Author: Christy Bieber

Trouble is brewing on the travel horizon. Once seen as a golden ticket to free flights and VIP perks, airline loyalty programs are leaving frequent flyers grounded.

Most airlines offer loyalty programs to encourage people to stick with the same carrier for most of their trips. These loyalty programs allow flyers to earn miles that can be redeemed to buy free flights. Traditionally, they’ve also offered perks like first-class upgrades, early boarding or line-skipping privileges and access to airline lounges.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

However, these programs have changed — and not for the better. Consumers are bearing the brunt of these changes.

So what’s shifting, and why are regulators paying attention? Here are some tips on how you can make the most of the existing programs and keep travel affordable, even if they don’t provide the benefits they once did.

Airline loyalty programs are losing value

A recent report from IdeaWorksCompany highlights just how much airline loyalty programs have declined. According to the report, the average cost of award seats on six major airlines has risen 36% since 2019, making miles worth far less. Airline mergers have also contributed to lost or devalued miles.

Earning miles has become less advantageous, too. Many airlines now base rewards and seat upgrades on total spending rather than miles flown — including purchases made with co-branded credit cards. In some cases, airlines have restricted benefits like lounge access and expedited service lines to only their biggest spenders.

These changes have been so dramatic that they caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under the previous Biden administration. Then-Secretary of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent a letter to American Airlines, Delta, United and Southwest requesting detailed reports about their loyalty programs.

The DOT stated that it "launched an inquiry into the four largest U.S. airlines’ rewards programs that is aimed at protecting rewards customers from potential unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive practices," adding that the "DOT’s probe is focused on the ways consumers participating in airline rewards programs are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice."

One concern raised by the DOT is that travelers who have spent years saving up miles for a dream trip may now find those miles have lost significant value.

However, it’s worth noting that this inquiry began under the Biden administration. With the transition to the Trump administration, there’s skepticism about whether those protections will remain. Some worry that recent rules requiring transparency around fees and timely refunds for cancellations or major flight changes may be rolled back.

As Frommer‘s pointed out, the new Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, is a former airline lobbyist. A major airline lobbying group even said it was "thrilled" with his nomination. As a result, there’s concern that the probe into loyalty programs may stall or be abandoned entirely.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

How to make the most of your loyalty program

If you’re enrolled in a loyalty program and you want to make the most of it, here are a few smart strategies:

• Evaluate co-branded credit cards: These cards can offer extra loyalty points on everyday spending, but make sure the benefits outweigh the annual fee and any restrictions.
• Read the fine print: Know the terms and conditions of your loyalty program so you understand what you’re entitled to — and what’s changed.
• Use your miles sooner rather than later: Programs can change quickly, so if you have enough points for a trip, consider redeeming them before their value drops.
• Learn how to transfer points: Some loyalty programs allow you to transfer or pool miles with partners. This flexibility can help you access more flight options and redeem rewards faster.

These tips can help you get more value from airline loyalty programs — even if they’re not as generous as they once were. And if you find that airline-specific rewards aren’t meeting your needs, consider exploring general travel credit cards. Many offer bonus rewards and discounts on travel purchases, without being tied to a single airline.

If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s worth taking the time to research your options so you can continue earning rewards, save money and visit more places.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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

DoorDash is best known as an app that allows people to order food for delivery. That’s why it may come as a surprise that it’s partnered with a service called Klarna that allows customers to finance purchases.

It may seem odd to finance — or pay over time — for takeout food, but the company’s head of money products recently explained why DoorDash made this choice.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

"As we expand DoorDash’s offerings — from groceries and beauty to electronics and gifts — flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers’ needs,” Anand Subbarayan, the company’s head of money products, explained in an announcement about the new partnership.

Regardless of the reasoning, however, there are many experts who are concerned that this "eat now, pay later" arrangement will only add to America’s debt binge and lead people into financial trouble that makes it harder for them to make ends meet.

Understanding the new payment options on DoorDash

Under the new partnership with Klarna, DoorDash users will have three choices when they pay for their purchases. They can:

• Pay in full at the time of the order.
• Pay in four, breaking up the payment into four equal installments that are interest-free.
• Pay later, which allows customers to defer payments until a specific time, such as the day that they get paid.

