#superhero retirement fund

[xoxoladyaz]

AU-gust, Day 9: Cleaning Crew

A/N: Avengers Crossover and allusions to smut, ahoy!

This ended up way hurt/comfort/fluff than I anticipated and there were almost no sexy times? And it was definitely the Avengers cockblocking Eddie and not the other way around so if there's still interest in that, I could see me writing THAT AU in the future! I just wanted Steve to be properly appreciated, you know? Anyways, happy AU-gust Day 9!

“This is the weirdest NDA I’ve ever seen.”

“Question, how many NDAs have you seen?”

Nancy Wheeler’s pinched face glared at Steve through his Starkphone. “Enough.” She rolled her eyes at Steve and restarted her perusal of the hefty contract Steve had emailed over to her (that she’d insisted on printing and making notes on, because even ten years removed from high school, Nancy Wheeler was thorough.) “There’s some things here regarding interpersonal relationships that seem a little unprecedented.”

“But?” Steve Harrington echoed, his eyebrows near his hairline.

“But you are dealing with the world’s first literal superhero team so these probably aren’t unreasonable requests,” she finished between gritted teeth.

“Great, so I can sign it then.”

“Steve,” Nancy sighed, and she pinched her nose between her eyes, “are you sure you want to do this? If it’s a matter of money - ”

“It’s not, Nance. Neither one of us has to work,” Steve argued back and hey, he wasn’t wrong. The government had been obscenely generous in their payouts after they’d finally defeated Vecna. And, okay, was it a little weird that instead of going to a fancy school or kickstarting his musical career or buying a weed farm that Steve rented a normal apartment and put the rest away into an investment fund? Maybe. Did he need to work, let alone work as a glorified cleaning service for the one percent? No, not at all.

But maintaining one of his (recently-divorced) mother’s properties had turned into a prosperous career because hey, it turns out all of those years spent cleaning up after the kids (and the interdimensional monsters they kept as pets) meant that he was, like, really good at cleaning. (And he was still incredibly insecure about his intelligence, or lack-thereof, and he didn’t want to be the only one who didn’t get into the dream school he applied for.)

And now he’d been personally asked – by Pepper Potts herself, of all people (who apparently played bridge with his mom?) – to take over the general care and upkeep of the personnel apartments at the newly re-christened Avengers Tower in New York City.

(Thank God he’d been out of town at one of Lucas’ basketball games when the whole attack happened; not that he wouldn’t have been willing to help but man, fighting monsters takes a toll when you’re not a superhuman. And he was only thirty.)

“This just feels like a cry for help, Steve. Do you really want to look after the world’s most difficult group of people?”

Steve stared at Nancy without blinking. “I babysat Henderson for years. I feel like I’m still babysitting Henderson.”

“I know, it’s just – I’m just worried that you’re not moving on, Steve.”

And, well, that hurt. Because sure, he didn’t have a doctorate like Robin or Dustin and he wasn’t playing professional sports like Lucas or spearheading global disability rights campaigns like Max or running a prosperous weed farm like Argyle or was part of the reporting and photography duo that was Nancy and Jonathan, nor was he part of a Grammy-winning rock band or a retired superhero or –

(It’s just, at the end of the day, Steve didn’t have really big dreams. After years spent fighting interdimensional monsters that liked to crawl their way out of walls, all of the other stuff – fame, fortune, money, a legacy – it didn’t really feel important anymore. All Steve wanted now, and truthfully, all he really wanted then, was a place to call home and people to belong to.

So honestly, it was really fucking rude of Nancy to judge him for just wanting that. And he was going to be working in close proximity with the Avengers of all people, like, how was that not success? Sure, he’d essentially be a live-in maid, but it wasn’t like he wasn’t doing important work.)

Steve didn’t say any of this to Nancy, of course; he didn’t need to. The looks on her face – shock, and then guilt – said enough.

“Steve - ”

“Thanks for your help, Nance,” he replied quickly, and then he hung up the phone.

(They were all split up now, they had been for years. And keeping them all together, staying together, being a family? That had been his dream for years.

But maybe it was time for a new dream now.

And maybe the Avengers Tower was the perfect place to start.)

/////

Working at the Tower meant that sometimes Steve felt like he was cleaning a frat house, mainly because the communal kitchen was usually covered in junk food wrappers and empty beer bottles and days’ old coffee mugs.

(“Trust me,” Pepper Potts had said drily the first time they’d had a check-in meeting, “this doesn’t come closeto a Tony Stark frat house party.”) 

Still, he was on time every day, kept to himself, and most importantly didn’t sell out any information to any of the many, many media outlets that sent him offers. That, along with the fact that apparently Steve had an obscenely high security clearance (thanks, Hawkins!) meant that he was asked to officially move into the staff quarters of Avengers Tower within his first month of work.

(Which had the added effect of him actually meeting the Avengers and, well, it was a little weird.

Because if Steve didn’t know any better, he’d say that they were flirting with him. Or, even worse, that they were staking some sort of claim, and that didn’t make sense, right?

Right?)

/////

1. Tony Stark

“Hey honeybun, how’s it hanging?”

“To the left,” Steve replied absentmindedly as he disinfected the industrial-grade espresso machine.

Someone choked behind him and – shit.

He’d just said that to his BOSS.

(His incredibly hot, incredibly wealthy, incredibly smart and powerful boss.

SHIT.)

“Mr. Stark!” Steve exclaimed as he spun to face his employer. “Mr. Stark, I am so, so sorry, that was so inappropriate - ”

“First of all, please for the love of god call me Tony,” Mr. Stark – Tony – ordered with a smirk as he leaned on the kitchen’s island. He was dressed in an old AC/DC tee that sent a pang through Steve’s heart because wowit reminded him so much of Eddie (although that’s where their style similarities ended, because Eddie always wore loose bottoms and Tony’s pants were always fitted to accentuate his ass.

NOT THAT STEVE HAD BEEN LOOKING.)

“And second of all,” Tony purred as he leaned further across the island, getting right up into Steve’s space, “don’t tease me if you aren’t going to follow through, sweetheart.”

Steve didn’t need a mirror to tell him that he was flushing bright red. “I – I - ”

“Mister Harrington, sir,” JARVIS spoke – which was a fully functional AI that Dustin would die to know about – “there is a call waiting for you on your personal line, a Mister Edward Munson.”

Speak of the devil.

“Oh,” Steve murmured, his face cooling off as quickly as it had heated and he spun around, hands shaking as he looked for a towel. “Yeah, let me just get a towel - ”

“JARVIS, put the call on my line,” he heard Tony order, and then a warm hand was at his back. “I’ve got this, handsome.”

Steve turned just in time to see Tony shoot him a wink and pick up his phone. “Eddie Munson, huh? I’ve heard a lot about you,” Tony started and then he was gone, disappearing out of the kitchen and towards his lab.

“I – JARVIS?”

“Mister Stark is a mystery to behold,” the AI replied with a sigh. “How about a glass of champagne?”

You know what? Fuck it.

“That sounds great, J.”

2. Steve Rogers

“ – and I said, ‘excuse me, but only one of us outsmarted some leftover commie bastards at the age of ten and it wasn’t you, Professor.’”

Steve snorted, listening as Erica detailed her most recent argument – and victory – with her prick of an international relations professor. (A few days after his weird interaction with Tony in the kitchen, he’d been granted access to accept personal calls in the main Avengers spaces, which meant that he had more time to catch up with his friends while cleaning which was a blessing because some of the dusting in this place? Took hours.)

“Doesn’t that break your NDA?”

“Please,” Erica snorted over the living room’s loudspeakers, “I’ve got Owens wrapped around my finger, just like you with a certain member of the one percent.”

“Sorry, what?” Steve paused mid-wipe, looking confusedly at the now-gleaming metallic coffee table in front of him. “What are you talking about?”

“Tony Stark, your knight in iron armor?” Erica replied in her best I’m-talking-to-an-idiot-right-now voice. “Or did you forget that he’s screening your calls?”

“He’s screening my what?”

“Please, we all heard about his little talk with the Nerd King,” she scoffed and oh yeah, he’d forgotten about that. (Honestly, he had no idea what those two had even talked about; when he asked Tony, the older man had changed the subject and ordered super fancy sushi instead.) “Now, if you had a bodyguard like that back at Starcourt, maybe you wouldn’t have gotten your ass kicked by the Russians.”

