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Author: Danielle Antosz

  • ‘I almost cried’: Michigan mother was grateful after realtor returned lost wallet full of tips. Here’s how to improve your odds of recovering lost belongings — and better protect your cash

    ‘I almost cried’: Michigan mother was grateful after realtor returned lost wallet full of tips. Here’s how to improve your odds of recovering lost belongings — and better protect your cash

    When Michelle Johnson of Wyandotte, Michigan, looked at her security camera and saw a stranger on her porch, she didn’t know who he was — or what he wanted. Then, the stranger held up a wallet in front of the camera, making sure it was visible.

    Johnson quickly realized that the wallet belonged to her college-age son. It held more than $100 in cash — tips he had earned from working the entire weekend at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The kind stranger had come to return the wallet.

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    “I almost cried. I know that sounds silly, but it was nice,” Johnson told WCSC-TV Live 5 News, describing the unexpected kindness of a stranger who went out of his way to do the right thing.

    An act of kindness that won’t be forgotten

    Donnie Hanson, a 26-year-old real estate agent, was surprised to find the wallet while running errands on a busy Monday afternoon. He noticed the wallet lying conspicuously in the middle of the road.

    “I couldn’t believe that it was just lying in the middle of the road,” he told Live 5 News reporters.

    "I just knew I had to give it back," he added.

    Hanson explained that he had previously lost his wallet, an experience he never forgot, — especially since his wallet was never returned. Remembering how it felt, he was determined not to let someone else go through that same experience.

    Johnson, an elementary school teacher, emphasized that Hanson’s thoughtful gesture had a significant emotional impact on her family. Losing the wallet meant losing more than just cash — it represented hard work and dedication. Now, her son has his wallet back.

    “These small acts of kindness truly make a difference in the world,” Johnson said.

    She also pointed out how meaningful Hanson’s actions were to her son, a busy college student who was rushing around town and likely hadn’t noticed when the wallet slipped out of his pocket.

    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 protect your finances

    While this story had a happy ending, losing your wallet can be stressful and financially risky. Here are a few practical ways to protect your finances — and improve your chances of having lost items returned.

    Use digital payments when possible

    Minimizing the cash you carry can reduce potential losses. Digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay offer secure, trackable alternatives to cash and can be processed from your phone.

    Carry only essential items

    Consider carrying a smaller wallet with just your ID, one or two credit cards and a small amount of cash. Leave the rest at home or at another secure location. Fewer items mean less hassle — and less loss if your wallet goes missing. Also, keep your wallet in your front pocket rather than your back pocket, where it can more easily slip out.

    Label essential items

    Consider discreetly labeling important items, like your phone case and wallet, with a phone number or email address. This ensures you can be contacted, without revealing sensitive information like your address, and increases your chances of recovering lost items.

    Check your statements regularly

    Regularly reviewing your bank and credit card statements can help you detect unauthorized transactions quickly. Think about setting up text or email alerts for larger purchases so you’re notified if someone tries to make a big purchase, which, in the event your wallet is picked up by someone not-so-honest, it might trigger you to cancel your cards quicker.

    Taking practical measures can help protect your finances, while practicing everyday acts of kindness can help create stronger, more supportive communities. As Michelle Johnson experienced firsthand, small gestures can leave lasting impressions — reminding us all of the good we can do for each other.

    What to read next

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

  • A single high school class can boost a teen’s lifetime wealth by $100,000 — but most kids aren’t taking it. Here’s what they’re missing

    A single high school class can boost a teen’s lifetime wealth by $100,000 — but most kids aren’t taking it. Here’s what they’re missing

    While plenty of studies show the link between financial knowledge and financial success, a recent report puts a price tag on it: $100,000.

    A study from consulting firm Tyton Partners and nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance found that taking just one personal finance class in high school leads to an average lifetime benefit of about $100,000 per student. And that number may be conservative, according to CNBC.

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    “We say it’s $100,000 but as we start to see more and more young people investing, that number is only going to increase,” said Tim Ranzetta, co-founder and CEO of Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit that provides middle and high school students with financial education.

    Much of the value comes from making smarter money decisions — like avoiding high-interest credit card debt, qualifying for lower-cost loans and improving credit scores. But investing may be the most powerful lesson of all.

    The personal finance learning gap persists

    Learning how to navigate the financial markets can pay off for decades.

