Where To Exchange Your Saved Coins For Cash
Saving coins in a coin jar in an old-school way to save for a future treat, but once you're ready to exchange them for cash, what are your options?
Read MoreArchive for August 2024
Back to Archive IndexBanking (5)
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What The NY Fed's Survey Of Consumer Expectations Just Told Us About Inflation
July's Survey of Consumer Expectations included a three-year outlook on inflation that was its lowest ever. However, short-term, consumers were less confident.
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A Significant Drop In Home Value Can Impact Your HELOC. Here's How
Homeowners have a few ways to borrow against their home, including taking out a line of credit, or HELOC. Here, we explain why home value matters with a HELOC.
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What Really Happens When A Bank Fails?
As a consumer, any concern you have over a bank(s) failing is understandable. Here, we go over the FDIC's steps and how it will likely handle your money.
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Here's What The Wi-Fi Logo On Your Credit Card Actually Means
Contactless payment rose during the COVID-19 era, and it remains popular today. With this said, did you know there are limits to such transactions?
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Budgeting (40)
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5 Of The Most Googled Financial Questions In America Answered
Many people are asking the same money questions. For five of these Googled queries, Carolyn Osorio, our resident data analyst, provides the answers.
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Often Overlooked Signs That Someone Close To You Is Struggling Financially
U.S. household debt climbed to $17.8T in Q2 2024. Given this, it's possible someone you know has money problems, though they're doing their best to hide it.
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Why You Should Be Worried About The Uptick In Startup Shutdowns
Much like corporate earnings, the success of startups can provide insight into the economy overall. Plus, when they shut down, there are ripple effects.
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This Curb Appeal Project Will Nearly Double Its ROI For Your Home
Curb appeal is key to selling a home. It's your home's first impression, after all, and it turns out replacing this one feature can be a real game changer.
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Why Taking On This Extremely Aggressive Financial Challenge May Be Worth The Try
One way to get your finances in order is to challenge yourself. With this one, you'll be asked to stop spending (i.e., splurging) for a certain period of time.
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The Costly Dangers Of Delaying Basic Repairs To Your Home
When a home repair is minor, it's easy to dismiss it and mentally promise to address it at a later time. However, such delays can end up costing you.
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Never Say This One Phrase When Asking For A Raise At Work
A 2023 OnePoll survey found the average time people wait for a raise is 2.9 years. If you happen to be up for a raise, avoid saying you deserve one.
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Paying Your Doctor This Way Is An Unexpected Key To Saving Money
Cash-pay health care is an option many may not realize is an alternative to insurance. Still, the pros and cons of this method will vary by patient.
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These 5 States Have The Highest Electricity Bills In America
The average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 16 cents per kilowatt. That said, some states pay much more, with the top state, Hawaii, paying 2.7 times more.
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You've Been Warned: This After-Party Mistake Is A Wedding Money-Waster
The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. in 2023 was $35,000, according to The Knot. One way to cut down on costs is to scrutinize your food budget.
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Grocery Shopping Strategies That Save You Money
Shopping at the grocery store is increasingly expensive, but you can keep more money in your pocket by following these frugal shopping tips.
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How Does Your Net Worth Compare To Other People In Your Age Group?
If you're wondering how your net worth compares to people you know, one simple way to figure it out is to look up the median net worth of your age group.
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Barbara Corcoran's Key Advice For Gen Zers Entering The Workforce
As more of Gen Z enters the workforce (they're expected to outnumber baby boomers by 2025), Barbara Corcoran offered some advice on what to look for in a boss.
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Why Tipping Has Become An Election Flash Point In 2024
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are in favor of eliminating taxes on tips. For U.S. service workers, tips have been taxed for over 40 years.
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Signs You're Ready To Buy A House (Even If It Doesn't Feel That Way)
The average price for a home in the U.S. is over $400,000. While that may seem out of your range, remember you won't be paying for the house all at once.
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The Underrated Savings Milestone You Can Aim To Achieve Each Month
It's a small savings milestone, but it can prove big fast. If you're able to achieve it each month, it'll mean you're on the right budget track.