"This partnership empowers customers with maximum choice and control over how they pay – from groceries and the season’s big-ticket electronics to home improvement supplies, beauty and even their DashPass Annual Plan membership," the DoorDash announcement said.

Both the pay in four and pay later options are considered buy now, pay later (BNPL) products. On May 22, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued new rules confirming that BNPL lenders should be treated like credit cards and consumers must be extended the same protections card issuers provide, including the right to dispute charges and to demand a refund after returning products purchased using BNPL.

Unfortunately, even with these protections in place, BNPL increases the risks of financial problems for consumers. Research published in Harvard’s Journal of Marketing shows that consumers who used BNPL were likely to spend more, with the likelihood of completing a transaction increasing from 17% to 26%. Basket sizes for BNPL orders were also 10% larger on average, and the increase in spending that resulted persisted for six months.

Financially constrained shoppers who often rely on credit were the most vulnerable to these spending increases, increasing their basket size by 14%.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

Experts are concerned about BNPL for DoorDash

The addition of Klarna as a payment method did not go unnoticed, with experts having a lot to say about the idea of borrowing money for takeout food.

“Eat now, pay later is an awful trap,” Douglas Boneparth, president of Bone Fide Wealth, said on X. “If you need to borrow to have a burrito delivered to you, you are the product. Nothing more. These companies aren’t helping people. In fact, they are taking advantage of them.”

There’s also concern that offering this easy access to credit could worsen the debt binge already going on in the United States. Debt binge is an over-reliance on credit of all types. As data from the Federal Reserve in February showed:

• Credit card balances were up $45 billion and hit $1.21 trillion by the end of December 2024.
• Auto loan balances increased $11 billion to $1.66 trillion.
• Mortgage balances increased by $11 billion to $12.61 trillion.
• HELOC balances increased by $9 billion to $396 billion.
• Retail credit cards and other consumer loans grew by $8 billion.
• Student loans grew by $9 billion and hit $1.62 trillion.

Continued borrowing at these levels may be unsustainable, and now consumers could add DoorDash debt to this list.

Unfortunately, researchers from the CFPB found that once people begin to rely on BNPL services, they do so again and again. In fact, the CFPB showed 63% of borrowers originated multiple simultaneous BNPL loans at the same time at some point during 2022.

So, while it may be tempting to pay for a food purchase in installments or defer payments until payday — especially if you feel like you need a treat and don’t have much cash to your name — you likely want to avoid this option.

Instead, you should stick to a budget that includes a set amount of spending for things like DoorDash so you can splurge guilt-free without borrowing while also saving for the future. If you can’t afford an unnecessary purchase like DoorDash, just consider saying no to it and cooking at home.

Deleting apps that make overspending easy may be the next move. Getting back to classic home cooking can make a big difference in your total expenditures — even if you aren’t financing your deliveries.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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

A 62-year-old Pomona woman was walking back from the dentist recently when she was approached by two younger women.

Unfortunately, the woman had no way of knowing the conversation would lead to the loss of her precious jewelry and her life savings.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

The woman and her daughter, Paula Perez, told Eyewitness News 7 how the events unfolded that led to the loss, indicating they want to warn others not to fall victim to a similar incident.

How two scammers ended up stealing $29K and jewelry

When the two women approached the victim, one asked her for help finding an immigration office, and the other said they needed assistance from someone with legal status in the United States to claim a large cash prize.

The women were driving a Toyota Prius and convinced the victim to come with them to help get the prize. However, after the victim got into the car, the two women explained that there was a catch.

"They needed for someone to have $60,000 because they didn’t want to feel threatened," Perez told Eyewitness News. "They said they’d been robbed before when they tried to claim money."

One of the scammers said she could front some of the money but that the victim would need to come up with the rest. They took her to her Pomona home so she could get her funds.

Perez, the victim’s daughter, who was home at the time, said her mother came inside their house and was acting weird: "I noticed her eyes were red, her face was red because she had been crying, but she was happy, so that’s what was weird."

