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Is the Ring Security System a good investment?

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Ring

Ring is a home security company that provides customers with a variety of security systems and cameras to help protect their homes. The Ring security alarm and cameras are popular among homeowners due to their ease of use, affordability, and reliability. In this article, we will review the Ring security alarm and cameras and how the majority of owners feel about them.

Ring Security Alarm

The Ring security alarm is a DIY home security system that includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion sensor, and range extender. The system is easy to install and can be set up in minutes without the need for professional installation. The system is controlled through the Ring app, which allows users to arm and disarm the system, receive alerts, and monitor their home from anywhere.

The majority of owners are impressed with the Ring security alarm’s ease of use and affordability. Many owners appreciate the fact that the system can be easily installed without the need for professional installation. The Ring app is also user-friendly, and owners can easily control the system from anywhere. The system’s affordable price point is also a major selling point for many owners.

Ring Cameras

Ring offers a variety of cameras, including the Ring Video Doorbell, Ring Stick Up Cam, and Ring Floodlight Cam. The cameras are designed to provide homeowners with an extra layer of security by allowing them to monitor their homes from anywhere. The cameras are easy to install and can be set up in minutes.

The majority of owners are impressed with the Ring cameras’ video quality and ease of use. The cameras provide clear and crisp video, making it easy for homeowners to identify any potential threats. The Ring app is also user-friendly, and owners can easily control the cameras from anywhere. Many owners appreciate the fact that the cameras provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Overall, the Ring security alarm and cameras are popular among homeowners due to their ease of use, affordability, and reliability. The majority of owners are impressed with the systems’ user-friendly design and clear video quality. The affordability of the Ring security alarm and cameras is also a major selling point for many homeowners. If you are looking for an affordable and reliable home security system, the Ring security alarm and cameras are definitely worth considering.

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Consumer Corner

401(k) plans and stock market volatility: What you need to know

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It’s been a wild ride. iStock/Getty Images Plus
Dr. Ronald Premuroso, Western Governors University School of Business With stock market charts resembling the contours of a roller-coaster ride in recent days, many Americans could be forgiven for eyeing their 401(k)s with a little concern. Retirement savings are crucial to the financial well-being of millions of especially older people in the U.S., so the concern is understandable. But just how worried should people be by market fluctuations? And just how big a hit do 401(k)s take when markets fall? The Conversation turned to Western Governors University’s Ronald Premuroso, an expert in this area, for answers.

What is a 401(k)?

Simply put, a 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan in which employees contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis. The employee is eligible at any age to contribute to a 401(k) plan and has the option to pay into these plans throughout their employment. Many employers match some or all of an employee’s contributions, making the plan even more attractive.

What about withdrawals?

Under Internal Revenue Service rules, someone with a 401(k) is required to start making monetary withdrawals from their plan when they reach age 73. Some people start withdrawing at an earlier age. Someone with a 401(k) can withdraw funds from the plan early, and at any time. But the money amounts withdrawn will typically be deemed taxable income. In addition, those age 59 and a half and under will likely face a 10% penalty on the withdrawal, unless the employer’s plan allows for hardship distributions, early withdrawals or loans from your plan account. The IRS has specific rules for these early withdrawals; if you find yourself in this situation, you should get help from a tax professional. All withdrawals starting at age 73, which tax professionals call “RMDs,” are then taxable in retirement – presumably at a lower tax rate than the employee was subject to while employed and working. So these withdrawals starting at age 73 can be a very tax-efficient way of financial planning, including personal income tax planning, for later in life, especially in one’s retirement years. Again, it’s important to get help from a tax professional to make sure you meet the IRS’ RMD dollar withdrawal requirements once you start withdrawing. In calendar-year 2025, the most that an employee can contribute to a tax-deferred 401(k) plan annually is US$23,500, including the employer’s match. “Super catch-up contributions are allowed for employees over the age of 50 to their employer’s 401(k) plan each year indexed to inflation. In 2025, super catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute an additional $7,500 beyond the standard limit, bringing their total annual contribution to $31,000. For those turning age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2025, the SECURE Act 2.0 allows a higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250, resulting in a total allowable contribution of $34,750 in 2025.

When and why did 401(k)s become popular?

