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Author: Chris Clark

  • ‘Mother Nature, she’ll claim it back’: Florida residents growing increasingly fed up with a vacant home on their street that’s been left to rot — here are the hidden costs of abandoned homes

    ‘Mother Nature, she’ll claim it back’: Florida residents growing increasingly fed up with a vacant home on their street that’s been left to rot — here are the hidden costs of abandoned homes

    In the southwest Florida coastal city of Cape Coral, residents of an idyllic neighborhood are fed up — and they say one vacant home is to blame.

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    The property in question has become a local eyesore, with overgrown vegetation, flimsy and open screens, and disconnected gutters that make the home look more like a haunted house than a coastal getaway.

    “It’s getting to the point where you leave places like this, it gets overrun by Mother Nature, she’ll claim it back, and she’s starting to,” Karl Grabner, whose property sits next to the home that has neighbors seeing red, told television station WINK.

    And they’re not just talking about appearances. Residents told WINK the home is attracting the wrong kind of attention, with one claiming he’d heard about a break-in. What was presumably once a quiet, well-kept block now feels unstable — with property values and community morale at risk.

    A home neglected, and a city finally responds

    One neighbor, Frank Tormenia, told WINK that he had heard someone broke into the home and took appliances, though the station couldn’t confirm that with police.

    "My neighbor … was taking the branches and stacked them up here. I says, ‘Why are you doing this?’ He goes, ‘I’m tired of looking at it,’” said Tormenia.

    But the good news is the city is finally stepping in. According to WINK’s June 12 report, a special magistrate found the owner guilty of three code violations, citing unsafe conditions, a lack of proper screening and unsightly pool conditions. They were given less than two weeks to make repairs.

    The news station said it was unable to reach the realtor selling the house or identify the owner of the property.

    The hidden cost of abandoned homes

    When a home sits vacant and neglected, the damage isn’t limited to peeling paint or an overgrown lawn. These properties can become magnets for crime, deterring would-be buyers and inviting safety concerns.

    Even the perception of abandonment can weigh on a neighborhood. Nearby homeowners may see their own property values drop, while feeling the social and emotional strain of living next to what essentially becomes a community liability.

    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

    Break-ins, pest infestations, and mold are common consequences of unattended homes. And in storm-prone regions like Florida, a vacant, unmaintained house can pose serious structural risks to neighboring properties.

    For residents living near a neglected home, knowing your rights and options is important. Residents should report issues promptly through the city’s complaint channels and document concerns with photos or written statements.

    In Cape Coral, city officials put this homeowner on the clock.

    What homeowners need to know about leaving a home vacant

    Life happens. Sometimes you need to move, travel, or delay renovations. But leaving a property unattended comes with real responsibilities. Most cities require that homeowners maintain basic upkeep, like mowing lawns, securing doors and windows, and ensuring there’s no structural danger.

    Failure to comply can lead to city intervention. Owners of vacant properties should check local codes about property maintenance, arrange for regular landscaping and inspections, and stay in contact with local authorities to ensure the property hasn’t been completely abandoned.

    "When a municipality receives a code violation complaint, a city inspector will generally visit the property to verify if the complaint is valid. If it is, the property owner will be notified about what corrections are needed and how long they have to make them. If the property owner fails to take the proper steps to reach code compliance, monetary assessments and penalties may be imposed, and eventually the property may even be condemned by the government," said the Owners’ Counsel of America, adding that a property being condemned could "possibly lead to an actual demolition of the structure."

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

  • JP Morgan Chase is targeting even more customers who allegedly used ‘infinite money glitch’ to steal cash, report says — here’s how the scheme worked and what consumers should know

    JP Morgan Chase is targeting even more customers who allegedly used ‘infinite money glitch’ to steal cash, report says — here’s how the scheme worked and what consumers should know

    It was a scheme too good to be true — and now, the bank wants its money back.

    A number of fresh lawsuits have been filed against JPMorgan Chase customers nationwide accused of exploiting what became known on social media as the “infinite money glitch,” according to CNBC. The scam briefly let users withdraw phantom funds out of their bank accounts.

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    "We’re still investigating cases of fraud and cooperating with law enforcement — and we’ll do that for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable," Drew Pusateri, a spokesperson for the bank, told the broadcaster in story published April 16.

    CNBC says a source familiar with the company’s actions revealed the bank is now targeting customers who allegedly stole amounts below $75,000, and letters were sent to over 1,000 customers demanding they repay funds.