“What Russians?”

Steve didn’t scream, but he might have let out a high-pitched noise of surprise at the sound of Captain America’s voice. He turned around to find Steve Rogers standing at attention in the living room, his eyes glaring at the speakers overhead.

“Steve,” Erica’s voice echoed slowly, “am I hearing Captain America right now?”

“Just Steve Rogers, ma’am,” the tall blonde replied automatically.

“And just how long have you been there, Just Steve Rogers?”

“Long enough. Now, what is this about the Russians?” He asked, and his piercing blue eyes dropped onto Steve’s face and his heart was beating fast because he was nervous and for no other reason.

“Seriously? How do you not know? Haven’t you read Steve’s file?” Erica asked incredulously and okay, this conversation needed to be done immediately.

Piercing blue eyes grew shocked and Captain Rogers looked, well, sick to his stomach. “You have a file?”

“Okay!” Steve jumped up before this could spiral any further out of hand. “Erica, it was great talking to you, I’ll call you later, uh, Captain Rogers - ”

“Please, call me Steve.”

“Right, Steve, there’s nothing to be, uh, worried about - ”

“She said Russians,” Cap pointed to the ceiling, “so there’s definitely something to be worried about. Does Tony know about the Russians?”

“I’m sorry, did somebody say my name?” Tony popped his head into the room because of course he was also nearby.

“Did you know about this?”

“I know a lot of things, Cap, you’re going to have to be more specific.”

“Did you know that Steve was attacked by Russians?”

“Steve was what?!”

(Steve was then treated to the sight of Iron Man and Captain America reading his security file, staring at him in shock, and then stomping off to do something about their fury? The last part of that entire thing didn’t make sense, but JARVIS sent him some whiskey so hey, it could have been worse.

And if he let Captain Rogers tuck an extra blanket around him during movie night, well, that was just his business.)

3. Natasha Romanoff (and Clint Barton)

“I heard you lost a fight with some Russians.”

“JESUS!” Steve startled, barely stopping himself from dropping Tony’s mother’s expensive China all over the floor. (The porcelain set hadn’t been looked at in years and Pepper wanted to use it for the next investors meeting, so of course this is when the infamous Black Widow approached him.)

“Okay, first of all,” he said after he had set down the dishware and turned to face the smirking redhead, “I didn’t lose the fight, I knocked one out.”

“And then you got surrounded, captured, and were tortured for a total of two hours in a hidden bunker,” she finished. (How did she get her eyebrow to quirk like that? And why did he feel like she was flirting with him but also being mean?)

(And how could he get that skill?)

“I – yeah, you’re not wrong about that,” Steve muttered, glancing away from Natasha. “At least we all made it out alive. And we survived the whole Hawkins earthquake thing.”

Natasha snorted and murmured something under her breath that sounded like Russian but also sounded like metal and frankly didn’t make a lot of sense. She cleared her throat and spoke up and, well, whatever she said before must not have been important. “It’s a good thing you have us to train you.”

“Yeah,” he murmured absentmindedly. Then – 

“Wait, what?”

Which is how Steve started spending two hours out of every afternoon “training” with Natasha in the official Avengers’ sparring room. Honestly, he wasn’t sure how much good it was doing, given that “training” mainly consisted of Natasha throwing him around the room and giving him bruises.

(Okay, that he was into, and she knew it too, judging by the wink she’d send him every time he headed off to the showers.)

After a few weeks, when she’d deemed him “competent” enough, she had Clint Barton start “assisting” as well, meaning there were two of them beating him up now which meant twice the embarrassment and twice the bruises.

(And twice the amount of time jerking off in the shower.)

(This was really starting to get out of hand.)

4. Thor and Bruce Banner

“This is really starting to get out of hand.”

“What is?” Robin asked as she poured the last of her Flaming Hot Cheeto dust into her mouth. She was the first person Steve had been able to secure a visitor’s pass for; Dustin was next on the list, followed by Max and Erica and then the rest of the gang (although according to JARVIS they were running into some sort of problem with Eddie’s pass, which could take up to an additional two months? He didn’t fully understand it, JARVIS had told him during breakfast a few days ago and he’d gotten distracted by Natasha throwing knives at Clint’s apple strudel and Steve accidentally breaking the toaster again.)

Steve grimaced as he watched her lick her fingers. “You mean aside from your Cheeto addiction?”

“Hey, this isn’t an addiction, I can stop any time,” she replied with a snort before tossing her empty bag at Steve. 

(Gross.)

“Sorry, what were you saying dingus? Something about things getting out of hand?”

“I don’t know, I just,” Steve set down his feather-duster (that he hadn’t even been using, he’d just been tossing it around like his old ice cream scooper) and got close enough to Robin so she could hear his whisper, “I might be reading things wrong, but I’m almost getting the feeling that they’re into me or something?”

Robin frowned. “Who, Eddie?”

“Eddie?” Now it was Steve’s turn to be confused. “No, the Avengers.”

“The AVENGERS?” Robin squeaked just as the door to the elevator banks opened. Steve and Robin whipped around to see Thor enter the main atrium with Dr. Banner on his heels.

“Steve!” Thor shot him a blinding smile and strutted over. Upon reaching Steve he wrapped him up in a hug and lifted him off the ground.

“Hey Thor!” Steve wheezed, trying to pat what he could of Thor’s back.

“How I have missed your countenance, my friend,” Thor boomed, and then he was setting Steve back on the ground – 

And kissing him on the lips. 

Thor leaned back and beamed, ignoring the fact that Steve was openly gaping at him. “It is good to be home.”

“Yeah? Yeah,” Steve breathed before shooting a quick look at Robin who looked completely and totally dumbfounded.

“And you must be the Lady Robin!” Thor said, turning his mega-watt smile upon Robin who flushed bright red. “Steve has told us of your exploits and your intellect. You would do well amongst the heroes of Asgard.”

“Thank you? I mean, thank you,” Robin squeaked.

(If Steve wasn’t in a state of complete and utter shock, he might have laughed at her, but he couldn’t move.)

“I have also seen the flag of your people,” Thor continued, like he didn’t notice Robin’s utter embarrassment, “and I have a lovely friend named Val who is searching for a paramour of her own. Do you think you would be interested? I could arrange a meeting.”

“Val. Val? As in - ”

“Valkyrie, yes,” Dr. Banner finally cut in sheepishly. “Also, hi, I’m Dr. Banner.”

Robin could only muster up a wave.

“Uh, hi, hi Bruce,” Steve shook his head, forcing himself to get it together it was only a kiss.

“Hi Steve, good to see you,” Bruce replied, and now he was bright red and well apparently Thor was the only person who wasn’t blushing right now and Steve needed to get a handle on this stat.

“That would be great, Thor!” Steve cut in, saving Robin from having to respond. “Robin’s going to be in town for a few more days.”

“Wonderful!” Thor said, turning back to beam at Steve. “I shall invite Val for dinner tomorrow but for now, I shall allow you to return to your revelry. Lady Robin,” he said with a bow towards Robin and then, turning to face Steve, he shot Steve a smug wink. “Steve.” And with that Thor was gone, headed towards Tony’s lab with a still-blushing Bruce Banner hot on his heels.

Steve turned to stare at Robin.

Robin stared back at Steve.

“Holy shit.”

“Holy shit.”

5. The Team

Surprisingly – or unsurprisingly – Robin’s date with Val had gone really, really well; in fact, it had gone so well that Robin transferred her graduate credits to NYU in a matter of days and moved into the Tower as well.

(“Steve. Steve. She’s a literal alien warrior goddess. Who cares where I work? I don’t even need to work.”

Still, the NYU transfer went incredibly smoothly, so smoothly that Steve confronted a certain genius billionaire playboy philanthropist about it. Tony had denied any input and distracted him with more sushi and a thorough tour of his sportscars which had ended up lasting for hours.)

Anyways, with Robin now living as an occupant of the Tower and the rest of the Avengers fully settled in and in agreement on a chore chart, Steve was starting to wonder just why he was still employed; like, what purpose was he serving? He really did try to stay on top of the cleaning, but the others were pitching in almost constantly, and it was a miracle if he was responsible for cooking even one meal a day.

