Solid waste rate proposal to be presented to City Council

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Solid waste rate proposal to be presented to City Council

Today, the City of Fort Wayne Indiana Administration announced a solid waste rate resolution and ordinance will be introduced to City Council on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.

People's World: NYC Uber drivers stage one-day strike over company robbery of $12M in raises

NEW YORK—Some 80,000 low-wage mostly immigrant New York City Uber drivers staged a one-day strike on Jan. 5 over the firm’s robbery of an estimated $12 million in raises the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission ordered for them.

At a noontime rally at Uber headquarters at 175 Greenwich St., in downtown Manhattan, the drivers explained the city panel, following local law enacted in 2018, ordered a raise for them of at least $1,000 per driver per month, starting Dec. 19, 2022.

Including mileage reimbursements for skyrocketing gasoline expenses, the Uber drivers calculate they’ve lost $12 million. In addition to the strike, the drivers also asked customers to turn off the Uber app on their cell phones in solidarity through midnight.

Uber got a preliminary injunction to stop the raises ordered by the city—prompting a prior one-day drivers’ strike the day they were due to take effect, the 19th. The second strike precedes a Jan. 6 state Supreme Court hearing in Manhattan. In court, the commission is defending its raise for the drivers.

“Uber is trying to steal our raises from us. We aren’t going to let that happen,” responded driver Samassa Tidiane ahead of the rally.

The city’s Uber drivers, like their colleagues driving for the ride-share firm elsewhere in the U.S., are among the millions of exploited, low-wage fed-up workers from coast to coast who have had it with corporate greed at their expense.

Other such groups of workers include adjunct professors, port truckers, retail workers, warehouse workers, Amazon workers, and various “gig economy” workers. Those workers’ activism has led to large increases in union organizing and in employer-forced strikes. Other low-wage workers have just plain left for better jobs.

The commission-ordered raise for Uber drivers is supposed to cover inflation according to the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers’ transportation. That transportation index has skyrocketed since the first commission decision setting pay and reimbursement rates for the drivers, according to a friend-of-the-court brief the union-backed New York Taxi Workers Alliance filed with the judge.

In the brief, Uber driver Lamin Jatta said he told the city commission he used to pay $30 to fill up his tank and now pays $60. He wanted the panel to use “a consumer price that measures drivers’ professional expenses.” Driver Xavier Koudougou asked the commission “to use a CPI that reflects driver expenses because we drivers are consumer[s], but we use more gas than regular driver[s] and when the gas price [is] high, they have options. But we don’t.”

But after the commission approved the raise, Uber got the temporary injunction against it. The results: The drivers have had no raise at all, and their pay has not only fallen behind inflation but it’s also left many financially underwater. Many don’t even make the city’s minimum wage. So they’ve staged one-day strikes on Dec. 19 and on Jan. 5.

The Taxi Workers Alliance brief backing the Uber drivers lays out the impact in stark terms. So did the drivers, in statements before the noontime rally.“I’m shocked and speechless thinking of how Uber stopped our raise after all the hearings and all the protests we did,” said Uber driver Nusrat Jahan, a Taxi Workers Alliance member. “This raise was like a small light of happiness for our families and for us, which Uber didn’t let happen.

“I’m ashamed Uber blocked this happiness before the holidays. Now I’m working for Uber raising all this money for them so they can hire a private jet or go to a private island or go to Dubai to celebrate their happiness with their families. We could have been earning $1,000 extra a month to pay our bills, not for luxuries.”

“We won raises from the Taxi and Limousine Commission, but Uber decided to go to a judge to stop our raises. Uber doesn’t think about the drivers, they just think about themselves,” added Tidiane, also a Taxi Workers Alliance member.

“We’re suffering because car payments, insurance, food, gas, and mechanic prices are all going up. If Uber was the one paying expenses for cars and gas, they would have raised the prices a long time ago, but it’s drivers who pay for everything out of pocket. Uber is trying to steal our raises from us. We aren’t going to let that happen.”

The Taxi Workers Alliance brief elaborated on the conditions the drivers face without the raise. It also noted that even with the commission’s hike, the raise still would not keep up with inflation the drivers face, or the costs of buying and maintaining their cars.

