Stock Pick

Author: openjargon

  • As a gay Black man living in a conservative small town, wrestling and drag helped me find the courage to be myself

    princey on we're here, dressed in full drag in a colorful body suit, and white wig with braids going into a fluffy ponytail. he's standing on stage with his arms spread out, lip-syncing while two dancers crouch in the background
    Princey — Totally Plastic Pha'Nesse — performs on season four of "We're Here."

    Greg Endries/HBO

    • Princey — "Totally Plastic" Pha'Nesse — is a wrestler who did drag under Priyanka's tutelage on "We're Here."
    • Princey said that doing the show, and drag, helped him feel more confident. 
    • This is Princey's story, as told to Business Insider reporter Palmer Haasch. 

    This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Princey, a wrestler who performs under the name "Totally Plastic" Pha'Nesse and did drag under drag mother and "Canada's Drag Race" winner Priyanka on the HBO series "We're Here," which is currently streaming on Max. The conversation was edited for length and clarity.

    I first got into wrestling when I was in diapers.

    I grew up the youngest of two older brothers. Wrestling has always been around in my life, ever since I was a baby. I remember having the action figures, the video games, and everything — I was just obsessed.

    I kind of lost interest a little bit growing up, and then I got back into it when I was 18 or so. My mom passed away when I was 23 and I was just kind of depressed, sad, and I was flipping through the channels and saw that "Monday Night RAW" was on. I was with some friends watching it and something just clicked in my head: "Why aren't I doing this?"

    Growing up in Murfreesboro, being this out, proud gay Black man was kind of just frowned upon. To protect myself from getting insulted or attacked, I kind of just covered it up. And Princey was just kind of this quiet individual who never really went around too much, and just did my own little thing.

    When I first started out in wrestling, I was so quiet and timid. And they were like, "You can't do that here. You're supposed to be yourself times a hundred." And so I was like, "Okay. I just got to shake off everything that I held in."

    I finally found my wrestling identity as 'Totally Plastic' Pha'Nesse

    I came across the Crux Wrestling training center with my coach Brian Maxwell and Kerry Awful, and came to a class in Maxwell's backyard. I was just rolling around and doing stuff and they were like, "You're a natural." And I was like, "I am? What?"

    I just kept coming back and learning things every weekend. That was the main thing taking my mind off everything going on in the past with my mom. I had this safe place where I could just be myself.

    brian, priayanka, and princey on season four of we're here. they're all dressed in athletic wear, sitting casually on the edge of a wrestling while chatting and smiling
    Brian, Priyanka, and Princey in season four of "We're Here."

    Greg Endries/HBO

    I went to a show at the TWE arena and met everybody, and just felt an instant connection. I was looking at their social media, and the first thing — which is so rare in the South — was them being on the mic saying that TWE does not condone homophobia or racism. I was like, "I have to be here. I'll work my butt off to be here."

    When I was growing up and wrestling, I was so captivated by the women wrestlers. I just felt like they were amazing, and they could tell these amazing stories in probably less than five minutes. I just saw so much pageantry there, and so much charisma, and I was like, "This is kind of drag."

    I thought my wrestling name was going to be "Princey," but my coaches were like, "Nah, not really." Then, my name was going to be "The Pha'Nesse," and I was like, "I like Pha'Nesse, I don't want to get rid of that. I'll drop the 'the.'"

    "Totally Plastic" was supposed to be this mean, bitchy gimmick. My coaches thought I was going to be a bad guy. But my first match I had in Alabama, the moment I hit the stage, the crowd was just like "Woooo!" And so I was like, "I can't be a bad guy. I love the crowd too much. This is awesome."

    So Totally Plastic stayed, but it's more just this really flamboyant character that just loves everybody.

    brian, priayanka, and princey on season four of we're here. they're all dressed in athletic wear, sitting casually on the edge of a wrestling while chatting and smiling
    Brian, Priyanka, and Princey in season four of "We're Here."

    Greg Endries/HBO

    I found new confidence through drag and sharing my story on HBO's 'We're Here'

    I was so nervous to do "We're Here."

    I didn't know what the show was at first. The casting director was just like, "This is just a docuseries that's documenting people from different walks of life." I had no idea it would be on HBO, or this type of platform!

    When I found out that this was a popular show, I was like, "Should I do this?" I didn't tell most of my family. I think I told my aunt, and I told my friends, and they were like, "Do it. I feel like you're one of the people who do have a story to tell about just everything you've been through in life. Maybe you can inspire somebody who sees you, who grew up in your situation."