“I just don’t get it,” he finally said to Robin on a particularly hot day in July. They were the sole occupants of the Tower’s rooftop infinity pool (as the Avengers proper were spending the day in a series of meetings), so this was the closest Steve was going to get to having a private conversation with Robin.

(Like, he was really, really glad that Val was so obviously head over heels for his best friend, but it definitely cut down on his and Robin’s cuddle time.)

“Don’t get what, dingus?”

Steve shrugged and ran a wet hand through his drying hair. “I don’t know, why I’m still here? I mean, they aren’t really using me as a cleaner anymore, and I mean, Bruce is a way better cook than me and he’s pretty much taken over so, like, what am I even doing here?”

Robin turned and pushed up her sunglasses so they were making eye contact. “Seriously? You’re serious right now.”

Steve nodded.

“You really don’t see it?”

“See what?”

Groaning, Robin slid her sunglasses back onto her face and turned back towards the horizon. “I’m not going to be the one to spell it out for you, dingus. You’re going to have to do this on your own. Or, better yet, why do you just ask?”

“Uh, maybe because I don’t want to get fired?”

(Robin shoved his head underwater at that which, frankly? Was incredibly rude.

He got his revenge later by knocking her into the pool after she’d finally dried off.)

+ 1 Bucky Barnes

Being fresh off of a highly-advanced plane-ship-thing from Wakanda meant that Steve hadn’t seen a whole lot of James “Bucky” Barnes. He’d sat next to him at dinner a few times, shared a couch during their re-watch of Game of Thrones, even sparred a bit at Natasha’s direction during Steve’s “training,” but they hadn’t really talked, which made the fact that after Steve’s un-helpful swim with Robin, he found said super soldier waiting for him in the hallway outside of his bedroom.

“Bucky, hi,” Steve nodded, rubbing his towel across the back of his neck. “Sorry, did you need something? Is there a problem with - ”

“No problems, doll, I just wanted to have a chat,” the dark-haired man purred, and Steve?

He felt his stomach tangle up in knots.

“A-about what, exactly?”

Bucky hummed and uncrossed his arms, the vibranium arm shimmering under the light. “Well, a little birdie told me you had some questions about what your place is here,” he said, a playful sparkle in his eye. “And,” Bucky stepped closer and backed Steve up until Steve was leaning against the door to his own apartment, “since it seems that my teammates haven’t made your position entirely clear, I thought I would take matters into my own hands.”

Steve didn’t even get a sound out before Bucky was surging forward, planting the sort of kiss on Steve that he knew he’d never recover from because for as forceful and passionate as it was, it was gentle too: the way Bucky’s cybernetic arm wrapped around Steve’s back and help him up; the way his other hand cupped the side of Steve’s face; the way Bucky hummed, like Steve’s lips were the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted; 

The way he lifted Steve up and kicked open the door.

“I – I - ” Steve panted out as the door swung shut behind them. “I still - ”

“You’re home, doll,” Bucky murmured against Steve’s lips. “That’s what you are.”

And, well.

Steve couldn’t not kiss him then.

(And he couldn’t not give him every piece of himself in return underneath his silken sheets.)

Four Months Later

“Okay, now this is the weirdest NDA I’ve ever seen.”

Jonathan snorted from across the room as he fiddled with his camera. 

“Hey, you were the one that wanted the exclusive,” Steve replied. “I could have told you it would be more intensive.”

“Yeah, yeah, and who’s fault is that?” Nancy teased with a glimmer in her eye. “I’m not the househusband here.”

“Umm excuse me, that’s my job?” Robin piped up from her spot on Val’s lap. “Steve is obviously the trophy wife.”

“Hey!” Steve exclaimed, but then a pair of godly arms wrapped around his waist, a cybernetic arm wrapped around his shoulders, and a pair of expensive lips pressed a hot kiss to his cheek.

“Best trophy wife a guy could ask for,” Tony crooned in his ear and then laughed at Steve’s blush.

(His partners weren’t the good guys, they were evil.)

“Dude, Eddie would shit a brick if he saw this,” Jonathan said with another snort.

“Oh, how is - ”

“Who do you speak of? I am not familiar,” Thor cut Robin’s question off loudly, his thundering voice vibrating up and down Steve’s back.

“I think he said Freddie - ”

“Oh, like Freddy Krueger – Cap, we need you to watch A Nightmare on Elm Street - ”

“ – after the shoot! Do you think Tony will order us sushi again?”

“ – Steve first, Steve, are you in the mood for sushi?”

Steve felt Nancy nudge him, and he turned to see her smiling. “Hey. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Nance,” Steve smiled back.

“It’s good to finally be home.”

#steve harrington #steddie #stranger things #steve harrington my beloved #avengers #tony stark #thor #steve rogers #bucky barnes #natasha romanoff #bruce banner #stobin #stobin friendship #valkyrie #sorry eddie you snooze you lose #and now it is time for me to snooze because this is way too fucking long my god #august fanfic challenge

[saturnrin]

When Gabriel Agreste died, it wasn't pretty.

It was the desperate final attempt of a mad man. Lunging at Chat Noir, whose hand oozed with pure destruction, in hopes of retrieving the butterfly miraculous once more.

Chat Noir had tried to pull away, but he was already distraught. Knowing your father was a terrorist doesn't prepare you for seeing it yourself.

Knowing didn't prepare Adrien for the utter betrayal and shock that completely wrecked his very being to the core when he saw it for himself.

Before Adrien knew what had happened, Hawkmoth, his father - magicless, powerless, pathetic - was writhing on the floor. His eyes clouded and mouth carved into a silent scream as he tore at his chest.

When Gabriel Agreste died, it was agonizing.

He decayed slowly, feeling as every particle of his being disintegrated away to be left as nothing but a pile of dust.

Chat Noir cried out, tried to stop it - to slow it - to do something. It didn't work.

Ladybug tried to fix it, fumbling to create one more lucky charm after Hawkmoth destroyed the previous one. She tried to bring him back. It didn't work.

When Gabriel Agreste died, it was traumatizing.

The two heroes (children. They were children. Sixteen years old with the weight of the world on their shoulders, only able to lean on each other to bear it.) were left clinging to one another; trembling and sobbing and absolutely broken.

It was over. It was finally over.

But they'd never get back what they had lost. Their childhoods were in the past. Their innocence went with the first death they'd witnessed when they were thirteen. Their hands would never be clean of Gabriel Agrestes blood.

When Gabriel Agreste died, Paris' Heroes retired.

They had shown up long enough to tell Paris that they were safe, Hawkmoth was no more. As such, Ladybug and Chat Noir were as well.

Paris had always been protective of their heroes. The support Ladybug and Chat Noir received in favor of their retirement as heroes was unsurprising.

When Gabriel Agreste died, Adrien got everything.

As the sole beneficiary, Adrien Agreste received the company, the stocks, the homes, and the fortune.

The company was the first to go, gifted from Adrien to Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Chloe Bourgeois, who had already been running MDC together.

The homes went next, all being turned into shelters for abused, orphaned, and homeless children.

The fortune went next, almost all of it being donated to help Paris recover from Hawkmoths Reign.

When Gabriel Agreste died, the world got a little brighter.

People in Paris moved on, aided by free therapy and the ever-increasing healthy enviroments, funded by one Adrien Agreste.

Gabriel the Brand went through a complete upheaval. Gaining completely new standards, new policies, new benefits, new aesthetics, and a new name: Miraculous Designs & Co.

The first line was inspired entirely by Paris' superhero team, and Marinette couldn't have been prouder. (She did feel rather vain, making clothes based on her alter-ego.)

When Gabriel Agreste died, the world kept spinning.

The Sun rose, and it set. Flowers continued to bloom and wilt. Snow fell, and snow melted. Rain came and went.

When Gabriel Agreste died, Paris' heroes thought they would never recover.

