Author: Danielle Antosz

A monthlong Consumer Reports (CR) investigation alleges that shoppers at almost half of Kroger-owned grocery stores are overcharged for sale items. The investigation began after CR learned that Kroger workers in Colorado alleged widespread errors in pricing labels during union negotiations.

In an effort to document the "size and breadth of the problem," CR recruited people to visit multiple stores in multiple states over several months. The results?

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“The shoppers found expired sales labels that led to overcharges on more than 150 grocery items, including Cheerios cereal, Mucinex cold and flu medication, Nescafé instant coffee, boneless beef, salmon, and dog food,” the report stated.

How widespread is the issue?

According to the report, CR recruited people to visit 26 Kroger stores — including Kroger, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Fry’s and Ralphs — across 14 states and the District of Columbia during March, April and May 2025.

Shoppers documented more than 150 items where expired or misleading sales tags could have caused customers to pay more at checkout than the price listed on the shelf. Roughly one-third of the tags were outdated by at least 10 days, and several, they say, expired months before.

The average overcharge was $1.70 per item — or, 18.4% more than the advertised sale price.

“People should pay the price that is being advertised, that’s the law,” Consumer World founder Edgar Dworsky told CR.

“The issue here is that shoppers can’t rely on the shelf price being accurate, and that’s a big problem.”

Items affected included a range of household staples and name-brand goods such as cereal, medication, instant coffee, meats, seafood and pet food. In some cases, the shelf tags still displayed promotional pricing well after the sale had ended, potentially misleading shoppers into thinking they were getting a discount.

One example, KTLA News reports, was an 8-pack Mission Flour Tortillas advertised as on sale for $2.99 but showing as $4.00 when the CR shoppers checked their receipts.

A Kroger representative responded to the report, saying the company regularly checks prices for accuracy and called the CR report a “few dozen examples across several years out of billions of customer transactions annually.” The company said that while no errors are acceptable, characterizing a few mistakes as "widespread pricing concerns" is false.

While Kroger is the latest retailer to come under scrutiny, it’s not the only one. Other chains, including Walmart and Vons, have faced similar accusations in recent months. In October 2024, Albertsons agreed to pay $4 million to settle a lawsuit that accused the California grocery chain of charging more than the lowest advertised price for various items.

Consumer advocates say the issue may be more common than most shoppers realize, and without checking receipts and shelf tag dates, many overcharges can easily go unnoticed.

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How to avoid being overcharged on your groceries

While price errors may not be intentional, they can still cost you money — especially if you’re buying multiple items you thought were on sale. Consumer advocates say overcharges often go unnoticed, but with a few simple steps, shoppers can reduce the risk of paying more than they should.

Here are a few ways to protect yourself at the register:

• Double-check your receipt. Review it before leaving the store to ensure sale prices were applied correctly.

• Take pictures of sale tags. If you’re concerned something won’t ring up right, take a photo of the tag to show the clerk.

• Look for expiration dates on sale tags. Some tags may still be posted even after the promotion ends. Check before you decide to purchase items you think are on sale.

• Speak up. If the price at checkout doesn’t match what was listed on the shelf, ask for a correction.

• Know the rules. Most states do not have a law that requires stores to honor an expired sale tag. However, some stores will as a gesture of goodwill.

Even major grocery chains can make mistakes, but staying alert can help ensure you’re actually getting the deals you came for.

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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 31-year-old homeowner has found herself in a common modern-day dilemma: Should she stay put in a home she owns (with a great mortgage rate) or take the next step with her partner and buy a second home together?

Understandable if she didn’t want to sell — she’s owned her home for less than two years, the mortgage is locked in at 4.75% and her monthly payment, including taxes and escrow, is only $1,000. It’s a hard deal to walk away from.

But her boyfriend is ready to buy and move forward with their relationship. Now, she’s left wondering: Would it make more financial sense to rent out her home, co-buy a new place or sell and start fresh?

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If you’re in a similar situation — balancing homeownership with a new relationship (and the potential of increasing your real estate costs), here’s what to consider before making your next move.

Factors to consider before buying a home with a partner

Purchasing a second home is a big financial commitment that requires careful consideration. Take the time to assess the practical implications before you take the plunge. Here are a few questions to help you determine if buying a second home aligns with your financial and personal goals.​

Is the relationship solid?

