Author: Chris Clark

As online business owners, keeping finances secure and personal information safe for your customers are key to running a reputable business. But what about your own personal information as the one running the shop?

Imagine this: You run an online business making routine transactions with customers all over the country through a third-party shopping cart company. But one day, you discover that your Social Security number (SSN) has been showing up on customer receipts, compromising your business and your identity. What should you do?

It’s not a far-fetched scenario, as Social Security leaks are a rising vehicle for identity theft. How can you protect yourself?

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When your SSN is leaked through your business

In 2024, a massive data breach involving data broker National Public Data resulted in the exposure of Social Security numbers for over 270 million Americans – considered to be one of the largest breaches of sensitive personal data in U.S. history. But there are also risks involved when your own SSN as a business owner is exposed.

While the chance of a random customer using your Social Security number from a receipt for fraudulent purposes may seem remote, it highlights a broader concern: There could be numerous places throughout your business operations where your SSN is unnecessarily exposed to risk. Your SSN can often be found on online business tax forms, and depending on where you live, business licenses and permits.

Social engineers could also utilize the contact information you’ve posted online to pose as a customer to try to get you to reveal your SSN. They could also hack through your store’s cybersecurity protection system.

If cybercriminals obtain your Social Security number, they can inflict significant damage on your online business. They may open unauthorized credit accounts or secure business financing under your identity.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do during a leak

If your Social Security number has been exposed through your online business, it’s critical to act fast — not just to protect yourself, but also to safeguard your customers and preserve your business’s integrity.

Report the leak to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) right away and fill out the information on their identity theft site. Next, place a fraud alert on your credit report at any one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The alert lasts one year but you can extend it if the matter isn’t resolved quickly enough.

Third, freeze your credit – you must call all three bureaus to freeze your account. Freezing your credit is free and restricts access to your credit report, helping prevent new fraudulent credit accounts from being opened in your name. And if you suspect any fraudulent business tax filings using your SSN, file an Identity Theft Affidavit through the IRS.

Even though the breach was of your personal Social Security, you may be legally obligated to inform customers, clients and vendors of the leak, depending on where you live.

Preventing an SSN leak

Discovering that your Social Security number may have been compromised during business transactions can be alarming. However, there are proactive measures you can implement to protect yourself from potential identity theft.

Consider applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use on business forms and payment processors in place of your SSN. Don’t make business transactions or share personal information through email or unsecured sites, and make sure to enable multifactor authentication on all banking, payment and online marketplace sites.

Consider investing in more advanced cybersecurity software for your business, including password managers, encrypted data storage and cloud platforms. You may also want to consider purchasing Identity Theft Insurance for your business.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Heather Elliott exited an express lane on Colorado’s Interstate 25 because a highway sign indicated the lane was closed, she thought she was following the law. But instead of a clear drive to work, she ended up with an unexpected ticket and a fight against government bureaucracy — a fight she ultimately won, not just for herself but for dozens of other drivers.

Elliott was headed to work on April 11 when she saw the closure sign, prompting her to exit the express lane. Despite this, authorities ticketed her for "toll weaving" — a citation typically given for unsafe or improper exits from express lanes. Confused and frustrated, she faced a difficult choice: simply pay the fine or dispute it.

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Believing firmly that she’d done nothing wrong, Elliott decided to challenge the ticket.

“I thought ‘no problem,’ all I would have to do is tell them that there was an accident and I made the right choice to get over.” she told KUSA 9News.

Her initial appeal, however, was swiftly rejected. Refusing to back down, she requested a hearing, determined to prove her case.

Ticketed for doing the ‘safe thing’

Unsure how to handle the dispute process alone, Elliott sought assistance from 9News. Reporter Steve Staeger looked into data from the spot where Elliott was caught exiting the lane and learned that she wasn’t the only driver ticketed.

Staeger discovered that 48 other drivers had been ticketed for toll weaving at the same spot, on the same day. It became clear there was a systemic problem, not individual negligence.

“I’d been warned twice now that the lane was closed, so I chose to get out of the lane because that was the smart and safe thing to do,” Elliott said of her decision to exit the toll lane.

When she crossed the double white line indicating no lane changing allowed, the move triggered the fine.

