The Gophers men’s basketball program signed three high school players to join the program before next season.

But with a head coaching change from Ben Johnson to Niko Medved completed this week, two of them now want out of their national letter of intent to Minnesota.

Parker Jefferson, a 6-foot-10 center from Waxahachie, Texas, requested to be released on Saturday. Jacob Ross, a 6-6 guard from Bristow, Va., wanted out on Thursday.

“Thank you Gopher nation for the unlimited love!!” Jefferson posted on social media. “This is what I feel is best for me and my family.”

Kai Shinholster, a 6-5 guard from Philadelphia, has not shared his plan. All three are considered three-star recruits by 247Sports.

Medved told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday he would talk to the trio soon and figure out their futures.

“I think those are ones that we have to determine,” Medved said this week. “I don’t know those guys yet. I think I want to make sure that anyone who’s going to come to our program understands what we value and who I am.”

Minnesota’s two freshmen in the 2024 class — Cherry, Minn., guard Isaac Asuma and Alexandria forward Grayson Grove — both said they will return of next season.

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For most people, the summer just isn’t complete without a fabulous getaway. But whether you’re hitting the road or flying the friendly skies, traveling without the right gear can leave you wishing you’d never left home.

If you haven’t dug your suitcases out of the closet since your last summer vacation, though, it may be time for an update. Fortunately, now is a great time to prepare for your next trip because many travel essentials are discounted for Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

From checked bags and packing cubes to wireless headphones and travel chargers, you can score big savings on many travel must-haves. Check out the list below for our favorite deals that can get you ready for your summer vacation.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage 15% OFF

This lightweight spinner suitcase is large enough for even longer summer trips. It has four wheels that rotate 360 degrees to make it easier to maneuver through the airport. It can expand up to two inches to maximize your packing space and has a full-length interior lid pocket and a side accessory pocket to organize your belongings. It is available in 12 colors.

Anker Laptop Charger 15% OFF

Ensure your devices never run out of power during a trip with this convenient travel charger. It can charge laptops, smartphones, earbuds and more and can handle four devices simultaneously. It also has a high-definition color display that lets you see the charging status and other details at a glance.

Repel Umbrella Windproof Travel Umbrella 32% OFF

Be prepared for inclement weather on your summer vacation with this travel-friendly umbrella. It has a sturdy double-vented canopy and fiberglass frame, so it can withstand heavy rain and winds. It’s still lightweight and compact, though, making it easy to toss in a purse or backpack. It auto-opens and closes, too, making it easy to use one-handed.

Taygeer Travel Backpack 32% OFF

This roomy, water-resistant backpack is perfect for weekend getaways or as a carry-on bag for your next flight. It has three large compartments and nine inner and side pockets, making it easy to organize your belongings. It also has a built-in USB charger and charging cable to help keep your devices powered. The padded straps make carrying the bag more comfortable, too.

BAGAIL Packing Cubes 42% OFF

Make packing for your summer vacation a little easier with these packing cubes. Each set includes eight cubes in varying sizes, which help maximize space inside your suitcase. Their mesh top panel helps prevent wrinkles and odors from developing and makes it easier to find the clothes you’re looking for without opening each cube.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow 50% OFF

This unique travel pillow is twistable, so it can be arranged to support your head, neck, shoulders or back. It is made of memory foam that provides effective cushioning for pressure points, allowing you to relax even on a plane or in a car. Its breathable cotton cover is machine-washable, too, so cleaning the pillow is a breeze.

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones 29% OFF

Listen to your favorite music, podcasts and audiobooks while you travel with these wireless headphones. Their noise-cancellation technology can help you enjoy your audio even on a crowded plane or train, while the Aware setting allows you to hear your surroundings when necessary. You can get up to 24 hours of listening time from the battery, making it ideal for longer trips.

Etekcity Luggage Scale 18% OFF

With this user-friendly luggage scale, you’ll never get hit with unexpected overweight fees for your checked bags. It is made of durable materials, but it’s still compact enough to fit easily in your bag. The digital display is also easy to read and can display weights up to 110 pounds.

Simple Modern Beach Bag Rubber Tote

This durable, waterproof bag is perfect for beach vacations or trips to the pool. It is made of EVA, so it’s very easy to clean. It also has a detachable, internal zippered pocket, which is water-resistant to keep your phone and other delicate items safe. Your belongings stay upright, too, because of the bag’s anti-tip design.