They were wrong.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous #ml #mlb #i hate this so much #but i dont wanna scrap it so here ya go #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng #chat noir #ladybug #i dont think this is angst #but its not exactly happy either #its sorta neutral territory tbh #i was bored #its 3am #this wasnt what i wanted to write #this was supposed to be about what marinette did with gabriels company #that is not what this is #idk where i went wrong #theres literally only like two paragraphs about gabriel the brand #its fine #idec anymore #i wanted to go somewhere with this #it went nowhere

[idk-bruh-20]

Irondad fic ideas #105

AU where Peter is Tony's biological son and his real name is Thomas Stark. When Tony finds out about Spider-Man they have an ugly fight ending with "Peter" disowning himself and dropping off the map. He finds shelter with the Parkers and becomes Peter Parker

Tony tries to find him but Peter knows how to bypass their technology. For almost 20 years Tony thinks he will never find his son beyond pictures of him in costume

One day a social worker and the police show up at his house with three children. They tell Tony that his son died in a car accident along with his wife, and these children are his grandchildren, who will now be in his care

(During the last nearly 20 years Tony moved to a mansion upstate, retired as a superhero, and married. A few months before the police arrived Pepper also died)

The children are 11-year-old twins May and Ben and 5-year-old Annie. Heartbroken at the prospect of his son being dead, Tony tries to get away from these children who remind him so much of his son. Meanwhile, the children explore the Stark estate and its family, and May faithfully believes that her father is still alive and that the accident was a hoax created by someone greater, and clashes with her grandfather to get answers. And, the Ross-funded, post-Sokovia SHIELD tries to encourage and pressure Tony into giving up custody of the children

Tony reflects on his actions as a father and what he could have done better, bringing him closer to his grandchildren

Fic idea submitted by @miranha-on-miranhaverse via message <3

#fic ideas still postponed y'all but what can I say I've been back online when I shouldn't be and this submission is very cute #real sad tho! tony my buddy! #irondad fic ideas #also big lowkey but is there a secret Peter is Alive and Tony and the three babies have to go rescue him plot in here or is it just me #irondad and spiderson #iron dad and spider son #i'm STILL on tumblr timeout I promise #this is just........ a minor setback #but look we get grandpa tony out of it!!! am I forgiven? #irondad fic idea #peter parker #tony stark

[beardedmrbean]

Last month, the Black Lives Matter rioter who murdered my husband over two years ago was finally convicted in court. My husband was retired St. Louis Police Captain David Dorn. He was Black. His life mattered.  

I met David while I worked retail security, where he moonlighted when not working his main job as a police officer. We became friends, and that friendship eventually blossomed into love. After 16 wonderful years together, we were finally married on a beach in Jamaica, David’s favorite place in the world. We were happily married for another 14 years — until June 2, 2020, when David was shot and killed.     Although David was retired from the police force at the time, he never retired from serving his community. One of our friends owned a pawn shop, which was only 10 minutes from our house but nearly an hour away from where our friend lived. Because of this, David was the point of contact for the alarm system and would check on the shop whenever the alarm went off. He had been doing this for 30 years.   

 BLM-ALIGNED COALITION DEMANDS RELEASE OF CONVICTED COP KILLERS

In the early hours of June 2, 2020, David got the call that multiple alarms had been tripped and someone was in the pawn shop. He went to check on the shop, knowing that the city was consumed by violence and chaos. 

When he arrived at the shop, David confronted a few of the rioters outside, one of whom was a man named Stephan Cannon. David told them it wasn’t worth it, that there was little of value in the shop that wasn’t tightly locked up. Moments later Cannon shot David in the chest. He bled out on the sidewalk. A third rioter live-streamed the entire incident, and we later learned that one of the many viewers who watched David’s murder unfold was David’s eldest grandson. 

David became a cop because when he was a little boy he wanted to be a superhero. And he was a superhero. But if real life superheroes exist, so do supervillains. Those supervillains are people like the man who killed my husband. They are people like billionaire George Soros, who use their power and influence to promote extremist politics and fan the flames of division. They are people like Vice President Kamala Harris, who raised money for the rioters’ bail funds, and the CEOs of prominent companies who blindly gave their support and money to this. If a foreign organization were tied to nationwide rioting in the U.S., we’d probably call it a terrorist organization. 

David didn’t agree with or support Black Lives Matter. He never understood Black Lives Matter, because it never actually did anything to help Black lives. The same year David was killed, over a dozen children were shot in St. Louis, and never once did Black Lives Matter show up. Their lives mattered. Fifty-five businesses were looted or destroyed the night David was murdered, many of them Black-owned. Their livelihoods mattered. My husband was a Black man who selflessly served his community for over 40 years. His life mattered.   

Ultimately, David was murdered because the people who are supposed to protect our streets — active-duty police officers — were ordered not to do their jobs. It is clear that the anti-law enforcement sentiment that has been fueled in this country by Democrat and left-wing activist rhetoric has gone too far. Yes, there are bad cops out there, but addressing bad policing by ordering no policing at all is not a solution. It is extremist, it is dangerous, and it cost my husband his life.  

#nunyas news #glad he's getting some measure of justice

[unreone]

Did anyone else read this HTF fanfic?

Somewhen ranging from 2011 to 2016, I lurk at fanfiction.net to read fake htf episodes.

One fic I'm longing to read again is "HTF Death Battles".The concept of the entire fic is that it's a death battle between unlikely pairs. You think you would know who would win but it's not gonna turn out the way it is.

Chapters i remember are the following:

● The Mole vs Splendid

Superpowers against technique. (The Batman vs Superman of the htfverse-) Splendid have gone rouge and become power hungry. The government didn't anticipate this. Coming out of the retirement is The Mole tasked with apprehending the once beloved superhero. I remember reading the author's notes how this was blossomed from the fact that both Splendid and The Mole have their own KaPOW episodes. I don't really remember much from this chapter since the focus is on the brutal action between the clashing figures. My bias at the time made me root for Splendid despite The Mole being put in the good side <<< this behavior may have some links to me liking The BOYS series (ㅎㄷㅎ)

● Russell vs Buddhist Monkey

I remember crying to this one, my fave chapter out of all.

Russell is depicted as a ruthless captain who once travel the sea with a crew. When he arrive at the town/village where Buddhist Monkey lives, he was all by his lonesome. 'He did what he have to do to survive'. His goal is to pillage the place with all of its treasure and satiate his craving for blood. Buddhist Monkey tried to settle everything with peace at first but after harming someone in front of his eyes, he just have to do something.

I remember myself just imagining the Russell by the end of 'Get Whale Soon' with his manic eyes and laughter. Also like playing "Enter the Garden" on low volume while reading the battle sequence to really set the mood.

Russell was distracted by a specific type of flower that his lover once wore and that moment of hesitation is what caused his demise as Buddhist Monkey end his life for good. "How could he have turned out like this?" Exploring the ship, Buddhist Monkey found the travel logs and read the tragedy that is the life of Russell. Russell's corpse was buried with the flower next to it. His name and his lover's name was engraved with the words below saying "May these souls truly found peace."

● Sniffles vs Cro-Marmot

Sniffles is funded by the goverment to accomplish a scientific breakthrough in relation to cryogenics. Sniffles and Flaky is a couple here but theyre on the brink of a breakup since Sniffles is so obsessed with his project, which is thawing out Cro Marmot. There's a line something like "Since you pay attention to him that much, why dont you marry it already".

Anyway- he was alone in his lab and did sum thingy majigs and successfully thawed out the upper half of Cro Marmot. He actually speak English and that startles Sniffles. Cro Marmot explained that he's been on display for museums all throughout the world.

Cro Marmot talks about learning all there is to know about history and science. He is willing to share the most important truth to Sniffles once he is completely free. The fucking dumbass did so and the foken monster laugh.

The truth is that all knowledge is useless and satisfying primal urges is the only important thing. And his primary instinct right then and there is to satiate his hunger.

With his club, he smashed the machinery and that causes the lights to turn out. I cant remember the next stuffs but it's just a matter of Sniffles using his tools and wit to escape and Cro Marmot using violence and strength.

Their conversation includes something like You're no different than me. You feed your hunger for knowledge too and the strongest ones conquer everything alone.

Eventually, even if he is covered by bruises, Sniffles manage to trap Cro Marmot. Sum chemical combo activated and it's some type of coolant so he started to freeze. Cro Marmot was freezed while he is yelling, baring a very spooky expression.

