Author: Danielle Antosz

Residents of the Westbury Reserve Apartments in southwest Houston are finally seeing some relief after weeks of dealing with the stench of uncollected garbage, no hot water and no air conditioning.

"I can’t open my window. I come out here every day, especially with that rain. You know how that smells,” resident Bernard Joseph told Fox 26. “They ain’t dumped the trash in two months."

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But that wasn’t the only concern. Tenants said squatters were breaking into vacant units, sewage was backing up into buildings and basic maintenance was nonexistent. Some residents said the issues have been occurring since Christmas.

After weeks of pressure and nearly 30 health department violations, the property owner stepped in with promises of cleanup and change. But how it got this bad is a tangled story.

‘The buck stops with me’

Robert Ritzenhaler, owner of Westbury Reserve and CEO of REM Capital, blamed the severe neglect on AMC Management, the third-party property management company he hired.

"At the end of the day, the buck stops with me, as one of the owners of the property,” he told Fox 26. “That doesn’t mean there isn’t a story behind it, of course.”

Ritzenhaler said he was shocked to learn a $10,000 trash bill had not been paid, despite more than $366,000 reportedly sitting in the property’s account. According to him, AMC requested approval to pay the trash bill only a month ago. He signed off, but said AMC’s payment process caused a delay.

“I shouldn’t have to approve a trash bill,” Ritzenhaler said. “The contract specifically states that they will take care of managing the property and keeping it habitable.”

AMC Management disputed that version of events. In a statement to FOX 26, the company said, “AMC never sought permission to pay trash collection bills … nor was it required to under the property management agreement."

Instead, AMC claims REM Capital failed to provide funds to pay contractors and even fell behind on payroll and management fees. AMC sent a termination letter, which took effect May 1.

Ritzenhaler has since dispatched a new team member to oversee a full-scale cleanup and repairs effort. Top priorities included clearing trash piles, boarding up broken windows, resolving sewage backups, restoring hot water and tackling pest problems.

He’s also working to fix or replace broken gates, potholes and expired fire extinguishers. The pool area — described by the fire marshal as “unacceptable” — must also be brought back to code.

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 caught in the middle

Tenants at Westbury Reserve say they were left in the dark for months, unsure who was responsible and with no clear way to get help. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps that can help:

Document everything

Take photos and videos of the conditions in your unit and around the property. Keep records of rent payments, maintenance requests and any communication with management.

Contact property management and owners

Make sure the property managers understand the extent of the issues. If they aren’t responding, try reaching out to the property owner directly. Public property records or business filings can help you track them down.

File complaints with authorities

You can file complaints with housing authorities, the health department and sanitation services. In Houston, this includes Solid Waste Management and the Department of Neighborhoods.

Seek legal aid

Nonprofits like Lone Star Legal Aid in Texas offer free or low-cost legal help if you believe your rights as a tenant are being violated.

Finally, consider contacting local media. Residents at Westbury Reserve only got results after a news station picked up their story. Sometimes, public pressure is the only way to spark action.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

A 76‑year‑old Franklin County, Ohio woman thought she’d hit the jackpot when an unexpected caller told her she’d won $3 million in a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. All she needed to do, he said, was pay taxes on her winnings, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

So, she mailed more than $89,000 in “tax” checks to an Arkansas address before realizing the prize was a scam. Detectives traced the money to a 68-year-old man in Little Rock, Arkansas who was arrested on a felony‑theft warrant and remains in an Arkansas jail waiting to be extradited.

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Scams like this are increasingly common because the scammers are smart and know how to convince you that they’re from legitimate companies. They often use pressure or fear tactics to keep you on the hook.

But understanding how these scams work — and how to protect yourself — can be key as fraud attempts grow.

How do scams like this work?

Investigators say the fraudster posed as a sweepstakes employee, phoning the victim in March and insisting the windfall couldn’t be released until upfront taxes were paid — an approach straight out of the classic prize‑scam playbook.