BAGSMART Toiletry Bag 26% OFF + 10% OFF COUPON

Keep toiletries and other small items safe in this hanging bag. It has a 360-degree swiveling metal hook that stows away when not in use, as well as a carry handle that can double as a hanging strap. It also has excellent padding that keeps the items inside protected during travel.

Other travel essentials Amazon Big Spring Sale deals

Samsonite Omni PC 20-inch Hardside Expandable Carry-On Luggage 15% OFF
INIU Portable Charger 36% OFF
Vorspack Toiletry Bag 15% OFF
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack 56% OFF​​​​​​
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Twin Pack 32% OFF

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb

For decades, the traditional career path was clear: Work for about 40 years, retire and enjoy a well-earned break in your later years.

However, with increasing life expectancy, shifting economic trends and changes in workplace dynamics, that model is evolving. More Americans are now looking at careers that span 60 years instead of the traditional 40, whether by necessity or choice.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by LendingTree, as of March 2024, nearly a quarter of Americans aged 65 and older were still in the workforce, and that number is expected to rise in the coming decade.

Some remain employed because they need the income, while others continue working for the purpose and fulfillment it provides. Regardless of the reason, this shift in career length has major planning implications.

The financial realities of a longer career

One significant advantage of a longer career is the extended income stream. Continuing to work beyond the traditional retirement age can help extend financial independence and ease the immediate need to draw from retirement savings. This approach may be particularly beneficial in light of ongoing discussions about the long-term sustainability of Social Security. While the future of the program depends on legislative decisions, proactive financial planning can help individuals navigate potential changes with greater confidence. With a longer working life, individuals have more time to save, but they must also be prepared for fluctuations in income and career transitions.

To sustain financial well-being over a six-decade career, strategic planning is essential. Retirement savings should remain a priority, but the approach may need to be more flexible than in previous generations. Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth IRAs allows you to continue to build a nest egg while taking advantage of tax benefits. Your contributions to these accounts should be adjusted whenever your income changes, increasing during high-earning years to create a stronger financial cushion for the future. Regularly reassessing your retirement goals is also crucial, ensuring savings align with an extended career trajectory.

Health care and insurance considerations

Health care planning is another critical factor in navigating a longer career. Affordable employer-sponsored health insurance may not always be available, making it necessary to explore private insurance or Medicare options. Long-term care insurance and Health Savings Accounts can provide additional security for future medical expenses, helping you manage escalating health care costs later in life.

Emergency funds and income diversification

Maintaining financial stability throughout an extended career also means preparing for potentially more frequent career transitions. A robust emergency fund is essential to weather periods of lower income, job changes or unexpected financial challenges. Ideally, your savings should cover six to eight months of living expenses, which is designated to provide a safety net that reduces stress and ensures financial security during periods of change.

Relying solely on a single income source may not be practical over such a long career, making diversified income streams an important consideration. Many workers are turning to consulting, freelancing and passive income investments to supplement their earnings. These additional revenue sources provide financial flexibility and can be especially beneficial for those transitioning between jobs or seeking a more balanced work-life approach.

A well-diversified investment portfolio also plays a key role in long-term financial success. By maintaining a mix of assets that balance growth with stability, workers can protect their savings while continuing to generate income as they age. Adjusting investments over time ensures they align with changing risk tolerances and financial needs.

Lifelong learning and career adaptability

Navigating an extended career also requires continuous learning and adaptability. The Stanford Center on Longevity emphasizes the importance of “longevity literacy,” which means understanding how to manage both finances and careers over a longer lifespan. Lifelong learning is key to staying relevant in an evolving job market. Investing in skill development and education can help position yourself for new opportunities and maintain your earning potential throughout different career phases.

Flexibility in work arrangements is another factor reshaping traditional career paths. More professionals are choosing phased retirement approaches, gradually reducing work hours rather than stopping work altogether. This strategy allows for continued income while easing the transition into retirement, providing financial stability without that abrupt end to the life of work.

Aligning financial planning with personal goals

A longer career also presents the opportunity to align financial planning with personal goals and passions, something that we at Wealth Enhancement emphasize with our clients. We see many redefining work on their own terms, pursuing meaningful roles that provide both financial security and personal fulfillment. This shift allows for a more purposeful career trajectory, where financial plans are designed to support not just retirement, but an entire lifetime of evolving aspirations.

