ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – Connecticut ranked as the fifth most expensive state for stay-at-home parents, according to a recent Smart Asset study that examined the costs of keeping one parent at home.

The study found that families need an annual income of at least $90,000 for one parent to stay home.

It costs about $40,000 a year to raise a child in Connecticut.

Many families are finding ways to lower costs, including seeking free activities like going to parks or taking more drastic measures like keeping one parent at home instead of paying for child care.

In nearby Massachusetts, families need an income of $97,000 for one parent to stay home. Hawaii ranked as the most expensive state, where the income earner needs to be making nearly $103,000 a year to support a family.

The study looked at how much it costs to keep one parent at home across different states, with Connecticut ranking among the most expensive in the country.

Tap here for a poll on whether the estimated cost of raising a child in Connecticut is correct.

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(WFSB) – The state has launched the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, a new initiative designed to help local businesses connect with social media influencers and content creators.

The program, known as C4, features a website where more than a dozen creators have already signed up, listing their specialties and making it easier for brands to find people to work with.

Alex P. Taylor, a full-time content creator who focuses on food reviews, said the initiative represents progress in how content creation is perceived as legitimate work.

“I think it’s a step in the right direction and I think the tide is turning of people’s perception on what a content creator is,” Taylor said.

Taylor makes his living by visiting local restaurants and businesses, creating content for his thousands of followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Business owners hire him to showcase their products and services to his audience.

“This is how I pay my bills,” Taylor said. “I was taking pictures of food before people were probably taking pictures of food.”

Jenna Damico, owner of Sweets by Jenna, said content creators represent a new wave of marketing that feels more authentic to consumers.

“It’s real people and they’re real opinion of what you have so I think people are more opt to trust influencers than an ad that they hear,” Damico said.

Damico said she regularly hears customers mention seeing her business featured by content creators on social media platforms.

The state initiative addresses a common challenge in the industry, connecting local businesses with appropriate content creators.

The C4 platform aims to streamline this process by providing a centralized directory of available creators and their areas of expertise.

The recognition from the state signals a shift in how content creation and influencer marketing are viewed in the business world, according to participants in the program.

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(WFSB) – Connecticut ranks as the fourth healthiest state in the nation, according to a new report.

The United Health Foundation unveiled the results of its “America’s Health Rankings” this week.

Connecticut earned high marks for its low premature death rate, ranking third nationally in that category.

The state also scored well for low rates of non-prescribed drug use and adult e-cigarette usage.

Areas for improvement identified

The study identified several areas where Connecticut can improve. The state received poor rankings for housing problems, including lead risks and high housing costs.

Connecticut also ranked poorly in voter participation and income inequality, according to the report.

The United Health Foundation has not yet provided specific recommendations for addressing these issues.

Take a look at the complete report below:

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