After panting a bit, Sniffles called Flaky. He was compelled to share what he just experience but he suppressed his ramblings and choose to apologize. The two reconnect and the fic was over

===============================

Unless I was just hallucinating everything and I'm actually staring at an unplugged computer the whole time-

I'm really REALLY sure this fic existed because I was always hyped talking about the chapters with my classmates. I may have got some specific details wrong but I am nodding my dino head off from the general concept being right.

Here's to me hoping somebody else here have read it, better yet, archived/know the link of the fic in some way, shape or form.

Thanks for your timeeeee!!!!!

#lost media #??? #htf fanfic #fanfiction.net #unreone ramblings #htf splendid #htf the mole #htf russell #kaPOW buddhist monkey #htf sniffles #hff cro-marmot #htf

[ursie]

Oh here's another hot take. I highkey want Tim drake to retire and stop being a superhero. Like I think thats the only real direction for his character at this point. That and I think the yj generation kids should have a book away from the main DC continency and tim should be stuck there. Either way he just has no place in the current batfam and I say this as a tim liker with bad taste.

Like, I do think there's one last Good Story tim could have and its be the Robin who actually retires and leaves the gig behind, becoming a fulltime civilian. He should start a summercamp with cissie and just leech off his trust fund. Let Damian and Duke be the main batboys of the modern era *please*

If he stays a superhero i think he and the yj team should be in their own little sideverse or something. Despite being a yj98 stan there's just,,, no room left for that generation anymore. Watching DC fumble to find a place for them just hurts at this point

Oh no literally dc fumbled the ball with generations so bad because the entire point of Tim’s was the fact that Dicks was grown up but also they’re not ?? And we have a whole new baby gen so?? Tf do these kids go 😭 literally they should stick to a 90s au or Tim should retire they really are painfully out of place rn

Send me your hot takes and or unpopular opinions

#Tim didn’t even wanna be Robin fulltime!! let him grow up #asks #Tim Drake

[voidfell]

Thinks about Felix Damery, a beloved blorbo from my mind.

Former Chat Noir whose father is currently in prison and definitely not coming back to haunt him one day.

said father was an abusive dick and a supervillain magical terrorist who owned a weapons company and once they put his father Rapahel in prison Felix liquidated or sold off large portions of the company and invested the money elsewhere.

moved from Paris to New York shortly after university, but still maintains a penthouse in pairs that he hasn't gone back to.

believes his mother to be dead-- she's not she was paid off to leave the country and Felix has zero idea who she is.

trust fund baby that uses what he didn't sell off of the weapons company to make weapons and gadgets for his superhero friends that didn't retire like he did.

if I had to give him a miraculous other than the black cat it would be the horse.

Considers removing him from being a miraculous-based OC to make his powers come from a generic magical source and not a miraculous or kwami like making him a warlock or something.

#✧˖*°࿐ Felix Damery About // i could learn to PITY fools. as i am the WORST of all. #✧˖*°࿐ OOC // ROAD WORK ahead? uh i sure HOPE so.

[yourkingmob]

I hate combat sports

I hate that Amateur Wrestling has no spaces for hobby-level wrestlers. Instead you have a wasteland of people who want to continue to be athletes, but instead have peaked in high school.

It’s heartbreaking that you can only do Judo until your body screams "ENOUGH!", or until the IJF, in their never-ending search to please France, finally turns it into an all-kata sport.

It’s unfortunate that Sambo is too thin on the ground to find training, is just as tough on the body as judo and is 100% funded by a corporation that is a combination of the worst parts of Exxon Mobil and Blackwater/Constellis.

I hate that Catch Wrestling outside of Japan is composed of carnies fighting with each other, while putting together less than two competitions a year with a grand total of nine total competitors. That is, when they aren’t getting “worked” by dead pro wrestlers.

I despise the fact that Muay Thai is a continuous car wreck of bodily abuse that leaves most fighters with wrecked bodies and scrambled brains before their pre-frontal cortex even develops.

Then you have boxing, which is a Darwinian filter that finds mutants who are resistant to brain damage. How do you know if you have a non-rattling brainpan? We dunno!  We’ll find out by the time you retire from fighting! If you weren’t, there’s always hospice at 40!

Of course, you can’t go to the traditional martial arts. They are full "Lightning bolt Lightning bolt!" LARPers with people playing "who can pretend the hardest" and coming to blows over Batman vs Superman arguments, except those superheroes are ‘Chinese druggie movie star’ vs ‘Japanese Carnie’.

You could maybe do a western or eastern weapon based martial art, but, uh… No.

The western style ones are buried in the tradition of trying to figure out techniques from woodcuts before people knew how anatomy and perspective-in-art worked. Oh, and the art is literally full of literal Nazis.  No, not Neo-Nazis, but “I have three Schutzstaffel uniforms in my closet and one in my car at any time” type of Nazis.

The eastern style weapon arts? Well, they combine the orientalist worship of tiny brown psychos (fuck off, those are my people) who will kill you for singing Frank Sinatra at Karaoke. This is combined with their own Johnny Knoxville & Steve-O level of disregard for their own personal safety. No one is under 30 and everyone is ready to serve 10-20 years from using that clip-it in their pocket to cover themselves in your blood. 

So what does that leave? The Infomercial Version Brazilian Pre-War Judo - Sorry, “Gracie Jiu Jitsu”. A sport created by a family legacy as legit and sane as the Von Erich’s legacy, just with more Victorian age mysticism and Mormon-style bigamist compounds.

It’s a miracle that BJJ is as widespread as it is. It should have gone "worked" like pro-wrestling but the two headed dragon of Latino machismo culture & the socio-economic classism of Brazil kept it "Alive" - the Gracies were rich compound dwellers.

Unlike every other carnie, they loved their machismo displays more than money. So they'd come down from their compound and beat on the karate nerds, capoeiristas and wrestlers in the slums to prove the superiority of their art and their family’s bloodline.

So with the west primed by a 20 year parade of scam artists pretending to be Shaolin monks and mulletted men cosplaying as both Samurai and the resistance against the samurai, it all culminated with a tubby fake special forces LARPer, who roleplayed his way into writing a script to the penultimate martial arts experience: Bloodsport.

After that, we were ready for a "Bloodsport but IRL!" and Rorion was ready to serve it up, with his law degree and the blood of his carnie ancestors flowing through him. He even pushed his scrawny & socially awkward brother to be in the starring role: Royce.  I am sure he would have liked to do it himself, but, you know…

Even with a carefully managed opponent list, Royce could have gotten cracked and absolutely embarrassed, but somehow he didn't and Rorion had his angle to work them marks! No more training some locals out of a garage, the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu myth was ready for sale.

So, plenty bought into this repackaged Japanese jacket wrestling in huge numbers on seeing the skinny, awkward and “manageable” Royce strangle his way through a crowd of clueless fighters. They bought into it so much so, it’s now become its own sport and has a competition scene completely divorced from the roots of anything-goes fighting. But that comes with its own problems.

Here’s a sport that is so disorganized that even with six times the number of practitioners in the US than Judo, and nearly 10 times as many fencing, there isn’t a national governing body in the United States, Australia or anywhere in Europe. 

Meanwhile, the international governing body is run by the biggest gym association in Brazil. For those who don’t understand how patently insane this is, imagine the Premier League was straight-up run by Manchester United, the NFL run by The Cowboys or the NHL run by the Maple Leafs.

There is no organized syllabus of instruction. There are only nascent attempts at an objective test of skills for the various ranks and they are far from widespread. Want to start a fight online? Ask for “the essential techniques for a blue belt”.

Then there are the competitions. Matches are conducted on mats of random composition, size and protective value. Competitors are allowed to continue attacks off the mat and into other competitors’ areas or into the other competitors themselves.  Matches scramble out into the stands, into the crowd and coaching areas, smash into medical tables and even fall down stairwells with frightening regularity.

That all said, it is the only grappling art with any sort of aliveness and a measure of effectiveness that you can realistically do after your athletic peak. This is a damn tragedy, because everything about it is so astonishingly clown-shoes, it is embarrassing to be involved in it.

#bjj #martial arts #catch wrestling #judo #boxing #muay thai #wrestling #arnis #sambo #graciebarra #ibjjf #brazilian jiu jitsu #escrima

[razorrsharp]

name  ― Selina Kyle alias  ― Catwoman age  ― 43 gender  /  pronouns  ― cis female/she/her faceclaim  ― Rosario Dawson occupation  ― Large Cat Philanthropist affiliation  ― None

what  was  your  character's  life  like  in  2024 ?

