Speaker B advises investors new to municipal bonds (munis) on current opportunities. Munis are traditionally safe, involving essential services like water and sewer systems or property tax-backed obligations. Intermediate munis currently yield around 4.3%, equivalent to 7% for high-bracket taxpayers, placing them in the 98th percentile over the last decade. For those willing to take slightly more risk, high-yield funds offer approximately 5.75%, equating to yields in the high eights to low nines. Unlike other asset classes, munis are largely unaffected by tariffs. Given their lagging performance year-to-date, Speaker B considers this an attractive entry point for fixed-income investors.

The finance committee of Bowling Green City Council is set to convene on Monday at 6:30 p.m. for a quarterly review of the city's financial status. This meeting will take place in the council chamber within the City Administrative Services Building, located at 305 N. Main St. The session aims to provide an update on the city’s fiscal activities and performance over the past quarter, ensuring transparency and accountability in municipal financial management.

The article discusses three stocks trading near their 52-week lows, presenting potential buying opportunities amid market volatility in early 2025. Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, is refocusing on core strengths post-divestiture, expecting solid organic growth and expansion in emerging markets. Pfizer, despite post-COVID-19 sales challenges, shows promise with strong portfolio performances and an upcoming regulatory catalyst, offering investors a high dividend yield. Nike, affected by trade tariffs and shifting consumer spending, boasts global diversification, a strong balance sheet, and iconic branding, suggesting its decline may have overshot realistic concerns. Each company's resilience and strategic positioning make them potentially rewarding long-term investments.

Achieving mortgage-free status is a significant milestone, but unexpected home repairs can challenge your financial freedom. With options like home equity loans, credit cards, and personal loans available, choosing the right financing method requires careful consideration. Home equity loans offer predictable payments and lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans, but they risk your home if repayments fail. Credit cards may provide short-term relief, especially with 0% introductory offers, yet high-interest rates can lead to long-term debt. Personal loans, though slightly more expensive, avoid using your home as collateral. Ultimately, assessing your financial stability, repair costs, and repayment capacity is crucial. Balancing immediate needs with long-term security ensures wise financial decisions, even in urgent situations. This article provides informational guidance, not direct advice.

House Speaker Mike Johnson's fundraising committee, Grow the Majority, amassed over $24.1 million in Q1 2024, primarily from wealthy donors in fossil fuel and investment sectors. This funding supports House Republicans' efforts to maintain their slim majority while advancing energy legislation favored by the fossil fuel lobby and extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Notable contributors include oil magnate Tim Dunn and investor Rex Sinquefeld, each donating $1.1 million. Dunn, CEO of Crownquest, profited significantly from selling his company to Occidental Petroleum, a major U.S. Permian Basin producer and API member supporting deregulatory energy policies. Johnson’s total Q1 haul was $32.3 million, marking his highest quarterly fundraising as speaker. The committee distributes funds to various PACs, including Johnson’s campaign, NRCC, CLF, and key Republican members’ campaigns.

Germany's Finance Minister, Jörg Kukies, discusses the nation's infrastructure spending plan amid challenges like Deutsche Bahn’s delays and potential US tariffs under Donald Trump. Kukies, a former Goldman Sachs banker, was appointed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz shortly before general elections. Meeting in Mainz, his hometown with French influences, Kukies emphasizes the necessity of Germany's €1tn debt package to modernize its military and infrastructure. This fiscal shift has impacted Eurozone borrowing costs but signals Germany's readiness for expansionist policies. Despite political hurdles, including opposition from far-right and far-left parties, the package aims to boost economic growth and address long-term structural issues. Kukies reflects on his political journey, expressing indifference about historical records and focusing on effective governance during his tenure.