“The cost of everyday essentials, from bread and milk to rent, has increased due to inflation levels not seen in the past 40 years. Uber speaks of the choice it must make: Bear the cost itself—as a major multinational company—or pass it onto customers, in whole or in part, and potentially upset customers with higher fare pricing.

“The stark reality [is] that drivers have no choice…. They cannot increase what Uber charges for fares. They must pay and have already paid higher vehicle costs. They cannot pass the increased cost of cars, insurance, repairs, and fuel onto customers. And they cannot decrease Uber’s commission” from each fare.

Drivers “have seen their take-home pay drop precipitously. The results of such a decrease have immediate, human impact on drivers and their families who, beginning with a baseline of low-wage earnings, cannot make any more trade-offs. Indeed, the record reflects nearly 80% of drivers were already struggling to pay rent, and nearly 50% struggling to afford food.”

Grocery Prices Up Slightly and Bird Flu Vaccine Coming

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Grocery Prices Up Slightly and Bird Flu Vaccine Coming

Grocery Prices Up Slightly and Bird Flu Vaccine Coming From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update. **Grocery prices increased slightly last month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.3% in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.2% in […]

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 10 things you need to know Friday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 1. President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, emphasised the need for government at both federal and state levels to move swiftly to form a committee that would critically consider all action plans, including the possibility of implementing the state police system. The president stated this at a meeting he convened with the 36 state governors at the Presidential Villa. 2. Several people have been feared dead and many others injured after suspected herdsmen attacked Adijah community in Ugbokpo, Apa local government area of Benue state. The incident, which reportedly happened on Thursday afternoon, has caused residents to flee to neighbouring villages. 3. The caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State chapter, Chief Tony Okocha has urged Governor Siminalaye Fubara to stop running the state without a budget. Okocha also advised the governor to obey the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu by re-presenting the state budget before the State House of Assembly. 4. The National Universities Commission, NUC, has said due to the huge gap in demand and supply of university education in Nigeria, the Commission will continue to give approval for the establishment of more varsities. Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, disclosed this on Thursday evening during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja. 5. The Federal Government in collaboration with state governors have agreed to set up a committee to tackle the issue of hoarding farm produce in the country. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after the meeting President Bola Tinubu held with governors and heads of security agencies. 6. Renowned business Mogul, Aminu Dantata, has said the parliamentary system of leadership being advocated by some legislators is the best for the country. Dantata said this when some members of the House of Representatives led by the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, paid him an advocacy visit at his residence in Kano on Thursday. 7. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, says the headline inflation rate increased year-on-year by 0.98 percentage points to 29.9 per cent in January 2024 from 28.92 per cent in December 2023. The Bureau disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, report for January 2024, noting that food inflation also increased to 35.41 per cent during the period from 33.93 per cent in December 2023. 8. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, on Thursday, paraded two herbalists, Moses Abidemi and Oluwo Samuel Monday, as well as two alleged priests of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Prophet Peter Oluwalolese and Prophet Jamiu Yusuf, over the killing of one Sulaimon Adijat, aged 35, for money ritual. Also arrested and paraded for the act were Akinwunmi Ifatosin, Sheriff Agbai and Osojieahen Alioneitouria, who are both from Uromi in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. 9. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, on Thursday said it is exploring the possibility of transferring some of its units to Lagos. This is coming weeks after the controversial relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to the city. 10. President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the reconstitution of the executive management teams of two parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. According to a statement on Thursday by Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the parastatals involved are Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, and the Federal Housing Authority, FHA. Read the full article

Guiding Economic Uncertainty: A Strategy to Informed Assets

In the ever-changing topography of the economy, tension can usually throw a shadow of suspicion on investment strategies. However, it is exactly in these hard times that true investors grow above the rest. "Guiding Economic Uncertainty: A Strategy to Informed Assets" gives a new view of how to command these rough waters with assurance and accuracy.