Selina had been Married to Bruce Wayne, retired from her life of crime (for reals this time) and spent most of her time running fundraisers for large endangered cats.

what point were they at in their personal life  /  hero  career  /  occupation? you can make this as long as you wish.

Selina was happily married after a long, LONG and often painful back and forth with the man she had always loved. She finally had the funding she needed to make a real difference in the world of animal conservation, bringing all of her hopes and dreams to fruition. She found she could do more good helping out in a more “legitimate” way than stealing from the rich to aid those in need.

does  your  character  have  any  memories  from  2024  or  their  past  ? She has flashes here and there but she chalks them up to fantasies or intrusive thoughts. It’s painful to imagine such a happy life, because she doesn’t believe its possible for her.

do they have clear memories? hazy flashbacks? nightmares? share a few! if they have nothing at all, do they feel like they’re missing something?

Selina sometimes has flashes when she comes in contact with things that resemble her former (future) life. A wedding ring, a snow leopard roaming free on the national geographic channel, her costume on display in a case rather than hidden in her closet.

what  are  they  doing  in  the  year  2012  ?

Selina is back to toeing the line between good/bad. Her intentions are mostly pure, but she’s in a moral grey area on her road to justice. She will fight for what is right, even if that means a few casualties here and there.

are they in school? just joining a superhero team? give us an update so everyone can plot with you and your character!

She’s got her own agenda, and works predominantly alone. That doesn’t mean shes adverse to a team up with the Bat once in a while, or the Gotham city sirens when the opportunity calls for it.

#avengedintro

[lokeshroy75884]

How to Take Advantage of the Power of Compounding?

In the world of finance, compounding interest is a hidden superhero quietly working its magic. It is often overlooked by many. It's like a secret weapon that, when understood and utilized, can transform your financial future. But how exactly can you take advantage of this power? Let's dive in.

Imagine planting a tiny seed in fertile soil. At first, it's barely noticeable. But given time, water, and sunlight, that seed sprouts, grows, and eventually becomes a mighty tree. Compounding interest works much the same way, but instead of soil and sunlight, it thrives on money and time.

When you invest money, you earn returns on that investment. With compounding, those returns are reinvested to generate even more returns, and the cycle repeats. Over time, this snowball effect can lead to exponential growth in your wealth.

The key advantage of compounding lies in its ability to turbocharge your returns over the long term. Let's break down how to leverage this power effectively.

Start Early: Time is the most critical factor in compounding. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. Even small amounts invested regularly can snowball into significant sums over time.

Be Consistent: Consistency is the key to maximizing the advantages of compounding. Set up a regular investment plan and stick to it, regardless of market fluctuations. This disciplined approach ensures you're continually feeding the compounding machine.

Reinvest Dividends: If you're investing in dividend-paying assets like stocks or mutual funds, reinvest those dividends to buy more shares. This not only accelerates the compounding process but also boosts your overall returns.

Harness the Power of Compound Interest: Whether it's in savings accounts, bonds, or other interest-bearing investments, compound interest can work wonders over time. Make sure to take advantage of accounts or instruments offering compound interest to supercharge your wealth accumulation.

Stay Patient: Compounding is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience and a long-term perspective. Avoid the temptation to constantly tinker with your investments or chase short-term gains. Stay focused on the bigger picture and let time do its magic.

Diversify Wisely: Spread your investments across different asset classes to minimize risk and maximize potential returns. Diversification not only helps protect your portfolio but also ensures you're capturing growth opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

Monitor and Adjust: While it's essential to stay the course, periodically review your investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance your portfolio if necessary and make adjustments based on changing market conditions or life circumstances.

By incorporating these strategies into your financial plan, you can harness the full power of compounding interest to build wealth over the long term. Whether you're saving for retirement, a down payment on a home, or your children's education, compounding can help you achieve your financial dreams.

In conclusion, compounding interest is a force to be reckoned with—a silent ally in the journey towards financial freedom. Start early, stay consistent, and let time work its magic. With patience, discipline, and the right investment strategy, you can unlock the full potential of compounding and pave the way to a brighter financial future.

#loan on mutual funds #loan against bonds #loan against capital gain bonds #loan against equity shares

[influencermagazineuk]

March Mayhem: Mastering UK Taxes Before the Deadline Looms

March. The winds of spring might be whispering promises of warmer days, but for many Brits, it signifies a different kind of flurry – the tax season scramble. Taxes in the UK, like the weather, can be unpredictable and sometimes downright stormy. But fear not, fellow taxpayer! With a little planning and some savvy strategies, you can navigate the complexities of March and emerge victorious, wallet intact. Understanding the Tax Landscape: Your Fiscal Friend or Foe? The UK tax system is a labyrinth of acronyms and regulations, enough to make anyone's head spin. Income tax, National Insurance, Council Tax – the list goes on. But knowledge is power, and understanding the different types of taxes you're liable for is the first step to conquering March. Here's a quick rundown: - Income Tax: This applies to most forms of earnings, like your salary, pensions, and even some side hustles. The amount you pay depends on your income bracket. - National Insurance: Think of this as a social security contribution. It funds the National Health Service and other public services. - Council Tax: This pays for local services like rubbish collection and libraries. The amount you pay depends on your property's valuation. Demystifying Deadlines: Don't Get Caught in the Net The most important date to remember? April 5th. That's the deadline for submitting your Self Assessment tax return, which applies to those with income outside of a regular paycheque. Missing this deadline can result in nasty penalties, so mark it on your calendar in bold – with glitter glue, if that helps! Recordkeeping Rockstar: Receipts are Your Superpower They might not be as exciting as a superhero cape, but keeping good records is your secret weapon when it comes to taxes. Hold onto receipts for work-related expenses, charitable donations, and anything else that might qualify for tax relief. These little slips of paper can save you a significant amount of money come tax time. Seeking Help When the Going Gets Tough Taxation can be a beast, and sometimes, we all need a hero. If the complexities of the system have you feeling lost at sea, don't be afraid to seek help. Consider hiring an accountant, especially if you're self-employed or have a particularly complex tax situation. They can untangle the mess, ensure you claim all the deductions you're entitled to, and potentially save you a bundle. Government Resources: Your Trusted Tax Team The good news? You're not alone in this tax battle. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the government's tax authority, offers a wealth of resources online and over the phone. Their website has a treasure trove of information, from tax calculators to step-by-step guides on completing your tax return. Don't be shy about reaching out – a helpful HMRC representative might be just the hero you need to tame the tax beast. Early Bird Gets the Tax Break: Don't Wait Until the Last Minute Remember the old adage about procrastination being the thief of time? Well, in the realm of taxes, it can also be the thief of your money. Don't wait until the April 5th deadline is looming large like a storm cloud to gather your documents and file your return. Start early, break down the task into manageable chunks, and you'll avoid the last-minute stress and potential mistakes. Tax-Saving Strategies: Keeping More Money in Your Pocket Let's face it, nobody enjoys handing over a chunk of their hard-earned cash to the taxman. But there are ways to make the process a little less painful. Here are a few tax-saving strategies to keep in mind: - Maximize your pension contributions: Putting money into a pension not only helps you save for retirement, but the contributions are often tax-deductible. - Utilize ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts): These accounts offer tax-free interest on your savings, a welcome perk in these inflationary times. - Claim all eligible expenses: From work-related travel to charitable donations, make sure you claim every deduction you're entitled to. Remember, a little planning and some smart strategies can go a long way in reducing your tax burden. Conquering March and Emerging Victorious By understanding the tax landscape, meeting deadlines, keeping good records, and seeking help when needed, you can transform March from a month of tax dread into a time of financial empowerment. So, take a deep breath, fellow taxpayer. With a little preparation and these helpful tips, you can navigate the complexities of UK taxes and emerge victorious. Read the full article

[mannawealthmanagement]

Are Retirement Accounts FDIC-Insured?

Understanding FDIC Insurance

When it comes to your hard-earned money, safety is a top priority. You’ve probably heard of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), but what exactly does it do? Let’s break it down.