Just days before a scheduled hearing to review Elliott’s dispute, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) abruptly canceled it without explanation. This, after Staeger had pressed for answers about what happened and learned nearly 50 other drivers were also ticketed — more than four times the daily average for that stretch of highway.

CDOT told 9News that the red “X” signifying the lane closure, and prompting Elliott’s lane exit, had been mistakenly left on after an accident the night before. The “X” was never turned off, which likely explains the dozens of toll-weaving violations the next day. CDOT has since wiped away those violations and has promised refunds to any driver who paid a ticket without disputing it, returning a collective $3,600 to the affected motorists.

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Holding bureaucracy accountable

Elliott’s determination highlights how important it is for drivers to question seemingly unjust citations, especially when road conditions and signs cause confusion. Her willingness to push back not only cleared her name but also benefited many others who may have been unjustly penalized.

What should you do if you receive a questionable ticket?

• Document everything. Take clear pictures or videos, if safely possible, of the scene to capture confusing signs or road conditions.

• File a formal dispute, promptly. The complaint should include detailed explanations and your evidence. Early documentation can make or break your case.

• What if I’m rejected? Don’t stop there. Consider seeking help from local advocacy groups or media outlets known for investigating consumer issues. These groups often have resources and influence you may lack individually.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Retiring in a warm climate sounds like a good idea, no matter where you’re from or what time of year it is.

And it’s not just because cold weather cuts into beach and shuffleboard time. The high-temperature states are also where the discerning American retiree finds the most favorable tax rules.

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If you’re looking to retire to a place that’s not only warm but also keeps thirsty governments away from your hard-earned, post-career assets, you have options. Some U.S. states even have a golden combination of temperate climates, no income taxes, no pension taxes, and no taxes on distributions from retirement plans — regardless of your age or wealth.

Florida

Let’s get the obvious choice out of the way: The Sunshine State is very hospitable to retirees and their money. The state famously lacks a state income tax, which means you won’t pay any tax on your pension.

Assuming you can stomach the state’s real estate costs and the occasional hurricane, your 401(k) and IRA distributions will go further since Florida doesn’t tax distributions from those plans. And Social Security? No taxes on that, either.

Nevada

Retiring to the Silver State is a safe bet, since Nevada is another state that doesn’t have income tax, which like Florida means no taxes on pensions, retirement plan distributions or Social Security.

Nevada is home to many of the nation’s top retirement destination towns, with the suburbs outside of Las Vegas offering the tempting combination of warmer temperatures in winter and access to casinos and other entertainment year-round.

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Texas

Though recent winter conditions have proven challenging even for Texas, you can generally expect to stay warm in the Lone Star State. The tax breaks will warm your heart, too.

Texas doesn’t tax state income. Nor does it tax Social Security, pension income or distributions from retirement plans. Those factors, combined with a general lower cost of living and comparatively lower real estate costs, make Texas an attractive landing spot.

But government money lost to those tax breaks has to come from somewhere, which explains why the state has some of the nation’s highest property tax rates.

Tennessee

If it’s good enough for Dolly Parton, why not you too?

There’s no income tax in this state, which means residents of Tennessee don’t pay taxes on their pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs or Social Security benefits. The state also boasts a low cost of living, including low property taxes.

And if you’re looking for company in your golden years, Tennessee is also home to a number of retirement communities, which it promotes through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Honorable mention: Hawaii

What about that other idyllic landing spot, Hawaii?

Unfortunately, Hawaii doesn’t quite make the cut: While Social Security income isn’t taxed in the state, private pensions and retirement plan distributions are.

Of course, there’s a good chance that if you’re even considering Hawaii — with its high cost of living and soaring real estate valuations — you’ve probably determined that you can survive those levies.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A California utility provider is sounding the alarm after more than 2,500 scam reports have poured in this year alone. PG&E says scammers are impersonating its employees in highly aggressive phone calls.

The caller ID may even say PG&E, and the person on the line sounds calm and professional. They claim you’ve missed a payment and demand immediate action — often using Zelle, a prepaid card or another untraceable method. If you don’t comply, they threaten to cut your power within the hour.

It’s a nightmare scenario for anyone already stressed about bills. And it’s working: around 250 Bay Area residents have fallen victim this year, losing an average of about $900 each. That’s over $225,000 in confirmed losses, and officials suspect many more people paid up but never reported it.