    I felt like I wanted to do that, because it brought me back to watching the divas and wrestling. They inspired me growing up, so I wanted to be that person for somebody.

    I learned the choreography for the performance in three days, and when I saw my outfit and my wig, I was like, "This is going to be awesome. I am in the House of Priyanka, I can't look bad." She's an awesome dancer, and so I was like, "Okay, I got to really get into the gig."

    And so I treated it kind of just like a wrestling match: I know my spots, I know what I'm supposed to here. Priyanka was a huge help. It was kind of like having a wrestling coach, but it was just my drag mom.

    Now, I feel like Princey is Pha'Nesse.

    I'm able to speak up about situations I don't like, and I feel like that's Pha'Nesse, that's just me coming into my true form. I'm so glad I did it, because I feel like I never would have gained this sort of confidence — being around these awesome people who were like, "You're this awesome person."

    To be honest, I never really believed I was this special person. But if you're the only one doubting yourself, and all these people say you're wrong, maybe you need to look in the mirror.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Buy these ASX dividend shares with ~5% to 8% yields

    Hand with Australian dollar notes symbolising ex-dividend date.

    Do you have room for some new ASX dividend shares in your income portfolio?

    If you do, then it could be worth looking at the three names in this article.

    That’s because analysts think they are in the buy zone and destined to provide investors with some very attractive dividend yields.

    Here’s what they are forecasting from them:

    Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ)

    Analysts at Ord Minnett think that Aurizon could be an ASX dividend share to buy. It is a rail freight operator with a network spanning thousands of kilometres. With this network it transports a range of commodities, including mining, agricultural, industrial and retail products for a diverse range of customers across Australia.

    The broker is positive on the company due partly to its belief that coal usage in China and India will continue to keep Aurizon busy for a long time to come. The broker expects this to underpin partially franked dividends of 18.6 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 24.4 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on the current Aurizon share price of $3.69, this will mean dividend yields of 5% and 6.6%, respectively.

    Ord Minnett has an accumulate rating and $4.70 price target on its shares.

    Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR)

    Another ASX dividend share that analysts are bullish on is the Charter Hall Retail REIT. It is a property company with a focus on supermarket anchored neighbourhood and sub-regional shopping centre markets.

    Citi likes the company due partly to its inflation-linked rental increases. It is expecting this to underpin dividends of 28 cents per share in both FY 2024 and FY 2025. Based on the current Charter Hall Retail REIT share price of $3.38, this will mean very large yields of 8.3%.

    Citi has a buy rating and $4.00 price target on its shares.

    Eagers Automotive Ltd (ASX: APE)

    A third ASX dividend share that analysts are tipping as a buy is Eagers Automotive. It is the leading automotive retail group in Australia and New Zealand.

    Bell Potter believes that recent share price weakness has created a buying opportunity for income investors. Especially given its expectation for above-average dividend yields in the near term.

    It is forecasting fully franked dividends of 64.5 cents per share in FY 2024 and then 73 cents per share in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $10.89, this represents dividend yields of 5.9% and 6.7%, respectively.

    The broker has a buy rating and $13.35 price target on its shares.

    The post Buy these ASX dividend shares with ~5% to 8% yields appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Eagers Automotive Ltd right now?

    Before you buy Eagers Automotive Ltd shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Eagers Automotive Ltd wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

  • Beat the ASX with these cash-gushing dividend stocks

    Smiling woman with her head and arm on a desk holding $100 notes out, symbolising dividends.

    Aiming to beat the ASX with some cash-gushing dividend stocks?

    You’re not alone!

    Below we look at three high-yielding ASX dividend stocks that have been smashing the average yields delivered by ASX shares.

    So, if it’s market-beating passive income you’re after, read on.

    Three high-yielding ASX dividend stocks

    Before we proceed, note that the yields you generally see quoted are trailing yields. Future yields can be higher or lower depending on a range of company-specific and macroeconomic factors.

    And while we’re looking at three cash-gushing ASX dividend stocks here, the ideal passive income portfolio will contain more than ten companies. Ideally, these will operate in different sectors and geographic locations. That kind of diversity will lower the overall risk to your income portfolio.

    With that said, the first dividend stock to buy to beat the ASX is Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

    ANZ shares have been on fire over the year gone by, soaring more than 26% over 12 months.

    As for that passive income, ANZ paid a final partly franked dividend of 94 cents a share on 22 December. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) bank will pay the interim dividend of 83 cents a share on Monday, 1 July.