    How the glitch worked

    The "infinite money glitch" involved depositing fake checks into an ATM and withdrawing the money before the checks bounced. It’s a form of check fraud.

    This scheme became widely known in August after spreading quickly on social media. The core exploit was that the bank’s system temporarily made funds from deposited checks available before the bank had time to verify and clear the check.

    JPMorgan Chase filed new lawsuits in multiple states, including Georgia, New York, Texas and Florida, against individuals accused of exploiting the glitch, per CNBC. The bank previously focused on larger cases in federal court but is now pursuing smaller cases in state courts.

    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

    "On August 29, 2024, a masked man deposited a check in Defendant’s Chase bank account in the amount of $73,000," the bank said in a suit filed in Georgia on April 15, according to CNBC. The bank further claimed a series of cash withdrawals at two Chase branches in the state totaling $82,500 had been made before the check bounced after six days.

    CNBC withheld the defendant’s name, but says the lawsuit claimed they owe the bank $57,8847.69 and had yet to comply with requests to return the funds.

    A warning about social media-fueled fraud

    This isn’t the first time a financial hack has gained popularity online, and it may not be the last. If there’s one lesson here, it’s this: taking advantage of a "glitch" doesn’t make it legal, and companies will come after you.

    This case also highlights a broader truth in today’s finance world: viral "hacks" that promise fast cash almost always come with strings attached — whether legal, financial or ethical. If something seems like it breaks the rules, it probably does.

    And if you’re ever tempted by a so-called infinite money trick, remember: the banks have lawyers. Lots of them.

    It’s always best to stay on the cautious side.

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  • ‘I want to live’: West Virginia miners say the stakes for them are life-and-death as Trump hollows out safety support. How POTUS’s pickaxe is hitting colliers where it hurts

    ‘I want to live’: West Virginia miners say the stakes for them are life-and-death as Trump hollows out safety support. How POTUS’s pickaxe is hitting colliers where it hurts

    “You are suffocating. And that’s what’s going to kill you.”

    That’s the bleak reality facing Virginia coal miners, retired miner John Robinson told ABC News, as he opened up about work underground while living with black lung disease.

    Now federal cuts to safety programs raise the life-and-death stakes for miners like him even higher.

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    Black lung disease, a severe respiratory illness, is on the rise as miners work deeper than ever beneath the Earth’s surface. At such depths, they’re exposed to silica — a naturally occurring compound 20 times more toxic than regular coal dust.

    While Trump has promised to get coal booming again in the U.S., he is cutting funding to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

    Since it was set up in 1970, this federal agency has enforced worker safety across the U.S., including maintaining health surveillance programs to monitor and protect miners from black lung disease and other job-related risks.

    The Trump administration’s cuts have essentially shuttered the agency. As their layoffs loom in June, agency employees say that without adequate safety enforcement, there won’t be any people to extract coal. Miners agree.

    "You don’t take care of the miners, you ain’t going to mine coal," said one. "The machine don’t run by itself, you know what I’m saying?"

    Federal safety workers and politicians rally to protect miners

    About 800 NIOSH employees placed on leave have set up a “war room” in West Virginia to keep campaigning for mining safety until they are officially let go.

    One of them, epidemiologist Dr. Scott Laney was blunt about the impact of gutting of the agency.

    “It’s going to lead to premature mortality and death in these miners,” he said. “There’s just no getting around it."

    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

    Amanda Lawson, a West Virginia healthcare employee, is seeing the effects. Miners who come to her for care have “horrible” lung X-rays. She blames the Trump cuts, specifically the slashing of its right-to-transfer program, which shifts miners with high silica exposure to other locations.

    "There’s nobody to send them to get them some protection and get them moved out of the dust," Lawson told ABC.

    While Trump’s supporters on Capitol Hill have celebrated his efforts to cut government spending, some say he’s going too far, criticizing him and Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, for slashing mining protections.

    In April, West Virginia Senate Republican Shelley Moore Capito wrote a letter to Kennedy arguing that while she supported Trump’s efforts to ‘right-size government’ she did not feel the NIOSH coal programs and research should be cut as they are unique.

    How can miners protect themselves?

    Unions like the United Mine Workers of America and community-based health monitoring programs might have to step up to monitor X-ray scans and correctly enforce PPE standards.

