Things to Do
Financial Year-End Checklist: 8 Essential Tasks To Kickstart 2024
(CTN News) – As we approach the end of another year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your financial situation and ensure you’re on the right track for 2024.
The holiday season brings with it not only festive cheer but also an opportunity to perform some essential financial tasks.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through eight must-do items, each taking just 30 minutes or less, to set yourself up for financial success in 2024.
8 Essential Tasks to Kickstart 2024
1. Review Your Retirement Contributions:
Kickstart your financial year-end review by checking your 2023 retirement contributions.
For your 401(k) or employer-sponsored retirement plan, the maximum contribution is $22,500, and for an IRA, it’s $6,500. If you haven’t maxed out these contributions, consider doing so before the year-end.
Additionally, if you receive a holiday bonus, think about allocating a portion to boost your retirement savings. Don’t forget to adjust your contributions for the upcoming year as well.
2. Check Your Asset Allocation:
Ensure your investment portfolio’s asset allocation aligns with your financial goals. Market fluctuations may have shifted your desired distribution, so take a moment to rebalance your portfolio.
Simultaneously, review and update the beneficiaries for your accounts to ensure they align with your current wishes.
3. Review Your Debts and Plan for 2024:
Take a close look at your outstanding loans, including student loans, mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debts. Note the amounts, interest rates, remaining balances, and terms. Evaluate your progress in paying down your debt and create a plan for 2024.
If you’ve made significant strides this year, challenge yourself to do even better in the coming year.
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, and consider utilizing an end-of-year bonus to make strategic debt payments.
4. Conduct a Year-End Tax Review:
Although tax season is a few months away, preparing in advance can save you headaches later. Consider life changes, like marriage or having a child, and make any necessary adjustments to your tax withholding status.
Depending on your income, explore tax-efficient transactions, such as deferring or accelerating bonuses, mortgage payments, or charitable contributions.
5. Offset Investment Gains with Losses:
Explore tax-loss harvesting to offset investment gains with losses. This strategy involves strategically selling investments that have decreased in value to minimize taxes on profitable sales.
While it’s crucial to maintain a long-term investment perspective, tax-loss harvesting allows you to rebalance your portfolio while gaining tax benefits.
6. Think About Roth IRA Conversions:
Diversify your retirement accounts by contemplating a Roth IRA conversion. This can be particularly advantageous if you’ve experienced a year with lower income, such as taking an extended work break.
Crunch the numbers and determine if a Roth conversion aligns with your financial situation. Ensure you complete the conversion before the year ends.
7. Fine-Tune Your Budget for 2024:
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your spending and savings. Make adjustments to your budget based on your actual expenses and financial goals.
Identify areas where you can cut costs and negotiate better deals with service providers. A well-tailored budget sets the foundation for financial success in the coming year.
8. Check Your Credit Report:
Obtain a free copy of your credit report from www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Scrutinize it to ensure accuracy in reflecting your financial history. This step is crucial if you plan to make significant purchases, such as a house or car, in 2024.
Pay attention to your credit utilization ratio, and consider requesting a credit limit increase to improve it.
Conclusion:
Completing these eight essential financial tasks before the year-end can take just a few hours and leave you well-prepared for a prosperous 2024.
Taking the time for this financial housekeeping now sets the stage for a successful and financially empowering new year. Remember, if you need support or more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a prosperous 2024!
(CTN News) – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 522,427-acre natural playground straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina southern Appalachian Mountains. A popular national park in the United States, it boasts incredible biodiversity, rivers, deciduous forests, and endless mountains and ridgelines.
More than 800 miles of hiking trails can be found within the park boundaries, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the LeConte Lodge, front and backcountry camping, wildlife and wildflowers everywhere, history everywhere, and 2,100 miles of rivers and streams. To help you plan your Smoky Mountain excursions, we have listed some of the park’s best hikes below and some information about the park.
Must-do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1. Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion on the Appalachian Trail
A round-trip hike of 8 miles on the infamous Appalachian Trail with some of the best views in the park at Charlie’s Bunion. You may be inspired to hike the entire AT from Georgia to Maine after experiencing this taste of the AT.
2. The Clingman’s Dome
The summit of Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park, making it a popular spot for visitors. There are no limits to the views; the sunrises are often breathtaking, and the sunsets reveal the Blue Ridge Mountains in a way that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Walk to the top of the observation tower in a round-trip distance of one mile. Say hello to the gnomes as you explore the Clingmans Dome Nature Trail on your way back down the road.
3. The Cammerer Mountain
The hike to Mount Cammerer is one of the best hikes in the park. When you arrive at your destination, a lookout tower and an ocean of views will greet you. In 1937, the CCC built the tower, which is still open to the public for exploration and even napping before heading back down the mountain.