Despite the odd behavior, Perez said nothing, and had no way of knowing her mother had walked into her bedroom to get her valuable jewelry and $29,000 in cash, which was her entire life savings.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how

The victim took the money and jewelry to the car, then later came back inside to get a utility bill to prove her identity. Unfortunately, moments later, after she went back outside with her bill, she called her daughter in a panic because the scammers were gone — with her funds and her jewels.

"She calls me hysterically crying, screaming. She was out of breath. She said they stole everything; they left with everything," Perez explained.

Perez said she thinks she could have stopped her mother from giving up the money.

"Just go with your gut feeling," she advised. "Because I had that gut feeling that something’s wrong and, now that I look at it, I should have stopped it."

How to avoid being swindled

Perez had some very simple advice to help others avoid falling victim to the same type of scam. "Don’t trust people who just walk up, no matter how nice they may seem or friendly they may seem," said Perez. "The best thing to do is just walk away."

Unfortunately, many people do end up being tricked by scammers each year. The Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that 880,418 fraud and scam complaints were filed in 2023, with victims losing more than $12.5 billion collectively. Many are older individuals like Perez’s mother.

The good news is, there are ways to avoid becoming a victim. Walking away, as Perez suggested, is usually the best approach. However, you should also:

• Know what red flags to watch out for, such as offers that sound too good to be true.
• Avoiding ever giving cash or jewelry to someone you do not know very well
• Verify who the people you are talking to are, whether you’re speaking in person, via phone, or via some other communication method
• Be wary if someone needs you to do something for them "urgently" that involves providing money or personal details
• Talk with a family member or trusted friend before giving money, property, or personal details to anyone to see if your loved one is suspicious

If you can follow these tips, you can hopefully ensure that no scammers, no matter how clever or "kind," will end up walking off with your savings.

What to read next

• 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
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Do you rely on your monthly Social Security check to get by? Here are 5 simple money moves for American seniors during Trump’s presidency

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

President Donald Trump is not a fan of wind energy, in part because he believes it’s having an adverse effect on the whales.

“You know, in one area, they lost two whales, like, in 20 years washed ashore,” the president told reporters at the White House recently, “This year they had 17 wash ashore. So, there’s something [that] happened out there. There’s something driving the whales a little bit loco.”

While many scientists dispute this claim, the fact is that the president is taking action to slow or even stop the development of this energy source.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

Specifically, he has temporarily halted the new leasing of federal waters for offshore wind projects. He has also directed federal agencies to pause permits and approvals of on- and off-shore wind development, including the already approved Lava Ridge Wind Project in Idaho.

Unfortunately, this will impact American jobs, as the offshore wind sector was expected to employ 56,000 more people by 2030, according to a report by American Clean Power. It could also affect both the reliability and cost of electricity.

Research has shown that producing wind power can be a very cost-effective way of providing power. Texans, for example, are saving as much as $20 million per day thanks to wind and solar energy, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.

With the development of wind power paused, the result could be higher energy bills. Consumers should start preparing for this possibility by taking a few key steps to help keep their utility costs down. Here are three options.

Invest in energy-efficient home upgrades

There are many upgrades you can make to your home that can help reduce the amount of electricity you use and, in turn, help keep your costs down.

One of the best options is upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. According to Energy Star, if you choose certified appliances, you can save around $8,750 on utility bills over the life of the product, reducing the cost of running the appliance by around 30%.

While the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that you can save around 10% on your utility bill by adjusting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours each day. Programmable thermostats can make this process automatic, which makes saving money even easier.

Other upgrades could include energy-efficient windows, adding more insulation to your home and using power strips to shut off the electricity to electronics and appliances, avoiding phantom power loss when you aren’t using them. All of these steps can help you spend less on powering your home — even if you have no choice but to rely on fossil fuel energy.

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

Consider renewable energy at home

Installing solar panels at home can be a great investment. Energy.gov reports that the payback time for most homeowners is less than 10 years.

There are both state and federal incentives for installing solar power in many parts of the country, and you may be able to finance your system through a personal loan. You could also enter into a power purchase agreement, which means you wouldn’t own the panels but would benefit from the clean power produced and still enjoy lower utility bills.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can help you find programs in your area, and the Residential Clean Energy Credit, in effect through 2032, provides a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of installation, which can be a big savings.

