#Cetera Financial Group

[rexsecuritieslaw]

Centaurus Broker Atul Makharia Subject of Regulatory Sanctions/ Customer Complaints Over Sale of Variable Interest Rate Structured Products- Lexington, SC

Atul Makharia Investigation Sold Variable Interest Rate Structured Products July 2023-Lexington, SC The FINRA records of Atul Makharia, currently employed by Centaurus Financial, disclose a  regulatory event, 9 prior customer disputes and 2 pending customer disputes. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the agency that licenses and regulates stockbrokers and brokerage firms.…

[kiefbowl]

you know, it's okay that different women have different goals within feminism. like, we're diverse and have different skills, resources, and life experiences. a group of politically minded mothers organizing for a oh idk a free baby formula bill or something and then a group of financially able child free women creating a self-sufficient co-opt are, like, both cool. literally no reason to ask one group to drop everything for the other cause like what help would they be. sometimes I think a lot of people like that they can go on social media and puff a lot of hot air using highly divisive terms like "prioritize" and what not bc it makes them feel smart but it's just caterwauling sometimes. why is it necessary for everyone to be in complete lock step for a movement to be considered successful? and just bc I know ppl like bad faith reads they love them they eat them up yum yum yum slurp slorp slop I am NOT saying women can't criticize any women or that "everything is feminism" or w/e. I'm just saying that feminist goals can be diverse, and I just don't understand the impulse of needing unifying discourse over every single issue. lest we miss out on things like art archivists bc it isn't "as important," when some people are really really good and in a great position to be very successful feminist art archivists. extrapolate any other feminist issue close to your heart et cetera

[thesmithslover2]

Here’s my long awaited ramble about why I love constitutional monarchism. I’m almost entirely referring to the British monarchy here because I am British and live in Britain.

In a constitutional monarchy, your monarch is a figurehead. A unifying figure for the people of the nation. The monarch is like a living embodiment of centuries of your nation’s history. So on and so forth. King George VI stayed in London during the Blitz for example, showing solidarity with his people and acting as a symbol of Britain’s unwavering determination in WWII. The king is still in London, we are still in London. Here we are still, facing the music. Et cetera. The monarch is a non-partisan figure, acting as a unifying figurehead when partisan politics become increasingly divisive. I like constitutional monarchism in particular because I feel that the monarchy and the government have this symbiosis wherein they both ensure the other is acting constitutionally. Say some undemocratic group tried to coup the government, the king could dissolve parliament. The constitution limits the monarch so society remains democratic. Constitutional monarchy is this combination of the best parts of democracy and the best parts of monarchy in my opinion. Heads of government can come and go but a monarch remains as long as they live.

So why a constitutional monarchy rather than a republic? In a republic, the president represents their party, not the nation. Their allegiance belongs to the party. Their allegiance belongs to securing reelection, protecting their image, and so on. However, the monarch represents the nation. The monarch’s non-partisan alignment allows them to act a figurehead for the whole country, not just the Labour Party for example. Thus ensuring stability. When Britain faces its darkest hours, the people can look to the monarch as a symbol of British identity and so on (again George VI during WWII). The roles of head of state and head of government are separated under a constitutional monarchy. This removes some of the burden for holders of both of these roles. Governments can be volatile (like Liz Truss’ disastrous premiership). However, the monarchy is infallible. When the monarch rises to the throne, they swear an oath to serve their nation for life. Hardly a legitimate point but it’s more fun than a republic. The pomp of it all is fun. It looks amazing. The coronations and the crowns and the palaces and everything looks so cool.

The heir is raised to take the throne when their parent dies. Thus, they spend their life preparing to take on this role. They are raised knowing that they have a great responsibility to fulfil. They know the role that will one day fall upon them, so they are trained for this role.

Now, the cost. The Sovereign Grant funds the maintenance of royal residences and the official duties of the head of state. In exchange, the monarch sacrifices revenue from the Crown Estate. In 2022-23, the total Sovereign Grant amounted to £86.3 million, around £1.29 per person in the U.K. Here is the royal family’s financial reports for 2022-23. As of 2024, the Sovereign Grant is set at 12% of the Crown Estate’s revenue. The Crown Estate amassed £1.1 billion net profit in 2023-24. Here is parliament’s website about the monarchy’s finances. The net recurring benefit of this is estimated to be £197 million annually and the non-recurring benefit to be £761 million (https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9807/CBP-9807.pdf)

Furthermore, I think a constitutional monarch maintains democracy through acting as a figurehead and the power to dissolve parliament in the event of figures in parliament threatening democracy. Here is The Economist’s Democracy Index. Notice that quite a few of the highest ranking nations are constitutional monarchies (so Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands).