    “Teaching students about the financial markets is the greatest asset for building wealth,” said Yanely Espinal, director of educational outreach at Next Gen, in an interview with CNBC.

    Without that knowledge, young people are more likely to panic during market downturns or avoid investing altogether, missing out on long-term growth. While more teens are learning about personal finance in high school, another report discovered there are still major gaps in education.

    A recent report from Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement Foundation found that roughly 70% of teens think saving for retirement is something they can think about later. At the same time, 80% of teens have never heard of a FICO score or don’t understand what it means.

    When teens do have money, only 36% save a portion for their future, while just 23% save for their college education and 13% invest, the report found. In short, millions of teens are entering adulthood with real financial fears — but without the tools to navigate them.

    But some states are trying to close the gap. As of March 2025, 27 states require high school students to take a personal finance course before graduating, and another 17 states are considering similar bills, according to Next Gen’s bill tracker.

    But implementation is a challenge. Outside the states that require a course, fewer than 1-in-10 students receive financial education, reports CNBC. And even in states with mandates, many schools struggle to find trained teachers.

    “The issue isn’t that we don’t have teachers,” said John Pelletier of Champlain College. “What we don’t have is highly trained teachers because it is an orphan curriculum.”

    Pelletier estimates the U.S. would need at least 23,000 trained educators to teach all 9.2 million public high school students in required-course states.

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    How to start your personal finance journey

    Even if your school doesn’t offer a course — or if you graduated from high school a long time ago — it’s never too late to learn the basics about money management and investing. Here’s where to start:

    Learn how to make and stick to a budget

    The simplest step is to track your income and expenses — how much do you make and how much do you spend? Paying attention to where your money goes is the first step, and you can use a budget tool like You Need a Budget or a small notebook to keep a money diary and track every cent you spend.

    Create an emergency fund

    Start saving as much as you’re able each month, with the goal of saving up six months of expenses. Put it in a high-yield savings account, where you’ll earn a higher interest rate. Even if it takes years to save up enough, this is the first step to building financial health. When emergencies arise, you’ll have savings to fall back on instead of relying on loans or credit cards that can create a spiral of debt.

    Read the (financial) classics

    Books are a simple, affordable way to start your education. Visit the library and pick up books like The Millionaire Next Door, The Simple Path to Wealth, and Die with Zero. These books offer a well-rounded explanation of how markets work and how to start building long-term wealth.

    Start investing early

    If you’re working, look into Roth IRAs. These tax-advantaged savings accounts can help you start saving for retirement — and the earlier you start, the more time it’ll have to grow. Experts recommend saving 10 to 15% of your income in a retirement account in your 20s, but max it out if you’re able. Also, do some research on index funds, as they tend to be less risky than buying separate stocks.

    Use reputable sources to learn

    There are plenty of social media influencers who claim to teach financial literacy, but many of them promote risky strategies like crypto or day trading. Free sites like Next Gen Personal Finance, NerdWallet and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offer accessible tools and courses.

    And, parents — start teaching your kids about finance early. By age six, most kids can understand simple finance concepts like buying wants rather than needs and sticking to a budget. Closing the financial literacy gap starts at home.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Just ghosted’: Boston homeowners say they’re left with unfinished ADU projects after contractor took tens of thousands of dollars and abruptly halted work — 5 home renovation rules to follow

    ‘Just ghosted’: Boston homeowners say they’re left with unfinished ADU projects after contractor took tens of thousands of dollars and abruptly halted work — 5 home renovation rules to follow

    When Jeff Klein and his wife, Rachel Shuler, envisioned their new basement accessory dwelling unit (ADU), they pictured a pace that could generate rental income or comfortably accommodate their aging parents during visits.

    They didn’t foresee living indefinitely with open framing, exposed pipes and a large pile of dirt Klein jokes would serve as a coffee table while watching television.

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    Klein and Shuler were enthusiastic when they first learned about a city of Boston program offering $50,000 in interest-free loans for ADU construction.

    "[Fifty thousand dollars] goes a long way on a project like this … it was really exciting" Klein told NBC 10.

    The initiative is meant to address the affordable housing crisis in the city. After having an architect draw up the plans, they hired Derek Thomas of Incremental Developers LLC, after viewing his portfolio on his website. Construction began in January 2024 and went well for a while but abruptly halted after Klein and Shuler made a significant progress payment.

