Latest news with #HSA
Irish Examiner
21 hours ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Tributes to Kerry farmer and All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who died in farm fatality
Tributes are being paid to a multiple All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who was killed in a farming accident in Co Kerry on Tuesday. She has been named locally as Breda Lynch, 64, from Bonane, Kenmare, who lost her life following a fatal farm accident in Kerry. The fatal workplace accident occurred in Bonane on Tuesday evening at 5pm. Ms Lynch was an All-Ireland sheep shearing champion on several occasions. Speaking at an event in 2019 about her career, she said she wasn't sure how many All-Irelands she had won. "I definitely have 12 but it could be 14." She added: "I didn't get a trophy every year I won so I don't actually know how many I have won. "I won the All-Ireland Ladies Championship on Sunday with the electric shears, and I had only gone up as a spectator. I've been ill for a few years, and at one point I thought I'd never compete again. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I also got a certificate for Outstanding Service to the Sheep-Shearing Industry''. Paying tribute, local councillor Dan McCarthy, who is also the manager of Kenmare Mart, said there was huge shock in the area at Breda's death. "She was very well-known in this area and beyond." A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána confirmed they attended the accident and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a work-related incident that occurred in Bonane, Kenmare, Co Kerry, on Tuesday June 17, 2025, at approximately 5pm.' Gardaí said an examination of the scene was conducted. The Coroner for Kerry has been notified and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and is investigating the matter. The HSA has also confirmed an investigation is under way. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Former sheep shearing champion named as woman (64) killed in Kerry faming accident
'There is huge shock in the area at the passing Breda. She was very well-known in this area and beyond.' Tributes are being paid to a multiple All-Ireland sheep shearing champion who was killed in a farming accident in County Kerry on Tuesday. She has been named locally as Breda Lynch (64) from Bonane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry lost her life following a fatal farm accident in Kerry. The fatal work-place accident occurred in Bonane, yesterday evening, June 17 at 5pm. Ms Lynch was an All-Ireland sheep shearing champion on several occasions. Speaking at an event in 2019 about her career she said she wasn't sure how many All-Irelands she had won. She said: 'I definitely have 12 but it could be 14.' Breda Lynch News in 90 Seconds - June 19th She added: 'I didn't get a trophy every year I won so I don't actually know how many I have won.' She added: 'I won the All-Ireland Ladies Championship on Sunday with the electric shears, and I had only gone up as a spectator. I've been ill for a few years, and at one point I thought I'd never compete again. It was a spur of the moment thing. I also got a certificate for 'Outstanding Service to the Sheep-Shearing Industry'. Paying tribute local Councillor Dan McCarthy said: 'There is huge shock in the area at the passing Breda. She was very well-known in this area and beyond.' A spokesperson for An Garda Siochána confirmed they attended the accident and the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. "Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a work-related incident that occurred in Bonane, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at approximately 5pm.' Gardaí said an examination of the scene was conducted. The Coroner for Kerry has been notified and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and are investigating the matter. The HSA have also confirmed an investigation is underway. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vast majority of HSA savers skip the investing option
Health savings accounts are a small but mighty tool when it comes to saving and investing money for retirement. Yet a vast majority of savers do not invest their HSA funds, according to a report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The research, looking at more than 14.5 million HSA accounts, found that 85% of account holders do not invest their HSAs in assets other than cash. Financial advisors say that figure isn't surprising. A combination of factors, including clunky investment platforms, balance thresholds and a general lack of understanding, all contribute to the high share of account holders who don't invest their HSA funds, advisors say. READ MORE: How HSAs pay off in retirement — with caveats "Many companies require employees to utilize a captive custodian, and there is a lot of paperwork and separate accounts and then transfers required to begin the investment process," said Sammy Grant, principal at Homrich Berg in Sandy Springs, Georgia. "So, it's not a lack of interest or desire but a frustration with the hassle factor or a lack of investment options with the employer's chosen