#finance report

[thewomenofwindsor]

The key financial details reported today are:

The total Sovereign Grant for 2022-23, amounted to £86.3 million (2021-22: £86.3 million), which is made up of a core grant of £51.8 million which funds official travel, property maintenance and the operating costs of The Sovereign’s household. The core grant equates to 77p per person in the UK.

The Sovereign Grant for 2022-23 includes an additional dedicated amount for Reservicing of £34.5 million.

The total Sovereign Grant for 2022-23 of £86.3 million, which remains unchanged from last year is equivalent to £1.29 per person in the UK.

Income earned to supplement the Sovereign Grant was £9.8 million, a decrease of 1% from £9.9 million (2021-22). The figure is less than 50% of pre-pandemic levels.

Official expenditure was more than the Sovereign Grant and the supplementary income earned, with net expenditure of £107.5 million, a 5% increase on the previous year due to significant work relating to the Reservicing of Buckingham Palace and the costs associated with the change of Reign, as well as the impact of the Consumer Price Index rising by 10.1%.

These costs saw the Sovereign Grant reserve reduce by £20.7 million in the year 2022-23.

Other details in the 2022-23 report include:

Members of the Royal Family undertook over 2,700 engagements across the United Kingdom and overseas, with Their Majesties travelling to Germany for the first State Visit of The King’s reign.

Over 95,000 guests were welcomed to the Official Residences in recognition for their contribution to society, attending over 330 events including Receptions, Investitures and Garden Parties.

Targeted initiatives across the Occupied Royal Palaces have resulted in a 19% decrease in natural gas and heating emissions. The Reservicing Programme continued at pace at Buckingham Palace, which has played a central role in the events of the last twelve months.

Significant work that has been completed includes key operational spaces in the West Wing and the West Gallery, as well as two new lift shafts and guest WCs in the East Wing, which will help make the Palace more accessible.

2022-23 marked the busiest year on record for incoming post, with Buckingham Palace receiving 183,207 items of correspondence.

[techandtravel]

2 Planes Graze Every Different At UK's Heathrow Airport

Virgin Atlantic stated there can be no disruption to its flying programme on Saturday.London: The wingtip of an empty Virgin Atlantic jet collided with a stationary British Airways airliner whereas being towed from a stand at London’s Heathrow Airport on Saturday, the airways stated.Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport, stated no passenger accidents had been reported and it didn’t anticipate any…

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about Credit and Credit Cards

Understanding credit

Dafuq Is Credit and How Do You Bend It to Your Will? 

Dafuq Is a Down Payment? And Why Do You Need One to Buy Stuff?

Ask the Bitches: Should I Get a Loan Even Though I Can Afford To Pay Cash?

Season 2, Episode 10: “Which Is Smarter: Getting a Loan? or Saving up to Pay Cash?”

Ask the Bitches: What’s the Difference Between Credit Checks and Credit Monitoring? 

When (And How) To Try Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans

Season 3, Episode 7: “I’m Finished With the Basic Shit. What Are the Advanced Financial Steps That Only Rich People Know?”

Buy Now Pay Later Apps: That Old Predatory Lending by a Crappy New Name 

Using credit

How to Instantly Increase Your Credit Score…For Free 

How to Build Good Credit Without Going Into Debt 

Case Study: Held Back by Past Financial Mistakes, Fighting Bad Credit and $90K in Debt 

Season 1, Episode 3: “My Parents Have Bad Credit. Should I Help by Co-signing Their Mortgage?” 

Season 3, Episode 2: “I Inherited Money. Should I Pay Off Debt, Invest It, or Blow It All on a Car?”

Season 2, Episode 2: “I’m Not Ready to Buy a House—But How Do I *Get Ready* to Get Ready?”

Credit cards

A Hand-holding Guide To Getting Your First Credit Card 

63% of Millennials Are Making a Big Mistake With Credit Cards

Let’s End This Damaging Misconception About Credit Cards

The Best Way To Pay off Credit Card Debt: From the Snowball To the Avalanche

Credit Card Companies HATE Her! Stay Out of Credit Card Debt With This One Weird Trick 

Season 4, Episode 3: “My credit card debt is slowly crushing me. Is there any escape from this horrible cycle?” 

Here’s What to Do With Those Credit Card Pre-approval Offers You Get in the Mail

We’ll periodically update this masterpost as we continue to write tutorials and answer questions on credit. So if there’s anything you’re confused about, keep the questions coming!