    “It just stopped, I mean, it was so abrupt,” said Klein.

    What went wrong with the project?

    After paying $78,000 towards the $132,000 project, Klein and Shuler refused to pay more without seeing further progress. Thomas submitted an invoice to the city of Boston, but city officials withheld payment until specific tasks were completed. Then, in December 2024, a plumbing subcontractor arrived to reclaim tools and equipment, saying Thomas never paid for his work.

    Realizing something was wrong, Klein reached out to NBC 10. The couple quickly discovered they weren’t alone. Nil Silva and Sarah Fisher of Dorchester had a similar experience. Their ADU project stalled despite them spending over $100,000, leaving them angry and without resolution.

    "Just ghosted," Fisher told NBC 10. "I feel overall angry and defeated that we still have no resolution to this at all."

    Retired public school teacher Rosalba Solis faced similar frustrations. She described her experience with Thomas as "horrible," marked by lengthy delays and a complete breakdown in communication.

    Court and property records might offer insights into why these projects stalled. NBC 10 reporters found that in April 2023, Incremental Developers purchased a Salem property for $520,000 and secured a $527,000 mortgage. The property was renovated and converted into a multi-family residence featuring its own basement ADU. Thomas and his wife also purchased another Salem property for $715,000 in early 2023.

    NBC 10 recently spoke to subcontractors who said Thomas’s projects with customers stalled when their efforts were redirected to his first investment property in Salem. They say they are also owed money.

    "It’s really frustrating to know that he’s just investing in his own properties, and we’re just sitting here trying to pay out of our own pocket to scrape enough together to finish our project downstairs," said Fisher.

    Thomas disputed these claims. In an email, he blamed the government for the slowdown.

    "The permitting process in Boston is widely known to be unpredictable and slow, which often creates project delays, unexpected costs and frustrated clients," Thomas wrote in an email in NBC 10. "Unfortunately, when city employees interfere with private contracts, rather than sticking to their intended role, it only makes these challenges worse."

    He also told the news outlet Klein still owes him money on his project and he is prepared to begin the process of a mechanic’s lien to secure collection of the debt.

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    The city of Boston has taken action.

    "Based on the performance of this contractor, we would not approve him for funding in future projects," a city spokesperson told NBC 10.

    Several homeowners have also filed complaints against Thomas with the Massachusetts Attorney General and the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. The outcome of those cases is pending.

    Now, Klein and Shuler are paying additional funds to another contractor to finally complete their ADU, and they’re hoping no one else loses money.

    "We’re just really grateful that you are doing these kinds of stories," Shuler said. "We don’t want anybody taken advantage of the same way we were taken advantage of."

    Smart strategies for home renovations

    Home renovations can be stressful — and worrying about shady contractors can make the process even more challenging. To avoid similar financial pitfalls, follow these tips.

    Get multiple quotes

    Always get detailed quotes from at least three different contractors. Compare not just pricing, but also timelines, reputation and transparency about potential hidden costs. Asking for recommendations from friends or neighbors can be a good place to find trustworthy contractors.

    Set aside a contingency fund

    Unexpected costs and delays are typical in home renovations, especially in older homes. Experts recommend setting aside at least 5-10% of the total budget as a safety net for unexpected expenses.

    Prioritize “must haves” over “nice to haves”

    Focus your initial budget on essential items necessary to complete the project and ensure livability. If finances are tight, be flexible on luxury upgrades — these can always be added later when finances permit.

    Explore your funding options — and make sure you understand them

    Beyond personal savings, consider other financing options and how they will impact your financial situation. Home equity loans or renovation-specific mortgages can offer access to credit, but make sure you understand the terms and have the means to pay them back.

    Look for local grant or loan programs, like Boston’s ADU initiative. Some contractors may offer their own financing — but pay close attention to the terms, conditions, and interest rates to avoid surprises.

    By taking these steps, homeowners can protect themselves from financial loss and ensure their renovation dreams become a reality. A little extra diligence upfront can prevent months — or even years — of frustration.

    What to read next

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

  • Sophisticated con artists aren’t just using AI and deepfake technology to steal your identity and money — global fraudsters posing as U.S. job seekers are out to steal jobs and salaries too

    Sophisticated con artists aren’t just using AI and deepfake technology to steal your identity and money — global fraudsters posing as U.S. job seekers are out to steal jobs and salaries too

    As if the job market wasn’t tough enough, now job seekers must compete with con artists using stolen identities, AI and deepfake techniques to get hired.