Exploring Global Economic Trends

To navigate economic uncertainty, it is essential to first contextualize and understand the underlying factors that contribute to this state of unpredictability. One key element of contextualizing economic uncertainty includes analyzing global economic trends. By examining factors like GDP growth rates, interest rates, inflation, and employment levels, individuals can achieve insights into the overall health of the economy and determine potential opportunities and risks.

As of the last quarter, inflation in significant economies has rushed past central bank targets, with the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) growing over 4.1% in the last 12 months. Also, the Monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) of all urban consumers in the U.S. grew to 307.95 in September 2023 from 274 in September 2021. These inflationary forces have encouraged central banks to transition from accommodative to contractionary monetary policies, leading to a global reduction of liquidity. Also, geopolitical tensions, demonstrated by conflicts like the Russo-Ukrainian and Israel-Palestine disputes, as well as trade conflicts between China and the U.S., have amplified, disrupting supply chains and commodity markets.

Bases of Strategic Investment: Creating a Solid Framework for Success

Strategic investment is a necessary component of any successful monetary portfolio. It includes making instructed decisions based on a thorough awareness of economic trends, market dynamics, and individual risk appetite. By setting a strong foundation for strategic investment, investors can maximize their probabilities of attaining long-term financial goals and weathering economic uncertainties.

Research and Analysis: Collecting Key Information: 

The first step in making a solid foundation for strategic investment is conducting thorough analysis and research. This includes gathering key information about different investment alternatives, like stocks, real estate, bonds, and commodities. By understanding the risks, characteristics, and potential returns of different assets, investors can make informed decisions aligned with their investment goals.

Also, investors should analyze economic indicators, market trends, and geopolitical factors that can influence investment performance. This includes monitoring GDP growth, inflation rates, interest rates, and global events that may influence market volatility. By staying informed and up-to-date, investors can determine potential opportunities and assess risks related to different investment strategies.

Risk Management and Assessment: Balancing Return and Risk: 

Another critical aspect of strategic investment is risk assessment and management. Investors must assess their risk tolerance and specify their risk appetite based on their circumstances and financial goals. This involves understanding the trade-off between possible returns and the level of risk related to different investments.

Diversification is a key strategy for managing risk. By applying investments across different industries, geographical regions, and investment classes, investors can lower vulnerability to any single investment and mitigate the influence of market volatility. This allows to protection of the overall portfolio and maintains a more durable long-term performance.

Long-Term Perspective: Discipline and Patience: 

Successful strategic investment demands a long-term perspective. Investors should fight the temptation to make sudden decisions based on short-term market changes. Rather, they should focus on their long-term financial goals and adhere to their investment plan, even during tough economic times.

Discipline and patience are necessary qualities for strategic investors. Investors can avoid making hasty decisions that may damage their long-term goals by staying determined in their investment strategy and avoiding emotional responses to market volatility. This approach permits investors to ride out short-term changes and seize the potential benefits of compounding returns over time.

Continuous Adjustments and Monitoring: Adapting to Switching Circumstances: 

Lastly, forming a solid foundation for strategic investment needs constant monitoring and adjustments. Economic landscapes and market requirements grow, and investors must remain vigilant to adjust their strategies accordingly. Regularly examining investment performance, reassessing risk tolerance, and creating required adjustments to the portfolio can assist in ensuring that investments stay aligned with transforming circumstances.

By including these foundations of strategic investment in their approach, investors can form a strong framework for success. With proper risk management, research, a long-term perspective, and adaptability, investors can guide market tensions and expand their chances of acquiring their financial goals.

Closing Note 

Strategic investment needs a thorough understanding of market dynamics and the capability to determine sectors that are well-positioned to navigate via periods of inflation and interest rate hikes. By identifying the historical performance of industries like healthcare, utilities, and the financial sector, investors can make informed decisions and set their portfolios for potential growth and stability. However, it is important to constantly monitor and adapt to changing market circumstances to ensure long-term success.

Original Source: https://articlescad.com/guiding-economic-uncertainty-a-strategy-to-informed-assets-26835.html

SOCIAL SECURITY RESOURCE CENTER

Social Security COLA Set at 3.2% for 2024

The Social Security Administration released its 2024 COLA rate.