Scammers often add pressure by invoking trusted names — like Publishers Clearing House — claiming official oversight and urging victims to “act now” before the offer expires, says the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They may direct targets to wire money, send gift cards or — in this case — mail checks to out‑of‑state addresses that are hard to trace.

Con‑artists may also spoof caller ID so the number looks like it comes from Publishers Clearing House or even a government agency. Or, they might mail official‑looking letters, complete with fake seals or phony tax forms to build trust.

Once the victim pays the first fee, the scammer often invents new hurdles — customs duties, courier charges or even “anti‑terror compliance” certifications to milk the victim for even more payments.

The FTC notes three tell‑tale signs of prize and sweepstake scams:

• Real prizes never require payment
• Odds of winning can’t be boosted by a fee
• No legitimate contest needs your banking or Social Security numbers.

Fraud like this is increasingly common, especially for seniors, who may be lonely, less tech-savvy or less aware of new scam techniques.

According to the FTC, Americans over the age of 70 lose more per scam than any other age range. But young people fall for scams more often, so people of all ages need to know how to spot these scams.

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 avoid falling victim to prize or sweepstake scams

According to the FTC, genuine sweepstakes are free and random. Any request for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency or personal data is a red flag. If a stranger contacts you about a prize, look the company up yourself — using a verified phone number or website — to verify the company is real. Never rely on numbers or links that the caller or an email provides.

If you’ve paid already, the quicker you act, the better. Report the transaction to your bank or card issuer, file a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your state attorney general. If the scammer contacted you by mail, notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The faster you report the scam, the more likely you are to get some of your funds back.

If personal data was shared, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps. Spreading the word to friends and relatives — especially older family members — can prevent the next would‑be winner from becoming the next victim.

A final reminder: Unsolicited prize calls, emails or brochures in the mail are almost always too good to be true. The safest response is to hang up, delete or recycle — before the only thing you’re left holding is an empty checkbook.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

In early May, construction crews working in the parking garage of South Beach III Condominiums in Clearwater, Florida, spotted a "several‑foot‑wide crack” in a concrete support pillar.

As CBS News reports, they immediately flagged the structural concern, eager to prevent another tragedy like the 2021 condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, which killed 98 people.

Within two hours, firefighters were knocking on doors in the 12‑story tower, hustling roughly  60 residents onto the street with what they could carry.

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“Basically for like two days [I’m] wearing the same clothes until things kind of calmed down,” resident Scott  May told FOX 13.

A week later, engineers installed heavy shoring and declared the column stabilized. Most condo owners were allowed to return to their units — but not those with condos stacked over the column. They were left in limbo.

Even the homeowners who could return had to agree to restrictions: no construction or remodeling without written board approval, no deliveries over 75 pounds, and closed balconies above the damaged pillar.

It’s the latest example of how post-Surfside safety legislation is impacting condo residents..

The impact of Surfside: How one tragedy rewrote Florida laws

When the Champlain Towers South condominium crumbled in Surfside in 2021, it exposed decades‑old gaps in Florida’s building‑safety oversight.

In 2022, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 4-D, also known as the milestone-inspection law. Key points include:

• Mandatory structural reviews: Every condo of three or more stories must undergo a ‘milestone inspection’ by an architect or engineer 30 years after completion, or 25 years if it sits within three miles of the coastline, followed by re‑inspections every 10 years.
• No more reserve waivers: Associations must fully fund reserves for major repairs. Board members who skip or defer funding face personal liability.

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The new rules have already shuttered several condo towers for several years. One high‑profile case is Miami Beach’s Castle  Beach  Club condominum — in which the onsite spa (Russian & Turkish Baths) was forced to close for structural repairs in 2022.

The spa finally reopened after a three-year shutdown that kept portions of the 570-unit building off-limits and saddled owners with steep special assessments.