    Even technology companies can fall for the scams. Pindrop Security, a company that helps detect fraud in voice interactions, has encountered such situations firsthand.

    The company shortlisted a candidate named ‘Ivan’ for a senior engineering position and set up a video interview.

    But as the CEO Vijay Balasubramaniyan shared with CNBC, something felt off during the video interview.

    The candidate’s facial expressions didn’t quite match his voice. Turned out Balasubramaniyan’s gut feeling was right. The person on screen was using deepfake technology to conceal his own identity by using someone else’s face.

    The Pindrop team caught it. But not everyone that’s hiring a worker remotely has the same expertise or technology to root out fraud.

    “We are no longer able to trust our eyes and ears,” Balasubramaniyan said. “Without technology, you’re worse off than a monkey with a random coin toss.”

    The tricks of the deepfake trade

    Fraudulent candidates now use a range of generative AI tools to scam their way through nearly every part of the hiring process.

    AI can fabricate photo IDs, generate polished LinkedIn profiles and even simulate real-time answers in video interviews. Some scammers use remote desktops to route their traffic through the U.S., making it appear as if they’re logging in from within the country.

    These scammers aren’t just stealing jobs. Once hired, imposters can install malware, steal sensitive customer data or divert money to foreign adversaries — like North Korea.

    “Every time we list a job posting, we get 100 North Korean spies applying to it,” said Lili Infante, CEO of CAT Labs, a Florida-based startup related to cybersecurity and cryptocurrency.

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    The U.S. Justice Department alleges that 300 American companies hired people linked to the North Korean regime. The department says the workers stole American identities to get remote IT jobs and then funneled million to North Korea.

    How AI imposters are affecting the job market

    The rise in fake applicants doesn’t just pose a cybersecurity threat. It could slow down hiring across the board.

    The cost of Legitimate candidates face longer wait times as companies are forced to double-check résumés, verify identities, and flag suspicious activity. These delays drive up costs.

    Some companies are turning to third-party verification services like Jumio, Socure, and iDenfy. Others, like Pindrop, are developing in-house video authentication tools.

    But as deepfake and identity-masking tools improve, experts warn the problem may get worse before it gets better.

    The research and consultancy firm Gartner predicts that by 2028, one in four job candidates globally will be fake.

    “Folks think they’re not experiencing it,” said Ben Sesser, CEO of BrightHire, an HR tech company, “but I think it’s probably more likely that they’re just not realizing that it’s going on.”

    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

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

  • I’m 31, locked in a great mortgage rate of 4.75 % when I bought my home 2 years ago, paying $1,000/month, all-in. Now, my boyfriend wants to buy a place together. Should I buy a second home?

    I’m 31, locked in a great mortgage rate of 4.75 % when I bought my home 2 years ago, paying $1,000/month, all-in. Now, my boyfriend wants to buy a place together. Should I buy a second home?

    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.

    What to read next

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

  • Trump’s 25% car tariff has some buyers seeing $10,000 price hikes overnight. Should you wait to buy a new car, or will things only get worse?

    Trump’s 25% car tariff has some buyers seeing $10,000 price hikes overnight. Should you wait to buy a new car, or will things only get worse?

    With Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported cars now in effect, car shoppers are scrambling to get into a new vehicle before prices climb even higher.

    Walnut Creek Toyota in California sold 70 cars the weekend before the tariffs took hold April 3, fueled by promotions warning, “The tariff clock is ticking.”

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    "All the dealerships all over the Bay Area are seeing this increase in sales right now," the dealership’s general manager Irina Ellis told ABC7 reporters.

    Additional tariffs on imported auto parts are due by May 3, triggering would-be car buyers to accelerate their search — though it may already be too late.

    How will tariffs impact car prices?

    Experts say the new 25% import tax on foreign-made cars will result in higher sticker prices overall, including for used vehicles.

    "We anticipate cars impacted by this, prices that are impacted by this will likely see a 15-20% increase in price. Vehicles that aren’t directly impacted by this may be 5% off the bat just from rising demand and used car prices we expect to go up as well," said Erin Keating, executive analyst with Cox Automotive.

    That could translate to an average increase of $6,000 for imported vehicles and $3,600 for locally made vehicles — plus an extra $300 to $500 due to tariffs on steel and aluminum, Cox estimates.