Shop around for your energy supplier

In many parts of the country, you can also shop around for an electricity provider. Around 45 million consumers benefit from retail energy choice, and you can find out if you are one of them by visiting the website of your state’s utility commission.

If you live in a deregulated market and have the choice of who provides your electricity, you should compare options to see which company will charge you the least for the power you use. Many companies lock in your rate only for a limited period, so you may have to do this a few times a year — but you can realize potentially significant savings.

Taking these steps could help you avoid increased electricity costs that you may be faced with if a shift towards alternative energy is held up at the federal level. Regardless, it can be worth finding ways to cut your utility bills, especially if you can invest a little bit up front and enjoy reduced costs for years to come.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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

Making six figures should feel like financial freedom — but for one 26-year-old posting to Reddit, it’s a source of stress as fears of a looming recession weigh heavily on her.

Despite earning a $100K salary, having just $2,500 in monthly expenses, fully paid-off student loans, $7,500 in savings and $40,000 in a 401(k), this Gen Zer, or Zoomer, is still concerned about how a downturn could impact her finances — and how she can stay stable if the economy takes a turn for the worse.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

She’s not alone. An Ipsos poll released on April 2 revealed that 61% of Americans believe the U.S. will experience a recession within the next year.

There are many reasons why so many people fear an economic downturn — and why this young person is panicking about the potential fallout. The good news is that there are ways Zoomers and other young adults can prepare for a potential recession and protect their long-term financial health.

Why are so many people worried about a recession

One of the main drivers of today’s recession fears is President Trump’s tariff policy — especially the introduction of taxes on goods imported into the United States.

Tariffs have become such a major concern that financial firm J.P. Morgan initially estimated the probability of a recession at 40% in late March. However, after Trump announced widespread tariffs would go into effect on dozens of countries — and after several of those countries, including China, began to retaliate — J.P. Morgan raised its estimate to 60%.

The stock market responded by plunging, spooked by fears of rising costs and a potential trade war. This volatility led JP Morgan and others to warn of broader consequences, not just for the U.S. economy but also for global markets.

Beyond tariffs, Americans are also concerned about a recession due to ongoing economic uncertainty. The Trump administration has promoted itself as a change administration, pushing for massive cuts to the federal workforce — changes that could have ripple effects across the broader economy.

Even though the President announced a 90-day pause on tariffs, save for China, recession concerns continue. The back-and-forth over trade policy has only added more uncertainty, making it difficult for consumers and businesses to plan for the future.

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

How to prepare for a recession as a young person

The U.S. has been through many recessions in the past, but most young adults haven’t lived through a major one.

While the economy briefly entered a recession from February to April of 2020, that was a unique situation driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government stimulus packages helped soften the financial blow for many Americans.

Before COVID, the last major downturn was the Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009. That 18-month crisis was triggered by a collapse in U.S. housing prices, a surge in foreclosures and a global financial meltdown driven by poorly underwritten mortgages packaged into risky mortgage-backed securities.

As a result, many Zoomers haven’t lived through a serious recession as adults. While their concern is understandable, there are several proactive steps young adults can take to shore up their finances including:

• Build an emergency fund with six to 12 months of living expenses — more than the customary three to six months — to create a stronger buffer.
• Make yourself indispensable at work by improving your performance, taking on new responsibilities and showing your value to your employer.
• Build your professional network and develop new skills in case you need to look for new opportunities.
• Explore passive income or side hustles to bring in more income and protect yourself against job loss.
• Creating a bare-bones budget you can live on if necessary, cutting non-essentials to stretch your savings.
• Free up cash to for investing during a downturn. Recessions often lead to lower stock prices, allowing long-term investors to buy the dip.
• Hold your investments for the long term. Avoid panic-selling during a downtown; staying the course gives you the best chance to benefit from the eventual recovery.

By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of not only weathering a recession but coming out strong on the other side. With careful planning and strategic investing, downturns can become opportunities to grow your wealth and build long-term financial security.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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

When 20-year-old Connor Stephanoff took a pizza delivery order during a snowstorm, he probably didn’t expect to star in a real-life version of Frozen.