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Here's How Much Sports Betting Can Lower Your Credit Score, According To Research
Some six years after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, new research reveals the impact legalized sports is having on consumers' financial health.
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Earn Money In Less Than An Hour With This Fun (And Adorable) Side Hustle
More than 30% of Americans have a side hustle today, and while many of these gigs are computer-based, this particularly fun one will take you outdoors.
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The Easy Trick That Can Help You Save Money When Buying Coffee
The National Coffee Association reports Americans are drinking specialty coffee at a 13-year high; the average cost for a cup of coffee today is $6 to $7.
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How Much Money A-List Actors Really Make From Rerun Residuals
How much an actor can earn from residuals (a form of royalty payment) largely depends on their contracts, something only A-list actors can really negotiate.
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Financial Considerations In A Divorce, According To A Family Law Attorney
When it comes to money matters and divorce, people often aren't aware of what they can and cannot do, or what they should do during the legal process.
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Can You Talk About Pay With Your Coworkers?
Pay transparency laws are becoming more prevalent, but they're not yet everywhere, leaving many employees to wonder where they stand as far as pay equity.
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Major Red Flags You Should Look Out For In An Employer
Looking for a new job isn't typically a fun process, but you'll be better off going forward if you keep an eye out for these troubling signs.
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Vampire Energy: Is Leaving Your Phone Charger Plugged In Costing You?
While vampire energy, aka standby power or phantom power, is absolutely real, is your phone charger really the worst of your home's energy suckers?
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5 Of The Best Budgeting Apps To Help Manage Your Money
Meeting financial goals requires budgeting, and while people can tackle this on their own, tech can help with streamlining the process and staying on track.
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What The 'Click To Cancel' Rule Means For You & Your Wallet
Most households have multiple subscriptions, and it's easy to forget about one (two) in a busy month. For these, a new rule aims to make it easier to cancel.
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The Home Depot's Latest Prediction Could Be A Warning Sign For The Economy
Given the kinds of products sold at the Home Depot, it stands to reason that any shift in consumer spending could be a clue about the economy overall
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Pill Splitting May Be The Trick To Saving Money On Medicine, If Done Safely
You may have heard about saving money by splitting pills. But before you go and do so, too, you need to learn if you can, and if so, how to cut pills safely.
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You've Been Warned: Skipping Jury Duty Could Seriously Cost You
While many dread receiving a jury summons, it's important you respond to the card. Depending on your state, the cost of avoidance can hit more than your wallet.
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The Type Of Home Many Millionaires Live In May Surprise You
TV shows tend to offer a skewed view of how the rich and famous live. While some of them certainly do live opulently, the truth is, the majority of them don't.
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11 Seriously Alarming Retirement Stats That Should Concern You
Saving for retirement is a routine practice for millions of Americans, but the process isn't always as smooth as it's made out to be.
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The Dark Side Of Sports Betting You Should Know
Americans wagered $119.84 billion on sports in 2023. This represented a 27.5% increase from 2022. And it's all tied into the downsides of betting on sports.
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Here's How Much Airbnb Hosts Really Make, Per Study
At last count, there were ~2.2 million Airbnb hosts in the U.S. Note that how much Airbnb hosts make varies by location; in some cases, it's by over 40%.
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Heads Up: This Is The Best Time Of Year To Look For A New Job
The U.S. economy added 114,000 jobs in July, 65,000 fewer than what was estimated. This said, summer historically isn't the best time to look for a new job.
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What The National Debt Surpassing $35 Trillion Really Means For The US
The U.S. gross national debt recently surpassed $35 trillion for the first time. Did you know, though, the U.S. has been in debt since its inception?
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15 Things Frugal People Do To Make Big Money Moves (And You Should Start Too)
Being frugal doesn't mean being cheap, it means following these money-saving hacks to get ahead of the curve with your personal finances.
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Think Twice Before Hiding Valuables In These Common Places In Your Home
There are some common places in the home where thieves always look first, which means you need to be strategic if/when hiding your valuables there.
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This US State Has The Highest Cost Of Living For Single People
While it's most expensive to live in this state for singles, it's actually expensive for everyone. That said, the state also ranks high for disposable income.