Another thing I would like to add is that generally members of the royal family engross themselves in charities and the like. HM King Charles III, for example, is a staunch environmentalist and has been for many decades. He’s campaigned for things like the environment and sustainability and walkable cities and so on. For example, the town of Poundbury in Dorset and his founding of Duchy Originals (now partnered with Waitrose) - whose profits go The Prince’s Charities. Furthermore, Prince William also founded the Earthshot Prize in 2020 which awards £1 million to winners that contribute towards environmentalism. The royal family also funds the arts, for example, King Charles III is a patron of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

To conclude, I believe constitutional monarchy is the most beneficial system of government because of the continued stability it offers to a nation. The monarch is a non-partisan head of state and thus the people unite under the monarch as a symbol of the nation and its rich history and traditions. Both democracy and monarchy work together in this symbiosis to uphold each other. The constitutional monarchy is the culmination of centuries of history, it has evolved and grown from autocracy to the modern day’s liberal democracy.

[aromancy]

You know, a lot of companies have made HUGE changes lately; foolish changes, leading to long-term damage to their brands for short-term financial gains. Just this year, Warner Bros canceled multiple upcoming films already mostly finished just for tax breaks; Unity tried to take a cut of the profits from every person who downloaded their games; the Escapist fired the head of their video team; Wizards of the Coast had the Pinkertons scandal, the 5e OGL scandal, the controversies around One D&D...

This is unusual, right? For one company to shoot themselves in the foot is an accident; for several to do so in rapid succession seems to me like a strange new pattern.

But why? Why prioritize a short-term paycheck over long-term profits? The people in charge of these companies may be stupid, but they're not that stupid; they've been in charge of these companies for years (well, most of them; the Escapist was bought out by Gamurz last year, but Gamurz hasn't stepped it's foot in it this bad before, so my point still stands) and not done stupid shit on this level before.

I've seen others who recognize this pattern postulate that it's for investment purposes. Investors dom't care about what's best for the long-term survivability of a company; they care only for the signs of quarter-to quarter growth, and will pull their investments if they don't see a quarterly return. This does make some measure of sense, but I don't understand how it's only recently gotten this bad if this was always standard operating procedure? Have these businesses always been doing this, and only recently has it been noticed?

I have another potential explanation. In 2017, Douglas Rushkoff was invited to deliver a keynote speech to a huge group of exhorbitantly wealthy individuals. The purpose? To explore the future of technology. While he thought it would be a lighthearted exploration of exciting new technologies and what they could mean for society going forward, it quickly became clear that most of the attendees were more concerned with the threats technology posed.

Several of them referenced "The Event," a nonspecific apocalypse that might occur as a result of societal unrest, environmental destruction, nuclear war, et cetera. This seemed to be quite a pressing issue; the attendees grilled Rushkoff for over an hour on how one might thrive in a post-apocalyptic setting.

I think the wealthy elite of this world expect The Event to come soon. And I think that several wealthy people are trying to make a whole lot of money right now so that they'll be ready when The Event arrives.

[ratboomerang]

kit dekarios

I just finished Baldur's Gate III for the first time. Yeah I'm in my emotions 😭 If there's anywhere to do the necessary gushing about my tav(and the game in general)(mostly the game in general), I figured this is probably the place to do it. cue the recipe blog exposition:

So here they are, in all their glory. I feel like getting sappy so here we go. Before Baldur's Gate, the only PC game I ever really played was the Sims 4. Even then, I only ever really build, as that's the fun part for me. I didn't realize how much I actually enjoy games that have more concrete depth and plot progression.

I didn't even know Baldur's Gate was a thing until I started seeing the flood of posts about a flamboyant vampire I'd never seen before. My first thought, deadass, was "alright, who's this cunt then?" because boy, had this caught my interest. Of course then I dove in. I've been blessed with multiple weekly D&D 5e games for a few years now, which I'm so thankful for. Fantasy vibes are absolutely a special interest of mine and D&D is an amazing resource to get consistent delicious content for it. Unfortunately, I didn't have any way to play this game. At the time, I was unemployed and facing the monster that is student loans. I didn't have a gaming laptop—just a macbook air from 2017 with a shitty battery life due to my 1000+ hours on the sims over four years. I was feeling MAJOR fomo as my friends all played, having fun conversations about what their unique experiences were like. I got so self-conscious, fearful that it would be blatantly obvious that I wasn't as "in-the-know" as everyone else participating. Fake fan, and all that. Of course, this was not a rational thought, but it was definitely a worry of mine at the time.

Cut to me finally getting a job—at my alma mater, no less. Almost immediately, I felt the weight of financial instability decrease significantly. To celebrate this accomplishment, I treated myself to a gaming laptop and Baldur's Gate. As a D&D player, to say this game is impressive is an understatement. I will continue to recommend it to folks who don't have as much luck when it comes to finding D&D groups. To actually SEE a fantasy world and my character in it is incredible. Theatre of the Mind is fantastic, but getting to see my characters in front of me, realistically animated, is something so special.