A bus had slide off the road, blocking the entrance to the neighborhood. But armed with nothing but determination and the pizza, Stephanoff braved half a mile of deep snow to fulfill his mission — only to be rewarded with a whopping $2 tip.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

When police arrived at the scene of the bus crash, they spotted Stephanoff making his way through the snowdrifts. An officer jokingly asked him how big his tip must have been, only for Stephanoff to reveal the disappointing truth: just $2. This was despite the fact that he’d walked half a mile through harsh conditions to deliver to a home in an affluent neighborhood.

Unfortunately, situations like this are becoming increasingly common, sparking debates about how much we should tip the people who work to make our lives easier.

A delivery driver’s story goes viral

The officer, upset on Stephanoff’s behalf, gave him $15 out of his own wallet — the only cash he had on him at the time. But that wasn’t enough for Officer Craig.

Determined to make things right, he posted about the incident on social media, saying "$2 tip should be a crime! whoever did this: #shameful … Who tips a guy who risks everything to drive food to your door like this??"

The officer also started a GoFundMe for Stephanoff, which quickly gained traction.

The story was picked up by station 101 WRIF, and the fundraiser soon raised thousands of dollars for the dedicated driver who had quite literally gone the extra mile. As of January 17, Officer Craig raised almost $12,000 for Stephanoff.

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

How much should you tip?

The question of when and how much to tip has become a more contentious issue in recent years, especially with the rise of payment apps that ask for a tip for nearly everything.

Around 53% of consumers said they’ve encountered tip screens at businesses that never asked for tips in the past, and 72% of adults believe they’re being asked to tip more frequently now compared to five years ago. Moreover, only 24% of consumers approve of screens suggesting tip amounts.

With tipping fatigue setting in, it’s not surprising that average tip amounts are on the decline. Date from Toast shows restaurant tips have dropped from 19.2% in 2021 to 19% in 2022 and 18.8% in 2023. Meanwhile, Popmenu reports that only 19% of consumers tipped restaurant delivery drivers at least 20% in 2024, down from 26% of consumers the year prior and 38% in 2021.

Rising prices due to inflation have also contributed to the problem. Many households are struggling to afford the basics and are cutting back on tips as a result.

Unfortunately, it is servers and delivery drivers who pay the price — even though they have no control over inflation or the increasing use of tipping apps. While the average tip delivery drivers hovers around 16%, etiquette experts recommend a minimum of $3 to $5 minimum or more if your driver brings you a pizza in extreme conditions like a snowstorm.

Whatever your opinion, it’s likely most people would agree that a half-mile walk through a snowstorm is worth more than $2. And if nothing else, tipping a reasonably might just keep you making headlines as a bad tipper during a from.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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

In March of 2025, there was a near-record number of layoffs in the United States. In total, 275,240 workers were laid off during the month, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

This is a 205% increase in the number of layoffs compared with March of 2024, and a 60% increase from the 172,017 cuts announced one month prior.

It was the third-highest number of layoffs ever to occur in a single month in the U.S., surpassed only during the pandemic, with 671,129 job cuts in April 2020, followed by May 2020, when another 397,016 people were let go.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

These layoffs didn’t happen equally across all industries, though. They were largely isolated to government employees. A total of 216,215 federal workers were dismissed in March. This brings the total number of laid off federal workers to 280,253 across the past two months.

These layoffs are happening because of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and they are likely to continue in the coming months. They’ll affect not just those let go, but also the economy as a whole.

Here’s what you need to know about why they’re happening, the widespread impact they could have and what you can do if you were one of the thousands laid off

Why is DOGE laying off so many workers, and will this continue?

DOGE was created by executive order by President Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2025. President Trump has made it clear that Elon Musk was put in charge of DOGE to wage "war on government waste, fraud, and abuse."

DOGE has begun aggressive audits of virtually every department in the U.S. government, and has already laid off or made plans to lay off thousands. According to Newsweek, in March alone this included:

• around half of all employees at the Department of Education
• 20 employees from NASA
• 4,000 civilian employees from the Department of Defense
• 7,000 IRS workers, with up to half of the 90,000 workforce potentially on the chopping block in future layoffs
• 1,000 employees at the Department of the Interior
• more than 1,300 workers at the Department of Veterans Affairs, with more layoffs expected
• 780 employees from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with a total of 4,000 layoffs ultimately expected
• thousands of workers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• just under 700 Department of Energy employees
• 400 probationary workers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• 200 employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• 76 Department of Treasury employees
• 10,000 layoffs expected to occur at the United States Postal Service

"I’m just here trying to make government more efficient, eliminate waste and fraud, and so far we’re making good progress, actually," Elon Musk told Fox Business mid-March.