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How To Add A Personal Touch To Your Wedding And Save Money
Per The Knot, the average cost of alcohol for a wedding of 50 or fewer guests was $1,430 in 2023, or 9% more than in 2022. Here's a way you can save.
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Pay Attention: Tips To Saving Your First $100K
Many financial experts would agree that $100K is a magic number for savings. To get there, it takes budgeting and giving your money a chance to grow.
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Collectibles (2)
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Cabbage Patch Kid Dolls That Are Now Worth A Ton Of Money
In 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids debuted, setting off a toy craze. That year, the industry also saw its first toy riot as consumers fought to get one for their kids.
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The Rarest Furbies That Are Worth A Ton Of Money
The animatronic Furby was launched in 1998, shelved in 2017, and made a comeback in 2023 for its 25th anniversary. Here are the rarest of the bunch.
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Earning (7)
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Understanding The Difference Between A Startup And A Small Business
Did you think "startup" and "small business" meant the same thing? If so, think again. Carolyn Osorio, a creator of two small businesses, explains.
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Labor Day: Its History, How It Became A Holiday, And Why We Celebrate It
On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day occurred in NYC. It would inspire several more soon after, and in 1894, it would become a federal holiday.
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Understanding The Racial Wealth Gap In America
Per the Pew Research Center, though wealth for U.S. households grew during the pandemic, the wealth gap among racial groups failed to close significantly.
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Here's How Many More Jobs Younger Generations Will Have In Their Lifetime
Gen Zers, along with millennials, are forecast to change jobs far more frequently in their lifetime than baby boomers and Generation X did. This is why.
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This Is The Most Money Ever Raised By An Election Campaign In A Single Day
Following President Biden's unprecedented announcement that he would not seek reelection in 2024, donations poured in for his replacement Kamala Harris.
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Traffic Data Reveals New 9-To-5 Workday Reality
For many, working through the pandemic was an eye-opener, specifically with regard to work-life balance. One consequence of this has been the commute.
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Here's What The DOL's New Overtime Rule Really Means
The Department of Labor recently announced new baselines for employee pay that qualifies as exempt from overtime, with a two-tiered implementation.
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Investing (10)
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The Great Wealth Transfer Could Prove Extremely Disappointing For Millennials
Through 2045, baby boomers will deliver the great wealth transfer via inheritances; however, distribution of this wealth will be greater for some than others.
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How Does A Backdoor Roth IRA Work?
A backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows high-income earners to open a future Roth, despite income limits. It makes use of the rules of a traditional IRA.
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How The VIX Provides Insight Into The Market's Direction
The VIX, or CBOE Volatility Index, was created in 1993. A metric for market volatility, the index bases its volatility expectations on S&P 500 index options.
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What Is Wall Street's 'Fear Gauge' And Why Is It Spiking?
Wall Street's "fear gauge" refers to the VIX index, or the CBOE Volatility Index. On August 5, the VIX index soared by as much as 42 points. Here's why.
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How Long Does The Average Recession Last?
Should the U.S. go into recession, many will want to know how long it might last. History gives us an idea, though the average doesn't tell the whole story.
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Why You Should Be Paying Attention To Corporate Earnings (Even If You Don't Care)
Beyond revealing whether or not a company was recently profitable, you can also use corporate earnings as a trend indicator. Here's how.
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Who Actually Benefits The Most Financially During A Recession?
While you can guess that the wealthiest of consumers can benefit from a recession, there are two other groups that can also come out of a recession better off.
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How To Survive A Recession (And Prosper When It's Over)
While a recession brings economic hardship, there are ways to weather one as an investor, as well as set yourself up for the eventual rebound to follow.
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Why It's Important To Keep Calm When The Markets Are Crashing
When markets fall, one mistake investors make is they panic. Experts, however, would advise you to keep calm, and maybe even do the opposite of selling.
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Money And Politics: Everything You Need To Know About PACs
While you've likely heard about PACs, you might not realize there are different kinds of PACs. Here's how your donation works when it comes to PAC money.
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Luxury (1)
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Which Colleges Have Produced The Most Billionaires?