That's where Kit (they/he) comes in. For my first play through, I didn't want to use a character I already had. I wanted him to be my Baldur's Gate Character TM. I had finished a mini campaign as a monk a few months prior, and was sincerely missing him. Thus another trans monk was born.

When it came to romance, all I knew going into the game was what I had learned through assimilation. With that, I had come to the conclusion that if I had to guess, Gale or Wyll would win me over. Proud to say I was absolutely correct in my prediction. Wyll is charming as hell, and I am looking forward to the day where I start a run with the intention of romancing him. Something about this LOSER of a wizard though... (something something relatable trauma about self-worth, et cetera.) I'm currently working on a Gale cosplay, so wish me luck as I try to navigate constructing and sewing a costume from scratch for the first time.

I'm so happy with the way my game ended. Karlach lived. Gale proposed. Our party is tadpole-less. I accomplished things that, despite taking a few reloads, seemed impossible for a while (looking at you Raphael and the Boss Battle to End All Boss Battles). I've grown to love these characters so much, and Kit will always have such a special place in my heart as my first hero of Baldur's Gate as well as my first to romance Gale, hehe.

Anyway—this ended up being not SO much about Kit and more about my emotions finishing the game, but maybe I'll end up posting more about them. Shoutout to me for thinking to record the final blow of that last battle as well as the epilogue, and to my computer for swallowing the hour+ video like a champ. Now I have this little token of a gif to celebrate, and I'm so happy with it. I decided to combine that with a photo of Kit super early on at camp, versus him toasting at Withers's party. He went through no actual magic mirror changes, but he LOOKS older. LOOKS accomplished. I love it.

I think that's all I really have to say for now, I do indeed have work tomorrow (today) and it's past midnight. Just,,,,,,,, wanted to write out a sincere love letter to the game, as I'm feeling so lifted and satisfied right now. This is far from the end though—I've got two other active campaigns running, one multiplayer, and where I decided to pursue Astarion, which proved to be a challenge at first as someone who was having a hard time not being the most good-aligned hero. I'm excited though! There's so much more to explore! My heart is full.

[shrimpmandan]

do you mean you feel alienated around self diagnosed autistic people? (aka 99% of the online autistic community) because if so I completely agree. I'm not sure if you have access to it but I go to public therapy for disabled adulta (if you're over 18) and in my group there is a bunch of autistic/adhd people. we usually talk about medication, funny stories about therapy and experiences with growing up autistic and such. it's pretty relieving, and completely different from speaking to autistic people online, which just feels like talking to neurotypicals

No I feel alienated around autistic people. And people in general. It's for a lot of reasons tbh, not JUST being autistic, but I've definitely have had grievances with the autistic community online for some time now. This is because there's this prevalent idea that what does or doesn't work for one autistic person must be true for every autistic person, which inevitably leads to alienation. I'm considered weird and offputting even by the standards of other autistic people. This isn't an uncommon experience for me.

Also, part of my alienation comes from the general politics of the online autistic community. I call myself Asperger's and high-functioning, which while I totally get why other people don't call themselves that, it's just kinda what I grew up with and what works for me. Also being trans on top of that, and hearing so many autistic people talk about how they personally don't understand gender, whereas I didn't have much of an issue with it (I view it through a strictly neuroscientific lens; I don't do well with metaphors and vague feelings). Being told I can't say "retarded" even though I've been CALLED retarded, not to mention directly threatened (I was nearly shot lmao) over being autistic. A mixture of oppression olympics among autists, and also 'higher-functioning' autistic people speaking over 'lower-functioning' autistic people. My stims also don't get represented much (I don't really flap, I've always been more of a rocker/bouncer/vocal stimmer) and I don't fit into the "good autist" role that a lot of people-- both neurodivergent and neurotypical-- want out of me. All this to not even mention how I get alienated for my other forms of neurodivergence, with people in general being extremely ableist towards those with OCD and dissociative disorders.

All I'm saying is it's not self-diagnosed autists who make my life harder. Not when me and most of my family has had to resort to self-diagnosis due to doctors not listening to us or just a simple inability to even see a doctor due to a lack of money and time. Actually, most of the people I click with are the self-diagnosed "I think I might be neurodivergent" people-- whether that's autism, ADHD, or some other various neurodivergence. The self-diagnosed people are my immediate family, as well as my friends who had to figure out they're neurodivergent because nobody else told them, or gaslit them over it. We're pro-selfdx here, and honestly therapy is the least of my concerns right now, at least when it comes to autism. I don't need therapy for being autistic. I don't need therapy to teach me how to be normal. I need therapy to teach me how to live. Y'know, tackling my ACTUALLY problematic disorders, like my severe OCD and CPTSD and what I believe to be some form of OSDD. ADHD... yeah I just need meds for that, it is what it is. But I've been in therapy SEVERAL times for my autism, with people who were supposedly specialized in it, and even they didn't really know what to do with me. So shrug lmao.