Social Security recipients will get a 3.2 percent increase in their monthly payments next year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Oct. 12.

The 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) marks a big drop from this year’s increase of 8.7 percent, reflecting a considerable cooldown of inflation over the past 12 months.

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Starting in January, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit will rise by $59, from approximately $1,848 to $1,907, according to the SSA. The average disability benefit will increase from $1,489 to $1,537.

“Retirees can rest a little easier at night knowing they will soon receive an increase in their Social Security checks to help them keep up with rising prices,” AARP Chief Executive Officer Jo Ann Jenkins said in a statement following the announcement. “We know older Americans are still feeling the sting when they buy groceries and gas, making every dollar important.”

The COLA will be applied to veterans’ benefits and retirement pay as well as Social Security payments.

The SSA bases the COLA on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the third quarter from one year to the next. The CPI-W is a subset of the main consumer price index, which provides the headline number in reporting on inflation.

The 2024 adjustment represents the difference between the average CPI-W index for July, August, and September of 2022 and the average for those months in 2023. Shortly before the COLA reveal, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the CPI-W rose at a 3.6 percent rate in September, following increases of 2.6 percent and 3.4 percent in July and August, respectively.

Social Security benefits have been annually adjusted for inflation since 1975. The previous two COLAs — 5.9 percent in 2022 and 8.7 percent in 2023 — were the largest since the early 1980s and increased the average monthly retirement benefit by $92 and $146, respectively, in those years.

Inflation, Medicare impact

While sharply lower than in the last two years, the 2024 adjustment could still buttress retirees’ buying power if inflation rises at a slower clip than the COLA. The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Professional Forecasters projects that the main Consumer Price Index will decline gradually from the current 3.6 percent to 2.7 percent by mid-2024.

“A lower COLA just means that Social Security beneficiaries have faced less inflation since their last COLA, which is good for household finances,” said Emerson Sprick, senior economic analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

However, those gains will be offset in part by an increase in monthly premiums for Medicare Part B, the portion of Medicare that covers outpatient services such as doctor visits. For most Medicare enrollees, Part B premiums are deducted directly from their Social Security payments, so the rate hike will eat into the COLA.

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In 2022, inflation wreaked havoc on consumers, leading the Federal Reserve to take action by hiking up interest rates in an effort to cool the economy. And the Fed's efforts seem to have worked. Inflation levels moderated in 2023, resulting in much-needed relief for cash-strapped consumers. Meanwhile, in early 2023, Social Security recipients saw their benefits rise 8.7% in conjunction with the largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to come down the pike in decades. Last year's COLA far surpassed the 5.9% COLA beneficiaries got in 2022 -- and that was considered huge at the time. Image source: Getty Images. Now it's been clear for a while that cooling inflation was apt to result in a much smaller COLA for 2024. And for months on end, seniors have been wondering what their upcoming COLA would look while economic experts have been trying to narrow down a number. Today, however, we have our answer thanks to the release of September's Consumer Price Index. Social Security COLAs are based on third-quarter data from a subset of that index -- the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. And based on that data, the Social Security Administration was able to put out an official COLA announcement. Next year's COLA will be 3.2% In early 2024, seniors on Social Security will see their benefits rise by 3.2%. Clearly, that's a far cry from the raise they received at the start of the current year. But let's also give that raise some context. While it's not as robust as 8.7%, it's worth noting that in recent years, we've seen COLAs that have been much smaller. Since 2008, in fact, seniors have had three years with no COLA at all. And in 2021, Social Security recipients only got a 1.3% boost. So by comparison, 3.2% doesn't seem so terrible. Medicare will be the deciding factor A 3.2% COLA could still do a fair amount of good for Social Security beneficiaries -- that is, if a giant Medicare Part B hike doesn't ruin things. Seniors who are enrolled in Medicare and Social Security at the same time have their Part B premiums deducted from their benefits automatically. But a significant rise in the cost of Part B could eat away at next year's COLA. Worse yet, Medicare Part B costs are expected to rise in 2024 because of added costs the program is expected to incur. By contrast, in 2023, the cost of Medicare Part B actually decreased, allowing Social Security recipients to enjoy their COLA in full. So after accounting for a rise in Part B costs, next year's Social Security raise may not end up being so much to write home about. There is, however, a silver lining. Social Security COLAs are directly tied to inflation. And the fact that inflation is cooling is apt to provide seniors with a world of relief. So while Social Security benefits may not increase to such a notable degree, seniors who rely on the program may find that they're still able to make ends meet in 2024.

