Southwest Airlines Ends Free Baggage Tradition: How to Still Dodge Checked Bag Fees

Southwest Airlines is bidding farewell to its long-standing policy of offering two free checked bags to all passengers, marking the end of an era for budget-conscious travelers. Starting May 28, the airline will implement changes that could impact how travelers pack and plan their trips.

But don't worry! There are still several savvy ways to keep your checked bags free, according to Yahoo Finance Senior Writer Kendall Little. Travelers can maintain their baggage benefits through:

• A-List Status: Frequent flyers can leverage their loyalty program membership
• Business Select Fares: Premium ticket options that include complimentary baggage
• Southwest Credit Card Holders: Cardmembers can continue enjoying their baggage perks

By understanding these alternatives, travelers can navigate Southwest's new baggage policy without breaking the bank. Stay informed and strategic to keep your travel costs down!

• 2025-03-13 16:57:43

Navigating the Future: Long-Term Care Planning for Seniors As the golden years approach, a startling statistic emerges: nearly 70% of individuals turning 65 today will require some form of long-term care services. This revelation raises a critical question that many seniors and their families are grappling with: How will we manage the financial burden of these essential care needs? Long-term care isn't just a possibility—it's a probability. Whether it's assistance with daily activities, nursing home care, or in-home support, the likelihood of needing these services is high. Yet, many people find themselves unprepared for the significant costs associated with such care. The financial landscape of long-term care can be complex and overwhelming. From Medicare limitations to the potentially astronomical out-of-pocket expenses, seniors and their families must proactively explore strategies to protect their financial security and ensure quality care. Planning ahead is key. Options like long-term care insurance, personal savings, family support, and understanding government assistance programs can make a substantial difference in managing these future care needs. By starting the conversation early and developing a comprehensive strategy, seniors can approach their later years with confidence and peace of mind.

• 2025-03-13 16:54:14

FinTech Dealmaking Heats Up: A New Wave of Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions The financial technology landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with a notable surge in strategic dealmaking emerging across the industry. Driven by complex macroeconomic factors, companies are positioning themselves for strategic mergers and acquisitions that promise to reshape the FinTech ecosystem. Recent months have witnessed an unprecedented momentum in corporate consolidation, as firms seek to leverage synergies, expand market reach, and adapt to rapidly evolving technological and economic landscapes. The current market conditions are creating fertile ground for innovative partnerships and transformative business combinations. Investors and industry leaders are closely monitoring this dynamic environment, recognizing that strategic acquisitions can provide critical competitive advantages in an increasingly digital and interconnected financial services sector. The ongoing dealmaking trend signals a period of significant potential for growth, innovation, and strategic repositioning within the FinTech industry.

• 2025-03-13 16:22:04

Despite the recent rollercoaster ride in stock market performance, mortgage rates have remained surprisingly stable this week. According to the latest data from Freddie Mac, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is holding steady at 6.65%, showing remarkable resilience in the face of market volatility. Homebuyers and refinancers can take some comfort in the fact that rates have not dramatically shifted, providing a sense of predictability in an otherwise uncertain financial landscape. While investors may have experienced significant fluctuations in the stock market, the mortgage lending sector appears to be maintaining a calm and measured approach. Potential homeowners should continue to monitor these rates closely, as even small changes can have meaningful implications for long-term borrowing costs. The current rate of 6.65% represents an important benchmark for those considering entering the housing market or looking to lock in a mortgage.

• 2025-03-13 16:00:47

In a decisive move, the County Board of Supervisors has approved the proposed budget and real estate tax rate put forward by County Administrator Ed Petrovich. The vote, which passed with a 5-2 margin, signals a significant milestone in the county's fiscal planning for the upcoming year. After careful deliberation, the board members demonstrated strong support for Petrovich's financial blueprint, reflecting confidence in the proposed fiscal strategy. The narrow voting margin suggests that while the budget received majority approval, it was not without some debate and careful consideration. This budget approval sets the stage for the county's financial operations and tax structure, potentially impacting local services, infrastructure investments, and community resources in the coming fiscal period.

