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Europe is preparing for winter: how can you keep costs down?

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Britain is facing a surge in cold weather, with icy conditions and fog expected for much of this week

The UK Met Office has issued a Yellow warning, which means there could be damage to buildings as Britons brace for cold conditions.

Like much of Europe, the UK are bracing for very strong winds on Wednesday, causing disruption to travel and some utilities.

Drivers are also urged to take extra care on the roads, with warnings in place for icy stretches forming on UK roads.

But some residents who are seeking to heat their homes are on edge, as power prices remain high.

Peter Smith is the director of policy and advocacy at National Energy Action, who said the rising cost of living is impacting Britons.

“The average annual bill has almost doubled since this time last year.”

The organisation seeks to close the gaps when it comes to energy affordability. It predicts 6.7 million UK households will be in fuel poverty in the coming months.

This means millions of Britons will be unable to afford living in a warm, dry and safe home.

“So far the milder than usual weather has protected many from the spiralling bills as they haven’t needed to heat their homes as high or as long as usual,” Mr Smith said.

How to keep warm without blowing your bill

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged people to make their own decisions, as he met with world leaders in tropical Bali last week.

“There are things that we can do—all of us—to improve the efficiency with which we use energy, to be careful about it,” he said.

For example, an efficient heater; taking advantage of the sun, where appropriate; and rearranging furniture are some cost-effective methods to reduce the burden on gas and energy bills.

Pipes at the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Germany.

In addition, there are some other cheap ways to reduce dependence on gas and electricity bills, as the temperature continue to plunge.

  • close off rooms you’re not using
  • lower the temperature of heating
  • make sure windows are fully closed
  • block cold drafts from under doors using door snakes or carpet.

The UK Government has placed a cap freeze on energy prices.

This means households will pay an average £2,500 on their energy bills. But there is a catch: if households use more, they pay more.

National Energy Action believes an additional 2.2 million homes could be in fuel poverty, when compared to the same time last year.

Why are energy prices so high?

As demand increases, so too does the cost of heating homes.

But there is another factor, which has sent prices rising across Europe: the war in Ukraine.

Russia accounts for 25% of global gas trade, 15% of global thermal coal trade and 10% of global oil trade.

However, countries are struggling to find alternative supplies after sanctioning Moscow for the ongoing conflict.

“Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine, and rising energy prices across the world are not a reason to go slow on climate change. They are a reason to act faster.”

RISHI SUNAK, UK PRIME MINISTER

Germany halted the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which was expected to double the amount of Russian gas shipped to Europe.

In July, Russia cut the amount of gas pumped through Nord Stream 1 to 20 per cent capacity.

Costa is a news producer at ticker NEWS. He has previously worked as a regional journalist at the Southern Highlands Express newspaper. He also has several years' experience in the fire and emergency services sector, where he has worked with researchers, policymakers and local communities. He has also worked at the Seven Network during their Olympic Games coverage and in the ABC Melbourne newsroom. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Professional), with expertise in journalism, politics and international relations. His other interests include colonial legacies in the Pacific, counter-terrorism, aviation and travel.

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Unlocking the salary puzzle: 5 strategies for job interview success

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Navigating the delicate subject of salary expectations during a job interview can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield.

The mere mention of the question often sends shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned job seekers. Yet the job interview process could be the one time where you can set the expectations and avoid resentment later down the track.

To shed light on this daunting aspect of the interview process, I turned to a diverse array of colleagues spanning various industries and experience levels for their insights.

Here are five strategies they shared on how to approach the tricky topic of salary during a job interview:

The question

The question “What are your salary expectations?” ranks high among the most nerve-wracking inquiries in a job interview.

Many find themselves grappling with the fear of undervaluing their worth or pricing themselves out of contention.

To alleviate this anxiety, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge about the prevailing market rates for your role.

Conduct thorough research using resources like salary.com or leverage your professional network to gain insights into industry standards.

Equipped with this information, you can confidently propose a salary range that aligns with your expertise and experience.

Do your homework

Crafting a data-driven argument can bolster your negotiation stance during salary discussions.

Rather than relying solely on personal preferences or vague assurances of contentment with the offered salary, present concrete evidence supporting your value proposition.

Referencing industry benchmarks and your own market value demonstrates a proactive approach to advocating for fair compensation. Striking a balance between assertiveness and flexibility can further underscore your willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

Ask questions

In cases where uncertainty looms over salary expectations, consider seeking clarification on the salary band for the role.