For the record I am professionally diagnosed with autism. I'm actually self-diagnosed with most of the other mental health issues I occasionally talk about here (ADHD, OCD, OSDD, et cetera). I'd LOVE to get diagnosed but we're just not in a financial situation where we can rn. I don't like throwing self-diagnosed people under the bus-- more often than not they're just trying to understand themselves and genuinely don't have the ability to access proper resources. I don't really think of the cringe "faking disorders for attention and spreading misinformation" people when I hear about self-diagnosis, personally. I think about people who have been gaslit and told either that they're weird/bad children their whole lives, or even the reverse where they're told they're gifted, before they begin to struggle and then are promptly abandoned. I went through the latter more than the former.

[mariacallous]

Introduction

Over the pandemic, historic levels of government transfers boosted household income while household spending was severely curtailed by social distancing. This led the personal saving rate to soar (Figure 1), and we estimate that U.S. households accumulated about $2.3 trillion in savings in 2020 and through the summer of 2021, above and beyond what they would have saved if income and spending components had grown at recent, pre-pandemic trends. Since late last year, households have decumulated about one-quarter of these excess savings, as the saving rate has dropped below its pre-pandemic trend.

The amount and distribution of these excess savings have received a lot of attention by policymakers, because forecasts of economic growth and inflation as well as our understanding of household welfare depend heavily on who holds the excess savings and how long they are expected to bolster household balance sheets and demand. In general, by contributing significantly to high levels of liquidity, excess savings have enabled more households to smooth their consumption through negative income shocks, making the economy more resilient to adverse shocks. Accordingly, excess savings may help to damp a feedback loop—where a negative shock to income leads to a cut to spending, which then leads to an additional cut to income, et cetera—that, at its worst, could lead to a recession. At the same time, excess savings have fueled high levels of spending for some households, which may have contributed to persistently high inflation amid constrained supply.

These effects may be amplified or reduced by the extent to which the excess savings are held by lower-income households, many of whom typically hold very little liquid wealth, as an increase in liquidity may lead to notable changes in their spending behavior. For this reason, we also consider how excess savings are distributed across the population. We estimate that households in the lower half of the income distribution were still holding about $350 billion in excess savings as of mid-2022—mostly stemming from the boost to income induced by fiscal stimulus in 2020 and 2021. It is important to note that many of these households have used some of their excess savings to pay down debts, or possibly to invest in equity and other financial assets or as a down payment for buying a home, instead of keeping them as liquid assets, thus shifting where the savings appear on their balance sheets. Regardless of their allocation, excess savings resulted in higher net wealth and stronger balance sheets for these households, which have continued to support spending and credit performance.

In contrast, even though households in the top half of the distribution hold the large majority of excess savings (about $1.35 trillion as of mid-2022), this increase in their savings likely had only a modest effect on their spending behavior through 2021. During the first two years of the pandemic, and especially earlier on, their spending was instead much more driven by social distancing. Now that this group is able to travel and spend again, their excess savings are likely contributing to their high levels of spending. However, the recent demand by these households has likely been boosted more by earlier gains in equity and housing prices than by their excess savings. As of mid-2022, household wealth had increased by nearly $25 trillion since 2019, even after accounting for the large equity price declines in the first half of this year, most of which accrued to the top half of the income distribution.

[charlotteswebbbbb]

What's the vibe? #66

Okay, so we have our first budget on its way 31st of October in the UK. A 22bn short fall in finances was found by chancellor Rachel Reeves. I'm predicting austerity tbh (a la George Osbourne style), but there may be some positives to public sector pay rises.

Speaking of budget... luxury fashion is in a tough time right now. Even though LVMH are sponsoring the Olympics, they're still struggling for big growth. Even champagne sales aren't great (down 15% in the first quarter) and China is having an economic slowdown.

Something else in Chinese society is happening where the government is controlling the optics of the rich. "But the downturn is being compounded by mounting government pressure on China’s wealthy not to flaunt their riches, recalling a slowdown in the mid-2010s linked to an anti-corruption push" - BOF

“Champagne is quite linked with celebration, happiness, et cetera,” Chief Financial Officer Jean-Jacques Guiony said during an earnings call earlier this week. “Maybe the current global situation, be it geopolitical or macroeconomic, doesn’t lead people to cheer up and to open bottles of champagne." - from USA Today

 "Among those bucking the trend were Hermès, which delivered a solid 13 per cent growth, as ultra-wealthy shoppers continued to prove resilient. Consensus expectations for Prada Group (that is reporting its numbers on Tuesday) are a year-on-year increase of 13.7 per cent, including a 5.7 per cent for Prada brand and a dazzling 62.9 per cent for Miu Miu. Moncler Group held up well: the Moncler brand’s revenue was up 5 per cent." - Vogue

Everything feels mid but how do we get out of it? Question for the ages. Maybe I'm pushing it but it's also August: culture slowdown, reflection, go on holiday, touch grass.