The U.S. Sun reports that the monthly dues tripled at Winter  Park  Woods near Orlando after the HOA board rushed to meet the new reserve rules under the law.

One condo owner’s monthly HOA fees jumped from $634 to more than $2,100. Some longtime owners were pushed toward foreclosure or fire‑sale listings.

State officials like Rep. Vicki Lopez, who sponsored the bill, insist the cost is worth it.

"We have strived to reach that delicate balance between the safety of our constituents that live in condominiums, as well as understanding the incredible financial impact that sometimes these particular bills that we pass have,” she told WESH News.

What to do if you’re evacuated for structural issues

While you can’t anticipate being forced to evacuate your home for structural reasons, it’s good to have a grounding in the steps to take to make the disruption easier to navigate.

Here’s what to do if you’re forced to leave your home:

• Get documentation. Get, in writing, the official word on why the building is off limits and how long engineers expect repairs to take. Under Florida’s condo law, the condo board must share safety findings with owners and tenants upon request.
• Call your insurance company. Next, contact your homeowners’ insurance company. A standard condo policy often includes Loss‑of‑Use (Additional Living Expense) coverage to reimburse your hotel bills, short‑term rentals and even the cost of boarding pets while your unit is uninhabitable. Make sure to save receipts for boarding, hotel, and food, as your insurance may require these for reimbursement.
• Talk to your lender. Unfortunately, being evacuated from your condo won’t halt your mortgage payments. Contact your lender and inquire about a short-term forbearance or other options that may help you cover the costs of alternative accommodations while repairs are being made. Depending on its policies, you may be able to skip a few months of payments and tack them on to the end of the mortgage term.
• Look for government assistance. Look for programs at the city or county level as federal support may be limited. For example, programs like FEMA generally won’t help, as grants require the federal government to declare a disaster and typically exclude defects discovered before a collapse or storm.
• Document, document, document. If possible, request limited access to your condo to photograph valuables and gather documents, then back up those photos to the cloud. Insurers and lenders may demand proof of condition later. Keep every email, notice, and receipt related to the disruption in one folder — special assessments, hotel invoices, even Uber rides — because you will need those when you file insurance claims, request fee waivers or seek tax relief.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

A freshman Arizona Corporation Commissioner refused to back down in a public meeting with one of the state’s largest utilities — and got them to come clean about their mistake.

Commissioner René Lopez, who holds a degree in nuclear engineering and is a former Chandler City Council member, raised concerns about one of Arizona Public Service’s (APS) calculations during a discussion earlier this year about a potential rate adjustment for customers. The exchange featured Lopez repeatedly questioning the company’s math, while APS insisted multiple times that their numbers were correct.

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“I realize I’m new here, but I’m really concerned this is not accurate,” he said in footage shown by 12 News in a story published May 23.

Here’s how Lopez’s persistence won the day, and why consumer advocates want to see more of this type of behavior from public servants.

Notice of Errata

Lopez wasn’t just concerned about the immediate mistake — he warned the APS that errors like this could undermine trust in the utility’s entire rate-setting process.

“I think the concern is that if there’s a mathematical error, it brings into [question] how other items may not be calculated correctly,” he said during the Feb. 5 public meeting.

Eight times Lopez asked APS to explain its math, per 12 News, which means he had eight chances to back down following responses by the utility giant.

After the ninth round of pushback from Lopez, APS agreed to review the figures. Two days later, APS filed a “Notice of Errata,” an official document rectifying their mistake, admitting the commissioner was correct.

In the end, the commission chose a different rate adjustment that didn’t involve the bad formula, however, Lopez received praise for his determination, especially as a newcomer, on a matter that could have had an effect on the bills of homeowners across Arizona.

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More of that, please

Diane Brown of Arizona PIRG, a public interest advocacy group, applauded Lopez for holding APS to account.