    Even cars already on ships or trains got hit with price hikes as soon as they reached port, with buyers asked to cough up thousands more than originally quoted. An ABC7 reporter was told her own order would go up by as much as $5,000 to $10,000.

    Trump has framed tariffs as a way to bring back American jobs and reduce trade deficits.

    "If you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money. If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff,” Trump said in an interview with NBC.

    While the moves have already shut down factories in Canada and Mexico, U.S. workers who supplied parts for those factories are being laid off as a result. And vehicles made locally will soon be affected by the coming tariffs on imported car parts.

    Even if the industry is able to adjust, experts warn that price increases may be permanent.

    "Once you let that genie out of the bottle, it’s virtually impossible to pull it back," said Keating.

    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 budget for price increases when car shopping

    If you’re worried about getting priced out of the car market, here are a few smart strategies to manage the new normal:

    Consider buying used cars

    Used car prices are expected to rise, but they’re still likely to be cheaper than new models hit with full tariff increases. Models that are already on lots or were assembled before the tariffs took effect may offer the best deals in the near term.

    Delay the purchase for a few months

    Nothing is certain, but if you can wait a few months, you may avoid buying during peak demand. Tariff policies are volatile and may shift again depending on public and industry pressure.

    Fix your current vehicle

    Investing in repairs or routine maintenance may be more cost-effective than trading in your car right now. Even big-ticket repairs could cost less than the inflated price of a new vehicle.

    Shop around for better rates

    Interest rates are still relatively high, but some lenders may offer promotional deals or financing options that can soften the blow of higher prices. Compare offers from credit unions, banks and dealer financing.

    Look for other ways to cut costs

    If you do decide to buy, try to offset the cost by trimming other expenses. Shop around for cheaper car insurance, ditch non-essential monthly subscriptions or refinance other debt to free up room in your budget.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘It was total chaos’: Dozens of San Francisco HHS workers were blindsided by mass firings as RFK Jr. slashed 10,000 jobs — here’s how US families can prepare for service cuts

    ‘It was total chaos’: Dozens of San Francisco HHS workers were blindsided by mass firings as RFK Jr. slashed 10,000 jobs — here’s how US families can prepare for service cuts

    Dozens of stunned federal workers were terminated without warning as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently closed its San Francisco regional office.

    "It’s miserable. It’s awful. It has been awful for weeks — this threat, this lingering cruelty of ‘you’re going to be let go any day,’" Steven Weiner, a program specialist with the Office of Administration for Children and Families, told ABC7 News Bay Area.

    "It was total chaos.”

    The news came via email — sent before the workday had even begun on April 1. Employees left the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building with potted plants and framed photos in hand, walking away from careers that spanned decades.

    Don’t miss

    The closure was part of sweeping federal workforce cuts under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which aims to eliminate 10,000 federal positions nationwide. San Francisco is just one of several cities facing cuts — HHS regional offices in Boston, New York, Chicago and Seattle have also been closed.

    Why were jobs cut?

    HHS said in a March 27 morning news release that the workforce reductions align with the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) "workforce optimization" efforts and will save the agency $1.8 billion per year.

    However, state leaders are pushing back.

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a coalition of 23 states, filed a lawsuit against HHS, calling the terminations "dangerous, arbitrary, capricious and unlawful." The suit seeks to block the layoffs and restore access to the federal funding that supports essential state-run programs.

    Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, whose name graces the now-empty San Francisco building, also condemned the closures. She warned they would “put the health and safety of Bay Area residents and all Californians in jeopardy.”

    The impact on the San Francisco office is especially devastating. The closure wiped out entire teams that managed programs like Head Start, early childcare, child welfare and family assistance — services designed to support the most vulnerable residents, including low-income families, children and seniors.

    “I’ve been here 25 years. This is the majority of my career,” Julie Fong, a regional program manager told 7 News. “We had an entire office of Head Start. They’re gone. They’re gone.”

    Another former employee, Erendira Guerrero, described it as a heartbreaking loss. “This was my dream job. I brought a plant. I planned to retire here. It feels like I’m leaving my home.”

    On April 3, two days following the layoffs, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters that some of those workers may be reinstated.