What are Emerging Growth Companies and how is the cap on their annual gross revenue indexed to inflation?

Emerging Growth Companies (EGCs) are a new category of issuers created by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act.

To name a few exemptions EGCs are permitted:

to include less extensive narrative disclosure than required of other reporting companies, particularly in executive compensation

to provide audited financial statements for two fiscal years. Other reporting companies are required to provide audited financial statements for three fiscal years

not to provide an auditor attestation of internal control over financial reporting under Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 404(b)

to defer complying with certain changes in accounting standards

One of the requirements for a company to continue as an EGC for the first five fiscal years after it completes an IPO is if it has "total annual gross revenues" of less than $1.235 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year. “Total annual gross revenues” means total revenues as presented on the statement of comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP (or IFRS as issued by the IASB, if used as the basis of reporting by a foreign private issuer).

The JOBS Act requires the SEC to make inflation adjustments every five years to the annual gross revenue amount used to determine EGC status, to reflect the changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”). The adjusted gross revenue threshold must be set to the nearest $1,000,000 during its most recently completed fiscal year. In 2017, the Commission increased the annual gross revenue amount from $1,000,000,000 to $1,070,000,000. On September 9, 2022, the SEC adopted amendments to Securities Act Rule 405 and Exchange Act Rule 12b-2 to reflect another inflation-adjusted annual gross revenue threshold from $1,070,000,000 to $1,235,000,000.

The new EGC gross revenue threshold amendments are determined by:

1. Determine the appropriate CPI-U for December of the calendar year preceding the year of adjustment

Example - When making the inflation adjustment for the EGC revenue threshold in 2022, use the CPI-U for December 2021, which was 278.802. Then use the CPI-U for December of 2011, the calendar year before the EGC definition was established by the JOBS Act, which was 225.672 (“2011 CPI-U”)

2. Calculate the cost-of-living adjustment or inflation factor - Divide the 2021 CPI-U ( 278.802) by the 2011 CPI-U ( 225.672) which will result in the inflation factor of 1.23543.

3. Calculate the inflation adjustment, multiply the initial EGC gross revenue threshold, $1,000,000,000, by the inflation factor 1.23543, the product of which would be $1,235,430,000.

The increase in EGC gross revenue threshold from the initial threshold of $1 billion would be $235,430,000 rounded to $235,000,000 under the statutory rounding convention.

4. Add the rounded increase of $235,000,000 to the initial EGC revenue threshold of $1,000,000,000 which yields an inflation adjusted EGC revenue threshold of $1.235billion

The above methodology is consistent with the methodology the Commission used in 2017 when the first increase to reflect an inflation-adjusted annual gross revenue threshold was administered.

Sources :

Final Rules Inflation Adjustments under Titles I and III of the JOBS Act

INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS AND OTHER TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS UNDER Titles I and III of the JOBS Act