“When I saw Commissioner Lopez question APS on their numbers and continue to pursue, I thought: we have a regulator who is really there to drill down into what the utility is saying, what they’re meaning and what the accuracy of their comments are,” she told 12 News.

Even if there’s a potential billing discrepancy of a fraction of a percent — as was the case in this instance, the broadcaster says — the implications could be huge, especially if a company has millions of consumers, such as APS.

While many consumers may not be in a position to challenge a utility company’s math during a regulatory hearing, Lopez’s actions remind us that asking questions matters. Even one voice, when persistent and informed, can help hold powerful entities accountable and protect consumers from costly mistakes.

But there are still ways the public can be heard. Whether it’s checking your own bill for errors, attending public hearings or supporting organizations that represent consumers, you can take action to ensure your voice is heard.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

The death of a loved one can be devastating for a family, but when a disputed will quickly follows the funeral, the grieving process often turns into a bitter dispute.

Case in point: the Gvasalia family. Anna Gvasalia, a 29-year-old woman who is grieving the loss of her father, has been grappling with backlash from her three older siblings after learning she was the sole beneficiary of their father’s estate.

After years of being the only child to maintain contact and care for their aging, emotionally distant dad, Anna was stunned to discover her father had left her everything: the house, the car and over $300,000 in savings.

Her siblings assumed she’d divide the estate equally, but when Anna refused, she found out why her siblings had lost contact with their dad. One had borrowed money from him and never repaid it. Another cut the father off when he refused to co-sign a loan, while the third forged his signature on an insurance document.

One sibling has hinted at taking legal action to get their fair share, but dropped that idea after seeing the paperwork. Now, Anna’s caught between guilt and loyalty, wondering if honouring her dad’s final decision makes her selfish.

Should Anna share the inheritance?

There are two things for Anna to consider here — one legal and one ethical. Legally, if someone leaves behind a valid will, that document typically determines who inherits what. And since the father updated his will and named his youngest daughter as the sole beneficiary, the law is likely on Anna’s side.

There are specific cases where wills can be contested in Canada, according to Canadian Lawyer — these include:

• The person who passed away lacked the mental capacity to sign the will
• The person was under duress or tricked into signing the will — for example, if they thought they were signing a different document
• There is suspicion that the signature was forged or the will is fraudulent
• There is a lack of adequate provision or conditions for a spouse, child, or dependents in the will
• The formalities of writing a will were not followed

Based on the siblings dropping the idea of legal action after seeing the paperwork, Anna is likely in the clear, legally speaking. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with an estate or probate lawyer to cover your bases when an inheritance is questioned.

Now for the ethical side: Should Anna share her inheritance because it’s the ‘right’ thing to do? While this is a personal decision, try putting yourself in her father’s shoes. Say you wrote a will leaving your favourite niece your estate and left out her brother, who was rude and even stole money from you. Would you want your nephew to get a share of your estate? Probably not.

Anna’s father made his final wishes clear, and she can honour his intentions by simply following them. Of course, Anna must also consider what keeping the inheritance will do to her relationship with her siblings. If she refuses to share the inheritance, Anna’s kinship will likely be strained, if not completely severed. That is a tough decision that only she can make.

It’s also worth considering the financial implications of Anna splitting the inheritance. To split the value of the house and car, she’ll need to sell these items. Depending on Anna’s current living situation, she may decide that living in the inherited house is what’s best for her financially.

As you can see, there’s a lot for Anna to consider as she mulls over what to do with her inheritance.

How to navigate finances after an inheritance

Coming into an unexpected inheritance, especially one tied to complicated family dynamics, can be emotionally draining. But it’s important to take a step back and approach the financial side with a clear head — Here’s how.

Wait before making big financial decisions:

The first rule of inheritance planning? Don’t rush. Wait a few months before making any major decisions, like quitting your job, investing a large sum or giving money to others. Emotions can cloud judgment, and grief can lead to impulse spending.

