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Money Management

5 Amazing Sam’s Club Buys for Under $10

By Money Management No Comments

Sam’s Club has some great items on sale for under $10 right now, including a rotisserie chicken as well as a dog bowl set and snack bars. Find out more. 

Image source: Getty Images

Want to score some great deals at Sam’s Club without giving your credit card a workout? Check out these five items. Each one costs less than $10 and they are sure to delight you.

1. Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken

If you’re like most adults who are pretty darn fed up with making dinner every single night, the Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie chicken could be just what you’re looking for.

For the shockingly low price of $4.98, you can get a whole chicken that is not only seasoned for you but comes fully cooked and ready to eat. This is a penny cheaper than Costco’s rotisserie chicken (hey, every cent adds up). And you even have the option to pick it up curbside (although you’ll pay an extra $4 fee for curbside pickup unless you are a Sam’s Club Plus member who gets it for free).

I’ve used this rotisserie chicken as the base on numerous meals, from chicken pot pie to soups and tacos. And, of course, our family sometimes just chows down on the chicken by itself if I’m feeling a little more burned out than usual with the idea of prepping yet another meal.

2. Mountain Sole Ladies Leather Sandals

If you want to take your sandal game up a notch or two, you could invest in some Birkenstocks, but the price tag is likely to put you off of that endeavor ($110 for sandals?!). The good news is, you can be a fashionista without emptying your bank account with these Mountain Sole Ladies Leather Sandals from Sam’s Club.

Not only will they give you that classic Birkenstock look for the more wallet-friendly price of $7.81, but they also have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars with most reviewers commenting on both their cuteness and comfiness. In fact, one reviewer said the quality was so good, they would have paid triple the price.

3. Double-Walled 2 pk. Dog Bowl w/ Silicone Feet, 3 cups

I really love my dog. I really do not love tripping over my dog’s water bowl and having the whole bowl tip over. I also don’t really love when she takes a drink and the bowl skids across the floor and sends water everywhere.

That’s why these double-walled dog bowls with silicone feet are an awesome deal that I was quick to jump on when I saw them at Sam’s Club. They were priced at just $4.91 and they hold three cups each so I was able to get one for home and one to keep in the car for drinks on the go.

While they are not spill-proof, the feet definitely make them more resistant to both tipping and sliding so they are tidier. Now I just have to figure out how to get my toddler to stop turning the bowl over and dumping water everywhere.

4. KIND Breakfast Protein Bars

My 4-year-old seems insistent on living on a granola-bar-only diet these days, so I was delighted to find a 12-pack of KIND Breakfast Protein Dark Chocolate Cocoa and Almond Butter bars for only $8.48 at Sam’s Club. At about $0.71 a bar, that’s a bargain compared to Target’s price of $1.60 a bar, which is where I usually buy them.

They’re made with Super Grains, so I can almost pretend like they’re a really healthy breakfast option for my son (A+ parenting win). Of course, now that I’ve bought the 12-pack, I just have to hope he doesn’t change his mind tomorrow and decide they’re a no-go even though he normally is happy to accept them as a treat due to the rich chocolatey flavor.

5. Member’s Mark Thyme Leaves (8.25 oz.)

We go through a lot of thyme leaves in our house (parmesan thyme crackers and thyme and honey mustard salmon are delicious, if you haven’t tried them). That’s why I jumped on this $6.98 Member’s Mark Thyme leaves deal. They come in at only $0.85 per ounce, compared with around $0.92 per ounce I usually pay. The large jar also means I won’t run out anytime soon, which is convenient. And, having sampled the product in a few recipes already, it tastes great, too.

Each of these deals are great bargains and easy on your personal finances, so jump on them while you can before they’re gone. You’ll be glad you did, especially when you’re enjoying a big plate of creamy thyme chicken if you decide to combine two of the items on this list into one flavor-packed crossover.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Why Natural Disasters Aren’t Discouraging People From Moving to These 5 States

By Money Management No Comments

Those who are able to are flocking to live in areas prone to natural disasters. Here, we look at where they’re going and why they’re moving. 

Image source: Getty Images

Like going into a dark attic to investigate a mysterious noise, Americans appear to be walking toward danger rather than away. But it’s not just in slasher movies that people make surprising decisions. More Americans are moving into areas prone to natural disasters than moving out, according to Redfin. Let’s look at where more Americans are choosing to call home and why they’re making the move.