SEC Adopts JOBS Act Inflation Adjustments

Emerging Growth Companies

About The Author

Arushi Bhandari is an MBA and a licensed CPA in the state of California. She has helped several companies at different stages with their accounting and tax related issues. Her publications eBooks - STARTUP Financing, Equity and Tax and Introduction to Equity Compensation are available on Apple iBookstore, Amazon Kindle and Google Play. She maintains a public blog at www.startuptaxaccounting.com and has guest blogged at different startup platforms such as The Startup Garage and Belmont Acquisitions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is intended to educate the readers and a more definite answer should be based on a consultation with a lawyer or CPA.It should not be relied upon as legal advise because the information might be incomplete and answers could change depending upon circumstances and if all facts were known.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the inflation measure, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for the month of August 2023 on Wednesday, September 13. In the past, encouraging inflation data reports have triggered Bitcoin Price (BTC) rally. The CPI is a key index that measures Price change over a period of time. The data measures the increase or decrease in the Price paid by the urban Consumers on a monthly basis for a Market basket of consumer goods and services. US CPI For August 2023 The financial markets have shown signs of anticipation of the US Federal Reserve maintaining stance that requires keeping Interest rates high in the context of strong economic data. Hence, investors will be closely watching the CPI data release for August, to be able to assess the central bank’s upcoming decision during the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled between September 19-20, 2023. The Bureau had earlier News.release/cpi.nr0.htm" target="_blank">reported that in July 2023, the CPI for all urban Consumers increased 0.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.2 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. In comparison, the wider Market expectation is that the CPI for August increased by 0.6%, while the headline inflation for August is expected to come out around 3.6% year on year. Steady Interest Rates? The CME FedWatch Tool, which gauges the likelihood that the Fed will change the Federal target Rate at upcoming FOMC meetings, shows a 93% chance of rates remaining steady at the 525-550 bps level in September and only a 56.4% chance of rates remaining steady in the November meeting. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if the Bitcoin Price would see a rally after the CPI data release if the inflation recording comes out on expected lines. Earlier, CoinGape reported that BTC Price has $28,168 as the neckline resistance.

Buying a Mobile Home in Monterey County?

Thinking about buying a mobile or manufactured home in beautiful Monterey County? Fantastic choice! This guide is here to help you navigate through the process and make an informed decision. Mobile and manufactured homes offer an affordable and exciting housing option, especially in Monterey County, where you can find parks near the stunning coastline. Imagine having your own beach house!? Plus, they can be a smart investment for those seeking a second home, a place to build equity, or a comfortable retirement haven. But hold on, not all parks are created equal, and there are some important things to consider. So, let's dive in and discover the key factors to help you find the perfect mobile or manufactured home in Monterey County!

But first, let's clear up any confusion. What's the difference between a "mobile" home and a "manufactured" home? The Housing and Urban Development division of the federal government (HUD) regulates both types. HUD defines mobile homes as factory-built homes made before June 15, 1976, while manufactured homes are those built after that date. In Monterey County, you'll find a mix of both, and for our purposes, we'll use the terms interchangeably.

Now, let's explore the exciting factors to consider when buying a mobile or manufactured home in Monterey County:

Park Ownership: Monterey County offers three main types of park ownership, each with its own pros and cons. Here's the scoop:

Resident-owned parks are the cream of the crop, and they're highly sought after. They may come with a higher price tag, but they're easier to get loans for. Just remember, along with the perks come property taxes and HOA dues.

Co-op parks involve a collaborative ownership model among park residents. They can be a tight-knit community, but be prepared for a significant buy-in fee and potential loan challenges.

Park-owned parks are often budget-friendly options. Instead of worrying about HOA fees, you'll pay space rent. If the park falls under rent control (more on that later!), it can be a fantastic choice. Just keep in mind the slight risk of the park being sold to a developer. Regulations are in place to protect residents, but it's good to be aware.

Rent Control (Applies to Park-owned Parks): Monterey County has different rent control regulations depending on the jurisdiction. Here's the scoop:

Some areas in Monterey County, especially unincorporated regions, have rent control for space rent in mobile home parks. This keeps space rent prices within a reasonable range, typically between $300 and $500 per month. Rent increases are limited to once per year and are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Plus, rent can't be increased when you sell your home. How awesome is that?

However, cities like Monterey or Carmel may not have mandated rent control for mobile home parks. That means you'll need to exercise a little more caution when purchasing in these areas, as reselling may be a bit trickier. But don't worry, some parks within these cities may have individual rent-control agreements, so it's worth exploring. Let's find your perfect spot!

Park Restrictions: No matter the ownership type, each park in Monterey County has its own unique set of restrictions. Before you make a decision, be sure to ask the park management about these important factors:

Rental or subletting permissions: Are you dreaming of turning your mobile home into a sweet rental property? If so, make sure the park allows renting or subletting. Just remember, rental rates aren't subject to rent control regulations, so you can set the price.