    Moreover, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration protections are still in place. Miners should aggressively report any unsafe working conditions — for their own sakes and their families.

    “I got a wife and two kids and two grandbabies, you know, and I want to live,” Robinson said.

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

  • This Florida art collector says $17K in goods went missing after a local consignment store abruptly closed — and the owners seem to have vanished, too. How to spot shady resellers

    This Florida art collector says $17K in goods went missing after a local consignment store abruptly closed — and the owners seem to have vanished, too. How to spot shady resellers

    Consignment shops can provide cheap finds for thrifty shoppers while serving as an alternative outlet for sellers. Rich Goren of St. Petersburg, Florida, sold art pieces at his local shop for years — only to one day arrive and find the shop empty, and his goods gone.

    Goren says two art pieces and two pairs of designer shoes — worth about $17,000 — are now missing after Retreat Consignment abruptly closed without any warning, according to Fox 13 Tampa Bay. The owners’ whereabouts are also unknown.

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    "I hope for the best, maybe [the items are] sitting in a warehouse and they want to return everything," Goren told the local broadcaster in a story published June 10. "But the fact that you have a business, people entrusting you with their valuables, and you just take off. Come on. That’s not great."

    Do the sellers have any recourse?

    Goren made numerous attempts to contact the store owners. At one point, he says an employee reached out to him.

    "She said, ‘Oh my gosh, I feel awful, we all do, we haven’t been paid, and it was unexpected. We thought they might sell the store, but we also thought they would be transparent about everything,’" Goren recalled. He has since made a report to the police.

    The store’s Yelp page has been littered with complaints from people claiming to be sellers who have lost items.

    Fox 13 says it spoke with an attorney who told them that since the store owners don’t own the sellers’ items — they were simply holding them for consignment — taking the items without quickly returning them could be considered theft.

    The broadcaster also says it repeatedly tried to reach the store owners, but all attempts went unanswered.

    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

    Signs of a shady resale store

    The U.S. secondhand apparel market, which includes consignment, thrift and other resale shops, reached $40-plus billion in 2024 according to ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report.

    One of the keys to buying or selling such goods is having confidence in the shop. Here are some red flags to consider:

    No official agreements: Be on the lookout for vague or verbal sales agreements that don’t cover details such as commission rates, payment processes and ownership. Especially watch out for a lack of procedure on what happens when items go missing.

    Bad or no inventory tracking: Disorganized shops that can’t clearly account for your items is a red flag. Reputable consignment stores should tag and log each item, so nothing disappears without record.

    Poor reviews or no reviews: Always do a deep dive on Google, Yelp and other review platforms to look for complaints of lost goods or sellers who haven’t been paid.

    Lack of communication: Difficulty reaching the shop’s owners is a cause for concern. Legitimate businesses are transparent and responsive to their clients.

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

  • Florida widow, 84, says she visited a skincare shop to get a $25 facial — but was pressured into dropping more than $26,000 on products. Here’s how shady salespeople try to target seniors

    Florida widow, 84, says she visited a skincare shop to get a $25 facial — but was pressured into dropping more than $26,000 on products. Here’s how shady salespeople try to target seniors

    Everyday stresses like work, finances and just trying to get through the day can wear a person down. And sometimes, a little self-care seems like the perfect antidote.

    But for one Florida senior, a quick moment of relaxation quickly spiraled into a financial disaster. What started as a $25 facial at a skincare shop ended with her spending more than 1,000 times that amount, totalling more than $26,000 in charges to her credit card — and a deep sense of shame she kept to herself for weeks.

    Kathryn Taylor, an 84-year-old widow who had been aggressively convinced to spend thousands of dollars, was too embarrassed to tell anyone what happened to her — even though she is on Social Security and can’t afford the hefty bill.

    Her daughter, Jackie Gattoni, only recently found out about the credit card charge.

    “It’s a lot of money for anybody… she was devastated. She didn’t want to tell anybody,” Gattoni says.

    So how did a simple facial turn into a $26,000 mistake?

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    How a $26,000 mistake could happen

    Taylor says that when she went into Bee and Co in Fernandina Beach, she was thrown into a hectic sales pitch and ended up buying three expensive skincare products called Genesis Z, Sapphire X and a Phyto Thermal Collection. The products collectively cost $26,000, First Coast News reported, and Taylor says she had no idea what was going on.

    “Well, I was being shifted around and I didn’t realize, you know, what was happening.”