There are nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. Per Forbes, just 12 schools account for about a quarter of the country's billionaires.
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Retirement (1)
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What Might Happen To Social Security If Kamala Harris Wins The Presidency
Though Kamala Harris has yet to outline her policy on Social Security, it's likely similar to Joe Biden's and the Democratic Party's stance overall.
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Shopping (18)
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Where To Score Birthday Freebies And Discounts
Before your birthday, join member programs (for free) to take advantage of some frugal deals, from freebie desserts to discounts that last all month.
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Items Frugal People Buy In September
If you aim to be frugal, one way is to time your purchase(s) with the best deals of the year. Here, we go over some of the biggest discounts for September.
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How Keeping Your Pantry Well-Stocked Can Save You Money
A common budgeting rule is to spend no more than 15% of your income on food. One way to keep your spending under control is to stock your pantry with staples.
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US Home Prices Continue To Rise (But Annual Growth Is Slowing)
NYC, San Diego, and Las Vegas saw annual gains above 8.5% in June, per the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index. Other top cities were less boastful.
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How To Determine Whether You Have Enough Homeowners Insurance Coverage
One number to start with is the dwelling coverage amount. Is it enough? It should be enough to cover the rebuilding of your home. Then there are the add-ons.
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Use This Money-Savvy Tool The Next Time You Order Pizza. Here's Why
Per Statista, pizza is the most-ordered food in America. If this includes you, there's a way to figure out what pie offers you the best value for your money.
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Frugal Shoppers Will Always Check This Number When Buying Groceries
Frugal people will tell you that little things can really add up. Take unit pricing. A small number, but it holds a lot of information on how to save.
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You've Been Warned: Sneaky New Scams Are Sweeping The Housing Industry
Per the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate in the U.S. is about 65%. For these consumers, there are some new and not-so-new scams to be aware of.
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These Grocery Items Have Some Of The Highest Store Markups
While food inflation has settled at around 2.2% for 2024, certain items at the grocery store, like baked goods, still see higher markups than others.
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Expect Some Changes On Your Next Visit To Costco
For anyone who's been a Costco member since 2017, you've paid the same membership fee each year. On September 1, 2024, that fee will go up by 8.33%.
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The Truth Is Out: McDonald's Admits What Customers Suspected All Along
As McDonald's attempts to capitalize on its $5 meal deal while it lasts, it's obvious to the company and industry experts that it needs a more long-term plan.
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PEZ Dispensers That Are Now Worth A Ton Of Money
Since its first character topper in 1957 (and first licensed one in 1958), PEZ has created over 1,400 more. Here's how to research the possible value of yours.
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Yes, People Still Buy Globes And You'll Be Surprised At The Price
As home décor, you can easily get a globe today for ~$25. Yet, there's another category of globes that cost (tens of) thousands of dollars: the bespoke globe.
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You've Been Warned: This Sneaky Auto Financing Tactic Will Cost You
Owning a car is expensive. The average monthly payment for a new car in 2024 (Q1) is $735. Now, imagine finding out you're paying more than you should be.
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This Is The Best Time And Day Of The Week To Shop At Thrift Stores
IBISWorld reports there were 28,722 thrift stores in the U.S. as of 2023. For your local thrift store, here's when you might want to visit for more discounts.
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You've Been Warned: Don't Purchase This Tech Item During The Summer
To capture the best deal(s) on this tech item, you'll want to try and wait out the summer. Fall, winter, and even on into spring offer better prices.
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How Much Does McDonald's Make Off Of Its $5 Meal Deal?
In July, McDonald's announced it would extend its $5 meal deal through August. Why the company did so has less to do about profits and more to do with traffic.
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Why You Should Never Keep Gift Cards In Your Wallet
Per Capital One, 25% of people say they've lost a gift card at some point, which brings us to why you shouldn't keep your gift cards in your purse or wallet.
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Spending (1)
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You've Been Warned: Traveling With This Type Of Credit Card Will Cost You
Per Statista, nearly 49 million Americans traveled abroad in 2023. For these travelers, hopefully they had the right type of credit card with them.
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