Tuesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 12/9/2014

Economists forecast fast growth in 2015

The U.S. economy, helped by a stronger job market and falling oil prices, should enjoy the fastest economic growth in a decade next year, according to a panel of top business economists. The National Association for Business Economics said it expects the overall economy, as measured by the GDP, to expand by 3.1 percent next year. That would be the strongest GDP growth since 2005. More on this from the AP.

In a separate report, U.S. employers are optimistic about hiring. Manpower estimates a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +16% during the first quarter of 2015. The survey puts Cape Coral, Florida, and Deltona, Florida in the top 5 cities for strongest job prospects. See the full Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, here.

Aviation
Minimum-wage pilots in Florida

The employee stocking the shelf at your local Walmart and the junior first officer co-piloting the regional airline plane you’re flying have this in common: Both might not take home $25,000 a year.

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Why first generation students find it tougher To earn a college degree

Research shows students who are the first in their family to attend college know less about how to get into and pay for college. And first generation college students are less likely to take tough high school courses needed to be prepared for college. More at StateImpact Florida.

Malls upgrade attractions to entice holiday shoppers

Weary of navigating packed parking lots and elbow-to-elbow crowds, consumers increasingly have been turning to the Web. So malls are super-sizing attractions or services to entice shoppers off the couch and into stores. More at the Lakeland Ledger.

Survey shows Floridians have concerns about food safety, GMOs

While Floridians believe they do a fairly good job of keeping themselves safe from foodborne illnesses, they aren’t always clear about which foods, preparation techniques or cooking methods pose the biggest risks. But they may be a bit overconfident. More from UF News.

Magic Leap names tech finance heavyweight as CFO

Magic Leap, the South Florida tech company that recently secured a $542 million investment by a group led by Google, has named a tech finance heavyweight as its new chief financial officer. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Retirement
Making Your Nest Egg Last As Long As You Do

Retirement for baby boomers will look different than it did for their parents — Americans are living longer, health care costs more, fewer people have pensions today and many people facing retirement haven't saved much. All that makes managing the nest egg you do have even more vital.