    Gattoni speculates the store moves employees around rapidly to keep making new, aggressive sales.

    “When you go into the store it’s always a different person… so I don’t know if they’re making a quick sale and quickly moving people around to other locations.”

    Gattoni couldn’t get the products returned for her mother, even though they were sitting unopened in their boxes. The store refunded a partial $4,500 the next day but refused to refund the rest. “I have made repeated attempts to get her money back. I’ve made phone calls. I’ve gone into the store several times,” Gattoni says.

    Gattoni eventually filed a police report. She later learned that several other Bee and Co customers — many of them seniors — were on the wrong end of aggressive sales pitches with the resulting thousands in charges. Some of them reported they were lured in with free samples and ended up spending $2,500. Another woman reported she was pushed into buying a facial wand and some skin creams totalling over $8,000.

    Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jeff Tambasco says authorities had received “multiple complaints” about Bee and Co and that the store was being investigated.

    A reporter from First Coast News went to the store in another attempt to get the rest of Taylor’s money refunded. The employee told the reporter that they believe Taylor had received a full refund, but that normal store policy was that all sales are final.

    Gattoni says her mother remains ashamed over the ordeal: “I mean, she felt stupid. You’re not stupid,” Jackie told her mother.

    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

    Protecting your loved one from aggressive sales

    Elderly customers have increasingly become targets for aggressive sales tactics and fraudulent charges. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, seniors lose an estimated $3.4 billion annually to such exploitation, though the actual number may be higher because many incidents go unreported due to embarrassment.

    Salespeople who want to take advantage of an elderly customer will often prey on their emotions, using urgent and anxiety-ridden tactics of telling them to “act now” or purchase “immediately.”

    They will also hurriedly move through the sale and not fully explain the product or the cost, aiming to make the senior confused, disoriented and inclined to make the purchase in order to end the pressure-filled exchange.

    Experts say children of elderly parents should have regular conversations with them about such tactics and what to watch for, as well as to pay attention to any unusual or out-of-the-ordinary purchases.

    They should also occasionally review their bank and credit card statements for charges that could indicate pressured purchases. If they get cold calls, they should show their parents how to block those numbers and better yet, instruct them not to answer calls from unknown numbers.

    If you think they’ve been a victim of financial exploitation, try to contact the company directly to cancel. If the transaction can’t be reversed, dispute the charge with your bank as soon as possible. Some credit cards might offer protections or refunds as well.

    If the company shows signs of being shady and exploitative, consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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

  • Feeling cash-strapped and overtaxed? These 4 hot states won’t take a bite out of your pension income with taxes — no matter how old you are or how much money you’ve got

    Feeling cash-strapped and overtaxed? These 4 hot states won’t take a bite out of your pension income with taxes — no matter how old you are or how much money you’ve got

    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.

    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

    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.

  • Degrees aren’t enough: Why educated professionals are now juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat in today’s economy

    Degrees aren’t enough: Why educated professionals are now juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat in today’s economy

    In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers.

    A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially.

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    The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs.

    Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions.

    “Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.”

    Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?

    The economic squeeze

    First, let’s talk inflation. It’s relentless and unforgiving, with prices for groceries and other everyday items remaining high. For many younger workers, student loan debt is a significant burden on their cash flow. As of March 202, about 4 million borrowers were behind on their student loan payments, making a substantial increase in delinquency rates since the resumption of payments after the pandemic pause.

    But economics isn’t the only factor behind the trend.

    A cultural shift in how Americans perceive work also plays a significant role. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more accepting of multiple income streams as a strategy for achieving financial independence and career flexibility.

    For them, holding several jobs can be as much about autonomy, skills diversification and creating financial resilience as much as simple survival.

    The pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically, normalizing remote and hybrid work arrangements. Digital platforms like Fiverr, Uber, and Upwork have made securing supplemental income opportunities easier than ever.

    Now, educated professionals effortlessly toggle between primary jobs and side hustles, exploiting digital tools and remote work to maximize their earning potential.

    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

    The dark side of moonlighting

    Despite the benefits, working multiple comes at a cost. The harsh reality? Chronic stress, burnout and diminished work-life balance. Constantly juggling competing priorities, deadlines and employer expectations is an exhausting endeavor, placing workers at risk for mental and physical health issues.

    Financially, the juggling act can also get messy. Multiple income streams complicate tax filing and financial planning, requiring careful tracking and strategic management. Without proper oversight, extra earnings could be swallowed by taxes and financial inefficiencies.