provider." While rules vary, many HSA custodians also require a minimum balance, typically between $1,000 and $2,000, before allowing account holders to access investment options. This requirement effectively excludes most HSA users from investing, as 51% of accounts hold less than $1,000, according to the EBRI. The institute's research indicates that employer contributions could play a role in boosting HSA investment. Accounts with invested assets saw a higher average employer contribution of $1,041, in contrast to accounts without invested assets, which averaged $694 in employer contributions. "This result suggests that having an employer contribution could make account holders feel more comfortable investing at least some portion of their HSAs or that account owners with higher balances are more engaged because they have more at stake," EBRI researchers Jake Spiegel and Paul Fronstin wrote. "This could also indicate that these employers are more engaged with helping employees see the value of using HSAs as longer-term savings vehicles." READ MORE: With Trump admin rule rollback, will 401(k)s see more crypto options? Data shows that accounts with invested assets had an average balance of $23,583, more than sevenfold the $2,795 average for accounts without invested assets. Researchers say that difference is likely driven by a variety of factors, including the worker's ability to contribute and save more of their income. "Account holders with invested assets may be in a better position to invest precisely because they are able to contribute more," researchers wrote. While employer contributions could encourage HSA investing, researchers note that such contributions are not a "magic bullet." "Providing an employer contribution to an HSA will not automatically turn that account holder into an investor who uses their HSA as a long-term savings vehicle instead of a short-term spending vehicle," researchers wrote. "Indeed, account holders with employer contributions still take larger distributions than their counterparts who did not receive an employer contribution." Advisors say that insufficient cash flow is one of the more obvious barriers preventing many savers from investing their HSA funds. "My clients understand the long-term benefits of investing their HSA, but the main barrier is usually cash flow," said Dave Flegal, founder of Flegal Financial Planning in Cleveland, Ohio. "If they can't afford to cover medical expenses without tapping into their HSA, they're hesitant to invest those funds." For clients who may need to take distributions from their HSA, advisors say that keeping the funds in cash can be a smart decision. "I only have clients invest the portion of the account that exceeds their annual deductible on their health insurance," said Filip Telibasa, owner of Benzina Wealth in Sarasota, Florida. "This way, if they have unexpected medical expenses, the funds are not invested and exposed to short-term market risk. The remainder of the account should be invested similarly to retirement accounts, as it has a long time horizon and grows tax-deferred and tax-free if used for medical expenses. By taking more risk with this portion of the account, we maximize our long-term benefits without compromising risk over the short term." READ MORE: Which portfolio withdrawal strategy is best for retirees? Some planners advise their high-earning clients to pay for medical expenses with their regular savings, leaving HSA funds free to be invested tax-free as an additional retirement account. The account name itself — health savings account — also confuses many savers, advisors say. "Many people are unaware that investing their HSA funds is even an option," said Hardik Patel, founder of Trusted Path Wealth Management in Santa Rosa, California. "Some mistakenly believe HSAs operate like FSAs [flexible spending accounts], assuming it's a 'use-it-or-lose-it' arrangement. This misunderstanding discourages long-term planning." While advisors can't overcome all the financial barriers that prevent many HSA account holders from investing their funds, education alone can make a difference for some savers. "Once clients understand how these accounts work in plain English and comprehend their substantial benefits, they typically have an eye-opening experience," said Kevin Feig, founder of Walk You To Wealth in Boston. "Explaining the potential for them to never pay taxes often elicits a strong reaction." Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
New system cuts down on waiting