Purchasing property with a partner is a big commitment. Unmarried couples should consider a cohabitation agreement, similar to a prenup, to outline ownership shares, financial responsibilities and procedures in case of a breakup. This legal document can help prevent disputes and protect both parties’ interests.​ But, if you have any misgivings about the relationship, purchasing a home together is not likely the best course of action.

What happens if you do get married down the line?

Women, in particular, should think carefully about maintaining financial independence when entering joint property ownership. If marriage is on the horizon, consider how that might affect ownership of the home. Do you plan to have children? If so, how might that impact your income and your ability to contribute to mortgage payments? Having these conversations now can help you determine if it’s a good idea.

Is renting worth it?

Turning your current home into a rental can offer passive income and long-term equity growth. However, it also introduces landlord responsibilities, potential vacancy risks and tax implications. Run the numbers before going this route. Assess the local rental market to determine if the potential income outweighs the costs. If you’re considering a management company, make sure you can afford it.

Do you have enough savings?

Owning two properties requires financial planning — and a strong financial standing. Ensure you have at least a six-month emergency fund, sufficient funds for a down payment and reserves to cover potential vacancies or maintenance issues in your first home. Lenders often require higher reserves for second homes, so assess your financial readiness carefully.

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How to prepare and protect yourself when buying a home with a partner

In some cases, it might make sense to buy a second home with a partner you aren’t married to. If you decide to take this route, here are a few steps to help reduce the risk and protect your financial future.

1. Discuss financial goals and responsibilities

Before house hunting, have an open conversation about your financial situations, including income, debts, credit scores and long-term goals. Decide how expenses like the mortgage, utilities and maintenance will be split.​ Talk about what will happen if you do break up.

2. Decide how you’ll hold the title

When purchasing property together, the most important step is deciding how the title will be held. The two main options include:​

• Joint Tenancy: Both partners have equal ownership, and if one passes away, the other automatically inherits the deceased’s share.​
• Tenancy in Common: Each partner owns a specific share of the property, which can be unequal. Upon death, the deceased’s share doesn’t automatically go to the surviving partner but is distributed according to their will or state laws.​

Choosing the right ownership structure is crucial, especially if either partner has children or other heirs. Consult with a real estate attorney to ensure your ownership structure works for your situation.

3. Plan for the future

Consider how life changes — like marriage, children or career moves — might affect your living situation. Discuss plans for refinancing, selling or renting the property in the future. Regularly revisit your agreement to ensure it still aligns with your circumstances.​

Buying a home with someone is a big step — both financially and emotionally. By being open, communicating clearly and putting agreements in writing, you can help protect your relationship and your financial future.

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

A developer hoping to build a luxury high-rise in Miami Beach is offering city officials a controversial selling point: The closure of Bikini Hostel, a youth hostel that has recently become one of the only places on the island housing the homeless.

As reported by WPLG Local 10 News, at a recent Miami Beach city commission meeting, attorney for the development Melissa Tapanes said the proposed development “will result in the permanent elimination of the Bikini Hostel,” calling the site a “plague on this community for a number of years.”

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But advocates for the homeless say the hostel has filled a critical gap, especially after a drop in available beds at a nearby shelter. They argue that, rather than a nuisance, the hostel has become a source of stability and dignity for dozens of Miami-Dade County residents with nowhere else to go.

A place for healing and community

The Bikini Hostel originally billed itself as a youth hostel with a colorful atmosphere, complimentary breakfast and “a bed for every budget.” But since late October 2023, it has transformed into an emergency housing site for about 90 to 100 individuals experiencing homelessness. Most residents are referred by the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, the lead agency responsible for the operations and oversight of the county’s Continuum of Care program.

That shift happened, reports Local 10 News, as the Homeless Trust scrambled to find space after Camillus House in Miami reduced its bed capacity and the state’s new law banning unauthorized camping and public sleeping took effect on October 1, 2024.

Miami-Dade Homeless Trust Chairman Ron Book defended the arrangement and pushed back against criticism of the hostel.

“The city of Miami Beach doesn’t think it has a homeless problem and doesn’t have any responsibility to be part of the effort to house or shelter people on the island itself,” Book told Local 10 News.

“They think that burden falls on the other 34 municipalities in Miami-Dade County.”

He added, “Some people don’t have a good image of unhoused individuals. I can’t help that.”

The hostel’s owners initially resisted acquisition offers from the developer, reported Local 10 News. But with zoning changes allowing increased density, the developer can now afford to meet their price. A deal is now in the works, but the controversy is ongoing.

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How would closing the hostel impact the community?