“They’re very slick and very deceptive.” PG&E spokesman Jason King told KGO News. “They continue to refine their tactics.”

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How to spot and stop the scam

Scammers thrive on pressure and panic. Their goal is to make you act before you think.

Real utility companies like PG&E have clear, consistent billing procedures. They don’t demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection without warning. They also won’t ask you to pay using gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or apps like Zelle or Venmo.

If you get a suspicious call:

• Hang up immediately. Don’t engage.
• Call the number on your utility bill or PG&E’s official website to confirm your account status.
• Never give out personal or payment information unless you’ve verified the caller.

If someone shows up at your door:

• Ask for official photo ID — real employees will have it.
• Refuse entry if you feel unsure and call the utility directly.

PG&E urges customers to slow down, verify before paying, and report any suspicious behavior.

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Why utility scams are so common — and so successful

Utility impostor scams are big businesses. The Federal Trade Commission says Americans lost over $2.9 billion to impostor scams in 2024 alone. Utility scams alone had a median loss of $463 per victim, per the Better Business Bureau.

What makes these scams so effective is the emotional pressure. Nobody wants their power shut off, especially in a household with children, elderly relatives, or medical needs.

“While scammers often target elderly and vulnerable populations, customers in all age groups are reporting utility impostor scam incidents that take place online, on the phone, and in person,” said Monica Martinez, Executive Director of Utilities United Against Scams.

Scammers also know how to exploit technology. They spoof caller ID, copy logos, and mirror real billing language to create a sense of legitimacy. Once they’ve created panic and established authority, they push for payment using untraceable methods, ensuring they can’t be caught.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Unfortunately, recovering money from a utility scam can be difficult, but there are steps you can take.

If you’ve sent money to a scammer:

• Contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Explain you’ve been scammed and ask if the payment can be reversed or frozen.
• Report the incident to PG&E. They may not be able to refund your money, but they track scam patterns and coordinate with law enforcement.
• File a police report. This helps with bank claims and contributes to broader investigations.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Tell others. Share your experience with friends, neighbors, and on social media. Raising awareness is one of the best ways to prevent future scams.

These scams rely on secrecy. By speaking up, you help protect your community.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

As home prices and mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, finding an affordable place to buy a home has become a nearly impossible dream for many Americans.

The national median home price hit $419,000 in early 2025, pricing out potential buyers across the country. And with mortgage rates hovering near 7%, even modest homes now come with hefty monthly payments.

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A new WalletHub study is naming the most and least affordable cities for homebuyers, based on more than just listing prices.

The ranking of 300 cities is based on 10 key affordability metrics, including home-price-to-income ratios, rent-to-buy comparisons, property taxes, insurance costs, vacancy rates and housing availability.

Here’s a closer look at the three cities that topped the list for overall affordability, and why they stand out despite today’s tough housing market.

Top 3 most affordable cities in the US

The cities at the top of the list aren’t solely based on the lowest home prices, but they offer the best balance of income, housing inventory and ownership value, according to WalletHub.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Homes in Pittsburgh may cost more than the No. 1 and 2 spots on the list, but WalletHub ranks it third thanks to strong fundamentals.

It has one of the best rent-to-buy ratios in the country, meaning purchasing a home often makes better financial sense than renting. The median home price is also only 3.8 times the city’s average household income, which is considered a sustainable and healthy affordability benchmark.

On top of that, Pittsburgh ranks 14th in housing availability in WalletHub’s study, offering buyers more options than most metros. Combine that with a stable economy, robust job market and high livability, and Pittsburgh becomes the most balanced city in the top three.

2. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit ranks second in affordability according to WalletHub, largely due to its extremely low home prices relative to local income — the second-lowest price-to-income ratio in the country. The median price per square foot is just $87, and many homes are still listed well under six figures. That makes Detroit one of the few large U.S. cities where homeownership remains financially accessible.

The city also has a vacancy rate of 22.1%, one of the highest in the nation. While that reflects lingering effects of population loss and economic decline, it also gives buyers considerable leverage and a wide range of options. WalletHub notes that Detroit, like Flint, has a favorable rent-to-buy ratio, meaning it often costs less to buy than rent — a key driver of its high ranking.

Like Flint, Detroit’s low housing costs are driven by long-term economic decline and urban flight — though some neighborhoods are seeing investment and renewal.