Age restrictions: If you're looking for a vibrant community or a peaceful haven for older individuals, some parks cater specifically to residents aged 55 and older. They can be amazing places to call home.

Pet policies: We know your furry friends are important. Check if the park has any pet restrictions to ensure your four-legged family members are welcome.

Park approval criteria: Each park has its own requirements for approving home ownership, such as income and credit score considerations. It's always good to know what they're looking for.

Loanability: Let's talk about financing your dream home. While mobile and manufactured homes in Monterey County are generally affordable compared to condos or townhomes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Factor in HOA fees or space rent when considering your overall expenses.

Mobile home loans often require a higher downpayment than conventional loans, so plan accordingly.

Loan terms for mobile homes are typically shorter, ranging from 15 to 20 years instead of the standard 30-year term. But hey, that means you'll own your dream home even sooner!

Interest rates for mobile home loans can be higher than conventional loans. Don't worry, though—there are multiple lenders out there. It's a good idea to explore your options and find the best terms.

Remember, loan availability and requirements may vary based on the age and type of your mobile or manufactured home. Consult different lenders to find the one that suits your needs.

If you're considering buying or selling a mobile or manufactured home in Monterey County, we're here to help! Reach out to us today, and let's start turning your housing dreams into a reality!

Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may fall with inflation rate

zmraznutitonovy | stock | Getty Images New government inflation data suggests that inflation is coming down — and that could point to a lower cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for Social Security beneficiaries next year. The consumer price index for all urban consumers, or CPI-U, rose 5% from a year earlier and 0.1% in March, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released on…

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 10 things you need to know Friday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers: 1. President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, emphasised the need for government at both federal and state levels to move swiftly to form a committee that would critically consider all action plans, including the possibility of implementing the state police system. The president stated this at a meeting he convened with the 36 state governors at the Presidential Villa. 2. Several people have been feared dead and many others injured after suspected herdsmen attacked Adijah community in Ugbokpo, Apa local government area of Benue state. The incident, which reportedly happened on Thursday afternoon, has caused residents to flee to neighbouring villages. 3. The caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State chapter, Chief Tony Okocha has urged Governor Siminalaye Fubara to stop running the state without a budget. Okocha also advised the governor to obey the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu by re-presenting the state budget before the State House of Assembly. 4. The National Universities Commission, NUC, has said due to the huge gap in demand and supply of university education in Nigeria, the Commission will continue to give approval for the establishment of more varsities. Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, disclosed this on Thursday evening during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja. 5. The Federal Government in collaboration with state governors have agreed to set up a committee to tackle the issue of hoarding farm produce in the country. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after the meeting President Bola Tinubu held with governors and heads of security agencies. 6. Renowned business Mogul, Aminu Dantata, has said the parliamentary system of leadership being advocated by some legislators is the best for the country. Dantata said this when some members of the House of Representatives led by the minority leader, Kingsley Chinda, paid him an advocacy visit at his residence in Kano on Thursday. 7. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, says the headline inflation rate increased year-on-year by 0.98 percentage points to 29.9 per cent in January 2024 from 28.92 per cent in December 2023. The Bureau disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index, CPI, report for January 2024, noting that food inflation also increased to 35.41 per cent during the period from 33.93 per cent in December 2023. 8. Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, on Thursday, paraded two herbalists, Moses Abidemi and Oluwo Samuel Monday, as well as two alleged priests of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Prophet Peter Oluwalolese and Prophet Jamiu Yusuf, over the killing of one Sulaimon Adijat, aged 35, for money ritual. Also arrested and paraded for the act were Akinwunmi Ifatosin, Sheriff Agbai and Osojieahen Alioneitouria, who are both from Uromi in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. 9. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, on Thursday said it is exploring the possibility of transferring some of its units to Lagos. This is coming weeks after the controversial relocation of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, and departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to the city. 10. President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the reconstitution of the executive management teams of two parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. According to a statement on Thursday by Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the parastatals involved are Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, and the Federal Housing Authority, FHA. Read the full article

CPI = 5.0% (Time to Stop Raising Rates) - The Big Picture