    Then there’s the lack of labor protections. Many side gigs don’t offer essential worker benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions or paid leave, leaving educated workers exposed and vulnerable. If economic conditions worsen or personal crises arise, these workers could face rough financial setbacks.

    Will the trend become permanent?

    Experts increasingly believe that multi-job holding, especially among educated workers, is shifting from a temporary trend to the new norm. With ongoing economic volatility, student debt, inflation and changing workforce expectations, this pattern seems likely to stick around.

    So, what does this mean for the future?

    Employers may have to adapt quickly. To retain top talent, they’ll need to offer more flexibility, competitive compensation and incentives that acknowledge their employees’ changing economic realities.

    “Lifetime employment at a single job is largely a thing of the past,” entrepreneurship expert Caroline Castrillon recently wrote in a recent Forbes article examining the rise of non-linear career paths. “While some employers may frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes are quickly changing.”

    The bottom line is clear: Even a college degree no longer guarantees financial security. As educated Americans hustle harder than ever, the very structure of the workforce is transforming. Multi-job holding isn’t just about extra pocket money anymore — it’s rapidly becoming essential for survival in today’s unpredictable economy.

    What to read next

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

  • Here are the 3 most ‘affordable’ cities to buy a house in the US — plus why they stand out in spite of today’s challenging housing market. Is it time to make a move?

    Here are the 3 most ‘affordable’ cities to buy a house in the US — plus why they stand out in spite of today’s challenging housing market. Is it time to make a move?

    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.

    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.

    Don’t miss

    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.

    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

    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?

    What to read next

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

  • We have 3 adult children and financially support the oldest — she’s married and unemployed with a kid. I think we should provide equal support but my husband disagrees. What do we do?

    We have 3 adult children and financially support the oldest — she’s married and unemployed with a kid. I think we should provide equal support but my husband disagrees. What do we do?

    Parents spend nearly two decades preparing their children to grow up and leave the nest. But sometimes those little birds fly back, and they need financial help. But how much is too much, and when there’s multiple children involved, when does that help become unfair?

    Don’t miss

    Those questions are haunting plenty of parents these days.

    It sounds like you and your husband can’t agree on whether to provide equal financial assistance to your three kids. Your husband may believe one child needs more support because of their circumstances or what they have done for you. You may think the other two deserve and need to be helped as well.

    How can parents keep a healthy family dynamic when one or more of their adult kids need help?

    Create a plan

    Couples usually love their children and want to help, but their handouts may come at the expense of their own retirement planning. There’s no getting around the anxiety – and the money math – of just how much help their kids need.

    In this case, Mom and Dad are also a house divided.

    If you’re a parent and this scenario sounds familiar, you may already know that supporting your adult children financially is hard work. But your marriage and relationships with your kids can benefit greatly from some advance planning. Have a long discussion with your partner on these points. Getting on the same page with your spouse is the first step before giving your adult children any significant sum of money and can help avoid future arguments.

    Don’t overextend yourself: Budget just how much you can afford to give without jeopardizing your own financial health. While being able to help our kids at any age seems like the right thing to do, a new study from Savings.com found nearly 50% of parents who financially support at least one adult child say they have sacrificed their financial security to help their grown kids financially. Will you provide just the essentials? Pay off credit debt? Finance their future financial dreams or goals? Such questions are worth resolving first before anyone’s asked for a dime.

    Decide on fairness: Decide if you’re going to give each child an equal amount or if you will adjust based on their situation. Does one deserve more help than the other two? “Maybe one kid lost their job, or maybe they’re having a harder time getting a business off the ground,” said Leslie Tayne, a financial attorney and author of the book Life & Debt, to Synchrony Bank. “These are all OK times to help out one child more than another.”

    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

    The blog post added: "But all financial professionals caution against allowing an adult child’s short-term financial need to become long-term financial dependency."

    There’s no easy answer, but it’s time to think carefully about your reasons and what impact your actions have. Determine if your help is based on your child’s financial behavior. If the money is helping with discretionary spending or anything other than the everyday basics, it’s fair to scrutinize the help and ask if feeding a child’s poor spending habits is doing more harm than good. Consider if your support for one child is affecting their motivation or drive. Is your eldest really in more need of help than the other two or is she making a choice to rely on you more?