The developer argues that replacing the hostel with a high-rise luxury building will improve quality of life and remove what some neighbors have long seen as a neighborhood blight.

At the recent city commission meeting, Jessica Davis, vice-president of the Bay View Terrace Condominium Association, called the hostel “a scourge and a blight on the neighborhood for 15 years now, long before its current iteration as a makeshift homeless shelter.”

There are potential economic benefits. High-end housing typically boosts property values and tax revenue, and developers are often required to provide public benefits in exchange for zoning changes, such as park space, infrastructure improvements or relocation plans like the one proposed for Bikini Hostel residents.

But, critics worry that closing the hostel without a viable replacement would displace already vulnerable residents and reduce emergency housing options at a time when few exist.

“This place has offered me something,” Bikini Hostel resident Angela Lovingood told the Miami Herald.

After years of trying to find a shelter bed following the loss of her daughter in a fire, she finally found space at the hostel.

“Don’t kick us while we’re down,” she said. “Help us get up, help us be a contribution to our society again.”

Another resident, Michael Black, told the Herald that staying at the hostel “makes you feel like a human being. You feel like you’re a part of the community.”

Courtney Caprio, an attorney for Bikini Hostel, said in a statement to Local 10 News that the owners are committed to ensuring no one is “forcibly displaced.” They plan to use part of the proceeds from the sale to purchase a new facility that will continue to provide housing.

As the commuity decides which way forward, the debate raises larger questions: What role should it play in addressing homelessness? And how do you balance economic development with social responsibility?

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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 new report from the United Way’s ALICE project reveals a troubling 47% of Florida households don’t earn enough to cover basic living expenses.

ALICE stands for “asset-limited, income-constrained and employed” and refers to households that are above the poverty line but earn less than what the organization says is needed to afford the basics depending on household composition and location. This includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes and a contingency fund that equals 10% of a household’s budget.

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The report, which focuses on data from 2023, says the average “survival budget” in Florida ranged from $33,804 for a single adult up to $86,688 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care. Of the state’s nearly 9 million households, 13% lived below the federal poverty line while 34% were considered ALICE. The poverty line in 2023 was $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for a family of four.

In some areas, the “survival budget” was much higher. Monroe County, for example, was among the most expensive places, with necessities costing single adults $45,948 and two adults with two kids in child care $106,608.

How are families coping?

The ALICE classification shines a spotlight on households who may earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs but not enough to meet the rising cost of living. This includes Florida’s senior households, which make up the largest portion of this group by age.

“More and more households 65 and older are now classified as ALICE,” Ernest Hooper, Chief Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast, told ABC Action News in a story published May 19. “They’re living paycheck to paycheck and not saving money.”

That includes people like Leonora Gaspar, who’s disabled and on a fixed income. She relies on organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay for some free meals.

“It helps a lot,” she told ABC Action News. “The rent, it’s more expensive.”

Other residents in need pointed to skyrocketing food costs.

“I’m spending at least $300 to $400 just on food,” Felicia Acosta told ABC Action News. She says her husband died last year and she provides for her three grandchildren.

Florida’s high cost of living compounds the issue. As of May 9, Insure.com ranked Florida’s cost of living at 9.35% higher than the national average.

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

Help your family make ends meet

Compared to other states, Florida’s cost of living is on the higher end. For families struggling to close the gap, here are some practical steps:

Call 211 for local help: United Way operates a free 211 hotline that connects people to local nonprofits, food assistance, childcare programs, rent relief and more.

Apply for benefits: ALICE households may still qualify for support like SNAP, Medicaid for children or subsidized child care. Don’t assume you’re ineligible or that others need it more — these programs exist to help families.

Revisit your housing options: If you’re renting, consider renegotiating your lease or exploring income-based housing programs. Housing is often a family’s single biggest expense — and the hardest to change — so start there. If possible, consider sharing housing with extended family or friends to reduce expenses.

Cut food costs without sacrificing nutrition: Shop at local markets, consider bulk stores and use community food pantries as a supplement when needed. If you have children in public school, ask the school social worker about additional food and support programs.

Build toward financial security: Even saving $10 or $20 a week in a high-yield savings account can provide a buffer. You can also track your spending and find areas to trim.

Connect with mutual aid groups: Some neighborhoods have hyper-local support networks where community members share resources like gently used clothing, extra food, school supplies or household goods. Search online or on social media for a group near you.

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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.