4. Trail to Alum Cave
There are views, views, and more views. Those are the things you’ll see on the Alum Cave Trail. As well as offering tranquil cascades, the Alum Cave Bluffs offer the shortest access to Mount LeConte.
5. Loop at Cades Cove
Take a hike, a bike ride, or a run on it. It is possible to drive through Cades Cove, but you will miss out on a true Cades Cove experience. Enjoy the best wildlife viewing opportunities by taking the 11-mile loop to see historic building sites.
6. Cascades around Ramsey
The hike to the tallest waterfall in the park is an eight-mile round trip. On this hike, you’ll be hiking through the park’s largest old-growth forest, so take the time to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
7. Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top
It’s possible that “Rocky Top, You’ll Always Be Home Sweet Home to Me” is one of Tennessee’s most popular song lyrics. It won’t take long for you to sing the same song when you reach Rocky Top of the Smokies. Hiking with breathtaking views is a challenging activity.
8. Gregory Bald and Shuckstack Firetower
With 360-degree views and 78 stairs up an almost century-old fire tower, you’ll be in awe of this summit hike.
9. The Big Creek Loop from Mount Sterling
You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view at the top of one of the toughest hikes in the park. If you’re not up for the entire 17-mile loop, there is a 2.7-mile trail that leads directly to Mount Sterling’s summit.
10. Trillium Gap and Boulevard to Mount LeConte
Get the best of both worlds on this hike. It’s a waterfall, there are views, there’s a lodge, there’s the Appalachian Trail, and there’s a waterfall. You’ll need to shuttle to complete this hike unless you’re up for a long hike.
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(CTN News) – Divers in Koh Samui have a plethora of dive locations to choose from. These locations, distinguished by vibrant reefs, corals, and underwater seamounts, are a diver’s paradise. Furthermore, the waters around the islands are teeming with marine life, including beautiful whale sharks, fish, manta rays, and others.
Fortunately, exploring these terrains is simple with the assistance of Samui’s diving schools. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 on the island to help you choose the best one for you. For the greatest diving experience, each of these operators combines efficiency, customization, and the best service.
Top 5 Dive Schools in Koh Samui
Discovery Divers
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 17:00.
- Address: Amari Koh Samui Resort, Chaweng Beach, North Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps) / Central Chaweng, Chaweng Regent Beach Hotel, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps)
Discovery Divers is a 5-star dive center that has been in operation on Samui since 1999.
Their instructors are highly experienced, multilingual, and professional. Furthermore, they provide a variety of PADI diving courses and diving tours at reasonable prices.
The courses at this diving school in Koh Samui range in difficulty from beginner to advanced to professional. Furthermore, they differ in length, such as the 3 – 4 day PADI Open Water Course and the 1-day Discover Scuba Diving session (no certification).
If you want to acquire your first professional diver certification, they also offer divemaster training. Classes are intimate and small, with only 1-2 students per course.
This allows you to learn at your own pace in a calm environment. Discovery Divers is a reputable diving school that can take you to some of the best diving places in Samui.
Silent Divers
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 20:00.
- Address: 39/8 Moo 3, Bophut, Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps)
Silent Divers is a long-running diving school in Koh Samui with over ten years of experience. They, like Discovery Divers, are a PADI 5-Star center that caters to divers of all levels of expertise.
Their crew is knowledgeable and has strong maritime experience. Furthermore, they know how to arrange a safe diving trip and can accommodate last-minute travel.
The classes at Silent Divers Koh Samui are customizable and taught by a PADI certified. The Divemaster class is one of their most popular, lasting 3 to 6 weeks and developing leadership skills while qualifying students to supervise trips with qualified divers. Alternatively, they provide diving classes for youngsters, allowing the entire family to join.
The Life Aquatic
- Opening hours: Daily, 08:00 – 22:00.
- Address: Moo 1 2/86 TAMBON bophut, Ko Samui District (Google Maps)
The Life Aquatic program assists pupils in creating their own oceanic experience. On their purpose-built speedboat, they provide daily 2-dive trips, as well as VIP Snorkelling sessions and private charters. They also provide a comprehensive range of SSI scuba and snorkeling training.
The 3-day Open Water Diver (15,900 Baht) training is ideal for individuals looking to become certified divers. This class includes pool training and allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters anywhere in the globe. Finally, they periodically service their equipment to assure the safety of all customers.
Scuba Birds
- Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 20:00.
- Address:10, Chang Wat, Surat Thani 84320 (Google Maps)
This institution is a PADI 5-Star and IDC-certified international diving school in Koh Samui. They have a more relaxed atmosphere and offer five diving courses on Koh Samui.
There’s something for everyone, from specialist courses to one- to two-day courses. Furthermore, for added peace of mind, all courses at this diving school in Koh Samui adhere to global safety standards.