1. Flint, Michigan

Flint tops WalletHub’s affordability list as the most affordable city in the U.S. to buy a home, thanks to a rare combination of factors. It has the lowest price per square foot in the study at just $61, and homes in the city are also the most affordable relative to local incomes. WalletHub also notes Flint’s high rent-to-price ratio, which means it’s often cheaper to buy a home than rent one — a rare dynamic in today’s housing market.

On top of that, Flint has a 21% vacancy rate, giving buyers more choices and leverage when shopping for homes. This high inventory contributes to the city’s affordability, even though it also signals a weaker housing demand.

However, affordability doesn’t always mean livability. Flint has long struggled with economic hardship and infrastructure issues, most notably its ongoing water crisis. High vacancy rates reflect a still-recovering housing market and weak demand in some areas.

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The 3 least affordable cities for homebuyers

While some cities offer a financial foothold for buyers, others have reached sky-high prices and offer limited inventory.

• Irvine, CA
• Santa Monica, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA

These cities rank at the very bottom of WalletHub’s affordability list. Each city’s affordability metrics make it nearly impossible for median-income households to purchase a home. Buyers in these markets face high prices, low inventory and often intense competition.

What this data means for you

Median home prices have jumped from $313,000 in 2019 to $419,000 today, while the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 6.81%, a sharp climb from the historic low of 2.65% in 2021.

With prices rising, homebuyers might consider other factors when determining whether they can afford a home, and the WalletHub study shows that affordability also depends on factors like how local home prices compare to income, property taxes, vacancy rates and cost of living.

Cities like Flint and Detroit top the list thanks to bargain home prices, but buyers have to weigh those savings against real challenges, like aging infrastructure, limited job opportunities and long-term investment potential.

A city like Pittsburgh, while more expensive up front, offers a more balanced equation: strong rent-to-buy value, healthy inventory and better access to amenities.

Thinking of relocating?

Before packing your bags for a more affordable city, ask yourself these questions to ensure you’re making the right long-term move.

• Does this city have the jobs, schools and health care I need?
• Are home prices low because of short-term issues, or long-term disinvestment?
• Can I afford the full cost of homeownership — including taxes, insurance and repairs — at current interest rates?
• Will I be happy living here, not just paying less?

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It’s not every day you suddenly come into a large sum of money and figuring out what to do with it smartly can feel overwhelming. Still, it can happen: some of us might one day receive a sizable payout from a lottery, inheritance or legal settlement.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve just won a lawsuit and after taxes and lawyer fees, you’re expecting about $120,000 as payout. You have $5,000 in debt you want to clear and you need to buy a car for work since you don’t currently own one and it would simplify and reduce your commute. You also have a stable job with a decent income, but no real savings or investments because of past financial missteps. How can you make the rest of that money go as far as possible?

While $120,000 is a meaningful amount of money, it can disappear fast if you’re not careful, deliberate and strategic with your spending. Here’s how to make sure that one-time payout sets you up for lasting financial stability. If you don’t keep a budget, now would be a good time to start one.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Immediate next steps

Paying off any debt should be one of your first priorities and with $120,000, that $5,000 balance can be addressed easily. Once you pay off that amount, you instantly free up funds you would’ve had to spend on monthly interest payments.

If you don’t have an emergency savings fund, that becomes priority number two. Put away at least three to six months’ worth of expenses into an accessible, high-yield savings account for any unexpected costs. Let’s say this amount comes to $25,000, leaving you with $90,000.

Once you pay off the debt and set up an emergency fund, it’s time to think about a vehicle purchase. While that settlement money makes the price of a shiny new car seem affordable, remember that the costs don’t end at the sticker. Cars lose value quickly and things like insurance premiums and property tax bills will add up. Consider a reliable used vehicle that can combine longevity, efficiency and low maintenance costs. Certified pre-owned models, for instance, can give you the feeling of “new” while lowering your cost and coming with an extended warranty.

Begin investing

After paying off your $5,000 debt, padding your emergency savings at $25,000 and buying a nice, reliable $25,000 used car, you’ve got $65,000 left from your winnings. It may be time to start investing, thinking about tax-advantaged accounts.