An investigation into stolen pickup truck tailgates has uncovered a deeper, more alarming trend in Houston: thieves are using high-tech tools to clone key fobs and drive away with vehicles in under eight minutes.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, victims whose tailgates were stolen worked together to track down the suspects by searching social media posts, passing that information along to local authorities. When deputies intercepted the suspects, they discovered more than just stolen tailgates.

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KHOU 11 reported that officers found a stash of blank key fobs and a key programming device — evidence of a growing problem with high-tech car theft in the area. Officials are warning vehicle owners to take additional precautions as key fob-related car thefts rise both in Texas and across the country.

"Eight minutes tops. Five minutes. We’ve seen the fastest and they’re gone," Harris County sergeant Eduardo Rivera told KHOU 11.

As thefts rise, authorities are providing tips to residents on how to help safeguard their vehicles. Here’s the rundown and what you can do to help avoid getting bumrushed.

How thieves can use key fobs to steal your car

The investigation into the stolen tailgates started when victims noticed their parts being listed online. After organizing with law enforcement, they confronted the suspects, Lieutenant John Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office auto theft unit told KHOU 11.

“There’s a big aftermarket for truck parts, especially for Ford and GM models,” Gonzalez said.

Thieves access a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, usually located under the dashboard. Using a specialized programmer, they create a new key fob that lets them unlock, start and drive away with the car — sometimes in five minutes.

Another technique called "relay theft" targets keyless entry vehicles. Criminals use electronic devices to capture the signal from a key fob inside a home, transmit it to a receiver near the car and trick the vehicle into starting.

Thefts like these are big business. Tailgates alone can fetch up to $10,000 on the aftermarket, and stolen cars are often sold at steep discounts through online marketplaces, luring unsuspecting buyers.

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 your vehicle from key fob theft

Vehicle theft is on the rise in Texas, and authorities are urging drivers to take extra precautions. Even though car thefts have declined at the national level, with 850,708 cars stolen in 2024 and 1,020,729 in 2023, as per the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), that doesn’t mean thieves aren’t getting more creative.

To protect your vehicle:

• Lock your tailgate and vehicle doors: This simple step can protect your tailgate and limit theft.
• Use OBD port protection: Devices that block access to the OBD port can prevent cloning.
• Store key fobs in a Faraday bag: These pouches block the signal from your fob, stopping thieves from capturing it.
• Install a steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm: Old-school mechanical locks are highly effective deterrents.
• Park in a secure garage: When possible, keep your vehicle out of sight and out of reach.
• Turn off your fob’s wireless signal: Some newer fobs allow you to disable the signal when not in use—check your owner’s manual.
• Upgrade your home security:** Motion detectors and cameras can add an extra layer of protection.
• Install a car camera: Adding a dashboard or rear camera can help deter thieves and provide police with important evidence.
• Add an AirTag or other GPS device: This can help you track your stolen car. But be sure to tell police; don’t try to recover the car yourself.

As high-tech theft methods continue to evolve, staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can make a crucial difference in keeping your vehicle safe. Even with the best precautions, theft can still happen.

If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately to file a report. Then, if the car is financed, contact your car insurance company and lender. They can help you with the next steps.

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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 scammer pretending to be a construction vendor tricked the Citrus County School Board in Inverness, Florida, into sending more than $800,000 to the wrong bank account. The fraud wasn’t discovered until the real vendor called to say they hadn’t received their payment.

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, $846,864.86 was intended for a trusted vendor who was working on a construction project for the school district. However, the money was wired to a fraudster’s account after they sent a fake—but convincing—email that resembled the vendor’s usual messages.

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“This was an email from someone pretending to be the vendor that looked exactly like what the vendor would’ve sent,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview with WFLA.

How the scam worked

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudster copied the vendor’s email address and made it look nearly identical to the real one. They also included a fake bank account number for payment. The scam worked because the email was so well-crafted that it didn’t raise immediate red flags.

“A malicious actor will come in and change one or two characteristics of a URL address or an email link—something that doesn’t totally appear correct,” said Detective Cutlip with the CCSO High-Tech Crimes Unit. “At first glance, if you’re having correspondence, you wouldn’t pick up all those changes.”

Once school officials realized what had happened, they immediately contacted law enforcement. The sheriff’s office worked with the U.S. Secret Service to track the money, which had already been split between two bank accounts outside of Florida.

Thanks to that quick response, investigators were able to freeze and recover about 92% of the funds—roughly $779,600. More than $67,000 was still missing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In the wake of the scam, the Citrus County School District is implementing new safety measures. Dr. Hebert said all district employees are getting extra cybersecurity training, and new protocols are being developed to help staff detect and respond to cyber threats in the future.