Booking is simple, and the customer service is prompt and excellent.
The Dive Academy
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 19:00. diving schools
- Address: 157/15 Bo Put, Surat Thani 84320 (Google Maps)
The Dive Academy only accepts a maximum of four divers in each group. Furthermore, their diving facilities are among the best, with the most up-to-date PADI equipment and digital products.
They also have Samui’s only 3.5m swimming pool dedicated to diver training. They provide 1- to 2-day programs for novices, as well as the world’s most popular entry-level diving course, the PADI Open Water Diver Course.
Certified divers, on the other hand, can enroll in specialist courses such as the PADI Rescue Diver Course. You’ll be exploring the ocean in no time with all of these diving schools. After diving, why not spend some time at the island’s top 5 spas and seafood restaurants?
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Things To Do In Bangkok: Get ready for an array of thrilling activities in Bangkok this weekend.
Whether you’re in the mood for mesmerizing live performances by renowned artists, a serene escape in a tranquil exhibit, discovering a new and vibrant jazz bar, or indulging in delectable pastries, a delightful experience awaits every individual.
Things To Do In Bangkok This Weekend (Oct 27th – Oct 29th)
Nikita Matveev Guest Shift at ABar Rooftop
- When: Friday, 27 October 2023 from 19:30 – 23:30
- Where: 38th floor, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Sukhumvit Alley 22, Klongton, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
- Click here to Google Maps
Start your weekend in style this Friday with a unique cocktail experience courtesy of Nikita Matveev! Join us at ABar Rooftop in Bangkok as Nikita, known for his exceptional mixology talents at Hong Kong’s renowned ‘The Old Man Bar,’ brings a touch of that magic to our rooftop for a memorable night.
Nikita’s bar is proudly ranked No. 47 on the 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, and if you’re curious about what sets it apart, make sure to swing by for a refreshing and delightful drink or two!
Inside Dark Wave
- When: Friday, 27 October 2023 from 21:00
- How much: Free entry
- Where: Inside Bar Bangkok, 4 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
- Click here to Google Maps
Step into the world of Bangkok’s freshest addition, Inside Bar, and prepare for an extraordinary weekend experience. This weekend, they’re presenting ‘Dark Wave,’ a night that seamlessly blends the realms of minimal music with the art of crafting exquisite cocktails.
Anticipate an immersive sensory adventure where you’ll find yourself entranced by the music, lost in its mesmerizing melodies, and savoring some truly exceptional drinks. It’s a night where your senses will be treated to pure sonic bliss, and you won’t want to miss it!
1989 (Taylor’s Version) Listening Party
- When: Friday, 27 October 2023 from 19:00 – 22:00
- How much: Free entry, no reservations or registrations
- Where: 9 Khaosan Rd, Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
- Click here to Google Maps
Calling all Swifties! “I Know Places” where you can “Shake It Off” this Friday night while celebrating the release of “1989 (Taylor’s Version): Mischa Cheap.”
Don your finest blue attire and prepare to sing along to your favorite Taylor Swift hits. It’s a night of pure Taylor Swift magic you won’t want to miss!
Return of the Boom Bap
- When: Friday, 27 October 2023 from 19:30
- How much: 300 THB per person
- Where: 1000 38 40 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
- Click here to Google Maps
Are you a hip-hop enthusiast? If the answer is yes, then make your way to Speakerbox in Thonglor for an unforgettable night. Get ready to have a blast at “Return of the Boom Bap,” featuring a stellar lineup that will rock your world.
You’ll be treated to music from both international and Thai acts, spanning the globe from Cambodia to Denmark, Thailand to the United States.
The lineup includes talents like Master Bogus, Donnie Good, Ciejay the Essay, Bang Sue Electrix, Pabelroy, Sangrex, C Stilen One, Initial G, and DJ Niko Yu. If you’re a true hip-hop fan, this is an evening you absolutely can’t afford to miss.
Boo Boo by Chim Chim
- When: Friday, 27 October – Tuesday, 31 October 2023 from 07:00 – 23:00
- How much: Free entry
- Where: 865 Chim Chim Bangkok Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Click here to Google Maps
Chim Chim is doubling the Halloween fun with a spooktacular treat just for you. From Friday, October 27th to Tuesday, October 31st, they’ve conjured up a chillingly delicious Halloween menu that will send shivers down your taste buds.
The main event takes place on Tuesday, and they’re going all out for a hauntingly good time.
Expect special Sangria cocktails, groovy beats from the DJ, and a complimentary cocktail if you’re dressed in your Halloween finest.
What’s more, if you spend 1,500 net, a complimentary dessert is yours! Halloween at Chim Chim is an event you won’t want to miss.
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