I just wanted to say 'brat' felt like one of the most sort of marketed campaigns that worked. People were able to use what Charli XCX gave them and apply it to themselves - Von Dutch is the universal hot-bitch-in-charge song which sets off the tone. The Boiler Rooms are irl meeting spots, places to clang and show off remixes. It's an out of control thing. The whole 'Kamala is brat' thing made (some) people dislike Charli XCX and then you have that moment where *Bloomberg*

starts paying attention because they think she is the voice of young people. The Mayor of London using it to explain the ULEZ is working and clearing the air for Londoners.

(To verbalise, Kamala is brat is obvi not serious at all. The thing is that you can't control memes. You can only maybe add like The Mayor of London. You can't control the spiral when it's moving fast like this - is there a point? Relax.)

It irritates people to this day, British Vogue....Dazed...Pitchfork...everyone wants to call time on a big moment.

The thing is with truly organic moments is that unlike other things made by writers or commentators of culture....these people aren't in charge. It isn't their rodeo. They think they're in it and their word is law. It's akin to being on the dance floor and not vibing with the music the DJ is playing and them wanting to stop the party. But you're not that important. You're just another dancer on the dance floor so......

Speaking of endurance! There’s this trend for "real life features" to the forefront: Vibram toes (cc Georgia Graham), flat shoes ideally for running, long lasting make up, short hair cuts.

“The top-growing makeup trends in search data reveal a consumer preference for long-lasting and low-maintenance beauty solutions. Tubing mascara is popular for its smudge-proof quality and ease of removal, while brow stain shows a desire for lasting, low-effort brow enhancements. Lash bonding reflects a shift towards fuller, more defined lashes that avoid the need for frequent touch-ups. Silicone-based foundations and primers, meanwhile, highlight a demand for smoother application and finishes.” - Vogue Business

People are doing long endurance days and want long endurance good looks. Could also be connected to the rise of the handbag (alongside the fact that brands are pushing for profit on accessories), or it's feeding that or that's feeding us?

Democrats are now using the word “weird” against Republicans. Does that affect us? Will there be an evaluation on the word "weird" in the next year?

In the UK, it would lack context as I feel like Labour and the Conservatives believe in similar things. There's parts of youth culture in the UK that are weird and the government or wider society doesn't really vibe with it. But then that's how punk culture was born and mod culture and nature/mysticism/folk is born and cultivated. ~My subculture is not a costume~ is something to explore as we go on ...

Fashion Week schedules are up again if you're interested. London Fashion Week is celebrating 40 years but lets see if the government is going to give Fashion anything in it's budget.

Paris is going to be an interesting time with the Gucci and Loewe rumours floating. But we'll see. When will the interesting women get their turn though to helm a house?

Things to explore:

Flaky by Denai Moore is opening up in Dalston Yard this summer.

https://www.instagram.com/flakybydee/

New Two Shell x Sugababes collaboration coming up....this interview made me laugh.

This video I guess is going viral but similar to maybe something like Icelander where you play on the tropes of the country to deliver something interesting for people to pay attention to.

[sappho114]

So why are you too lazy to mass report back? You get that it literally works the same for everyone right? You get that's why there's a lot of right wing idiots on here talking up that they got previously banned in their bios right?

Is this in regard to me mocking people who say Tumblr isn't transmisogynistic? I'll assume this is in good faith albeit with a bad understanding of what I wrote.

I did happen to say the automoderation tools target trans women unfairly and Tumblr staff has a clear and present bias when human interaction from them is present. Did you also happen to forget CEO Matt's meltdown and how many trans women have been erased since then? Tumblr staff actively melts down trans women's accounts into a sludge to keep the gears running at this point so to disregard that kind've makes any point on "report them back!!!" an anemic knee-jerk in the same vein of "vote blue no matter who!!!!" because it isn't actually addressing the active problem.

It may come to surprise you that I have little social capital amongst hate groups who make it their daily poison to try and get trans women killed, banned, deactivated, or to kill themselves and it's not only a dick move but actually kind of shitty to expect trans women to be the only champions for trans women and engage in similar levels of obsessive hateful behavior. These are our enemies, bigots, but very few to none of them are trans women and that colors the entire interaction - the unique intersection of transphobia and misogyny.

If your implication with this message is that "why don't you just hit back," I understand your sentiment. The problem there is that I do and others do as well. Disregarding that, the problem I have with that sentiment anyways is twofold:

It is extremely deleterious to trans women's mental health to sift through and organize campaigns to raise awareness of or the reporting/removal of terfs alone or by themselves. They are not doing it out of a sneering sense of hateful joy and misguided justice. A trans woman doing it is like how they made rage chimps in 28 Days Later. It actively melts your brain, it hurts you in ways that terfs organizing mass reporting or hate campaigns just don't experience.