1. Florida

According to Redfin, Lee County on the Gulf Coast saw 60,000 more people move in than move out over the past two years. That’s the largest increase among the 306 high-flood-risk counties analyzed. Despite the high probability of severe flooding, builders continue to put up new homes, and buyers continue to get mortgage loans and snap them up as quickly as they’re built.

Interestingly, Redfin reports that many of the folks who moved to Florida from the Northeast or West during the pandemic are now leaving. However, they’re quickly being replaced by new out-of-staters who dream of living near the coast.

2. Texas

Just north of Dallas is Collin County, home to Plano. Collin County has welcomed 61,000 more residents than have left over the past two years. Meanwhile, Lee County, in southeast Central Texas, had a net gain of 57,000 residents.

Climate-change modeling from the nonprofit First Street Foundation shows that Collin County has major risks from wildfires and severe winds. In addition, there’s a severe risk from heat. Lee County has a severe risk from heat due to an increase in “feels like” temperatures. A whopping 100% of homes in Lee County have a Severe Heat Factor®. Lee County also faces minor risk from flooding, major risk from wildfires, and severe risk from high winds.

3. Arizona

An astounding 76,000 more people moved in than moved out of Maricopa County during the past two years. But, 100% of homes in Maricopa County face high heat risk. It’s no secret that Arizona is one hot state, but the folks moving into the state face more than an occasional hot day.

According to ClimateCheck, in a typical year between 1985 and 2005, residents of Maricopa County could expect about seven days above 111.5ºF. By 2050, 27 years from now, Maricopa County residents are projected to experience about 41 days per year of temperatures over 111.5ºF.

4. Inland California

Among the 306 high-fire-risk counties Redfin analyzed, Riverside County had the highest number of homes facing high wildfire risk. In fact, 600,000 homes face the possibility of being damaged or destroyed in the next wildfire, and yet, Riverside County has experienced a net gain of 40,000 people over the past two years.

5. Utah

Washington and Utah counties have each witnessed an influx of new people since 2021, despite the fact that 95.5% of homes in Washington County face high fire risk and drought. And Utah county isn’t much better off in terms of risks. While 71% of homes in the county have a Moderate Heat Factor®, Utah county also faces a moderate risk of flooding, a major risk from wildfires, and minimal risk from severe winds.

Why people are moving

While there’s no single explanation for why people are choosing to move to high-risk areas, there appear to be at least two major reasons.

Lower cost of living

Many who’ve moved over the past two years got in early enough to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates before inflationary pressures led the Federal Reserve to raise rates. It was the middle of the pandemic, more people were working from home, and they suddenly had the freedom to move to less-expensive areas of the country.

Although interest rates have risen and the price of homes has skyrocketed in some areas, it’s still less expensive for someone moving from Boston, San Francisco, or New York to make a house payment in Florida or Arizona than it was back home.

The less a household spends on housing and everyday expenses like utilities and groceries, the more they have to invest for retirement or other future goals.

What you can do: When calculating the cost of living, be sure to factor in how much more you may have to spend on homeowners insurance.

Focus on today

There was a time when builders were less likely to construct homes in risky areas. Perhaps for that reason, disaster-prone regions have been more affordable than other areas of the country. According to Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather, “It’s human nature to focus on current waterfront views or a low cost of living, over costs that could rack up in the long run, like property damage or a decrease in property value.”

From 1900 to 1959, just 14% of homes were built in areas with a high risk of fire, and 37% in areas with drought risk. So far this decade, 55% of homes have been built in places with a high risk of fire and 45% in areas facing the risk of drought.

To understand the potential hardship of drought, look no further than Maricopa County. Redfin reports that the explosion in population has coincided with an increasingly dire climate crisis. Due to a lack of water, Arizona plans to stop issuing homebuilding permits in parts of the Phoenix area and will cap the number of new communities that can be built.

Fairweather believes “the consequences of climate change haven’t fully sunk in for many Americans because oftentimes, homeowners and renters don’t foot the whole bill when disaster strikes.” There’s a tendency to believe that insurance companies and government programs will foot the bill for rebuilding.

What you can do: Investigate the area you hope to move to, including how climate change is expected to affect the region. Unless you don’t plan to stay for long, be aware that extensive flooding, wildfires, and excessive heat can all impact the value of your property.