Secure the funds and understand what you’ve inherited:

Before you do anything else, make sure the estate has cleared probate and that you legally have access to the funds and/or property. Also, check for any unpaid debts or taxes attached to the estate. In most cases, the estate, not the beneficiary, is responsible for those, but it’s important to confirm.

Once the estate is settled, consider placing the money in a high-interest savings account or a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC).

Talk to a financial advisor or tax professional:

Inheritances can come with unexpected tax implications, especially if they include investment accounts or rental property. An advisor can help you reduce your tax burden and make a plan for the funds. Here’s how to find the best one for your specific needs.

Decide what to do with inherited property:

If you’ve inherited a home, you’ll need to decide whether you want to live in it, rent it or sell it. Consider the cost of taxes and maintaining the home. Home insurance rates are on the rise, and all of these costs might set you back more than you realize.

There’s also the emotional aspect to consider — if you have good memories, you might want to keep the home. But if you have negative feelings about the house, or maybe its location, it might make sense to sell.

Set boundaries with family:

If other relatives feel they were “cut out” of the estate, tensions can rise. You may be under no legal obligation to share the inheritance, but if you choose to, do it intentionally and not out of guilt. Set clear boundaries about what you are or aren’t willing to give, and avoid getting pressured into giving more than you’re comfortable with.

Inherited money can be a powerful tool for reaching financial goals — if you manage it wisely. Take your time, get expert advice and make choices that support your long-term goals.

Sources

1. Canadian Lawyer: Points to consider when contesting a will, by Kairos Anggadol (Jan 11, 2024)

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

The visit itself seems routine — the doctor arrives on time, mentions the word “screening” repeatedly, and discusses your medical history. However, a week later, you receive a shocking bill.

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Now, you’re left wondering whether you were misled, and how something billed as free could turn into such an expensive lesson.

Here’s what may have happened and what you can do about it.

How free screenings can turn into hefty bills

In the U.S. healthcare system, language matters, and so do billing codes. Just because your appointment was called a “free” exam, that didn’t guarantee it would remain one once you began speaking with a doctor or received other services like diagnostic tests.

If you discussed your symptoms, the visit no longer qualified as a preventive screening. Instead, it was coded as a diagnostic consultation, which typically isn’t covered without a referral, especially for specialists like urologists. That coding decision alone shifts the financial responsibility from the insurer to the patient.

While frustrating, this kind of situation isn’t uncommon. Preventive visits, such as screenings or wellness checks, are generally covered in full under insurance plans. However, when symptoms are discussed, new concerns are raised, or services are received, the appointment may be reclassified and billed differently.

“A preventive visit generally comes at no cost to patients. But a visit for an ongoing medical issue is usually classified as diagnostic, leaving the patient subject to copays and deductibles — or even charged for two separate appointments,” says a KFF Health News report. “Patients may not notice a difference in the exam room. Much of that nuance is determined by the medical provider and captured on the bill.”

For example, if you go in for a yearly check-up but then mention back pain, the appointment is no longer a wellness check, but a regular office visit. Patients rarely know this in advance, and clinics aren’t always transparent about how these distinctions are made. It can be even more complicated if you’re visiting a specialist who requires a referral from your primary care doctor. In the KFF Health News report, a patient who went in for an annual physical exam ending up owing $1,400 for lab services and pathology, plus $206.91 for “professional services.”

Whether this is considered false advertising depends on the specifics. If the clinic promoted a free screening but failed to disclose what might trigger additional charges or neglected to clarify what was included, it may be in murky legal territory.

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 protect yourself from unexpected medical bills after a screening

Situations like this can be avoided, but you must remain vigilant. Here are a few ways you can minimize the risk of getting stuck with surprise bills:

• Get it in writing: Always save promotional emails and appointment confirmations, especially if the word “free” is used. These may help you challenge a charge later.

• Clarify what’s included: Before the visit, call the clinic and ask what the free screening covers. What might result in additional charges?

