Good Morning! 🌞 

Last month we announced an additional competition for the daily Mind Stretcher. Every day you can send in your answer for the daily Mind Stretcher. At the end of the month we tally up all your correct answers and update the leader-board on our website showing who got the most correct answers.

Congratulations to Albert Knox, who is the winner of this months contest with a total of 18 correct answers!

If you want to see how you did, hop over to the mind stretcher page on our website. If you want to join in, just scroll down to our Mind Stretcher segment, read the riddle, then send us what you think the answer is.

p.s. For the month of April, we will be giving a prize to the winner, so stay tuned for that.

Economy

Young People Find Savings Accounts Attractive

Recent surveys from two major highlight that fiscal prudence and financial planning are considered appealing qualities in a partner.

In the United States, a comprehensive survey revealed that a notable percentage of the younger population finds the concept of owning a savings account attractive.

In Japan, a staggering three-quarters of high school students surveyed expressed a strong interest in investment, with nearly 5% already taking their first steps into the investment world at a young age.

Having private savings is not merely a prudent practice for individuals or couples aiming for financial security; it is fundamentally the backbone of wealth creation in society.

A OnePoll survey, involving 2,000 U.S. adults in serious, engaged, or married relationships, found that traits such as having a savings account (40%), being debt-free (38%), and possessing a five-year plan (29%) are deemed attractive in a partner.

A significant 78% of those surveyed agree that a future-oriented individual is more appealing than one who lives moment to moment.

Additionally, over two-thirds (69%) of respondents acknowledge that their sense of preparedness is influenced by their partner, with motivations ranging from providing protection (35%) to offering a sense of security (34%).

This survey, conducted for Assurance IQ, also aimed to explore the evolution of love with age and how couples plan for their future together.

A separate survey by Studyplus Trend Kenkyujo, associated with Tokyo's Studyplus Inc., revealed that over 70% of Japanese high school students show an interest in investing, with 4.7% already embarking on their investment journey.

Highlighting the power of compound interest, the study underscores the advantage of early investment or savings for financial growth over time.

This investigation engaged 512 high school students at the close of the 2023 academic year, finding that nearly 4.5% of those already investing were influenced or assisted by parents or other relatives.

The researchers highlighted the importance of adults, including parents and teachers, in providing proper financial education and guidance to the youth.

Unlike many subjects taught in American high schools, financial literacy is a crucial skill that all students will inevitably need, yet it remains underemphasized in the curriculum.

The practice of saving wealth has been pivotal in the evolution of human societies from nomadic hunter-gatherers to today's advanced technological civilizations. Savings not only afforded people the time to innovate but also laid the foundation for improved living and working conditions.

In contemporary society, the principle holds true: private wealth saved in financial institutions enables lending for societal improvement, from business startups to infrastructure development, illustrating the critical role of savings and investment in societal progress.

Entertainment

Paul McCartney Reclaims Stolen Hofner Bass 50 Years Later!

Paul McCartney got back his stolen bass guitar through a journalist-led initiative. The violin-like bass, linked to the German brand Höfner and made famous by McCartney, was taken from the Beatles' touring van in Ladbroke Grove in 1972.

The Lost Bass Project began without evidence or leads. It clarified it had no intention to blame or press charges, leading some to reveal it was sold to a pub landlord in Ladbroke before reaching a family in Sussex. Eventually, it was found stashed in an attic, like any old heirloom.

“The guitar has been authenticated by Höfner, and Paul is incredibly grateful to all those involved,” stated the Lost Bass Project.

A journalist mentioned on the BBC that people wanted to help McCartney without disclosing involvement in the theft.

“We didn’t expect it to go very far, but it caught the imagination of thousands,” wrote the Lost Bass Project. “Within a week, it was in newspapers worldwide. We did numerous interviews and appeared on several TV news broadcasts.” “As a result of the publicity, someone in a terraced house in Hastings contacted Paul McCartney’s company and returned the bass. The search was over—Paul had his stolen bass back!”

The bass, still in its case, needs repairs before being playable. With the strap tight to McCartney's chest, he used the Höfner for songs like Love Me Do and She Loves You.

“To have found it quickly is amazing, and we’ve heard how thrilled Paul McCartney is to have it back,” said Mr. Scott Jones of the Lost Bass Project. “That’s just the icing on the cake to know that the guy we all love is smiling tonight because his old guitar is back.”

World News

Today in Iceland: National Beer Day!

The Icelandic Annual Beer Festival stands as a four-day celebration, showcasing the finest offerings from both the Icelandic and selected international beer scenes.

The event carries historical significance, marking the conclusion of Iceland's prohibition era, which spanned from 1915 to March 1, 1989. Since the lifting of the prohibition, March 1 has been designated as "Beer Day," serving as a commemoration of this pivotal moment in Icelandic history.

Notably, the festival has evolved over the years, expanding to its current four-day format since 2012. This extended celebration provides beer enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse and high-quality brews featured at the festival.

Sports

Glosgow: 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Today, on March 1, catch the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, running from March 1-3, 2024. This event cements Scotland and Glasgow as top event spots.

The Championships happen every two years, featuring three intense days of competition in a close-knit arena. It's a chance for fans to see top athletes up close, showcasing raw talent and athleticism.

Glasgow, having successfully hosted the European Athletics Indoor Championships in 2019, is now hosting the World Athletics 2024 championships in the same venue.

This time around, it's crucial because it falls within the qualification period for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. About 700 competitors from over 130 countries are expected to participate as athletes gear up for this significant year.

Mind Stretchers

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I can shave every day but my beard never changes. What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
A Post Office.

Chris Hostetler got the correct answer in first!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.