And if we’ve helped you increase your credit score or pay off your credit card debt, consider tossing a coin to your Bitches through our PayPal. It ensures we can pay our lovely assistant and keep bringing you free articles and episodes like those above.

Toss a coin to your Bitches on PayPal

[mostlysignssomeportents]

At long last, a meaningful step to protect Americans' privacy

This Saturday (19 Aug), I'm appearing at the San Diego Union-Tribune Festival of Books. I'm on a 2:30PM panel called "Return From Retirement," followed by a signing:

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/festivalofbooks

Privacy raises some thorny, subtle and complex issues. It also raises some stupid-simple ones. The American surveillance industry's shell-game is founded on the deliberate confusion of the two, so that the most modest and sensible actions are posed as reductive, simplistic and unworkable.

Two pillars of the American surveillance industry are credit reporting bureaux and data brokers. Both are unbelievably sleazy, reckless and dangerous, and neither faces any real accountability, let alone regulation.

Remember Equifax, the company that doxed every adult in America and was given a mere wrist-slap, and now continues to assemble nonconsensual dossiers on every one of us, without any material oversight improvements?

https://memex.craphound.com/2019/07/20/equifax-settles-with-ftc-cfpb-states-and-consumer-class-actions-for-700m/

Equifax's competitors are no better. Experian doxed the nation again, in 2021:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/30/dox-the-world/#experian

It's hard to overstate how fucking scummy the credit reporting world is. Equifax invented the business in 1899, when, as the Retail Credit Company, it used private spies to track queers, political dissidents and "race mixers" so that banks and merchants could discriminate against them:

https://jacobin.com/2017/09/equifax-retail-credit-company-discrimination-loans

As awful as credit reporting is, the data broker industry makes it look like a paragon of virtue. If you want to target an ad to "Rural and Barely Making It" consumers, the brokers have you covered:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/13/public-interest-pharma/#axciom

More than 650,000 of these categories exist, allowing advertisers to target substance abusers, depressed teens, and people on the brink of bankruptcy:

https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/06/08/from-heavy-purchasers-of-pregnancy-tests-to-the-depression-prone-we-found-650000-ways-advertisers-label-you

These companies follow you everywhere, including to abortion clinics, and sell the data to just about anyone:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/07/safegraph-spies-and-lies/#theres-no-i-in-uterus

There are zillions of these data brokers, operating in an unregulated wild west industry. Many of them have been rolled up into tech giants (Oracle owns more than 80 brokers), while others merely do business with ad-tech giants like Google and Meta, who are some of their best customers.

As bad as these two sectors are, they're even worse in combination – the harms data brokers (sloppy, invasive) inflict on us when they supply credit bureaux (consequential, secretive, intransigent) are far worse than the sum of the harms of each.

And now for some good news. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, under the leadership of Rohit Chopra, has declared war on this alliance:

https://www.techdirt.com/2023/08/16/cfpb-looks-to-restrict-the-sleazy-link-between-credit-reporting-agencies-and-data-brokers/

They've proposed new rules limiting the trade between brokers and bureaux, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, putting strict restrictions on the transfer of information between the two:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/15/tech/privacy-rules-data-brokers/index.html

As Karl Bode writes for Techdirt, this is long overdue and meaningful. Remember all the handwringing and chest-thumping about Tiktok stealing Americans' data to the Chinese military? China doesn't need Tiktok to get that data – it can buy it from data-brokers. For peanuts.

The CFPB action is part of a muscular style of governance that is characteristic of the best Biden appointees, who are some of the most principled and competent in living memory. These regulators have scoured the legislation that gives them the power to act on behalf of the American people and discovered an arsenal of action they can take:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/18/administrative-competence/#i-know-stuff

Alas, not all the Biden appointees have the will or the skill to pull this trick off. The corporate Dems' darlings are mired in #LearnedHelplessness, convinced that they can't – or shouldn't – use their prodigious powers to step in to curb corporate power:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/10/the-courage-to-govern/#whos-in-charge

And it's true that privacy regulation faces stiff headwinds. Surveillance is a public-private partnership from hell. Cops and spies love to raid the surveillance industries' dossiers, treating them as an off-the-books, warrantless source of unconstitutional personal data on their targets:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/16/ring-ring-lapd-calling/#ring

These powerful state actors reliably intervene to hamstring attempts at privacy law, defending the massive profits raked in by data brokers and credit bureaux. These profits, meanwhile, can be mobilized as lobbying dollars that work lawmakers and regulators from the private sector side. Caught in the squeeze between powerful government actors (the true "Deep State") and a cartel of filthy rich private spies, lawmakers and regulators are frozen in place.