"Our savings at this point exceed $4 billion a day, so it’s very significant."

Musk also said he believes DOGE will likely meet its goal of cutting $1 trillion from government spending, unless the department is stopped.

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

How will DOGE’s firings affect local economies and communities?

Massive cuts to the federal government have obviously left many federal workers and their families struggling, and this is likely to have consequences for the broader economy.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has indicated that when unemployed federal workers reduce spending, local businesses near military bases, national parks and federal field offices suffer.

Private companies that contract with the government are also being affected and may need to lay off staff. And nonprofit groups that have lost access to funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are also being impacted, as are farmers who previously sold $2 billion in U.S.-grown crops to USAID for provide humanitarian relief efforts.

All of these layoffs, and the resulting ripple effects, could potentially push the country further toward recession — which is already a looming threat because of the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.

What to do if you’re laid off

Whether you are a federal worker experiencing layoffs or you lose your job because of the ripple effects, there are steps you can and should take to shore up your finances and help protect your future.

One of the first things to do is make sure you understand your rights. The government has already ordered the Trump administration to rescind the firing of some federal workers. Be sure to check with your union rep, if you have one, or consider consulting with an employment law attorney if you feel you were treated unfairly.

DOGE was offering severance payments to some federal workers. So, you can explore whether you are eligible for this separation pay — as well as make sure you know whether you are owed any money for unpaid vacation or sick time.

You’ll also need to explore options to get health insurance ASAP if you had coverage through your government job, as COBRA (which allows you to stay on your workplace plan for up to 18 months) doesn’t apply to federal employees.

You’ll also want to apply for unemployment benefits right away, as most federal workers will be eligible.

Lastly, you should start making cuts to your budget to spend the bare minimum until you can find new work.

By taking these steps, as well as reaching out to your professional network and polishing up your résumé, you can help get yourself back on track. Your new job may need to be in the private sector, at least for the next few years. But with careful financial planning and a dedicated job search, you can help avoid long-term damage to your finances caused by the DOGE cuts.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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

When you’ve worked hard to save up an emergency fund, it can be really frustrating when all the money suddenly disappears. This may be especially true if you’re 43 years old and spent years saving for a sense of financial security.

The good news is that you were able to use that emergency fund to take care of your unexpected medical procedure and home repairs, so you should feel good about the fact that you were prepared and had the funds you needed when it counted most — without borrowing money.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

Of course, now you’re vulnerable if any more surprise financial expenses come along, so you’ll want to take steps to rebuild as soon as possible.

Here’s why rebuilding is so important, and what you can do to make that happen.

Why is it so important to rebuild your emergency fund ASAP?

Since you had to spend your entire emergency fund because of two unexpected costs, you already know that surprises do happen — and they can be expensive. However, data from Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency Savings Report shows just how common it is for people to end up relying on their emergency savings.

According to the report, 37% of U.S. adults had to rely on their rainy day fund at least once during the last 12 months. Of those who used their emergency money, 80% spent it on unplanned expenses, day-to-day expenses or monthly bills.

Those who needed to use their emergency money unfortunately ended up spending a lot. In total, 26% spent between $1,000 and $2,499, while 22% spent between $500 and $999 and 18% less than $500. Some spent even more, with 15% pulling at least $5,000 from their account and 14% taking out somewhere between $2,500 and $4,999.

But this is not a new financial reality. Pew Charitable Trusts data from 2014 also found 60% of households had experienced a financial shock during the year prior to the study, and one third of households had two or more occurrences. The median cost of the most expensive of those shocks was $2,000, and the median household spent half its monthly income on its most expensive shock.

Unfortunately, since you’ve been forced to spend your entire emergency fund, you may now find yourself among the 37% of adults who the Federal Reserve reports can’t cover a $400 unexpected expense with cash or the equivalent.