    That equates to a full-year payout of $1.77 a share, and it sees ANZ shares trading on a partly franked dividend yield of 6.14%.

    Which brings us to the second ASX dividend stock to buy to beat the ASX, Yancoal Australia Ltd (ASX: YAL).

    The Yancoal share price has also rocketed over the past year, up a whopping 42% over 12 months.

    And that’s not including the two super-sized dividends the ASX coal miner paid out over the year.

    Yancoal paid a fully franked interim dividend of 37 cents per share on 29 September. The coal stock paid the final dividend of 32.5 cents a share on 30 April. That works out to a full-year payout of 69.5 cents a share.

    And it sees this top stock trading on a fully franked yield of 11.05%. Take that ASX!

    Rounding off our list of high-yielding ASX dividend stocks is Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

    Unlike our other two ASX smashing companies, the Woodside share price has lost ground over the past year, down 17%.

    But the oil and gas company continued to please passive income investors. Woodside paid a fully franked interim dividend of $1.243 a share on 28 September and a final dividend of 91.7 cents a share on 4 April for a full-year payout of $2.16 a share.

    That sees this ASX dividend stock trading on a fully franked trailing yield of 7.72%.

    The post Beat the ASX with these cash-gushing dividend stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australia And New Zealand Banking Group right now?

    Before you buy Australia And New Zealand Banking Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Australia And New Zealand Banking Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Alex Schultz, Meta’s CMO and VP of analytics, says AI will face wobbles and setbacks, so marketers need to focus on long-term progress and real results

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • 1 top ASX ETF to buy now as the global uranium race heats up

    a man in 80s style running gear crouches on a running track ready to spring into action as quickly as he can as though he is running a race.

    With the global uranium race heating up, investors may want to run their slide rule over ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) Betashares Global Uranium ETF (ASX: URNM).

    URNM is intended to track the performance of a basket of Australian and international uranium miners.

    You can buy and sell shares in this top ASX ETF just like you would with individual stocks.

    And it gives you instant diversification and exposure to 38 leading uranium producers across the globe.

    Launched in June 2022, URNM’s top four holdings are internationally listed companies:

    • Cameco Corp
    • NAC Kazatomprom JSC
    • Sprott Physical Uranium Trust
    • CGN Mining Co LTD

    Two leading ASX uranium stocks are also in the ETF’s top 10 holdings. Namely Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) and Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE).

    Australia is second only to Canada in terms of URNM’s country allocation, with Kazakhstan at number three and the United States at number four.

    The ASX ETF has been running hot amid the global uranium renaissance. According to Betashares, as at 31 May and including dividends, the fund had returned 89.4% over the prior 12 months (although returns will have partially retreated from this figure as at the time of writing).

    ASX ETF making hay amid global nuclear revival

    As you’re likely aware, nations around the world are fast reversing their opposition to nuclear energy as a means to provide reliable baseload power without carbon emissions.

    And that change in sentiment has been a boon for this ASX ETF.

    Today, at least 58 new nuclear power stations are under construction across 16 countries. Twenty-two of these are in China, with India also investing heavily in new nuclear plants.

    But the world’s two most populous nations aren’t alone.

    In December, 22 nations – including the United States, Japan and France – pledged to triple their nuclear power capacity by 2050.

    And in good news for uranium producers and this ASX ETF, the US Government recently unveiled a major spending package to up its nuclear capacity.

    According to US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm:

    We are entering a new era of nuclear energy, our single largest source of carbon-free electricity. We plan to invest up to US$900 million to accelerate nuclear deployment, add more small modular reactors, and reach more Americans with clean energy.

    With uranium supply growth trailing demand growth, uranium prices hit all-time highs of around US$107 per pound in late January, up from an average of US$67 per pound in 2023.

    Prices have come down from there, recently trading for US$86 per pound. That’s also seen the URNM share price drop by around 12% over the past month.

    But with uranium demand widely expected to outstrip new supplies for years yet, I believe that’s just a bump in the road for longer-term investors in the top ASX ETF and could present an excellent entry point.

    What are the experts saying?

    Commenting on the global nuclear renaissance Guy Keller, fund manager at Tribeca Investment Partners said (quoted by The Australian Financial Review):

    I think the real change has been global … which has made it much more politically safe… There has been a massive, wholesale global adoption of nuclear technology and its ability to solve decarbonisation of the electricity grid, and also some very serious energy security concerns.

    Regal Partner’s Phil King is among those forecasting tight uranium supplies are likely to persist for some time.