What Is the FDIC?The FDIC is like a financial superhero. It swoops in to protect your money if a bank or savings and loan association goes kaput. Created in 1933 after the Great Depression, its mission is to prevent you from losing your cash due to bank failures. Imagine the FDIC as your money’s guardian, ensuring that up to $250,000 of your deposits per account owner, per bank, per ownership category (like individual or joint), are safe and sound.

What Does the FDIC Cover?The FDIC covers various deposit accounts at FDIC-insured banks. These include: Checking accounts, Savings accounts, Money market deposit accounts (MMDAs)Certificates of deposit (CDs) Cashier’s checks and money orders issued by a bank So, if you have any of these accounts, you’re in good hands.

Retirement Accounts and the FDICNow, let’s talk about retirement accounts. You know those IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) and Roth IRAs? They’re like cozy nests for your retirement savings. The good news: FDIC insurance covers these accounts too! Whether it’s a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, your money is protected. But wait, there’s a limit: $250,000 per depositor, per institution, for each account ownership category. So, if you have multiple accounts within one bank, add up the balances to make sure you’re fully covered.

Exceptions and Fine PrintNot all IRAs are created equal in the eyes of the FDIC. It depends on where you stash your retirement funds. If you keep your IRAs with an investment institution (like a broker or an online broker), they won’t receive FDIC protection. Only qualified depository assets get the superhero treatment. Also, remember that the FDIC waived the limit during some bank failures in 2023. But whether this policy will apply in future bank troubles remains a mystery.

In Conclusion

Your retirement accounts are like treasure chests, and the FDIC is the guardian dragon. It’s there to ensure your golden coins stay safe. So, rest easy knowing that your hard-earned savings are in good hands.

Remember, when it comes to FDIC insurance, knowledge is power. Share this article with your friends, and let them know their retirement dreams are protected!

#retirement #news

[ambition-finserve]

How Can Mutual Funds Help You with Financial Planning?

Are you someone who plans your finances well? Or, someone who waits eagerly for their salary, and as soon as it hits your account, it's like a carnival begins. You treat yourself to the latest gadgets and dine out at fancy places, and before you know it, the month is over, and so is your money. While living in the moment is thrilling, this 'wait for salary and spend' routine might not be the wisest choice for the long haul.

You Need Sound Financial Planning

You might need something that keeps you on track. Financial planning is a systematic and comprehensive approach to managing one's finances, encompassing the process of setting specific financial goals, evaluating current financial resources, and devising strategic plans to achieve those objectives. It involves careful consideration of income, expenses, investments, and other financial elements, with the ultimate aim of optimizing financial well-being and minimizing risks. If you wish to begin, but don't know where to start, financial planning companies in Beawar can help you with the right guidance.

Features of Financial Planning

Goal Setting: Financial planning helps you identify your goals, be it buying a home, funding your child's education, or enjoying a worry-free retirement.

Budgeting: It's not about restrictions; it's about allocating your money wisely. A budget ensures you know where your money is going and helps you prioritize.

Emergency Fund: Life's full of surprises, and a well-planned financial strategy includes having an emergency fund for the unexpected.

Debt Management: Nobody likes debt hanging over their heads. Financial planning guides you in managing and eventually eliminating those pesky debts.

Investment Strategies: It's not just about saving; but smart investing. A solid financial plan ensures your money grows, beating inflation.

How Do Mutual Funds Support Financial Planning in India?

Diversification Magic: Mutual funds pool money from various investors to create a diverse portfolio. This diversification reduces risk – don't put all your eggs in one basket!

Professional Management: No need to be a stock market guru! Mutual funds are managed by experts who spend their days analyzing markets, and making informed decisions for you.

Flexibility for Every Pocket: Whether you have a little or a lot to invest, mutual funds offer options like Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) for small, regular investments, making them accessible to everyone.

Liquidity Benefits: Need cash? Mutual funds got your back. Most funds allow easy withdrawal, ensuring your money is accessible when needed.

Tax Efficiency: Certain mutual funds offer tax benefits, helping you save more while optimizing your tax liabilities.

Conclusion

In a world where financial jargon can be overwhelming, mutual funds step in as the superheroes, simplifying the path to financial freedom. Ambition Finserve, the best mutual fund distributor in Beawar aligns your investments with your financial goals, grows your wealth, and offers a helping hand in building a secure future. Start today, invest wisely, and watch your financial dreams unfold!

#best mutual fund distributor in Beawar #financial planning companies in Beawar #mutual funds services in Beawar #mutual fund sip advisor in Beawar #equity investment planner in Beawar #portfolio management services in Beawar #pms services in Beawar #tax planning agency in Beawar #life insurance planning in Beawar #financial services in Beawar #portfolios management service in Beawar #portfolio advisory services in Beawar

[digital288]

Investing for the Future: Building Wealth Through Strategic Investments

Introduction

Unlocking financial stability and prosperity is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, and guess what? Investing is your secret weapon! It's not just about moving money around; it's about making savvy choices, sizing up risks, and unleashing the magic of compounding. A comprehensive needs for financial plan ensures financial stability, growth, and peace of mind." This article dives deep into why weaving investment strategies into your money game plan is key. We'll chat about cool investment options, how to be the boss of risk, and why compounding is like your personal money growth superhero. Ready to turn your financial journey into an epic tale? Let's roll!

Importance of Incorporating Investment Strategies

Financial planning is incomplete without a well-thought-out investment strategy. Simply saving money in traditional savings accounts may not be sufficient to keep pace with inflation and achieve long-term financial goals. Investing provides an avenue for wealth accumulation that outpaces the eroding effects of inflation. By incorporating investment strategies into a financial plan, individuals can optimize returns, grow their wealth, and work towards achieving their financial aspirations.

Beating Inflation: The Silent Wealth Erode

Without investments that outpace inflation, the value of money diminishes, and the ability to buy goods and services decreases. Incorporating investments that offer returns exceeding the inflation rate becomes essential to ensure the real growth of wealth.

Wealth Creation through Diversification: Mitigating Risks

Investing allows for diversification, spreading funds across various assets to mitigate risks. Different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities, have varying risk and return profiles. A diversified portfolio can help cushion the impact of market fluctuations and economic uncertainties, thereby safeguarding the overall financial health.

Funding Long-Term Goals: Education, Retirement, and Beyond

Strategic investments provide a means to accumulate funds for long-term financial goals. Whether it's saving for a child's education, planning for a comfortable retirement, or realizing other life aspirations, investments offer the potential for substantial returns over an extended period. This makes it possible to generate the required funds and achieve these goals without relying solely on earned income.

Different Investment Options

Understanding the variety of investment options is crucial for developing a well-rounded investment strategy. Each option comes with its own risk and return characteristics, making it essential to align investments with individual financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Stocks: Ownership in Profitable Enterprises

Stocks can grow in value over time, giving you more money than you paid.  However, they come with volatility and market risks. Investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks allows individuals to participate in the growth of different industries and companies.

Bods: Fixed-Income Securities for Stability

Bonds are debt securities issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations. Bonds are considered less risky than stocks and can provide stability to a portfolio. They are particularly attractive for conservative investors seeking income and capital preservation.

Real Estate: Tangible Assets with Appreciation Potential

Real estate investments mean buying actual properties or investing in something called REITs.Real estate offers the potential for both rental income and property appreciation. It is a tangible asset class that can provide diversification and a hedge against inflation.

Mutual Funds: Professional Management for Diversification

Mutual funds invest in a diverse portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities by pooling the money of several individuals. They are managed by professional fund managers, making them a convenient option for investors looking for diversification without the need for individual stock or bond selection.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Flexible and Low-Cost Investment Vehicles

They offer diversification and liquidity, making them a popular choice for investors. ETFs often have lower fees compared to actively managed mutual funds, making them a cost-effective investment option.

Risk Management in Investment Strategies

While the potential for returns is a driving force behind investments, it is equally important to acknowledge and manage the associated risks. Effective risk management involves understanding one's risk tolerance, diversifying investments, and adopting strategies to mitigate potential downsides.

Assessing Risk Tolerance: Aligning Investments with Personal Comfort Levels

An individual's capacity to tolerate changes in the value of their investments is referred to as their risk tolerance. It is influenced by factors such as age, financial goals, and personal preferences. Understanding one's risk tolerance is crucial for selecting investments that align with comfort levels and avoiding undue stress during market volatility.