“Disciplinary action will occur,” Hebert told WFLA. “Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable for not following any of the procedures that we had in place.”

Depending on the findings of an internal investigation, that discipline could range from further training to suspension or termination.

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 or your business from phishing scams

This type of scam, often called business email compromise or phishing, is becoming increasingly common. To avoid falling victim to these scams, here are a few steps you can take:

Double-check email addresses

Scammers often change just one character in an email to make it look real. For example, "gadams[at]adamsconstruction.com" might become "gadams[at]adamsconstructi0n.com."

Verify payment information before you hit ‘send’

If a vendor emails new bank details or says their payment info has changed, call them using a known phone number—not one listed in the email—to confirm.

Be cautious about any last-minute changes

If someone suddenly requests changes to a scheduled payment, closing date, or account number, take extra steps to verify that the changes are legitimate. It’s always better to take a few extra minutes to verify then to fall victim to a scam.

Train your team

Make sure everyone who handles money or emails with vendors knows what phishing scams look like and how to report them. This includes following the steps listed here and knowing not to click on links or download files from unknown sources.

Contact law enforcement immediately if you suspect fraud

One reason the school board was able to get most of the money back was because they reported the scam right away. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

As this case shows, even experienced professionals can fall for a scam when the attack is sophisticated. But by staying alert and putting clear procedures in place, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves from financial fraud.

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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.

Florida just rewrote a large chunk of its agricultural rule book.

On May 15, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 700 into law. The 100-plus page “Florida Farm Bill” rewires state agriculture from the faucet to the skies.

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The law bans community water fluoridation, forbids plant-based drinks from using words like “milk,” grounds activist drones, shields 4-H projects from zoning fights and lets growers sue banks that deny loans over climate policies. Most provisions kick in by July 1, reshaping daily life for farmers and consumers alike.

Here’s how these changes could impact Floridians.

Removing fluoride from water could have health implications

The headline change of the bill is a statewide ban on adding fluoride to drinking water. The law doesn’t specifically mention fluoride; rather the law bans “The use of any additives in a public water system which do not meet the definition of a water quality additive as defined in s. 403.852, or the use of any additives included primarily for health-related purposes."

DeSantis called fluoridation “forced medication on people” and said residents can add the mineral at home if they wish. Florida is only the second state to ban fluoride in drinking water; Utah outlawed it in March. But officials and medical experts are concerned about the long-term impact.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava shared a statement in which she said, in part:

“I am deeply disappointed by the Florida Legislature’s decision to pursue a statewide ban on water fluoridation, a decision that disregards the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors, and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Dental Association still rank water fluoridation among the top public-health wins of the 20th century, noting it cuts cavities by more than 25% even in the toothpaste era.

Hawaii, where only 11% of residents get fluoridated water, records the nation’s worst child-decay rate — 71% of third-graders have tooth decay, compared to the national average of 52%.

The CDC notes that cavities often go untreated and can cause pain and severe infections that may result in issues with eating, playing and learning. In some cases, cavities can lead to abscesses, which can, in rare cases, lead to death.

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

Food labeling changes

The bill also orders “truth in labeling,” targeting plant-based or lab-grown products. These products can no longer use the words milk, meat, poultry or eggs.

"If it’s not grown on a hoof, you’re not going to be able to call it meat," Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said at the signing ceremony held on his property.

"And if it’s not out of an udder, you’re not going to be able to call it milk."

For producers, this law change means they must make changes to labeling including removing the word "milk" from packaging for milk alternatives like soy milk, oat milk and almond milk. Shoppers can expect clearer language on the products they buy and, possibly, a modest price hike as procedures scramble to update their packaging.

Other farm-related laws and their impact

The law also covers three other farm-related topics, including drone usage over farms, 4-H funding and how lenders extend credit to farmers.

Flying a drone over agricultural or hunting land without written consent is now illegal. Florida House of Representatives Member Danny Alvarez said the measure ensures farmers are protected.

"Our farmers and hunters are the backbone of Florida’s heritage, and they deserve to be protected from those who would use drones to intimidate and disrupt them. I’m glad to see Commissioner Simpson lead forward and fight back against those who would try to cause them harm,” shared Rep. Alvarez

Drones have been used by activists looking to monitor poaching and illegal deforestation and keep a watchful eye on zoos and aquariums. In 2013, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a drone campaign to track illegal hunting in Massachusetts. They’ve also been used to get a bird’s-eye view of factory farms in the midwest. However, no major news sources have reported on any Florida farmers being harassed by drones. In fact, farmers are beginning to use drones to detect pests and signs of stress in crops.