• 2025-03-13 15:45:27

Opportunity Finance Network Advances Clean Community Investments with EPA Support Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) has been selected as one of five prestigious awardees in the Environmental Protection Agency's groundbreaking Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program. This strategic recognition highlights OFN's commitment to driving sustainable economic development and environmental justice in underserved communities. As a key recipient of this innovative initiative, OFN is poised to leverage its extensive financial expertise and network to support clean energy and environmental transformation projects. The accelerator program aims to channel critical investments into communities that have historically faced environmental challenges and economic barriers. By participating in this EPA-backed program, OFN will play a crucial role in mobilizing capital, providing technical assistance, and creating pathways for meaningful community-driven environmental and economic improvements. The organization's selection underscores its proven track record in community development finance and its forward-thinking approach to addressing environmental inequities. The Clean Communities Investment Accelerator represents a significant step towards empowering local communities to build more sustainable, resilient, and economically vibrant futures through strategic environmental investments.

• 2025-03-13 15:35:00

Living Your Best Life: Defining Personal Royalty in 2024

In a world that constantly evolves, the concept of "living like a king" has transformed from traditional wealth and status to a more personalized definition of success and fulfillment. As we navigate through 2024, it's time to redefine what true richness means to you.

Crafting Your Personal Kingdom

Living like royalty isn't about lavish palaces or designer wardrobes—it's about creating a life that feels authentically luxurious to you. This could mean prioritizing experiences over possessions, investing in personal growth, or designing a lifestyle that aligns with your deepest values.

Key Strategies for Personal Empowerment

• Financial Freedom: Build strategies that give you control and flexibility
• Personal Well-being: Invest in your physical and mental health
• Meaningful Connections: Cultivate relationships that inspire and support you
• Continuous Learning: Expand your horizons and skills constantly

Remember, your version of royalty is uniquely yours. Embrace it, own it, and live it with confidence.

• 2025-03-13 15:21:00

UiPath Faces Headwinds as Economic Challenges Dampen Growth Projections The robotic process automation leader UiPath has encountered unexpected turbulence, revealing quarterly and annual forecasts that fall short of Wall Street expectations. The company's outlook has been clouded by significant federal spending reductions and a shifting macroeconomic landscape that is testing the resilience of enterprise technology providers. Investors and industry analysts are closely watching how UiPath navigates these challenging market conditions. The company's guidance suggests a more cautious approach in the near term, reflecting the broader economic uncertainties that are impacting technology spending across government and corporate sectors. While the shortfall in projections may raise concerns, UiPath remains a key player in the automation software market, known for its innovative approach to streamlining business processes. The company's ability to adapt to changing economic environments will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and investor confidence.

• 2025-03-13 15:02:34

Economic indicators are painting an increasingly optimistic picture of inflation trends, with Thursday's wholesale price data reinforcing Wednesday's encouraging consumer price report. The latest wholesale inflation figures suggest a potential cooling of price pressures across the economy, offering hope for policymakers and consumers alike. Following the previous day's consumer price index (CPI) report, which came in below market expectations, the wholesale price data continues to signal a gradual moderation in inflationary pressures. Economists are closely monitoring these trends, seeing them as potential signs that the Federal Reserve's aggressive monetary tightening might be effectively tempering price increases. Investors and market analysts are cautiously optimistic, interpreting these consecutive positive inflation readings as a potential turning point in the economic landscape. The data provides a glimmer of hope that the long-fought battle against high inflation may be showing early signs of progress.

• 2025-03-13 14:42:39

In the world of financial advising, there's a delicate balance between providing reassurance and addressing genuine client concerns. Many financial professionals find themselves walking a tightrope when markets become volatile and clients grow increasingly anxious about their investments. One seasoned adviser recently shared the challenging reality of managing client emotions during uncertain economic times. Simply telling worried investors to "stay calm" or "do nothing" no longer cuts it. Clients are seeking more than passive reassurance; they want actionable insights and genuine understanding of their financial fears. Modern investors crave transparency and proactive guidance. They don't want to be dismissed with generic platitudes, but instead desire a nuanced approach that acknowledges their concerns while providing strategic perspective. The most effective advisers recognize that listening and offering thoughtful, personalized strategies can transform client anxiety into confidence. In today's fast-paced financial landscape, empathy and clear communication have become just as crucial as technical investment knowledge. Successful financial professionals understand that their role extends beyond mere number-crunching—they are emotional navigators helping clients chart a steady course through turbulent economic waters.

• 2025-03-13 14:21:30