There’s no corner of the world immune from climate change, but some areas are more prone to catastrophic events than others. While you can’t base decisions solely on what “might happen,” it doesn’t hurt to factor risks into your next big decision, especially if it involves getting a mortgage loan.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
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4 Steps to Take if You’re Near Retirement and Facing a Bear Market

By Money Management No Comments

Facing a bear market as you near retirement may feel daunting, but there are steps you can take to prepare. Take a look at four of them. 

Image source: Getty Images

Whether you’re racing (or creeping) toward retirement, you probably don’t love the idea of entering this new stage of life smack-dab in the middle of a bear market, which is when the stock market goes through an extended period of declining prices. Retiring following a market decline of 20% or more may not seem ideal, but it’s not unmanageable. Here, we’ll look at four steps designed to help you over the hump.

1. Revisit your portfolio

T. Rowe Price reminds soon-to-be retirees to make sure their portfolios are properly allocated for this stage of life. That means taking a fresh look at your investments to ensure a balance that can help keep you afloat through a bear market.

The tricky bit here is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution regarding “proper” allocation. For example, Charles Schwab suggests investors in the early years of retirement maintain a higher allocation of stocks to guard against outliving their money, while those in their later years should prioritize income generation and preserving their capital.

Echo Wealth Management reminds clients to include non-portfolio income, such as Social Security and pension income, in their investment plans to avoid the risk of overweighting bonds.

The point is, now is the time to revisit your portfolio and make adjustments that fit both your goals and risk tolerance. And even if you’ve self-managed your investments for decades, now would also be a good time to meet with a retirement financial planner. It pays to have an extra set of eyes on the income you’re counting on to fund at least part of your retirement years.

2. Plump up the cash

Financial guru Suze Orman recently tweeted a piece of advice related to this topic. Orman’s tweet reads in part, “My recommendation is to keep three to five years of living expenses in a money market account or a high-yielding savings account.”

According to Orman, making those funds easily accessible means you won’t have to withdraw money from your portfolio right as a bear market or recession is eating away at its value. Instead, you can give the market time to recover and allow your investments to grow as the bear market inevitably morphs back into a bull market.

3. Look at guaranteed income

If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to develop a post-retirement budget. Take a look at your current expenses and decide how those expenses may change once you retire. For example, will you spend less on transportation costs, but more on utilities?

RELATED: Best Budgeting Apps

Once you have an idea of how much you’ll be spending each month in retirement, compare that amount against guaranteed sources of income, such as Social Security, pension, rental property income, and annuity payments.

The closer you can get to covering your monthly payments with guaranteed income, the less you have to concern yourself with bear markets because you won’t have to dip into retirement to pay bills.

4. Be flexible

Life throws curveballs, and anyone can get hit by one. If you’re not nearly where you hoped to be financially as you approach retirement, identify the reason why. If it’s because you’re carrying too much debt, consider working a year or two longer to pay off those extra debt expenses.

If the idea of sticking with your 9-to-5 job one day longer than necessary makes you sick, consider a way to turn a hobby or talent into a fun and rewarding business. Or think of a part-time job that sounds appealing to you and find out what it takes to land the role.

Planning for a bear market is wise, but there’s no reason to fear the market downturn. According to Hartford Funds, history is on our side.

Between 1928 and 1945, there were 12 bear markets, one approximately every 1.5 years. Since 1945, there have been 15 bear markets — or one every 5.1 years or so. And when a bear market happens, it’s always followed by a pretty impressive bull market. On average, stocks lose 35% during a bear market (which is why you want to avoid withdrawing funds during that time). By contrast, stocks gain an average of 111% during a bull market. Any money left in your portfolio has the potential for tremendous growth.

Some of us have a tendency to gather things to worry about. Once we put one worry to rest, we look for another. If the potential impact of a bear market during retirement is one of the things you stress over, a visit with a retirement planner may just take a load off your shoulders.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Charles Schwab is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Charles Schwab and recommends the following options: short September 2023 $47.50 puts on Charles Schwab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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What’s the Income of the Top 10%, 5%, and 1%?

By Money Management No Comments

A small portion of Americans earn salaries far beyond the national average. Discover how much income you need to be part of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%. 

Image source: Getty Images

Incomes vary quite a bit throughout the United States. The median income was $69,717 in 2021, but households in the top 10% and above make significantly more.

It’s interesting to see how much money these households make — and how your own income compares. Of Dollars and Data released income research earlier this year with the thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1% of household incomes, based on data from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances.