    According to King:

    We’re seeing a huge rollout of nuclear plants all around the world, and this is very much led by India and China. Because of the time it takes to get new mines into production, this … almost guarantees that we’re facing a very, very tight scenario for uranium.

    With this “very tight scenario for uranium” in mind, I think this ASX ETF looks well placed for more outperformance in the year ahead.

    The post 1 top ASX ETF to buy now as the global uranium race heats up appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Global Uranium Etf right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Global Uranium Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares Global Uranium Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Cameco. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Betashares Global Uranium Etf. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

    A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements

    On Tuesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a very strong session and raced higher. The benchmark index stormed 1.35% higher to 7,838.8 points.

    Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

    ASX 200 expected to fall

    It looks set to be a red day for the Australian share market on Wednesday despite a relatively positive session in the United States. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 36 points or 0.45% lower. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones was down 0.75%, but the S&P 500 pushed 0.4% higher and the Nasdaq climbed 1.25%.

    Oil prices fall

    ASX 200 energy shares Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) could have a tough day after oil prices pulled back overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 1.1% to US$80.77 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 1.2% to US$84.94 a barrel. Easing tensions between Israel and Lebanon were behind the weakness.

    Buy Bellevue Gold shares

    The Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX: BGL) share price is good value according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. This morning, the broker has initiated coverage on the gold miner with a buy rating and $2.20 price target. This implies potential upside of 24% for investors. It said: “With BGL largely through initial ramp up, we see the business well positioned amongst mid-cap peers at ~200-250kozpa gold production, with higher average grades and stronger margin generation, where low cost mill expansion/underground optionality support further upside.”

    Gold price falls

    ASX 200 gold shares such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a subdued session after the gold price eased overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is down 0.6% to US$2,331.1 an ounce. A stronger US dollar and widening bond yields put pressure on the precious metal.

    Perpetual rated as a buy

    Analysts at Bell Potter think investors should be buying Perpetual Ltd (ASX: PPT) shares. According to a note, the broker has reaffirmed its buy rating and $27.60 price target on the fund manager’s shares. This implies potential upside of 30% for investors. Its analysts continue to believe that Perpetual’s shares are undervalued by the market. They said: “We continue to see considerable upside from the current share price.”

    The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Bellevue Gold Limited right now?

    Before you buy Bellevue Gold Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Bellevue Gold Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    See The 5 Stocks
    *Returns as of 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • CNN stands to make millions from the Trump-Biden debate, but its rivals could make even more

    Advertisement for CNN presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia
    Thursday's presidential debate is the first ever to feature commercials, which could rake in millions not only for CNN, but other networks, too.

    Megan Varner, Reuters

    • Thursday's presidential debate will feature commercials for the very first time
    • Struggling with ratings, CNN is banking on the event to draw in viewers and millions in revenue
    • Rival networks can air the live broadcast and run their own ads, setting them up to outperform CNN

    Faced with lagging viewership, CNN is anticipating that Thursday's presidential debate will rake in huge sums. Yet other networks are allowed to air the live broadcast of the showdown, setting them up to outperform CNN at its own game.

    President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump's uncharacteristically early face-off is notable for various reasons, namely the two commercial breaks that will splice up the 90-minute debate. Presidential debates have historically been ad-free, but CNN is offering two tiers of advertising this year, with the most robust package costing a minimum of $1.5 million, sources told Semafor.

    Though CNN is hosting and moderating the debate from its studios in Atlanta, other networks can sell their own advertisements during their simulcasts. Given that some of those networks, like Fox News and MSNBC, typically have a larger primetime audience than CNN, they may be able to sell advertising slots for more money, Variety reports.

    Per CNN's rules, networks cannot plug commercial breaks with commentary from their own on-air personalities and must keep the CNN logo visible.

    A CNN spokesperson told Business Insider that the network is making the debate available across a variety of platforms in an effort to reach as many people as possible, and a representative for Fox News pointed to the network's press release about its coverage. Other networks did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

    With cable news channels like CNN facing questions about their futures, the presidential election serves as a potential opportunity to boost viewership. As Semafor notes, the election so far hasn't generated the same level of attention as recent races, but debates — especially the early ones — historically generate high ratings.

    Clea Conner, the CEO of Open to Debate, a nonpartisan organization, told Politico that the decision to air advertisements is "shameful" and likened the event to reality television.

    "Even though there will be only two commercial breaks this time, once we deem them acceptable it's a classic slippery slope," she told Politico. "How many will there be next time, and the time after that?