Diversification: Spreading Risk Across Assets

Diversification is a key risk management strategy. By spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions, the impact of a poor-performing investment on the overall portfolio is mitigated. A well-diversified portfolio can help smooth out returns and reduce the impact of market downturns.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing: Adapting to Changing Market Conditions

Markets are dynamic, and the performance of different asset classes can vary over time. Regularly monitoring investments and rebalancing the portfolio ensures that it stays aligned with the investor's goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing involves adjusting the allocation of assets to maintain the desired risk-return profile.

Power of Compounding for Long-Term Wealth Creation

Compounding is one of the most effective investing concepts. When an investment's returns begin to compound itself, this is known as compounding. Compounding has the potential to produce exponential wealth increase over time, particularly for long-term investors. Start Early: Maximizing the Impact of Compounding:

A crucial component of the compounding equation is time. One's money has more time to compound the earlier they start investing. Compounding means that tiny, consistent contributions can add up to a sizable amount over time.

Reinvesting Profits to Quicken the Growth of Wealth:

The ability to reinvest returns—like dividends or interest—enables investors to take advantage of compounding. These earnings are reinvested to produce additional returns rather than being taken out. Over time, wealth accumulation can be considerably accelerated by this snowball effect.

Be Patient and Let Compounding Do Its Magic:

When investing, patience is a virtue. Over time, compounding's true power becomes apparent. Investing through market fluctuations allows investors to take advantage of compound interest and watch as their portfolios increase exponentially.

Conclusion

To sum up, investing for the future is a means of creating long-term wealth and reaching financial objectives, not merely a financial tactic. People may manage the intricacies of the financial markets, maximize returns, and work toward a secure financial future by combining investment techniques into an all-inclusive financial plan. Successful financial planning can be achieved through a variety of investment vehicles, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and others.

#financial planning #needsforfinancialplanning #finance #financialadvisor

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How to Map Your Personal Finance Journey

Managing personal finances is a crucial aspect of our lives that often gets overlooked or neglected. However, it's never too late to take control of your financial situation and start mapping your personal finance journey. By creating a roadmap for your financial goals and implementing effective strategies, you can pave the way towards financial security and freedom. In this article, we will explore three important factors to consider when mapping your personal finance journey: setting clear goals, creating a budget, and establishing an emergency fund. Setting Clear Goals One of the first steps towards mapping your personal finance journey is defining clear and achievable goals. Without a specific target in mind, it's easy to lose track and get discouraged. Start by identifying what you want to accomplish financially, whether it's buying a house, saving for retirement, or paying off debt. - Take time to reflect on your financial aspirations and document them Consider your short-term goals, such as paying off credit card debt or saving for a vacation, as well as your long-term goals, such as purchasing a home or planning for retirement. Write down your goals in a notebook or a digital document to give them a tangible presence. "Setting clear goals is like setting the destination on your financial GPS. Without it, you may find yourself wandering aimlessly in a sea of financial uncertainty." - Personal Finance Expert - Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps Once you have your goals in place, it's important to break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make them more manageable and help you track your progress along the way. For example, if your goal is to save $10,000 for a down payment on a house, you can break it down into saving $500 per month for 20 months. Creating a Budget A well-designed and realistic budget is an essential tool for mapping your personal finance journey. It helps you track your income, expenses, and savings, enabling you to make informed financial decisions and stay on top of your financial goals. - Track your income and expenses To create an effective budget, start by tracking your income and expenses for a specific period, such as a month. Include all sources of income, such as your salary, freelance work, or passive income, and categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment) costs. "Budgeting is like giving your finances a reality check. It allows you to see where your money is going and helps you make intentional choices about how you want to spend it." - Personal Finance Expert - Prioritize your expenses and identify areas for optimization Once you have a clear understanding of your income and expenses, it's crucial to prioritize your spending and identify areas where you can optimize your expenses. Look for opportunities to cut back on discretionary spending and allocate more towards savings and debt repayment. - Stick to your budget and review it regularly Creating a budget is just the first step; sticking to it is equally important. Make a commitment to follow your budget and review it regularly to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to facilitate tracking and monitoring your expenses. Establishing an Emergency Fund Life is full of uncertainties, and unexpected expenses can disrupt your financial journey if you're not prepared. That's why it's crucial to establish an emergency fund as part of your personal finance roadmap. - Save for a rainy day An emergency fund is a dedicated savings account that serves as a safety net in times of unexpected events or financial emergencies. It provides a cushion to cover unforeseen expenses, such as car repairs, medical bills, or job loss, without relying on credit cards or loans. "Think of your emergency fund as a financial superhero that swoops in to save the day when life throws unexpected challenges your way." - Personal Finance Expert - Determine your target emergency fund size When mapping your personal finance journey, it's important to set a target size for your emergency fund based on your unique circumstances. Financial experts recommend saving three to six months' worth of living expenses. However, consider factors such as job stability, dependents, and existing debt when determining the right amount for your emergency fund. Automate your savings To ensure consistent contributions to your emergency fund, consider automating your savings. Set up an automatic transfer from your paycheck or checking account to your emergency fund, so you're consistently building your safety net without any effort. Conclusion Mapping your personal finance journey requires intentional, discipline, and a clear roadmap. By setting clear goals, creating a budget, and establishing an emergency fund, you can take charge of your financial future and work towards achieving financial security and freedom. Remember, every step you take today brings you closer to a brighter financial tomorrow. So start mapping your personal finance journey now and reap the rewards in the future. Read the full article

#finance #howto #personalfinance #tips

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From Savings To Sucess: Unlocking The Secrets Of Retirement Planning In India

Retirement planning may sound like a snooze-fest, but trust me, it's the secret sauce to living your best life during those golden years. In India, where social security systems are still finding their groove, taking control of your retirement is more crucial than ever. So, grab a cup of chai and buckle up as we dive into the wild world of retirement planning with a lighthearted twist that will make you say, "Retirement, I'm coming for you!"

Start Early, Party Harder

Picture this: You're young, fabulous, and dancing the night away at the hottest parties. Now imagine doing all that in retirement too! The trick is to start planning early. The power of compounding will work its magic, growing your investments while you sip on cocktails and plan your next getaway. Don't wait for your hair to turn gray; kickstart your retirement planning today!

Also Read: The Influence Of Micro, Small, And Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) On The Indian Economy

Define Your Dream Lifestyle

Retirement is your chance to break free from the shackles of work and live life on your own terms. Whether you want to travel the world, pursue your passions, or rock that Hawaiian shirt 24/7, it's time to define your dream lifestyle. Take a moment to envision what you want your retirement to look like. The more specific, the better! It'll be your roadmap to financial bliss.

Get Your Risk Game On

Okay, let's talk about risk. No, not the risky dance moves you tried in your younger days. We're talking about investment risk. Some people like it hot, opting for high-risk options like stocks and real estate. Others prefer a chill approach, sticking to safer options like fixed deposits. Finding your risk appetite is key to building a portfolio that keeps you grooving even when the market gets a little wobbly.

Also Read: 5 Key Insights on Insurance in India

Diversify Like a Bollywood Dance Routine

Just like a Bollywood dance routine, your retirement portfolio needs some serious diversity. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, my friend! Explore different investment options like mutual funds, government schemes, and gold. Mix it up, and watch your retirement savings groove to the beat of financial success.

Tax Breaks: The Bollywood Masala

Who doesn't love a good masala? When it comes to retirement planning, tax breaks are the Bollywood masala you need. Look out for retirement-specific investment options that offer juicy tax benefits. The National Pension System (NPS) and Public Provident Fund (PPF) are like the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol of tax-efficient investments. Make sure you're taking advantage of them to keep more moolah in your pocket.

Also Read: Factors To Consider When Availing Digital Loans In India

Conclusion

Retirement planning may seem daunting, but remember, it's your ticket to living your best life after you bid farewell to the 9-to-5 grind. So, grab your financial superhero cape, start early, define your dream lifestyle, embrace a bit of risk, diversify like a pro, and don't forget those tax breaks! With a sassy attitude and a solid retirement plan, you'll be dancing your way into financial bliss. Retirement, here we come!