Sunday, September 20

Warriors Boycott Zambia Match At National Sports Stadium

THE Zimbabwe women’s soccer team, the Mighty Warriors, today failed to picth up at the National Sports Stadium in Harare where they were scheduled to play against Zambia in an Olympic qualifier.

In what could turn out to be one of the most embarrasing episodes of the state of affairs at ZIFA, the Zambians were warming up anticipating their hosts to turn up, which never happened.

A small crowd of anticipating fans had also pitched their seats, while the Mighty Warriors team medics were also there at the giant stadium.

ZIFA Communications and Competitions Manager Xolisani Gwesela blamed clubs for the fracas, saying they withdrew their players who were camped at the ZIFA Village.

“I can confirm that Black Rhinos Queens, Blue Swallows and Correctional Queens all went to the ZIFA Village last night and withdrew their players. Since the bulk of the national players are from these clubs, this left us in this quandary,” Gwesela said.

A small contigent of Zambian fans celebrated the development, as they anticipated to be given the match on a walkover bases.

However, their celebrations might be short-lived as ZIFA have reportedly applied to FIFA to have the match re-scheduled to Monday (tomorrow). 

No immediate comment could be obtained from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). 

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Best High-Yield Savings Accounts for Emergency Funds

A high-yield savings account is one of the safest places to keep your emergency fund. It gives you easy access to your money while earning more interest than many traditional savings accounts.
rnThis topic performs well because many people search for it when they are trying to improve their financial foundation. An emergency fund should be easy to access, separate from everyday spending, and safe from market swings. That makes high-yield savings accounts a practical choice for short-term savings.
rnWhen choosing an account, compare the annual percentage yield, monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and withdrawal rules. A slightly higher interest rate can be helpful, but only if the account is also easy to use and does not charge you unnecessary fees. Convenience matters just as much as yield.
rnYou should also check whether the bank is online-only or has physical branches. Online banks often offer stronger rates because they have lower overhead, but some people prefer the comfort of in-person support. The best account depends on how you like to manage your money.
rnAnother factor is whether the bank offers fast transfers. Since an emergency fund may be needed quickly, you want an account that allows easy access without delays. Some accounts also connect well with checking accounts, making it easier to move money when needed.
rnA good emergency fund goal is usually several months of essential expenses. That money should sit in a place where it is protected, but still available when your car breaks down, a medical bill appears, or you lose income unexpectedly. A high-yield savings account is designed for exactly that purpose.
rnDo not use this account for long-term investing. Its job is not to maximize growth, but to keep your emergency cash safe and available while earning some interest along the way.
rnThe best high-yield savings account for an emergency fund is the one that combines safety, access, and a competitive rate.

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Term vs Whole Life Insurance: Compare Costs and Coverage

Life insurance can protect a family from financial hardship if a wage earner, caregiver, or business owner passes away. The challenge is choosing the right type of policy. Two of the most common options are term life insurance and whole life insurance. Both can provide a death benefit, but they work differently, cost differently, and fit different planning goals.

Term life insurance is designed to last for a specific period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If the insured person dies during the term and the policy is active, the beneficiary receives the death benefit. If the term ends and the policy is not renewed or converted, coverage ends. Because term life does not usually build cash value, it is often more affordable than permanent life insurance for the same death benefit.

Term life can make sense when the main need is temporary protection. Parents may choose a term that lasts until children are grown, a mortgage is paid down, or college costs are no longer a concern. Business partners may use term life to support a buy-sell agreement during key growth years. A family with a tight budget may choose term insurance because it can provide a larger death benefit for a lower premium.

Whole life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance. It is designed to last for the insured person's lifetime as long as required premiums are paid. Whole life policies can build cash value over time. The cash value may be borrowed against or accessed under certain conditions, but loans and withdrawals can reduce the death benefit and may have tax consequences. Whole life premiums are usually much higher than term life premiums for the same initial death benefit.

Whole life can make sense for people who want lifetime coverage, predictable premiums, estate planning support, or a policy that includes cash value. It may also appeal to people who have already built a strong emergency fund, retirement savings, and basic protection, and who want another long-term planning tool. However, it is not automatically better simply because it lasts longer.

The right choice depends on the purpose of the coverage. If the goal is replacing income while children are young, covering a mortgage, or protecting a spouse during working years, term life may be enough. If the goal is lifetime estate liquidity, legacy planning, or long-term coverage that does not expire, whole life may be worth comparing.

Premiums should be reviewed carefully. A policy is only useful if you can keep it active. Buying an expensive permanent policy and later canceling it can be costly. Before choosing whole life, compare how the same dollars could be used for term coverage, retirement contributions, debt payoff, emergency savings, or other goals. This is not an either-or decision for everyone; some people use term life for large temporary needs and a smaller permanent policy for lifelong needs.

Underwriting is another factor. Insurers may review age, health history, medication, family history, lifestyle, driving record, occupation, hobbies, and sometimes medical exam results. Younger and healthier applicants often qualify for lower premiums, but each company evaluates risk differently. If you have a medical condition, an independent broker may help compare multiple insurers.

When comparing quotes, look beyond the premium. Ask whether the policy is level term or renewable term, whether it can be converted to permanent coverage, how long the premium is guaranteed, whether riders are included, and what happens if payments are missed. For whole life, ask for an in-force illustration, guaranteed values, non-guaranteed assumptions, surrender charges, loan interest, and how dividends are handled if applicable.

Common riders include waiver of premium, accelerated death benefit, child term rider, and guaranteed insurability. Riders can add flexibility, but they can also increase cost. Only add riders that solve a clear need.

Life insurance is not just a product; it is a financial safety plan. Start by estimating how much money your family would need for housing, debt, childcare, education, final expenses, and income replacement. Then compare policy types around that need. A licensed insurance professional or financial planner can help you evaluate options based on your state, budget, tax situation, and family goals.