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Monday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
Promising jobs report suggests Americans' earnings are rising again
Providing a surprising and much-needed bit of momentum to a shaky global economy, government figures released Friday show the U.S. economy is on track this year to create the most jobs since 1999. And in a bright spot for American workers who've felt left behind by the slow recovery, average earnings may be seeing the first signs of a more substantial pick-up. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
See also:
» Spending rises as economy improves in South Florida
Report: More insurance options in 2015
A new report, which analyzes competition, choice and affordability in the marketplace, showed that nearly 80 percent of Florida consumers can find coverage for under $100 per month after applicable tax credits next year. [Source: Panama City News Herald]
Dealing with the crooked financial advisers
Sarasota has quietly become a community where crooked brokers take advantage of flocks of new retirees moving to the area, searching for ways to roll over their 401(k) or IRA plans into new investment accounts. Sarasota attorney Michael Taaffe offers suggestions on how to avoid bad investment deals. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
See also:
» How Troubled Brokers Cluster, Often Among Elderly Investors
» Where troubled stockbrokers are
IRS tips to get the most of your year-end charitable gifts
In the spirit of the holiday season, many individuals as well as businesses, make charitable gifts this time of year. And if you want to maximize on that gift from a tax perspective and claim a tax deduction for your gifts, you must itemize your deductions. [Source: Gainesville Business Report]
Scott's $1 billion tax-cut plan may take time
Gov. Rick Scott pledged if voters rewarded him with a second term, he would return the favor with $1 billion in tax cuts and more spending on schools and conservation. Now, Scott and lawmakers are sorting out priorities for a dwindling supply of extra tax dollars expected to be available next year. [Source: Orlando Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Why a Florida utility suddenly wants to serve Hawaii
Like many big utilities, NextEra is looking at strategic mergers that offer a business advantage. Its $4.3 billion deal to buy Hawaiian Electric will give it important experience dealing with distributed renewable energy.
› Robot competition draws future engineers, scientists
More than 40,000 students across the country are expected to compete in this year's For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) challenge. The program helped students secure more than $20 million in scholarships last year.
› Climate change already showing effects at Kennedy Space Center
The effects of climate change are already showing up in places from Miami to Alaska, scientists say, but two University of Florida geologists are focusing their attention on one especially noteworthy and vulnerable piece of waterfront real estate: Kennedy Space Center.
› South Florida enjoys gas-price windfall
Gas prices are getting lower nearly every day, and especially in South Florida, that's cause for celebration just in time for the holidays. Energy-producing areas of the U.S. and the world aren't so happy, because the declines mean possible loss of wages and jobs.
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