It should be the broader responsibility of everyone - especially so-called allies of trans women - who have a statistically higher chance of gaining support, sympathy, and a means of communication with social media staff and the average citizen to report and manage their spaces so they are free of active hate campaigns. This is why I don't believe that only black people should manage antiblack behavior, nor only muslims islamophobia, asians anti-asian shit, et cetera.

Disregarding those points, the majority of trans women online that have been successfully targeted have been poor, neurodivergent, oftentimes barely clinging onto stability (be it financial, mental, or physical) and as such prone to self-harm or a mental health crisis. They often have been on Tumblr for years, sometimes half a decade or more, and as such heavily-rooted in familiar and safe online communities because of transmisogyny in meat space which actively could result in their deaths.

Reporting back is fine, and I actively encourage it but no marginalized group should fight alone. No marginalized group should be the only ones organizing and managing this kind of clean-up. It is a clear and present failure of a corporation's moderation policies, company culture, and staff management if the funny robot moderation just sorts trans women explicitly into a grinder like a Willy Wonka machine while it takes heaven and earth itself to get one nazi reported in a timely fashion.

It doesn't work the same way for everyone and that's what's actively wrong with Tumblr - I don't think I've seen any other website that explicitly eradicates trans women with a needle point specificity regardless of if an active harassment campaign is ongoing. I encourage you to look up the HRC case that Tumblr lost because of similar shitty practices and re-familiarize yourself with CEO Matt's bullshittery and what followed, never stopped, and continues happening on an almost weekly basis.

[capn-atlas]

An essay I had to write about a global issue (I chose access to education for women)

Did you know that only 49% of countries in the world have achieved gender parity in primary education? This means that over half the world does not have gender equality in their schools. Not only is education for girls obviously a very important thing for their minds and bodies, it is proven that gender-equitable school systems reduce school-related & gender-based violence, including child marriage, et cetera, et cetera. Boys can also be affected by non-gender-equal schooling systems, as the norms of “masculinity” can encourage boys to drop out of school and/or join gangs or armed groups. The need or desire to make money can also cause boys to drop out of secondary school as many of them believe the school curriculum does not relate to money-making opportunities or jobs. Every person on this planet has a right to education, as protected in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Despite this, many of the world’s poorest children, especially girls, continue to be denied this basic human right. It should not matter how much money you have, where you live or who you are. Around the world, there are about 263 million children out of school, and approximately 130 million of those are girls. Some of the reasons that keep girls out of school are: poverty, including famine, drought & sanitation, cultural norms & practices, child marriage, and of course just good-old (or rather, bad-old) sexism and what’s considered normal and/or accepted. An organization that is doing something about this is UNICEF. On their website they have a list of things they are doing to help. Here is the list: 

They advocate for a girl’s right to education.

They remove financial barriers, such as school uniforms, books, or transport to school.

They “tackle socio-cultural barriers to adolescent girls’ education”, like developing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) guidelines in schools. 

And last but not least, they support girls to learn and to transition from education to decent work.

The best thing you can do (as a student) is be informed. Also if you can, donate to UNICEF or other organizations that would help.

[rexsecuritieslaw]

Centaurus Broker Ricky Alan Mantei Subject of Numerous Customer Complaints Ordered to Cease and Desist- Lexington, SC

Ricky Alan Mantei Investigation Former JP Turner & Centaurus Customers Have Sued for Damages July 2023-Lexington, SC The FINRA records of Ricky Alan Mantei, currently employed by Centaurus Financial and formerly a broker with now defunct JP Turner, disclose a 3 regulatory events, 35 prior customer disputes and 2 pending customer disputes. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the…

[bitcoincables]

Cetera Financial Group Approves Bitcoin ETFs for Investment Portfolio

The Cetera Financial Group has recently approved the listing of four Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on its platform, signaling a significant step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency investment options. This decision allows Cetera's advisors to offer their clients access to diversified exposure to Bitcoin through these ETFs. The move reflects the growing interest in digital assets among traditional financial institutions and showcases a willingness to embrace the potential benefits of blockchain technology in investment portfolios. With the inclusion of Bitcoin ETFs, Cetera aims to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of investors seeking alternative ways to diversify their wealth.

By incorporating Bitcoin ETFs into its offerings, Cetera aims to provide its clients with a convenient and regulated channel to invest in the cryptocurrency market, minimizing the barriers to entry and simplifying the investment process. This strategic decision underscores Cetera's commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving financial landscape and meeting the demands of customers looking to explore new asset classes. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs on Cetera's platform opens up avenues for retail investors to participate in the digital currency space through trusted and established channels, bridging the gap between traditional financial services and the emerging decentralized economy.

The inclusion of Bitcoin ETFs on Cetera's platform represents a significant milestone in the integration of cryptocurrency assets within mainstream financial services, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and integration of digital currencies in investment portfolios. This move not only broadens the investment opportunities available to Cetera's clients but also highlights the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class with the potential to deliver long-term returns. As the adoption of digital assets continues to gain momentum, Cetera's approval of Bitcoin ETFs reflects a strategic alignment with the evolving preferences of investors seeking exposure to the dynamic and innovative world of blockchain technology.