Before 1978, retirement savings options were limited. In 1935, Congress created the Social Security Retirement Plan. This was followed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which created individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, as a way for employees to save tax-deferred money for their retirement. 401(k) plans became popular with the passage of the Revenue Act of 1978 by Congress. Congress saw 401(k) plans at that time as an alternative way to supplement Social Security benefits that all eligible Americans are entitled to receive upon retirement. In 1981, the IRS issued new rules and regulations allowing employees to fund their 401(k)s through payroll deductions. This significantly increased the number of employees contributing to their employers’ 401(k) plans. As of September 2024, Americans held $8.9 trillion in 401(k) plans, according to the Investment Company Institute. A study published by the Pension Rights Center toward the end of 2023 using data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that 56% of all workers – including private sector and state and local government workers – participate in a workplace retirement plan. That equates to 145 million full- and part-time workers.

How are 401(k) plans affected by market rises and falls?

Contributions to a 401(k) are typically invested in a variety of financial instruments, including in the stock market. Most 401(k) plans offer investment options with varying levels of risk, allowing employees to choose based on their personal comfort levels and financial goals. Employers typically outsource the management of these 401(k) plans to third parties. Some of the largest companies managing 401(k) funds on behalf of employers and employees include Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and Charles Schwab, to name just a few. Because many of these investments are tied to the stock market, 401(k) balances can rise or fall with market fluctuations.
An elderly lady sits at a table with papers in front of her.
401(k) plans are a financial lifeline for many American retirees. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

Should I be worried about the stock market tanking my 401(k)?

It depends on when you started making contributions, when you plan to retire and when you expect to start making withdrawals. Employees with 401(k) accounts should only be worried about falling stocks if they need the money right now – either for retirement living expenses or for other emergency reasons. If you don’t need to take money out soon, there’s usually no reason to panic. History has shown that markets can rebound quickly; short-term drops often don’t signal long-term trends. Over time, the stock market has experienced many periods of falling stock prices: the bursting of the internet bubble of 2000; the period after the events of 9/11; and the U.S. and global banking crisis of 2007-2010, to name but three. But overall, over time, stock market returns have averaged 9% from 1994 to 2024, and this includes the periods of falling stock prices mentioned above. So even if you are a baby boomer heading for retirement and your 401(k) has taken a hit in recent weeks, don’t panic. Bear in mind the truism that stock markets can always go down as well as up. History suggests that in the long run, depending upon your plans and timing for retirement, working together with a trusted financial adviser strategically with regard to your 401(k) retirement savings is a good approach, especially during periods like we have seen in recent weeks in the stock market. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.The Conversation Dr. Ronald Premuroso, Accounting Instructor, Western Governors University School of Business This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Consumer Corner

NIKON ANNOUNCES THE NIKON Z5II: LET FULL-FRAME BE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CREATIVE JOURNEY

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Amplify any Aesthetic & Unleash Your Full Creative Potential with the Most Feature-Packed Camera in its Class