While you may be feeling financially vulnerable because of it, the good news is that you saved an emergency fund before, and you can do it again.

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

How can you rebuild your emergency fund after an emergency?

Although it can be devastating to be forced to spend your emergency savings, the first and most important thing is to get your motivation back. Remind yourself of what you accomplished with the money, and of the fact that you were able to build up that fund in the first place — and it served its purpose.

The success of your past emergency fund can help you stay motivated to do what’s necessary to rebuild.

So what’s necessary? The first step is setting a realistic, specific goal. You aren’t going to save up six months of living expenses in a few weeks, but you may be able to save up a few thousand dollars for a mini-emergency fund. Look at your budget, see how much money you can free up and set yourself a realistic but ambitious target based on those numbers.

This may involve recalculating your net worth to see how much you’d need to cover a loss based on the value of your assets, while taking your debts into account.

The next step is to figure out where you can cut spending to make sure you can achieve your target. Since this is just temporary, you can be aggressive with your cuts. Giving up dining out and cancelling a few streaming services for a couple of months may be annoying, but it’s worth it if you can get your financial security back. You can also consider looking for a side gig to rebuild faster.

Finally, set up automatic transfers of the desired amount of money to your savings account. If you can make these transfers automatic, you won’t miss one. Have the money come out on payday so you can’t spend it on anything else and you’ll have your emergency account rebuilt in no time.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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

They dreamed of retiring at 62, but now, the Gomezes are staring down another decade of work.

The husband and wife are in their 50s and they told CBS News they’re drowning in financial obligations.

Don’t miss

• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10
• Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

CBS News interviewed the couple in their 50s who were stretched thin. While the Gomezes had hoped to retire at 62, they were now considering working until at least 70. The reason their plans were derailed? they were supporting far more family members than expected.

With elderly parents, a child, and their niece and nephew living in their home, the Gomezes faced overwhelming financial demands — especially after taking on student loans to help their daughter and niece afford college.

They aren’t alone. The couple is part of the sandwich generation, a term for people who simultaneously care for their children and aging parents. This dual responsibility can make achieving financial goals nearly impossible, yet for many, it’s a situation they cannot escape

What is the sandwich generation

The sandwich generation refers to people who are stuck in the middle — providing for both aging parents and children. This group is growing as life expectancies increase and people have children later in life.

According to Pew Research, 23% of all U.S. adults have at least one parent aged 65 or older while supporting either a child under 18 or an adult child financially. People in their 40s are the most likely to be part of the sandwich generation, with 54% supporting both a child and a living parent over 65.

Both men and women can find themselves in this position, though adults with college degrees are slightly more likely to have obligations to multiple generations at once.

Unfortunately, research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that:

• 23.5% of sandwich-generation caregivers reported substantial financial difficulties.
• 44.1% reported significant emotional stress.
• Members of this group reported higher levels of caregiver role overload.

According to a survey by Wakefield Research and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical showed that 72% of sandwich-generation members have had to cut back on necessities — such as food or medical care — or have been forced to dip into their retirement or personal savings to cover expenses.

For the Gomezes, this was exactly the case. They were struggling to contribute to their retirement accounts and would be saddled with paying off their daughter’s student loans until the husband turned 71. The impact on their retirement is profound.

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 if you’re a member of the sandwich generation

If you are a member of the sandwich generation, you need to find ways to reduce both the financial and emotional strain — while still preparing for your own future so you don’t become a burden on your own kids one day.

The best way to do that is to set financial boundaries. Figure out how much you need to save each month to reach your retirement target and prioritize that over everything except essential expenses. This may mean limiting or stopping contributions to your children’s college fund. While they can borrow for school, you cannot borrow for retirement.

After deciding how much you can afford to spend on helping your family, have an open discussion about what you are and are not willing to do. If you are supporting adult children, consider setting a cutoff date for financial aid so they have time to plan accordingly.

For aging parents, explore benefit programs like Medicaid or other assistance options to help ease the financial burden.

Ultimately, being in the sandwich generation is difficult, but you are not alone. The important thing is to set limits on financial support so you can continue investing in your own future. And just as importantly, make sure you have emotional support so you don’t become burned out, overwhelmed and unable to care for yourself or your loved ones.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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