Read the original article #CeteraFinancialGroup #BitcoinETFs #CryptocurrencyInvestment #FinancialInnovation

[christinaaa-grasyaaa]

Entrepreneurial Blog #4

On November 9, we were tasked with creating a 3- to 5-minute start-up video explaining how our service works. So we gathered up and started to brainstorm for ideas, and we came up with the idea of a regular CMU student having financial problems. So we recorded our first scene in a classmate's house, where our main subject wakes up from his mother's call, saying they don't have any money left. After the landlord asks for his monthly rent, at the same time, his professors ask him to buy a book required for his schoolwork. Then he arrives at school and walks to a friend, where his friend introduces Kassanga Funds, where he can borrow money. Then after that, in the video, it explains how to avail of our services and how they work, like the process, fees, et cetera. Good thing the editing process went well and no scenes were changed. And we were able to do all the scenes in 2 days and the editing in 2 days as well. During the shooting of our 30- to 60-second promotional video, we first plan our concept and how we will be able to promote our startup in a way that will capture the audience's attention. We enjoyed the whole shooting, even when we were under the scorching sun. However, we faced a certain difficulty when it came to the editing of the video and how to make it look better. Nevertheless, we were able to conquer that difficulty, and the video turned out to be good and funny. Thankfully, we were able to pass it on time and then proceeded to the preparation for our final pitching.

On the final week of our entrepreneurial journey, together with our groupmates, we created our final PowerPoint presentation on our final pitching. It was tough, we admit, but it doesn't mean we give up. Upon gathering the necessary information, we created our PPT smoothly. Two days before we defend our venture, we practice and practice the things we do and speak in front of the panelist. Sometimes there is misunderstanding, thinking and focusing on our goal that is to have a better grades, we choose to lower our pride and respect each other. On the day of our final pitching, we can't hide the fact that even though we are already prepared on that day we can't still hide our nervousness. Furthermore, upon presenting our venture, we just focused, concentrated and do what we practiced just to run through our venture smoothly. Then there were questions need to be synthesized, but the panelist gave us a big congratulations because we defended our final pitching confidently. And that concludes our entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion After our final pitching, our group was chosen to present our entrepreneurial startup "Kasangga Funds" for the GEE16 - The Entrepreneurial Mind Demo Day and Pitching event to be held on December 7, 2023 at COE Atrium. It was really unexpected since I, myself have low expectation on our venture. Honestly, this startup idea has its potential to integrate innovative technological aspects yet we chose the safest option possible. But overall, I'm still happy and proud for my group as being chosen out of all startup venture from our section. Initially, I was so excited to go on this entrepreneurial journey. I was filled with a lot of hope with regard to my group members as I've always look up to them as the striving and hard-working students. However, that determination gradually decreased as I've encountered disappointments on our journey. The simultaneous rejection and discouragement on our startup together with the some certain group member's least contribution and weighing leadership burden, really brought me down. This has taught me how distressing it is to set high expectations on someone. Especially since, I have not known them yet as a person and I have no idea about what they can attribute. Other than that I've also discovered that I have not firmly established my optimism which is why I get so easily discouraged when facing a lot of rejections. Other than that, the situation also made me realize how hard it is to lead an already established group. They are already friends, so they've known each other well enough even the dynamics of their group in accomplishing an endeavor. I was not fit to be the leader in that circumstance, so I've decided to step down and let other member take over. Which really worked wonderfully and resulted to the group's succession in this entrepreneurial journey.

[tomvonreckersus]

The Path to a Secure Retirement- The Crucial Role of Timing and Financial Preparation

As the sun sets on a well-lived career, the prospect of retirement emerges on the horizon. For many, it's a time eagerly anticipated, signalling the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter. Yet, the decision of when to retire and how financially prepared one should be can be as intricate as a tapestry woven with threads of personal goals, economic landscapes, and life's uncertainties.

Tom Von Reckers

Tom Von Reckers, an adept Wealth Manager with a distinguished background in the financial services sector, knows all too well the complexities that come with helping individuals navigate this pivotal phase. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Central Washington University and seasoned by his experiences as a US Navy Veteran, Von Reckers has honed his skills in Portfolio Management, Business Relationship Management, Banking, Financial Planning, and Asset Management.

Von Reckers' firm, aptly named VON RECKERS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, stands as an autonomous entity that operates with the commitment to empower its clients with informed financial decisions. The firm operates under the umbrella of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC, offering securities, while also providing advisory services through Summit Financial Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor. This affiliation, while distinct, ensures a holistic approach to financial management and retirement planning.

The question of when to retire is a conundrum that most working individuals ponder as they approach their golden years. It's a decision that requires careful consideration of both personal aspirations and financial realities. The right timing can ensure that you have ample time to enjoy the fruits of your labour without jeopardizing your financial stability.

