the case against traditional wills rests on the availability of non-probate transfer options. These are tools that allow assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without going through court or requiring a will at all. Payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death deeds, and joint ownership arrangements can accomplish what a will typically does, often faster and with less expense. These options have become increasingly popular among seniors who want to ensure their estates are handled simply and privately. Unlike wills, which must go through probate, non-probate transfers take effect immediately upon death. For individuals with straightforward estates and…
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In this Aug. 7, 2009 file photo, Argentina’s Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio gives a Mass outside the San Cayetano church where an Argentine flag hangs behind in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, file) BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires, never set foot in his homeland after becoming Pope Francis in 2013. That left many of the faithful in Argentina feeling puzzled and snubbed by the world’s first Latin American pope. Article continues after this advertisement Francis, who died Monday, said little about his decision to steer clear of Argentina. But Vatican insiders and interlocutors said the pontiff…
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This post is part of a series sponsored by AgentSync. In the complex and ever-evolving world of life and annuity (L&A) compliance, efficiency isn’t a luxury, it’s a critical factor in an organization’s success. One of the most overlooked but essential components of smooth producer onboarding is contract request management. Without an integrated system to manage this process, carriers face unnecessary delays, increased administrative costs, and operational risks that hinder the ability to write policy and scale effectively. The bottleneck in contract request management For many L&A carriers, the producer contract request process is plagued by inefficiency and disconnected data.…
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Finding reliable funding can be one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you’re launching a startup, expanding your team, or investing in new technology, securing a grant can offer the boost you need—without taking on debt. That’s why we’re here every week with the latest verified small business grant opportunities from across the country. From local government initiatives to national programs and private sector funding, our goal is to connect you with real, actionable funding that fits your needs. Here’s this week’s roundup of small business grants you can apply for right now: Gran Coramino…
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When it comes to losing fat, most people immediately think of sweating it out through intense workouts or rigorous dieting. But there is a lesser-known yet incredibly effective element at play. It is your fat-burning heart rate. This is not just any random number; it is a specific pulse at which your body taps into its stored fat reserves for energy rather than relying solely on carbohydrates. However, not everyone’s ideal heart rate for weight loss is the same. Factors such as age, fitness level, genetics, and even daily stress levels influence your optimal heart rate for fat loss. That…
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Justin Thomas emerged victorious at Harbour Town on Sunday as he picked up his 16th career PGA Tour victory at the RBC Heritage. It took a playoff hole to get there, the fifth playoff on Tour this season, but that only added to the intensity of it all. Interestingly the event marked the 250th start of Thomas’ career so a conversion on 16 of them puts his career winning percentage at 6.4%. Putting it that way may sound paltry, but this is professional golf where winning is extraordinarily difficult. Context is required. Consider that Thomas is still only 31 years…
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Your body’s a busy place, full of tiny workers keeping you healthy. Some of these workers, like macrophages and mitochondria, do more than you might think. They’re not just cleaning up germs or powering your cells — they’re also teaming up to control inflammation, that fiery response that protects you from infections in the short term but contributes to diseases when it becomes chronic. It’s important to understand how these cellular heroes work, why they’re key for fighting infections and calming autoimmune flare-ups, and, perhaps most importantly, how to support them with simple, everyday habits. Meet Your Body’s Cleanup Crew…
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman April 21, 2025 The slain mother sent a one-word text that led to the arrest of a suspect. A Black mother in Alabama died alongside her five-year-old son in a triple homicide, but not before texting her alleged killer’s name. Arkia “Kia” Berry died with her young son and boyfriend in their car as a gunman shot them down in July 2024. When police investigated the scene, they found the 28-year-old’s phone with a single text message sent to a friend containing the word “Jaco.” The ominous text provided crucial insight into who could have shot the…
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While investing in debt funds is less risky than equity, investors should still be wary of the two main types of risk that can affect returns – interest rate and credit risk. Interest rate risk is the possibility that rising rates will reduce the fund’s value, and credit risk is the risk that the issuer of the bond may default on payments. The majority of the assets held by gilt funds are invested in government securities, which essentially reduces the credit risk to nil. Here, we’ll take you through all you need to know about these funds – from gilt…
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The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) “junk fees” ruling, which was passed in December 2024, goes into effect on May 12. The new law requires businesses selling tickets and short-term lodging to “clearly” show all fees (like service and cleaning fees) at the time of purchase. On Monday, Airbnb announced in a statement that it is getting started early. All Airbnb guests globally will now automatically see the complete cost of their proposed stay, including all fees (before taxes), when looking at search result listings. Related: ‘I Can’t Get Everyone to Move Here’: Why Airbnb’s CEO Is Sticking With a Once-a-Month…