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • SAP’s CMO Julia White learned early in her career about the challenge of leading teams through change, and earning respect by owning up to mistakes

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • I’m an interior designer — here are 9 things I’d absolutely buy at CB2 right now

    Sectional couch in CB2
    CB2 has some solid couch options, in my opinion.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    • I'm an interior designer, and I chose furniture and decor I'd buy from the furniture retailer CB2.
    • The Enyo travertine coffee table and Derrico acacia-wood coffee table are statement pieces.
    • I'd upgrade a space with light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows and CB2's Weaver Bird bust.

    As the US housing market continues to stretch wallets and put homeownership out of reach, many furniture retailers are seeing a dip in sales. After all, the fewer houses that sell, the fewer there are to furnish.

    But I'm an interior designer who's spent years working with all sorts of spaces and a range of budgets. I believe it's worth investing in timeless, well-crafted pieces even if you're decorating a rental.

    One retailer I enjoy shopping at is CB2, a high-end treasure trove of modern furnishings and accents that never fail to impress me.

    Here are nine pieces I'd buy there right now.

    Use the Derrico acacia-wood coffee table to add visual interest to a living room.
    Stone coffee table in brown color on green carpet in CB2
    The Derrico acacia-wood coffee table can add organic shapes to a home.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    The sculpted organic shape of this Derrico acacia-wood table brings fluidity and movement to a room. Each table is unique, showcasing grain patterns, knots, and textures that add warmth and character to a space.

    With its natural finish and minimalist design, it serves as a versatile centerpiece, ideal for any living room (especially one going for an organic modern look).

    The Enyo travertine coffee table is a timeless and dramatic statement piece.
    Large solid coffee table
    A travertine coffee table is a huge statement piece.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    The only thing I love more than an oversized coffee table is an oversized travertine coffee table.

    There's something inherently timeless about natural materials and stone, so this piece won't be out of style anytime soon. Plus, travertine can be an exceptionally durable material that works well on a coffee table.

    This black wall mirror has a horn frame that makes it a focal point.
    Irregular-shaped black mirror
    The hand-inlaid horn frame is perfectly bold.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    Add a touch of drama to your walls with this striking organic-shaped mirror with a hand-inlaid horn frame.

    The mirror's fluid contours and dynamic silhouette can add depth to your space while also creating a captivating focal point.

    I adore CB2's Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust.
    Head statue and black jute-style vase in CB2
    This bust of Muthoni wa Kirim is a standout piece.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    The Weaver Bird black-fiber clay bust depicts Muthoni wa Kirim, a high-ranking freedom fighter in 1950s Kenya.

    I love that this piece departs from traditionally European-centric bust sculptures. It's the first bust I've encountered depicting a Black person, and its significance resonates deeply.

    The sleek matte-black finish and sculpted curves evoke a sense of modern elegance and powerfully celebrate diversity.

    The Faible wheat-performance-velvet sectional sofa is sleek.
    Sectional couch in CB2
    CB2 has some solid couch options, in my opinion.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    I love a deep-seat sofa, but it's hard to find ones that still feel sleek. With clean lines and a buttery-soft texture, this Faible sofa strikes the ideal balance between sophistication and coziness.

    The fabric is undeniably beautiful and comes in several different swatches, too.

    Use the Kota round marble dining table to eat at or to decorate a foyer.
    Marble table in CB2
    The Kota round marble dining table looks elegant and it's functional.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    I'm obsessed with this sleek round marble dining table from CB2. Its silhouette is accentuated by a tiered effect in the marble, creating a sculptural masterpiece that combines form and function.

    Although it's probably most often used as a dining table, it also works well as a stunning entry table in a grand foyer or lobby.

    The Copernicus tarnished-silver wall sconce is a showstopper.
    Candle holder in CB2
    The Copernicus tarnished-silver wall sconce holds tapered candles.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    The tarnished-silver finish of the Copernicus wall sconce is highly reflective and creates a stunning play of light and shadow that adds depth and dimension to a space.

    Because it uses tapered candles, it's perfect for illuminating walls without hardwiring or unsightly cords. Really, it's a sophisticated solution to ambient lighting.

    I would recommend flanking a piece of art with these sconces in a dining room.

    You can use light-brown velvet Bettie throw pillows in just about any space.
    Pillows in shelves in CB2
    CB2's Bettie throw pillow in light-brown velvet would look great on most couches.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    CB2's Bettie throw pillow in light-brown velvet is perfectly neutral, meaning it effortlessly complements any decor scheme.