The 2019 survey is the most recent that’s currently available. Although it’s a few years old, the median inflation-adjusted income of the top 25% of households increased by just 2% from 2019 to 2022. So, the income data still provides a fairly accurate idea of how much the richest households make.

Incomes of the top 10%, 5%, and 1%

Here are the household income thresholds for the top 10%, 5%, and 1%:

Top 10%: $191,406Top 5%: $290,164Top 1%: $867,436

As you can see, you need an income nearly three times the national median to crack the top 10%. It takes another $100,000 on top of that to make the top 5%. And the 1% is making beaucoup bucks.

Now, these are the nationwide numbers, covering all demographics. They don’t account for location. The average income is much higher in some areas, and much lower in others. Another important factor that isn’t accounted for here is age. The average income increases until the mid-40s to mid-50s. Here’s what the top incomes look like for different age ranges.

Income of the top 10% by age

If you’re under 35, you can break into the top 10% with an income of $122,000. The income threshold jumps up after that, though. Here’s the full breakdown:

Age range 90th percentile household income Under 35 $122,000 35-44 $210,000 45-54 $255,000 55-64 $250,000 65-74 $188,000 75 and older $128,000
Data source: Of Dollars and Data (2023).

Income of the top 1% by age

If you want to break into the top 1%, then once again, your best chance is while you’re young. It still takes an income well above average. Here’s the full breakdown:

Age range 99th percentile household income Under 35 $225,000 35-44 $656,000 45-54 $1,313,000 55-64 $1,191,000 65-74 $1,013,000 75 and older $463,000
Data source: Of Dollars and Data (2023).

Income matters — but there’s much more to being successful

It’s hard to reach the top 10% in income, but you don’t need to earn that much to be successful. Income is only one part of personal finance. It’s an important part, to be sure. But it’s not all that matters. There are lots of other important factors, including your savings rate, how much you invest, and whether you have an emergency fund.

If you’re trying to assess how you’re doing with money, here are the signs that you’re in a good financial position:

You save and invest at least 10% of your income (20% total). This is what’s most important, because it means you’re building your savings and your retirement nest egg.You have an emergency fund, or you’re working on it. It’s recommended that you have enough in your emergency savings to cover three to six months of living expenses.Your regular bills are no more than 50% to 60% of your income. If so, you’ll have some spending money left over to use for anything you like.

If you’re not there yet, or you are and want to keep improving, then increasing your income could be the answer. But if you already earn a large income and the issue is that you spend it all on things you don’t need, then more money probably won’t help. In that case, focus on how you use your money and start automatically saving and investing some of it.

A high income can be an impressive achievement. That being said, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone earning $500,000 per year could be working 80 hours a week and feel miserable. It’s good to look for ways to raise your income, while also making sure your money brings you a high quality of life.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The Rich Are Putting Millions Into Trust for This Cherished Family Member. Here’s Why

By Money Management No Comments

The ultra-wealthy are putting millions of dollars away for their pets. Here’s where they’re stashing the money. 

Image source: Getty Images

More than two-thirds (68%) of U.S. households own at least one pet, and boy, do we love them. Not only are most pets bonafide members of the family, but we spend an estimated $99 billion annually to meet their needs. And for some of us, meeting those needs includes making sure they’ll be cared for after we die.

Planning for pets

Several years ago, my husband and I hired an estate attorney to set up a family trust. At the same time, we updated our wills. It had been years since our last update and much had changed in that time. Our boys were grown, had babies of their own, and we’d added two dogs to the family.

At the time, we were both worried about what would happen to Hank and Harlow if we died. While we’d had discussions with the kids regarding the pups’ care, there was nothing in writing. Fortunately, our attorney was able to walk us through the process after adding Hank and Harlow to our will.

We can’t legally leave money to pets. But we were able to spell out who will care for them when we’re gone. We were also able to designate a specific amount of money to the caretakers to cover the cost of Hank and Harlow’s care.

Remembering pets in a last will and testament or revocable trust is relatively common, particularly among those of us who don’t have billions of dollars in our bank accounts. For the ultra-wealthy, it’s all about setting up a purpose trust.

Purpose trust

When a rich person wants to leave enough money behind for something they care about — like caring for a beloved pet, seeing to the liquidation of a valuable art collection, or covering the upkeep of the family cabin — their attorney is likely to point them toward a purpose trust. As the name suggests, a purpose trust is set up with a specific purpose in mind.