The bill also protects 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs. Under the bill, local governments are banned from zoning changes that make it harder for 4-H and FFA programs to operate. Schools can now classify on-campus barns and gardens as “agricultural,” shielding student livestock projects from zoning disputes and even providing scholarships for FFA dues.

And a bill provision called “Florida Farmer Financial Protection Act” bars lenders from denying credit to producers because of environmental, social or governance (ESG) standards and lets farmers sue if they suspect discrimination.

Anthony DiMarco, executive vice-president of government relations at the Florida Bankers Association, was reported to have objected to the provision, saying it would increase lawsuits against lenders, bar banks from cutting ties with high-risk clients such as medical-marijuana firms and encourage other industries to demand the same legal weapon.

With fluoride on its way out, labels changing, drones grounded and lenders on notice, Florida’s farm bill is redrawing the state’s agricultural landscape — leaving dentists, plant-based brands and bankers bracing for what comes next.

What to read next

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• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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 homeless man in San Luis Obispo, California, has gone from living on the streets to planning a home and car purchase — thanks to a lottery scratcher and a loyal relationship with a local liquor store, the manager says.

In early April, the unnamed man bought the ticket from Sandy’s Liquor. He scratched it off, believing he’d won $100,000. But when he showed it to the store’s manager, Wilson Samaan, both men realized he actually won $1 million.

“I was so excited — even more than him,” Samaan told the Los Angeles Times in a story published April 16. “He’s a good person. He deserves every penny.”

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Here’s the story behind the big win, and how you can use a windfall to secure your financial stability.

A life-changing amount of money

Samaan, who’s known the man for years, didn’t just share the moment of good news with him. The manager says he personally drove the winner to the California State Lottery office in Fresno — a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way — to make sure the ticket arrived safely.

The man’s win was still being verified by officials when the story was published, according to the Times. A spokesperson noted the process can take weeks, but they did confirm to the publication a $1-million Triple Red 777 ticket was sold at Sandy’s Liquor in San Luis Obispo in April.

During the wait, the winner carefully considered his next move.

“He said he’s not going to waste the second chance he got gifted, so he’s going to buy a car and a small house,” Samaan said. “Then the rest of the money, he’s going to invest or find a business.”

Stories like this are uplifting, however, there’s a long list of lottery winners who misspend their newfound fortune. A sudden windfall can be a blessing — or a burden — depending on how it’s managed.

So, what should you do if you’re lucky enough to come into a large sum of money?

What to do if you receive a windfall

Here are some smart steps to help you avoid common mistakes and make your money last:

1. Figure out how much you’ll actually receive

Often, lotteries will offer payment in the form of a lump sum or annuity. Lump sums give you more cash upfront, but may end up being a fraction of the total amount you would get in annuities. The option you choose will likely depend on personal circumstances. Either way, you will have to pay federal (and sometimes state) taxes on your winnings. Consider hiring a financial advisor to help you understand how much you stand to gain or lose and choose your best course of action to achieve your financial goals.

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

2. Don’t tell everyone

It’s tempting to share good news, but it can quickly lead to unwanted attention, fraud or pressure from friends and family. Stay quiet while you get your financial ducks in order — and be careful who you tell. Distant family and old acquaintances may come back into your life hoping for a payout.

3. Heavily consider big purchases

Don’t rush to spend your newfound fortune. Give yourself time to adjust and think long-term. A “cooling off” period is often wise. If you do make a large purchase, make sure you consider the long-term costs, like home or car insurance, repairs and maintenance.

4. Build a financial team

If your windfall is significant, you may want to assemble a team of financial professionals to help guide you. This may include:

• A CPA or tax advisor to help with taxes
• A lawyer to help with estate planning
• A financial planner to create a long-term strategy

Good planners can help answer questions like, “Can I afford to stop working?” or “What’s the smartest way to give to charity or family?” If you have trouble setting boundaries, a therapist may be a good addition to your financial team.

5. Create a budget for your new life

Even if you suddenly become a millionaire, it doesn’t mean you can spend like one forever. Set aside money for necessities, emergencies and future goals. A financial planner may also be best suited to help you decide where to put the money you’re not using to good use so you can ensure your security for a long time.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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.