Or, at least, they were. The CFPB's discovery that it had the power all along to curb commercial surveillance follows on from the FTC's similar realization last summer:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/12/regulatory-uncapture/#conscious-uncoupling

I don't want to pretend that all privacy questions can be resolved with simple, bright-line rules. It's not clear who "owns" many classes of private data – does your mother own the fact that she gave birth to you, or do you? What if you disagree about such a disclosure – say, if you want to identify your mother as an abusive parent and she objects?

But there are so many stupid-simple privacy questions. Credit bureaux and data-brokers don't inhabit any kind of grey area. They simply should not exist. Getting rid of them is a project of years, but it starts with hacking away at their sources of profits, stripping them of defenses so we can finally annihilate them.

I'm kickstarting the audiobook for "The Internet Con: How To Seize the Means of Computation," a Big Tech disassembly manual to disenshittify the web and make a new, good internet to succeed the old, good internet. It's a DRM-free book, which means Audible won't carry it, so this crowdfunder is essential. Back now to get the audio, Verso hardcover and ebook:

http://seizethemeansofcomputation.org

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/16/the-second-best-time-is-now/#the-point-of-a-system-is-what-it-does

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

[daftpatience]

one thing I have learned about being poor is that you cannot for a moment stop thinking about it

[transformativeworks]

OTW Finance: 2023 Budget

OTW's Finance Committee has released our 2023 budget.  They detail where donations go and what our expected income is this year.  Find out more about what it takes to run the organization at https://otw.news/af6503

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[adbros]

30 ways to make real; money from home

Making money online from the comfort of your home has become increasingly accessible with the growth of the internet and digital technologies. In 2023, there are numerous realistic ways to earn money online. Here are 30 ideas to get you started:

1. Freelance Writing: Offer your writing skills on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to create blog posts, articles, or website content.

2. Content Creation: Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog to share your expertise or passion and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

3. Online Surveys and Market Research: Participate in online surveys and market research studies with platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.

4. Remote Customer Service: Work as a remote customer service representative for companies like Amazon or Apple.

5. Online Tutoring: Teach subjects you're knowledgeable in on platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.

6. E-commerce: Start an online store using platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or eBay to sell products.

7. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services on your blog or social media and earn commissions for sales made through your referral links.

8. Online Courses: Create and sell online courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.

9. Remote Data Entry: Find remote data entry jobs on websites like Clickworker or Remote.co.

10. Virtual Assistance: Offer administrative support services to businesses as a virtual assistant.

11. Graphic Design: Use your graphic design skills to create logos, graphics, or websites for clients on platforms like Fiverr.

12. Stock Photography: Sell your photos on stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.

13. App Development: Develop and sell mobile apps or offer app development services.

14. Social Media Management: Manage social media accounts for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

15. Dropshipping: Start an e-commerce business without holding inventory by dropshipping products.

16. Online Consultations: Offer consulting services in your area of expertise through video calls.

17. Online Surplus Sales: Sell unused items or collectibles on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

18. Online Fitness Coaching: Become an online fitness coach and offer workout plans and guidance.

19. Virtual Events: Host webinars, workshops, or conferences on topics you're knowledgeable about.

20. Podcast Production: Offer podcast editing, production, or consulting services.

21. Remote Transcription: Transcribe audio and video files for clients.

22. Online Translation: Offer translation services if you're proficient in multiple languages.

23. Affiliate Blogging: Create a niche blog with affiliate marketing as the primary revenue source.

24. Online Art Sales: Sell your artwork, crafts, or digital art on platforms like Etsy or Redbubble.

25. Remote Bookkeeping: Offer bookkeeping services for small businesses from home.

26. Digital Marketing: Provide digital marketing services like SEO, PPC, or social media management.

27. Online Gaming: Stream your gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch and monetize through ads and donations.

28. Virtual Assistant Coaching: If you have experience as a VA, offer coaching services to aspiring virtual assistants.

29. Online Research: Conduct research for businesses or individuals in need of specific information.

30. Online Real Estate: Invest in virtual real estate, such as domain names or digital properties, and sell them for a profit.

Remember that success in making money online often requires dedication, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing trends. It's essential to research and choose the opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and long-term goals.