• Stay on message: If you’re going in for a free screening, don’t raise unrelated issues during the appointment unless you’re ready for a possible charge. If you have other symptoms, ask if mentioning them will result in additional charges before doing so.

• Dispute the bill: Request a detailed explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance provider, ask the clinic for a billing breakdown, and appeal the charge if necessary.

• File a complaint: If you feel misled, report the incident to your state’s medical board or consumer protection office.

• Check for retroactive options: Some insurers will accept a late referral from a primary care provider, which can help the bill get covered under your insurance plan.

Medical billing in the U.S. is notoriously complex, but being proactive, asking the right questions and holding onto documentation can help you protect your wallet.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

If you’ve ever wanted the Disney-style experience without the lines, there’s a mansion in Utah that may have caught your eye. A 154-acre estate in Hyrum — Utah’s largest private residence — that went up for auction on June 13.

The sprawling home features more than 70,000 square feet of space, including a five-level, 10-bedroom main house, a Swiss Family Robinson-themed bunk room, a Disneyland Tiki Room replica, a Star Wars-style underground tunnel and a 65-seat theater modeled after Walt Disney World’s Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. Initially listed for $35 million, the price has since dropped to $19.5 million. Bidding for the home will open at $8 million.

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That has locals in Hyrum, a quiet Cache Valley community of around 10,000 residents, wondering who might want to live there.

“It was a big deal … in our little teeny Hyrum,” resident Kathy Schroeder told KSL-TV.

“People are kind of blown away by that because we’re kind of a rural, you know, kind of community. People don’t really expect that there.”

Disney-themed rooms, a pool barn and an underground racetrack

In addition to the main residence, the property includes a 27,000-square-foot unfinished pool barn, with plans for a massive swimming pool, an exercise center and 16-car garage — all connected by that 140-foot-long underground tunnel.

The home also includes an underground racetrack that circles the home’s footprint.

Other highlights include:

• Stunning mountain views.
• An expansive entryway with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams.
• Dining room with a 42-seat table.
• A nearly complete pond.
• Vaulted ceilings and ensuites in each bedroom.
• A guest house and well house.
• Event space.

The property listing also notes that the home sits just 15 minutes from the city of Logan and 75 minutes from Salt Lake City, near Blacksmith Fork Park and Hyrum Reservoir.

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How could this home impact Hyrum?

In spite of all these amenities, some residents remain skeptical about whether the home will sell at all.

“I don’t know who would want to buy it here,” local Adam Berger told KSL-TV. “It’s not Jackson Hole or like other places where millionaires go.”

That skepticism stems in part from Hyrum’s identity as a rural, working-class community, not a luxury destination. While nearby mountains and reservoirs offer outdoor appeal, the community lacks the kind of high-end restaurants, shopping or airport access typically found in luxury markets.

Mansions of this size are rare anywhere, but in small communities like Hyrum, they can have an outsized impact, both good and bad.

On the positive side, increased tax revenue for Hyrum could bring in a chunk of change for local services if the home is sold and reassessed. The estate could also be converted into a rental or event space to create local jobs and attract visitors. Finally, the buzz surrounding the sale could drive broader interest in Cache Valley properties.

On the negative side, a sale of this size could lead to market distortion. If the home goes for at or near $19.5 million, it could skew local home value comparisons and complicate appraisals of nearby properties.

The limited buyer pool for the property is also a risk factor. If it doesn’t sell, it may sit empty and remain unfinished. Some residents also worry new ultrawealthy neighbors may not integrate into the community and its small-town atmosphere.

Schroeder, who also runs the Cache Valley Buzz Instagram page, says she’s optimistic someone will make the most of the mansion’s potential.

“We just really want someone to buy it and make it a fun place where they can live and have vacations and things like that,” she said.

“They put a lot of time and effort into it … to make it a really family fun kind of place.”

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