    The plush velvet makes the pillow luxurious, and the subtle fringe detail gives it extra visual interest as a stylish accent piece.

    A smoked wall mirror is a unique way to add personality to your home.
    Round black mirror on wall in CB2
    A smoked wall mirror is a conversation piece.

    Tyka Pryde Edwards

    Even with its smoky finish, this 48-inch ultra-modern mirror can brighten dark corners by reflecting light from different angles.

    Plus, its curved surface adds a playful distortion to reflections, making it an instant conversation starter.

    Read the original article on Business Insider

  • Superannuation and tax changes starting next week

    Two young boys each have a piece of chocolate cake, but one piece is bigger than the other.

    Your compulsory Superannuation Guarantee payment will rise from 11% to 11.5% of earnings and Stage 3 tax cuts will kick in from next week.

    Let’s take a look at the details.

    Superannuation changes starting next Monday

    The Superannuation Guarantee ascends again from 1 July from 11% of earnings to 11.5% of earnings.

    This is the payment made by your employer directly into your superannuation fund.

    Say your salary is $100,000 plus superannuation. In FY24, you will have received $11,000 via the Superannuation Guarantee. In FY25, you will receive an extra $500 with your payment rising to $11,500.

    Another superannuation change coming into effect next week is an increase in the personal concessional contributions cap from $27,500 to $30,000 for FY25. More about this later.

    What about those tax cuts?

    Every taxpayer will receive a tax cut from 1 July under the amended Stage 3 tax cuts.

    Here are a few examples of how the tax cuts will affect wage earners.

    Example 1. A worker earning $55,000 per year will save $1,054 per year in tax.

    Example 2. A worker earning $80,000 per year will save $1,679 per year in tax.

    Example 3. A worker earning $140,000 per year will save $3,729 per year in tax.

    Here are the individual tax rate tables for FY24 and FY25. Use the following details to work out the exact tax savings you will receive based on your specific salary.

    Resident tax rates FY25

    Taxable income Tax on this income
    $0 – $18,200 Nil
    $18,201 – $45,000 16 cents for each $1 over $18,200
    $45,001 – $135,000 $4,288 plus 30 cents for each $1 over $45,000
    $135,001 – $190,000 $31,288 plus 37 cents for each $1 over $135,000
    $190,001 and over $51,638 plus 45 cents for each $1 over $190,000
    Source: ato.gov.au

    Resident tax rates FY24

    Taxable income Tax on this income
    $0 – $18,200 Nil
    $18,201 – $45,000 19 cents for each $1 over $18,200
    $45,001 – $120,000 $5,092 plus 32.5 cents for each $1 over $45,000
    $120,001 – $180,000 $29,467 plus 37 cents for each $1 over $120,000
    $180,001 and over $51,667 plus 45 cents for each $1 over $180,000
    Source: ato.gov.au

    One week left to add extra funds to superannuation

    There is only one week left to make personal contributions to your superannuation (and pick up the substantial tax concession that comes with it) before FY24 ends.

    Personal superannuation contributions (up to the cap of $27,500 for FY24) are taxed at just 15%. This is far lower than most workers’ marginal tax rates.

    Personal contributions include the compulsory superannuation guarantee paid by your employer, any salary sacrificing you have arranged, and any extra money you choose to add yourself before 30 June.

    Here’s how the tax concession works.

    Say you contribute $8,000 of post-tax earnings into superannuation. Your super fund will pay the 15% tax on your behalf. That will leave $6,800 to be invested in accordance with your selected strategy.

    When you fill in your tax return, you will claim an $8,000 tax deduction, effectively cancelling out the original tax you paid on the $8,000.

    Findex tax advisory partner Alex Duonis explains the benefit:

    A high earning taxpayer may obtain a tax deduction at a rate of up to 47.5% in respect of such super contributions but may only pay contributions tax at the fund level of 15%, thus generating a potential immediate tax arbitrage benefit of 32.5%.

    Make sure you check out all the rules relating to personal concessional superannuation contributions before making any decisions.

    After depositing your funds, you must fill in a Notice of Intent to Claim or Vary a Deduction for Personal Super Contributions form and send it to your superannuation fund.

    The post Superannuation and tax changes starting next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Maximise Your Super before June 30: Uncover 5 Strategies Most Aussies Overlook!

    With the end of the financial year almost upon us, there are some strategies that you may be able to take advantage of right now to save some tax and boost your savings…

    Download our latest free report discover 5 super strategies that most Aussies miss today!

    Download Free Report
    *Returns 24 June 2024

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.