The path forward

As the concept of the 60-year career becomes more common, financial planning must evolve accordingly. By embracing continuous learning, diversifying income sources and taking a strategic approach to retirement savings and health care planning, you can navigate an extended career with confidence. Consulting with a financial adviser can help tailor these strategies to your individual circumstances, ensuring that a longer working life remains an opportunity rather than a challenge. Proper planning will not only support financial stability but also allow for a fulfilling and purposeful career well into the later years of your life—should that be a goal you wish to pursue.

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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Bruce Helmer and Peg Webb are financial advisers at Wealth Enhancement Group and co-hosts of “Your Money” on WCCO 830 AM on Sunday mornings. Email Bruce and Peg at yourmoney@wealthenhancement.com. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Wealth Enhancement Group and Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services are separate entities from LPL Financial.

 

Amy Lindgren

In last week’s column I described strategies for finding part-time work, which is a little different than searching for a full-time position.

The main thing to know when seeking part-time jobs is that employers are less likely to advertise these roles. Once you realize that, you can switch strategies. Now it’s a matter of identifying the work you want to do and approaching likely employers directly with a résumé tailored for the tasks they may need help with.

Since last week’s examples were for roles in retail and other entry-level opportunities, this week I’ll dive into part-time jobs at a professional level, or for those wanting to build a career path while working part-time.

The good news is that these options exist in most sectors, although again — they’re not always well-advertised. For example, in the licensed fields, part-time is actually quite common. Health care professionals and educators are frequently part-time workers, as are salon workers such as hair stylists, barbers and estheticians.

Office workers and clerical roles are another example where part-time work is common, as it is in call centers and other non-retail customer-service areas.

More examples: In education, colleges and universities have gravitated toward part-time instructors, while many nonprofits use part-time fundraisers, bookkeepers and program managers. I’ve also known part-time architects, engineers, development directors, IT project managers, and many others holding down highly skilled jobs at fewer than full-time hours.

One area people may not realize part-timers exist is in the higher echelon of business and nonprofit management. At the very top of the ladder, the designation may switch from “part-time” to “fractional” but the concept is the same.

A fractional executive might be a CFO handling a corporation’s finances at half or three-quarter of the usual hours. Company presidents or CEOs can also be fractional, but this would usually be for a small organization. Otherwise, the board would bring on a full-time but interim leader until the permanent replacement could be hired.

If you are seeking a part-time professional role, LinkedIn and networking will be key. In lieu of advertising, organizations may rely on referrals or hire a recruiter to find candidates. It’s also common for part-time roles to be initiated when the right candidate reaches out to an overwhelmed department manager.

If part-time professional roles appeal to you, these tips can help you land one.

• Understand the nuances of your field. For example, some actually will be advertised, such as part-time health care positions. Others might be contract or self-employment situations, as is often the case with hair stylists. And fractional executives are frequently filled by specialized placement agencies.

• Ask for more salary than you think. It helps to consider this in restaurant terms. Just as customers pay more than 50% when ordering half a sandwich, so should employers pay more than 50% of the full-time salary if you work half-time (or whatever percentage you work).

Since these are usually salaried positions (and not hourly wage jobs), building in extra helps account for those times when the job will run past your allotted hours, no matter how well you set your boundaries. The extra also accounts for the many aspects of a part-time position that mirror those of the full-time role — the same commute, for example, or the same amount of space in your house for the remote equipment, regardless of how many hours you’re working.

• Negotiate the benefits. You won’t have leverage to alter pension or 401(k) contributions, as those are set for the entire organization. But days off and even health care premiums are more flexible, as are bonuses or other perks.

• Get it in writing. This could be as simple as a confirming email that you write: “Thank you for the offer. I understand that I will be working part-time … ” Or, you might receive a regular employment letter or contract. In any case, having things spelled out from the beginning will help if there are organizational changes higher up or new policies are crafted.

• Keep clear boundaries. For example, if you work four days a week but others schedule meetings for your day off, you’ll need to clarify the conditions of your work for everyone.

• Stay up on your professional credentials and networking. Career-building can be harder to fit in on a part-time basis, but if this is your career path, it still needs tending. Remember to keep your résumé updated as well — in this unadvertised part of the market, you never know when the next opportunity will present itself.

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Working Strategies: Weighing the buyout offer Part 2, personal considerations

Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com.