A Clever Real Estate survey found that 40% of respondents said they’d blow through a $10,000 windfall without saving any of it and nearly 84% said they’d make unnecessary purchases to “treat” themselves. It’s best to get that settlement money into a spot where it’s safe from any temptation to spend recklessly.

Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

You may not be able to easily access it, but investing will allow you to reap compound interest over time. Consider a diversified index fund or ETF portfolio that can spread your money — and risk — across multiple stocks or an index. Since you may be investing tens of thousands of dollars, consider speaking to a financial advisor to help you make the best investment decisions for your particular situation.

You may also want to set aside some of that cash for a Roth IRA to bump up your retirement savings. Note that you can invest up to $7,000 a year tax-free, or $8,000 for those 50 and older.

And now that you’re really doing some financial planning, consider setting a budget for at least the next year or two. Determine your monthly expenses and bills before you add any of the award money; more often than not, the best way to approach a large windfall is to act like you don’t have it.

It’s okay to have a little fun

While it’s usually best to put most of that money somewhere you can “set it and forget it,” don’t be afraid to budget a small one-time expense for yourself if your priorities allow. That could mean saving for a concert, vacation or upgrading your technology — whatever adds a little joy without derailing your plans.

You may also want to consider spending on whatever provides a solid return-on-investment. For example, as Warren Buffet said, “The best investment by far is anything that develops yourself, and it’s not taxed at all.” So, while it’s not traditional investment advice, you may want to spend any “fun money” on expanding your knowledge, skillset or self-improvement.

The bottom line is that by the end you should still have a solid chunk of your award money left to serve as a financial cushion or to help you jumpstart future goals.

What to read next

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• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

After decades in the workforce, the prospect of a relaxing retirement might seem like paradise. Imagine waking up without an alarm, enjoying leisurely mornings and finally diving into all those hobbies you’ve dreamed about for years. Sounds perfect, right?

But what happens when the novelty wears off and boredom creeps in?

Picture this: Jake is 67 years old, one year into retirement and the leisurely lifestyle isn’t as fulfilling as he expected. Restlessness has him craving the stimulation and social connections work once provided. On top of that, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) cheques feel a little underwhelming, which had him thinking about re-entering the workforce.

If this description puts a fright in you, you’re not alone. A 2024 report from the National Institute on Ageing found that 43% of Canadians over the age of 50 are at risk of social isolation, while 59% experience some degree of loneliness. Additionally, 36% of Canadians over the age of 50 have very (13%) or somewhat (23%) weak social networks.

So, what’s a frustrated retiree to do? Lucky for Jake, he found a solution. He decided to work as a driver for a ride share and courier company. Now, he gets the social interaction he craves while making a bit of cash. He also works only a limited number of hours.

If you want to go back to work, you don’t have to jump straight back into a 40-hour workweek. Even a part-time gig can offer financial, psychological and lifestyle benefits. Let’s dive into why staying busy could be your secret to a truly satisfying retirement.

Mental stimulation

Picking up a side gig or part-time work during retirement is more than financially rewarding, it can also keep you socially engaged. Work provides plenty of opportunities for social interaction, either with customers or coworkers.

It can also encourage a structured routine, helping to restore a sense of control and purpose. The American Psychiatric Association notes how some research indicates those who maintain a clear purpose experience less stress and greater resilience in challenging situations.

Your expertise has value. If you find work in your old field — let’s say through consulting or freelancing — you have an opportunity to both refine your skills and pass on what you’ve learned. Sharing and growing your knowledge can be gratifying, and you can make a few extra bucks while you’re at it.

Financial benefits

Living on a fixed or limited income can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to balance achieving your retirement goals with paying the bills. Getting a side gig can help ease some of this stress, giving you extra cash flow for expenses that the CPP won’t cover.

Even better, returning to work and finding a gig offering health benefits might cover reduce any prescription costs you may have.

While your CPP payments get adjusted annually the longer you wait to start collecting it (8.4% per year), for many seniors this may not be sufficient in the current cost of living crisis. A side hustle can help limit uncomfortable belt-tightening so you can have money to travel, spend time with family and cross off some of your bucket-list items.

Thankfully, if you choose to continue to work in some capacity after 60 (when you are eligible to receive CPP), you will not reduce how much you earn from the benefit. In fact, you could increase it by means of the CPP post-retirement benefit. The government will automatically pay you this benefit the following year and you’ll receive it for the rest of your life. However, CPP contributions will be cut off when you reach 70 years of age, even if you’re still employed in some capacity.