[andiatas]

Last year, the Royal House received 167,9 million SEK in state funding from the government, including an extra grant of 18,7 million SEK due to the King's Golden Jubilee. The money is to be used for everything from salaries [for palace staff] to security, official assignments and much more.

Since 2018, the Royal Court has also reported a so-called framework amount for the members of the royal household who are allowed to share in the apanage.

The King and Queen received 8,486,000 SEK – an increase of 334,000 SEK from 2022.

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel received 4,774,000 SEK - an increase of 188,000 SEK from 2022.

Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia received 1,167,000 SEK - an increase of 46,000 SEK from 2022.

In total, 14,427,000 SEK was allocated to the royals' more private expenses. The framework amount includes, for example, costs for accommodation at royal residences, certain household services, part of car and transport costs, certain security costs, clothing for public representation, and other private costs.

Princess Madeleine received no apanage at all last year. This is because she lives in the USA and does not represent Sweden and the Royal Family to the same extent as the rest.

It does not rule out that she can receive compensation when she carries out an official engagement on behalf of the King.

The annual report also states that the Royal Palaces and other places open to the public have not had as many visitors as before the pandemic. In 2023, they did not completely catch up with visitor revenue.

The Royal Court is conducting a dialogue with the Ministry of Finance about how to finance the business without being too dependent on events in the world and in Sweden that can affect it.

Last year, Marshal of the Realm Fredrik Wersäll told Svenska Dagbladet that the court must save 20-25 million SEK in 2024. For example, several castles previously open for viewing may have to be closed.

- The royal cultural heritage will not be as accessible to the public next year, and we deeply regret that, said Wersäll at the time.

Facts: The apanage

The state grant to the Royal Court is also called apanage and consists of two parts. One goes to the Court State and the other to the Castle State.

The Court State's money goes, among other things, to salaries, representation, and the purchase of necessary office items, as well as certain housing and security expenses and living expenses.

The Castle State's money goes to the operation and maintenance of castles and related activities, as well as art collections and other items that belong to our cultural heritage.

In 2024, the King will receive 162,8 million SEK.

Translation, and editing for clarity, done by yours truly of an article by Jenny Alexandersson for Aftonbladet, published on April 30, 2024, at 16:02.

[ongreenergrasses]

JEN FROM FINANCE THE LEGEND THAT YOU ARE

[thewomenofwindsor]

The principal overseas visits undertaken by The King , The Queen and The Prince and Princess of Wales included:

The King (former Prince of Wales) and The Queen (former Duchess of Cornwall) CHOGM Rwanda £187,000

The King and The Queen Official FCDO Germany £146,000

The Prince and Princess of Wales Official FCDO Boston, United States £48,000

The Prince of Wales Official FCDO Poland £40,000

[techandtravel]

One-fourth of Vistara pilots reject new pay formulation

A couple of in 4 pilots in Vistara haven’t accepted the brand new pay construction introduced in mid-February forward of the merger with Air India. The combination of the 2 airways has additionally escalated issues over insufficient manpower and raised questions over security being compromised to expedite coaching. The airline’s CEO Vinod Kannan advised pilots throughout a townhall on April 4,…

[theweeklyshowwithjonstewart]

“We created these problems, we can solve these problems.” -Doris Kearns Goodwin

Jon Stewart on Never Ending Elections with Doris Kearns Goodwin and Eugene Daniels

“The idea that this vetting process is somehow getting us closer to more competent and better leadership is nonsense and insane. And we have created an electoral campaign system that does the opposite.” On this week’s episode Jon Stewart is joined by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Eugene Daniels.

Biden Is Out, Harris Is In with Jon Stewart, Doris Kearns Goodwin & Eugene Daniels

In the turbulent month since President Biden’s disastrous debate performance, the media has been speculating as to whether it was probable, or even possible, for him to drop out of the race. Turns out, it was both. In light of Biden’s historic decision, how effectively did the media guide the public through the election chaos? This week, helping us to contextualize the moment and understand the challenges in covering it, Jon Stewart is joined by Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and author of whose most recent book is An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, as well as Eugene Daniels, POLITICO White House correspondent and Playbook co-author. Together, they examine the flaws in our electoral process and media coverage, offer some possible fixes, and provide facts —not speculation — about what to expect in the weeks ahead.

[techtow]

Join Wise and get £50. It's simple, quick, and rewarding!

[bitchesgetriches]

Credit Scoring Is a Racist, Classist System that Has Us All Trapped

[bitcoinrecoveryexpert]

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THE HUFFINGTON POST