MELVILLE, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — Today, Nikon announced the new full-frame / FX format Z5II, an entirely new generation of intermediate-level camera that miraculously manages to fit the latest high-end features into a lightweight camera body that will help kickstart any creative spark. The Nikon Z5II is the easiest way to level up a user’s captures with full-frame image quality, incredibly fast and intelligent autofocus (AF), excellent low-light performance, one-touch film-inspired color presets and the brightest viewfinder of any competing camera.1 The new Nikon Z5II uses the same high-power EXPEED 7 image processing engine as Nikon’s highest caliber professional models, the Z8 and Z9. The benefits of this processor are immediately apparent, affording incredible levels of performance and extremely fast AF with subject detection powered by deep learning (AI) technology. This highly accurate, high-speed focus is a massive leap from its predecessor, locking in at approximately one thirdthe time. In addition, the new camera now utilizes a highly sensitive back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for beautiful rendering of textures and details, even in dimly lit situations such as indoors or nighttime landscapes, with minimal noise. The Z5II further fuels your creative drive with a dedicated Picture Control button and innovative tools like Imaging Recipes and Flexible Color Picture Controls, all of which help users create a truly distinctive look with unparalleled creative control of colors. “The benefits of the Z5II go far beyond its attainable price and small size, offering users the benefits of our most advanced EXPEED 7 processing engine, a proven full-frame sensor along with unexpected pro-level features and performance,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This is the camera many people have been waiting for in order to make the move to mirrorless, since nothing comes close to matching the value of features and performance in its class.” Reliably Fast Focus and Performance The AF on the Nikon Z5II is remarkably precise and super-fast, effortlessly locking-on and tracking a wide range of moving subjects. From fast-paced portraits or action shots, the system helps you to never miss a crucial moment, even when a subject is backlit. The cutting-edge AF system can detect up to nine types of subjects for stills and video, including people (faces, eyes, heads, and upper bodies), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and trains. But it’s not just the focus that’s fast—thanks to the next-generation processing power, the Z5II also offers high performance features from pro level Z models, to excel in any shoot.
  • 3D-tracking AF mode keeps the target subject in focus even if it moves rapidly or erratically. This allows for subject tracking, even at high burst speeds, for sharp images again and again when photographing sports, animals or other fast-moving subjects.
  • The first full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera with AF-A focus mode. In this mode, the camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C focus modes in response to subject movement or changes in composition with still shooting. This allows the camera to automatically focus on the subject, with no setting adjustments when photographing. This new feature makes it simple to photograph pets, kids or other subjects whose movements are difficult to predict.
  • Fast continuous shooting speedswith a maximum frame rate of 14 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode and up to 15 or 30 frames per second (electronic shutter) with full autofocus.
  • Pre-Release Capturefunction when shooting in C15 and C30 modes is capable of recording images buffered up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, capturing the action before a user can react.
Embrace Low Light Like Never Before There’s no need to be afraid of the dark with the Nikon Z5II. Featuring a powerful combination of the full-frame back-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the Z5II delivers the best low light ability in its class. Images and video are rendered with minimal noise, and incredible AF detection abilities in low light. Whether shooting indoors, twilight cityscapes or the night sky, the Z5II is built to help you capture confidently in nearly any light, preserving details and textures throughout the broad ISO range.
  • Class-leading autofocus detection down to -10EVdelivers accurate, reliable focus in dim and dark conditions—great for concerts, live performances, festivities, available light portraiture, astrophotography and more.
  • A broad standard ISO sensitivity range of 100-64,000, expandable to Hi 1.7 (ISO 204,800 equivalent), delivers exceptional low-light capabilities and outstanding image quality with minimal noise. The max ISO is 51,200 for video recording.
  • The 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) system provides superior image stabilization equivalent to a 7.5-stop6 increase in shutter speed at the center and a 6.0-stop increase at the peripheral areas of the frame. This allows users to create with confidence in lower light and get sharper results, even when handheld or at lower shutter speeds.
  • Focus-point VR7 tailors stabilization to the area covered by the active AF point, for sharp rendering of the subject, even when it is positioned near the edge of the frame.
  • Starlight View Mode makes focus and composition simple in extremely low light, while the Warm Color Display Mode helps preserve night vision when working in complete darkness.
  • Extended shutter speeds up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in manual exposure mode. Perfect for extreme long-exposure nightscapes and star trails.
Engineered to be Used, Made to be Loved Shooting with the compact and lightweight Z5II is a satisfying and comfortable experience. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is simply stunning and is 6x brighter than any competing model. At up to 3000 nits brightness, users can easily shoot even in the brightest direct sun with a perfect view of the frame, with real-time exposure information. Additionally, the rear 3.2″ Vari-angle LCD touchscreen rotates freely to nearly any angle, giving full freedom of composition. Get down in the street or hold it high above everyone’s heads and still be able to accurately frame the perfect shot. The grip is deep and comfortable to minimize fatigue. Additionally, the Nikon Z5II’s front, back, and top covers are made from magnesium alloy, which delivers exceptional durability and outstanding dust-and drip-resistance. Feel the Color with Picture Controls The Nikon Z5II is the latest camera to support one-button access to Picture Controls, plus compatibility with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. The dedicated Picture Control button opens new possibilities for expressive color, with imaginative film-inspired looks that instantly change the color tone and color of a scene. In a single press, the user can see in real-time the effects of up to 31 built-in color presets plus Imaging Recipes downloaded by the user. Nikon Imaging Cloud connectivity allows users to download a wide variety of free Imaging Recipes by Nikon and created by popular creators, and to apply these recipes when shooting. In addition, the Z5II supports Flexible Color Picture Control, which allows users to create their own unique color styles using Nikon’s free NX Studio software. Flexible Color allows for a wider variety of color and tone adjustments, including hue, brightness and contrast. What’s more, these settings can also be saved as Custom Picture Controls that can be imported to the Z5II for use while shooting. Powerful Video Features for Hybrid Users The Z5II offers an impressive array of video features for content creators:
  • Capture immensely vivid and detailed 4K/30 UHD video, with no crop. This gives creatives the ability to shoot in 4K at full-frame, with more wide-angle freedom. For higher frame rates, the camera can also capture up to 4K/60 with a 1.5x crop.
  • Flexible in-camera video recording options with 12-bit N-RAW8, 10-bit H.265, and 8-bit H.264. This is the first camera to be able to record N-RAW to an SD card.
  • N-Log9 tone modes offer greater flexibility for color grading. This means Z5II users also have access to the free RED LUTs, which were developed in collaboration with RED for users to enjoy cinematic looks.
  • Full HD/120p for flexibility to create 5x slow motion videos in 8-bit H.264.
  • Hi-Res Zoom10 uses 4K resolution to zoom up to 2X in-camera during Full HD shooting, without any loss of quality. This is useful when using prime lenses to get closer to a subject and add a dynamic look to footage.
  • Product Review Mode will seamlessly switch focus between the user and any objects that they hold up to the camera. Users can even customize the size of the active AF area.
  • Upgrade streaming while connected via UVC/UAC-compliant USB port, transforming the camera into a high-quality webcam for live streaming.
  • The Z5II also includes ports for headphones and microphones.
Additional Features of the Nikon Z5II
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Bird detection mode makes it easier to detect birds in motion and in flight.
  • Equipped with Nikon’s exclusive portrait functions, including Rich Tone Portrait that realizes radiant and beautiful rendering of skin textures, and Skin Softening that smooths the skin while leaving hair, eyes, and other details sharp.
  • Capture high-resolution images with Pixel Shift shooting11 to portray stunning depth and rich textures, from architectural details to rocky landscapes and vibrant artwork, creating images at a staggeringly high resolution of up to approx. 96-megapixels (must be processed with free Studio NX software).
Adobe Creative Cloud Promotion For a limited time, customers who purchase the Nikon Z5II and register their camera will also get 1 year of Lightroom + 1TB of Adobe Creative Cloud storage. For more information and terms of this promotion, please visit www.nikonusa.com. Price and Availability The new Nikon Z5II full-frame mirrorless camera will be available in April 2025 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1699.95* for the body only. Kit configurations include the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $1999.95* SRP, and the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for $2499.95* SRP. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com About Nikon  Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities.
Connect with Nikon on Facebook YouTube Instagram Threads , and TikTok. Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. 1. Based on Nikon research as of April 3rd, 2025.
2. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. The measurement values are based on the following testing conditions: Subject brightness of 10 EV; in photo mode using aperture-priority auto (A), single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at 70-mm focal length with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
3. Max framerate of 14 fps in mechanical shutter mode is JPEG only. C15 and C30 are JPEG only, electronic shutter modes. Rolling shutter distortion may occur depending on the type of subject and shooting conditions.
4. Available only with JPEG recording.
5. In photo mode using single-servo AF (AF-S), single-point AF (center), at ISO 100 equivalent and a temperature of 20°C/68°F with an f/1.2 lens.
6. Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch/roll compensation performance when using the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S (telephoto end, NORMAL)
7. Only in photo mode with NIKKOR Z lenses not equipped with VR. Does not function when multiple focus points are displayed.
8. When a frame size and rate of [[FX] 4032×2268 30p], [[FX] 4032×2268 25p], [[FX] 4032×2268 24p], [[DX] 3984×2240 30p], [[DX] 3984×2240 25p], or [[DX] 3984×2240 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. Picture quality is equivalent to that of a video quality setting of [Normal]. Use of Video Speed Class 90 (V90) SD memory cards is recommended.
9. When [H.265 10-bit (MOV)] or [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu.
10. Hi-Res Zoom is available when all the following conditions are met:- [FX] is selected for [Image area] > [Choose image area] in the video recording menu, [H.265 10-bit (MOV)], [H.265 8-bit (MOV)], or [H.264 8-bit (MP4)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu, and – a frame size and rate of [1920×1080; 30p], [1920×1080; 25p], or [1920×1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu.
11. Both the subject and the camera must be still. RAW images shot with the pixel shift shooting feature must be combined using NX Studio.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. SOURCE Nikon Inc.

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Consumer Corner

Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms

Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.

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Zelle

On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.

Why It Matters

Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.

What Is Happening to the App?

Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.

Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?

Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.

In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.

Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.

When Did the App Shut Down?

The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.

How Will My Payments Be Affected?

Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.

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To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.

Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.

How Many People Use Zelle?

As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.

While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.

Related Link:

https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/03/business/zelle-cash-transferring-app-shuts-down/index.html

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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