The primary reason a person would opt to have such a trust drawn up is to be sure their wishes are honored, even if their heirs think those wishes are wacky. Purpose trusts may include specific language that lays out how funds should be spent, while also making it clear that children, grandchildren, and other beneficiaries are excluded from those funds.

No matter what heirs may think of the idea, a purpose trust allows a pet owner to allocate enough money to pay a caretaker, buy food, cover the cost of pet insurance, and otherwise ensure that their pets will be comfortable for the remainder of their lives.

How it works

A purpose trust gives a pet owner the ability to provide guidance regarding the care of their pet after they’re gone. It’s a deliberate and clear way to lay out wishes, and to leave enough money behind to cover costs.

As mentioned, those of us with small to moderate estates can allocate funds for pet care through our wills or revocable trusts. Clients with larger estates or complex needs might be better served with a purpose trust.

Let’s say a couple owns a chalet on Lake George in New York. They want the family to continue to enjoy the property for generations to come. To make it easier, they have a purpose trust drawn up, specifically to deal with their wishes regarding the property.

Not only will a purpose trust spell out their desires for the chalet on Lake George, a purpose trust is a tax-advantaged planning instrument. That means that future generations can continue to enjoy the lake house. Depending on how it’s set up, it’s possible that the need for future property appraisals are eliminated and the family’s tax burden is minimized.

When a purpose trust is set up to care for pets, it is typically limited to the lifetime of the animals. That means there needs to be a “Plan B.” The pet owner must decide where they would like any funds remaining in the trust directed after the last of their pets dies.

What you can do

If you’re concerned about what will happen to your pets after you’re gone, speak with an estate attorney about whether you can address the concerns through an update to your will or if your case is complex enough to require a purpose trust.

There’s no doubt that you love your pet and want to provide for them. Estate planning is one of the best ways to make sure they’re okay, no matter what happens.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
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3 Ways Parents Can Make the Most of a Costco Membership

By Money Management No Comments

Raising kids is expensive. Read on to see how your Costco membership can help you save on a whole bunch of costs. 

Image source: Getty Images

In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the average cost of raising a child at $233,610. But that was six years ago. And thanks to factors that include inflation, it’s fair to assume that raising a child is now an even more expensive prospect. This especially holds true if you want to be able to spring for extras like dance lessons, soccer clubs, and the various activities many parents rely on to keep their kids busy and well-rounded.

It’s important to find ways to conserve funds and cut back on costs where you can. And you may find that joining Costco is a good way to save money on various child-related expenses. Doing these three things, in fact, could help you spend less on your child while making the most of your Costco membership.

1. Buy snacks in bulk

Let’s face it: Kids need their snacks. It’s common for parents to be asked to send a daily snack to school. And when you’re hosting playdates, the unwritten rule is that you’re pretty much obligated to feed your children’s friends something. Costco can help you load up on snacks without a massive credit card tab.

At Costco, a 36-count box of SkinnyPop Popcorn, for example, costs $17.99 for two-day delivery, or $0.50 per bag. And you’ll most likely spend even less than that at your local warehouse club store. At Target, you might spend $8.99 for a 14-count supply, or about $0.64 per bag.

2. Stock up on low-cost apparel

Many people visit Costco for the bulk groceries and household products that are commonly stocked there. But Costco also carries a rotating line of clothing for both kids and adults. And you can commonly reap savings by purchasing clothing there.

Right now, Costco has a two-pack of long-sleeved fleece tops for children available for $17.99 online (and your in-store price might be lower). Target has a single long-sleeved fleece top for $12.

3. Load up on seasonal buys

Costco’s inventory tends to rotate by season. But you can spend less on common “kid musts” by scoping out the seasonal aisles and jumping when savings opportunities arise.

As an example, at this time of the year, you can already find Halloween candy at Costco. Online, a mega-bag of miniature candy bars will have you spending $0.26 per ounce. At Target, you might spend more like $0.44 per ounce for an assortment of miniatures.

You might also find Halloween costumes at your local warehouse club store at a better price than what other retailers are offering. The same holds true for fall decor your kids might beg for, like fake pumpkins to put on your porch, so it pays to look around.

Being a parent can be an expensive prospect. Necessities aside, it’s hard to say no to the things your kids really want. They don’t need a new Halloween costume every year, for example, but it’s natural to want to give them one. Thankfully, Costco can help with a host of child-related expenses — even those that aren’t an absolute must.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has positions in Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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