    Setting financial boundaries with your children

    If you’ve decided to set limits on how much you can give to each child, you need to communicate that to them. Be clear on your own financial goals and retirement plans so your kids know what you can afford.

    Being firm on what you’re willing to fund and for how long is critical, so your children know you haven’t morphed into a 24-7 ATM. Communicate your support boundaries, and expect pushback. But now that you’re aligned as parents, you’re ready to stand your ground.

    Be specific, too. For instance, for your first child, consider calculating their exact monthly rent and for how many months you’re willing to pay it. If you can’t give lots of money to your adult children, you can still support them emotionally and encourage success. Offer help on their resumes, interview skills, money-saving tips, and offer to help them find a life or financial coach if needed.

    What to read next

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

  • Adidas warns US customers will soon pay more for its shoes as company runs up against Trump’s ‘tariff wall’ — joins 76 footwear brands pleading with the president to walk back tariffs

    Adidas warns US customers will soon pay more for its shoes as company runs up against Trump’s ‘tariff wall’ — joins 76 footwear brands pleading with the president to walk back tariffs

    A fresh pair of Adidas kicks might leave you light on your feet. Your wallet may feel the same.

    The German footwear giant, which makes the popular Samba, Stan Smiths and carbon-plated racing shoes setting running records across the globe, is warning customers that U.S. tariffs on imports from China and other Asian countries will drive the cost of its shoes higher.

    Don’t miss

    Even as the company announced better-than-expected first quarter earnings, CEO Bjørn Gulden said Adidas will cost more in the U.S.

    “Although we had already reduced the China exports to the US to a minimum, we are somewhat exposed to those currently very high tariffs,” Gulden said. “What is even worse for us is the general increase in US tariffs from all other countries of origin.”

    He added that Adidas cannot currently make its shoes in the U.S.

    Adidas isn’t alone: Tariffs hit big brands everywhere

    Tariff headaches aren’t exclusive to Adidas, which co-signed a letter with bitter rival Nike and other shoe brands asking President Trump for a tariff exemption.

    “Many companies making affordable footwear for hardworking lower and middle-income families cannot absorb tariff rates this high, nor can they pass along these costs,” the letter stated.

    “Without immediate relief from the reciprocal tariffs they will simply shutter.”

    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

    Like Adidas, other industry leaders are making public-facing announcements that they are raising their retail prices due to the Trump administration’s tariffs.

    Fashion-focused platforms Shein and Temu, which rely heavily on inexpensive Chinese imports, each posted statements on their websites about price hikes, directly citing increased operating costs from tariffs.

    President Trump introduced tariffs to push back against perceived unfair trade practices from China and other nations — and to encourage multinationals to set up factories in the U.S.

    “Bring your factory here,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson.

    “That’s the best solution for getting away from a tariff wall. So move your factory from China, from Mexico, from Vietnam – bring it here.”

    But critics say it will be nearly impossible for companies to produce goods in the U.S. as cheaply as overseas — so for now, businesses and consumers will continue to pay more for imports.

    Smart moves for savvy shoppers

    With the looming reality of higher prices across multiple product categories, consumers should consider getting proactive about budgeting. Here are some ways to do that.

    1. Cut unnecessary expenses. Review subscriptions (streaming services, gym memberships, unused apps) and cancel anything non-essential. Small trims add up quickly, providing breathing room for unavoidable price hikes.

    2. Shop smarter. Like most footwear brands, Adidas or Nike discount older models to clear inventory. Some brands, like New Balance, have a dedicated used shoe store online where buyers can get gently used models at much lower prices.

    3. Buy local. You can bypass tariff trouble with locally sourced products and as a bonus, support your local economy. Visit farmers markets, boutique shops and local artisans frequently offer competitive pricing without import tariffs eating into the final cost.

    4. Keep an eye on tariff-impacted goods. Follow news about tariffs and if possible, delay big-ticket purchases until prices stabilize. For essentials, look into alternative or generic brands that deliver similar quality at a lower cost.

    5. Leverage technology to stay ahead. Use price-tracking apps and browser extensions to spot deals and compare prices across online retailers. Alerts for price drops can help you pounce on savings, providing additional cushioning in your monthly budget.

    Adidas’ warning is just one example of how economic policy decisions ripple through your daily spending. Staying informed, shopping smarter and adjusting your habits can help mitigate some of the pain — and maybe even uncover new ways to stretch your dollars further.

    What to read next

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