Wealth managers like Von Reckers play a pivotal role in helping individuals determine this crucial timing. Through a comprehensive analysis of one's financial portfolio, current obligations, and future objectives, wealth managers offer a nuanced perspective on when retirement can be comfortably pursued. Factors such as existing savings, anticipated social security benefits, and potential healthcare expenses are all weighed in the balance.

However, the timeline to retirement is only one piece of the puzzle. Equally vital is the question of how much of a financial cushion, or nest egg, one should have accumulated by the time they bid adieu to the workforce. The concept of a nest egg is akin to a secure cocoon that shields you from the financial storms that may arise during your retirement years. It encompasses not only the funds needed to cover day-to-day expenses but also the resources to indulge in the activities and experiences that bring joy and fulfillment.

Wealth managers excel in providing guidance on building and nurturing this nest egg. Drawing on their expertise in portfolio management and asset allocation, they create tailored investment strategies that align with your risk tolerance and long-term objectives. Whether it's through diversified investments, tax-efficient strategies, or optimizing returns, these professionals sculpt a financial landscape that strengthens your financial security.

A critical facet of wealth management lies in the ability to adapt strategies as life unfolds. This is especially true as you inch closer to retirement. Your financial situation may evolve, market conditions might shift, and unexpected events could alter your plans. Von Reckers, drawing from his deep experience, stresses the importance of regular reviews and adjustments. A well-crafted retirement plan is not static; it's a living, breathing strategy that needs to be refined over time to ensure it remains aligned with your aspirations.

As you embark on this financial journey, finding the right wealth manager is akin to discovering a trusted guide for uncharted terrain. It's essential to seek professionals like Von Reckers who possess a track record of excellence and a comprehensive skill set. A skilled wealth manager is more than a number cruncher; they are a confidant who understands your unique circumstances, aspirations, and concerns.

To locate a wealth manager that resonates with your needs, consider factors such as experience, credentials, and approach. Tom Von Reckers, with his background in economics, years of experience, and military discipline, exemplifies the type of well-rounded professional who can cater to a range of financial requirements. His mastery in portfolio management ensures that your investments are poised for growth while mitigating risks.

The path to a secure retirement is paved with two fundamental stones: the timing of your retirement and the size of your financial cushion. These elements are interconnected, woven together by the threads of sound financial planning and prudent decision-making. The expertise of wealth managers, like Tom Von Reckers, proves invaluable in deciphering this intricate tapestry.

Remember, retirement is not a symphony that plays out in isolation; it's a harmonious ensemble of preparation, timing, and diligent management. As you contemplate your retirement plans, seek out professionals who can guide you through the financial orchestration necessary to ensure your retirement years are a resounding success.

With the right strategy, under the guidance of a proficient wealth manager, you can confidently step into this new chapter of life, knowing that your financial future is orchestrated to perfection.

[stormzyismyson]

Visual Intelligence

Describing what you see in a painting of a woman wearing a foot-long, four-layered starched collar uses the same skill set as describing what you see in a foreign market or international airport. “Rushing leads to mistakes, and mistakes slow you down far more than slowing down does.” Slowing down doesn’t mean being slow, it just means taking a few minutes to absorb what we are seeing. Details, patterns, and relationships take time to register. Nuances and new information can be missed if we rush past them. I’m always confounded when I see people taking pictures.of iconic paintings in museums, especially when they jostle for space, snap the shot and walk away.

Whenever observing a picture or situation, think Am I being influenced by :

my own experiences or the experiences of those close to me?

my geographic history, affinity, or present location?

my values, morals, culture, or religious beliefs?

my upbringing or education?

my professional desires, ambitions, or failures?

my personal desires, ambitions, or failures?

my inherent likes and dislikes?

my financial experience or outlook?

my political beliefs?

my physical state (illness, height, weight, et cetera)?

my current mood?

groups I identify with and organizations I belong to?

media that I’ve consumed: books, television, websites?

information or impressions passed on to me by a friend or colleague.

This very common filter goes by many different names, including cognitive bias, confirmation bias, myside bias, wishful seeing, and tunnel vision. It puts us at risk of gathering information selectively, subconsciously seeking data that support our expectations and ignoring those that don’t. It’s a common trap in many fields. You can see it when police officers engage in racial profiling. For instance, when you buy a new car and then see that same car everywhere. More of that particular vehicle didn’t just flood the roads, you just didn’t notice them before.

In New York, subjects were shown a water bottle and asked how close it was to them; thirsty participants reported that the beverage was closer than others did. To make sure you aren’t mistaking your desires for facts, ask yourself two questions: “Is this information consistent with what I initially thought?” and “Does this information benefit me personally or professionally?”

[crazily-lost]

Cetera Financial Parent Company Names Former Fidelity Executive Mike Durbin CEO

Adam Antoniades will remain CEO at Cetera Financial Group. from Wealth Management https://ift.tt/ajXFoBy