Preparing for the calm

If you’re nearing retirement and fearing a perceived boredom of life after your career, there’s still time to plan for a stimulating and fulfilling retirement. Let’s look at some ways you can prepare for the lifestyle change:

Experiment now, avoid trouble later: There’s no time like the present — why not pick up some different hobbies before you retire? If you find one or more that really interest you, make that your passion project once you finish work. Consider picking an activity that can involve social interaction via clubs or classes you can join. That way, you get the benefits of social engagement and mental stimulation.

Prepare a routine: Create a daily or weekly structured routine before retirement. In his 2022 TEDx Talk, Dr. Riley Moynes, author of The Four Phases of Retirement, says that phase two for retirees can bring on a sense of loss in identity and purpose. Avoid this by setting daily tasks and focusing on ways to keep yourself busy, ahead of time.

Stay near friends and family: If you’re able, retiring near friends and family can provide a nearby support network and help avoid social isolation and loneliness. If you and your spouse are retiring together, consider building a plan that keeps you both active, engaged and communicative with each other.

Sources

1. National Institute on Ageing: Perspectives ongrowing older in Canada: The 2024 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey survey, by Natalie Iciaszczyk; Gabrielle Gallant; Talia Bronstein; Alyssa Brierley; Dr. Samir Sinha (Jan 28, 2025)

2. American Psychiatric Association: Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being (Dec 7, 2023)

3. YouTube: The 4 phases of retirement | Dr. Riley Moynes | TEDxSurrey (May 26, 2022)

This article I’m 67, retired and was bored out of my mind until I found a side hustle to keep myself busy while earning extra cash. Here’s how you can stay engaged in your golden years originally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

What happens when your neighborhood turns into a weekend party zone, and you can’t even back your car out of the driveway? Some residents in Houston are finding out the hard way, as locals say an influx of partygoers has overwhelmed their once-quiet streets.

“Sometimes you can’t even drive up and down the street,” one resident, who asked not to be named, told KHOU 11 News in a story published June 8. “Some people have even just pulled up in my driveway and just chose to stay there for the evening, so it can get frustrating for sure.”

He added that sometimes the noise lasts well into the early morning hours.

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KHOU 11 News visited the area — near Emancipation Ave. and Wheeler Ave. — one day and found traffic was backed up while noting there were several businesses that attracted large crowds.

So, what happens when the party doesn’t stop in your neighborhood?

Neighbors band together

Not all businesses close to the intersection appreciate the influx of people at night. Damon Glaspie, who operates several nearby parking lots, says the extra traffic has been a hindrance.

“We need to make sure our driveways are clear, our lanes are clear, so we can get people in and out safely,” he told KHOU 11 News.

Houston city council member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the area, pledged to stay on top of the disturbances and ensure police were on patrol regularly.

“We want them to know that it is not acceptable,” she told KHOU 11 News.

Meanwhile, the local broadcaster reports residents recently came together to get the city to enforce residential permit parking, with new rules that were set to go into effect by the end of June.

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When the party takes over your block

If your neighborhood is facing a similar issue, the first step is knowing your rights and local laws. Here’s what anyone dealing with party house problems can do:

Document everything: Keep a log and take photos or videos of blocked driveways, noise violations and unsafe behavior. This evidence can support complaints to the city or police.

Call 3-1-1: Many cities in the U.S. have a 3-1-1 hotline in place for non-emergency services. This allows residents to report parking violations, code enforcement issues and more.

Call the police: If you feel it’s warranted, consider contacting local police to deal with neighborhood disturbances.

Appeal to your city representative: Reaching out to elected officials can help escalate any issues. Council offices track constituent complaints and may apply pressure for faster regulation.

Organize your neighbors: A coordinated effort — petitions, neighborhood meetings or local media outreach — can amplify everyone’s voices and demonstrate that the issue is widespread.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

After decades in the workforce, the prospect of a relaxing retirement might seem like paradise. Imagine waking up without an alarm, enjoying leisurely mornings and finally diving into all those hobbies you’ve dreamed about for years. Sounds perfect, right?

But what happens when the novelty wears off and boredom creeps in?