Staying patient: Patients and their families waiting for their turn to receive medical treatment at Hospital Sultanah Aminah. The new system will streamline the process. JOHOR BARU: Johor's Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) is set to become the first public hospital in Malaysia to adopt a RM1mil smart queue system (SQS) aimed at reducing patients' waiting time. With the SQS, patients will no longer have to take separate queue numbers at the hospital's specialist clinics and pharmacy department. They can obtain a queue number by scanning a QR code with their smartphone and use the same queue number for their medical needs for the day. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the SQS will begin in phases at HSA's specialist clinics before it is fully implemented by the end of the year. 'HSA sees about 2,000 patients each day, making it one of the busiest hospitals in the country. 'Once the SQS is fully implemented, we will hopefully replicate the system in other hospitals, such as Hospital Sultan Ismail and those in other districts to improve public healthcare delivery,' he said after visiting HSA here yesterday. Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon explained that the SQS was developed to address high patient volume and congestion issues faced by the hospital. 'At present, patients need to take a queue number to see a specialist and then take another number to queue up for their medication, which is time consuming. 'The SQS allows patients to know the number of patients ahead of them via a smartphone app so they can move around or go for tea or toilet breaks without worrying about losing their turn,' he added. At present, Ling said the system is being tested and that some patients have begun using it. Onn Hafiz said the SQS was part of the state's ongoing efforts to address issues faced by the hospital, in addition to upgrading eight wards, toilets and surau facilities. The state is working with non-governmental organisations, which had contributed new hospital beds and mattresses as well as an ambulance. He said that Waqaf An-Nur has stationed a mobile clinic at HSA's entrance to provide additional support for the hospital's emergency and trauma department, which tends to get very busy at night and on weekends. 'They will be assisting HSA five days a week to tend to non-critical or level five cases such as fever or cough, which do not require a specialist doctor's attention. 'I have also directed Ling to station at least two additional doctors a day at the emergency and trauma department on a locum basis. I believe that can be done by next week,' he said. When asked about the proposal for a multi-level carpark, Onn Hafiz said a value assessment study has been completed. 'I understand that funding has been secured and the value assessment has just concluded,' he said. Aside from the current practice of parking within hospital grounds, he said patients have the alternative of parking at a free carpark at Pantai Lido, across the road from the hospital. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM500mil for first phase upgrades of the hospital on Sept 4, 2023. Among the proposed upgrades include the construction of a polyclinic and multi-storey car park to address hospital congestion.
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Second Refinancing of Hildene TruPS Securitization 3, Ltd.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to six classes of refinancing notes issued by Hildene TruPS Securitization 3, Ltd. (HITR3), a securitization backed by a portfolio of bank and insurance TruPS CDO assets. The transaction originally closed in June 2020 as Hildene TruPS Securitization 2020-3 Ltd and had an initial refinancing in August 2021. This transaction will include an upsize of $43.7 million of new assets and resets the terms of the securitization including the stated maturity, non-call period, payment date when Turbo Payment Percentage is applied, portfolio and note notional balances and note interest rates. It is expected to have a performing collateral par value of $363.1 million from 64 obligors (72 assets) and total liabilities of $270.7 million. The transaction is static although Hildene Structured Advisors, LLC (HSA), the named collateral manager, can direct a limited amount of sales. HSA is a relying advisor to Hildene Capital Management, LLC (together with its affiliates, Hildene). The securitization is expected to consist of $176.4 million Class A1-RR Notes, $30.0 million Class A2-FR Notes, $51.4 million Class A2-NR Notes, $31.1 million Class B-RR Notes, $13.7 million Class C-RR Notes, $24.7 million Class D-RR Notes, and $34.7 million of Subordinated Notes. The ratings reflect current credit enhancement levels, excess spread, and structural features. The Classes A1-RR, A2-NR, A2-FR, B-RR, C-RR, and D-RR Notes are expected to have par subs of 51.7%, 29.5%, 29.5%, 21.0%, 17.3%, and 10.5% respectively. The current portfolio has a K-WARF of 432, which represents a weighted average portfolio assessment between BBB- and BBB-. Kroll Bond Rating Agency's (KBRA) preliminary ratings on Class A1-RR, A2-NR and A2-FR reflects KBRA's opinion regarding the likelihood of timely payment of interest and ultimate repayment of principal. While the preliminary rating assigned to the Class B-RR, C-RR and D-RR reflects KBRA's opinion regarding the likelihood of ultimate payment of interest and principal. To access ratings and relevant documents, click here. Click here to view the report. Methodologies Disclosures Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above. A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here. Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here. Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at About KBRA Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S. Doc ID: 1009952