This approach not only empowers you with valuable insights into the organization’s compensation structure but also provides a framework for anchoring your negotiation strategy.

Armed with knowledge of the salary range, you can position yourself strategically, aiming for a figure that reflects your skills and contributions while remaining within the realm of reason.

Set the bar

Taking a proactive stance by aiming higher than your desired salary can be a savvy negotiation tactic.

By setting the bar slightly above your target, you create room for concessions while signaling your confidence in your worth.

Transparency regarding your salary expectations, coupled with a willingness to engage in meaningful discussions, can foster an environment conducive to negotiation. Remember, if a potential employer values your contributions, they will likely be open to exploring mutually beneficial arrangements.

Broader package

Leverage the discussion on salary expectations as an opportunity to delve into the broader benefits package offered by the organization. Instead of fixating solely on monetary compensation, inquire about additional perks such as health insurance, retirement plans, or professional development opportunities.

This holistic approach demonstrates your consideration of long-term career prospects and organizational fit, transcending the narrow confines of salary negotiations.

Navigating discussions about salary during a job interview can be daunting, but with strategic preparation and a clear understanding of your worth, you can approach these conversations with confidence and poise.

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Money

March surprise: What will the Fed Reserve do this week?

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As anticipation builds ahead of the Federal Reserve’s highly anticipated March meeting, the major US stock indexes have retreated from their record highs, setting the stage for a pivotal week in the financial markets.

On Wednesday, the tension surrounding the Fed’s monetary policy decision will reach its climax.

At 2:00 p.m. ET, the US central bank is scheduled to unveil its latest policy stance and updated economic projections, with investors eagerly awaiting clarity on a crucial question: does the Fed still anticipate three interest rate cuts in 2024?

Recent data indicating persistent inflation levels, contrary to earlier expectations of a rapid decline, has led market forecasts to adjust, now projecting three rate cuts instead of six for the year.

Consequently, the focus shifts to whether the Fed will adjust its stance in response to this prolonged inflationary pressure.

The New York Stock Exchange

Earnings reports

In addition to the Fed’s meeting, this week’s calendar features notable corporate earnings reports, including those from Nike, Lululemon, FedEx, and Micron, scheduled for Thursday.

The IPO market will also witness Reddit’s public debut under the ticker symbol ‘RDDT’ on Thursday, offering insights into the resurgence of new listings in 2024.

Rising food prices drive consumers to embrace buy now, pay later

Meanwhile, Nvidia’s annual GTC conference on Monday will draw attention as investors seek updates on the company’s product roadmap amidst surging demand for its chips driven by the AI boom.

With regards to the Fed, investors are not anticipating any changes to the benchmark interest rates, expected to remain within the range of 5.25%-5.50%, consistent since July last year.

Instead, the focus will be on the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and Chairman Jerome Powell’s subsequent press conference, which will commence 30 minutes after the policy statement release.

 

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Rising food prices drive consumers to embrace buy now, pay later

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As food inflation continues to grip the nation, more people are turning to buy now, pay later (BNPL) services to navigate the soaring costs of groceries and takeout meals.

With financial pressures mounting and budgets stretched thin, BNPL has emerged as a lifeline for consumers across various income brackets, allowing them to manage their expenses amidst economic uncertainty.

Recent research from PYMNTS Intelligence reveals that approximately 15 million consumers, constituting 6.5% of the US population, relied on BNPL installment loans to cover their grocery bills or manage weekly food expenditures last year.

Buy now, pay later reforms released

Even higher-income households, earning over $100,000 annually, have embraced this payment method, albeit to a lesser extent.

Cost-cutting

The persistently high food prices have prompted households across the income spectrum to adopt cost-cutting measures. While some consumers opt for more affordable grocery stores or compromise on the quality of their purchases, others turn to BNPL to alleviate immediate financial burdens associated with food purchases.

In a bid to attract price-conscious consumers, major food chains like McDonald’s are devising strategies to offer compelling deals and affordable meal options.

However, not everyone is resorting to BNPL for their food purchases.

Some consumers prefer to tighten their belts by dining at home more frequently amid the prevailing economic uncertainty.

Despite the convenience offered by BNPL services, financial experts caution against overreliance on these installment loans.

While BNPL may seem harmless for smaller purchases, there is a risk of accruing unnecessary debt if not managed responsibly.

Delinquent payments could adversely affect one’s credit rating, underscoring the importance of prudent financial management.

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