Picture this: Jake is 67 years old, one year into retirement and the leisurely lifestyle isn’t as fulfilling as he expected. Restlessness has him craving the stimulation and social connections work once provided. On top of that, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) cheques feel a little underwhelming, which had him thinking about re-entering the workforce.

If this description puts a fright in you, you’re not alone. A 2024 report from the National Institute on Ageing found that 43% of Canadians over the age of 50 are at risk of social isolation, while 59% experience some degree of loneliness. Additionally, 36% of Canadians over the age of 50 have very (13%) or somewhat (23%) weak social networks.

So, what’s a frustrated retiree to do? Lucky for Jake, he found a solution. He decided to work as a driver for a ride share and courier company. Now, he gets the social interaction he craves while making a bit of cash. He also works only a limited number of hours.

If you want to go back to work, you don’t have to jump straight back into a 40-hour workweek. Even a part-time gig can offer financial, psychological and lifestyle benefits. Let’s dive into why staying busy could be your secret to a truly satisfying retirement.

Mental stimulation

Picking up a side gig or part-time work during retirement is more than financially rewarding, it can also keep you socially engaged. Work provides plenty of opportunities for social interaction, either with customers or coworkers.

It can also encourage a structured routine, helping to restore a sense of control and purpose. The American Psychiatric Association notes how some research indicates those who maintain a clear purpose experience less stress and greater resilience in challenging situations.

Your expertise has value. If you find work in your old field — let’s say through consulting or freelancing — you have an opportunity to both refine your skills and pass on what you’ve learned. Sharing and growing your knowledge can be gratifying, and you can make a few extra bucks while you’re at it.

Financial benefits

Living on a fixed or limited income can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to balance achieving your retirement goals with paying the bills. Getting a side gig can help ease some of this stress, giving you extra cash flow for expenses that the CPP won’t cover.

Even better, returning to work and finding a gig offering health benefits might cover reduce any prescription costs you may have.

While your CPP payments get adjusted annually the longer you wait to start collecting it (8.4% per year), for many seniors this may not be sufficient in the current cost of living crisis. A side hustle can help limit uncomfortable belt-tightening so you can have money to travel, spend time with family and cross off some of your bucket-list items.

Thankfully, if you choose to continue to work in some capacity after 60 (when you are eligible to receive CPP), you will not reduce how much you earn from the benefit. In fact, you could increase it by means of the CPP post-retirement benefit. The government will automatically pay you this benefit the following year and you’ll receive it for the rest of your life. However, CPP contributions will be cut off when you reach 70 years of age, even if you’re still employed in some capacity.

Preparing for the calm

If you’re nearing retirement and fearing a perceived boredom of life after your career, there’s still time to plan for a stimulating and fulfilling retirement. Let’s look at some ways you can prepare for the lifestyle change:

Experiment now, avoid trouble later: There’s no time like the present — why not pick up some different hobbies before you retire? If you find one or more that really interest you, make that your passion project once you finish work. Consider picking an activity that can involve social interaction via clubs or classes you can join. That way, you get the benefits of social engagement and mental stimulation.

Prepare a routine: Create a daily or weekly structured routine before retirement. In his 2022 TEDx Talk, Dr. Riley Moynes, author of The Four Phases of Retirement, says that phase two for retirees can bring on a sense of loss in identity and purpose. Avoid this by setting daily tasks and focusing on ways to keep yourself busy, ahead of time.

Stay near friends and family: If you’re able, retiring near friends and family can provide a nearby support network and help avoid social isolation and loneliness. If you and your spouse are retiring together, consider building a plan that keeps you both active, engaged and communicative with each other.

Sources

1. National Institute on Ageing: Perspectives ongrowing older in Canada: The 2024 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey survey, by Natalie Iciaszczyk; Gabrielle Gallant; Talia Bronstein; Alyssa Brierley; Dr. Samir Sinha (Jan 28, 2025)

2. American Psychiatric Association: Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being (Dec 7, 2023)

3. YouTube: The 4 phases of retirement | Dr. Riley Moynes | TEDxSurrey (May 26, 2022)

This article I’m 67, retired and was bored out of my mind until I found a side hustle to keep myself busy while earning extra cash. Here’s how you can stay engaged in your golden years originally appeared on Money.ca

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.