    "Personnel that should not have been cut, were cut. We’re reinstating them. And that was always the plan. Part of the DOGE, we talked about this from the beginning, is we’re going to do 80% cuts, but 20% of those are going to have to be reinstated, because we’ll make mistakes," Kennedy said, according to CBS News.

    Currently, it’s not clear which employees or services may be reinstated.

    Appearing before a joint committee on April 11, more than a week after the layoffs, HHS officials could not even confirm how many employees had been fired, reported The Hill. Any further cuts — and rehiring of HHS staff fired by mistake — is set to occur by June 2.

    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

    What services will be cut — and how to prepare

    The closure impacts workers and threatens access to key social safety net programs, though what services will remain shuttered is uncertain. Families who rely on Head Start or assistance with childcare may experience delay or confusion as agencies scramble to fill the gaps. Taking a few proactive steps now may help you better manage the disruption.

    Connect with your community

    If you’re facing delays in benefits or services, tap into your personal network for help. Family, friends, neighbors and local community groups may be able to offer backup child care, meals or even temporary financial support. Check with faith-based organizations, mutual aid networks and parent groups in your area — they may have resources or be able to connect you with someone who does.

    Look for state or local alternatives

    Check with the California Department of Social Services or local nonprofit agencies. Community-based organizations often provide backup or supplementary support during federal transitions. Note that some contact information may change, so monitor changes to ensure you reach the right person.

    Get on waitlists early

    If you’re concerned about losing access to subsidized child care or other programs, get on alternative waitlists now. Child care and preschool lists can fill up fast, so getting on waitlists early could help you secure a spot and limit the disruption.

    Stock up where you can

    If your budget allows, try to stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, pantry staples and medication. Visit food pantries and diaper banks if you need to. This can help ease the pressure if support is delayed or becomes more challenging to access.

    Despite the disruption to their jobs and lives, many displaced San Francisco Health and Human Services workers say they’re committed to serving their community.

    “If you are a Head Start director, or a state, county or nonprofit agency, you’ve got 65 people hitting the street with outstanding credentials and professional backgrounds who will serve,” Fong told reporters.

    “It’s been an honor to serve the citizens of this country.”

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Now we have tariff panic’: Car buyers across America have been left scrambling to buy before prices go up by the thousands — why purchasing a car in 2025 just keeps getting harder

    ‘Now we have tariff panic’: Car buyers across America have been left scrambling to buy before prices go up by the thousands — why purchasing a car in 2025 just keeps getting harder

    President Donald Trump’s first round of auto tariffs took effect on April 3, and a New Jersey car dealership says customers are now scrambling to buy now before prices soar. Sales consultant Olivia DeMattio at Maplecrest Ford in Mendham told CBS News that everything on the lot has been moving fast in recent weeks.

    “I survived the pandemic, the car shortage, people panicking over that. And now we have tariff panic,” she told reporters.

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    With prices already elevated due to years of supply chain issues, many in the industry say the new tariffs could push costs even higher — leaving car dealerships and consumers bracing for impact.

    What do tariffs mean for car prices — and dealerships?

    Industry experts expect the tariffs to send prices climbing — quickly. The 25% tariffs currently only apply to imported vehicles, but they’re already rippling through the entire market. Trump has since floated the idea of giving some temporary exceptions to allow auto companies more time to set up their manufacturing arms within the U.S. but he didn’t specify which temporary exceptions he might put in place.

    However, Erin Keating, executive analyst with Cox Automotive, told ABC7 she anticipates vehicles that are impacted by the tariffs will likely see a 15% to 20% increase in price. Even those that aren’t directly impacted may still see increases of 5% off the bat simply from rising demand. Keating adds that increased demand for used cars will likely drive prices up on the preowned market as well.

    That means both dealers and consumers will be navigating a tougher automotive landscape. And it’s not just complete vehicles: by May 3, the U.S. is expected to impose a second round of tariffs — this time, targeting foreign-made auto parts.

    “If that goes through, that’s going to have a much greater impact on us just because every vehicle, regardless of where they’re manufactured, has parts from all over the place,” Tom Giordano, president of Maplecrest Ford, told CBS.

    Giordano said dealerships will have little choice but to pass the added costs along to buyers. “So I think the prices are going to go up,” he said. “And that’s unfortunate because the prices are already elevated since COVID.”

    The tariffs will likely force dealerships to rethink business strategies. Some dealers may focus on moving existing inventory quickly before costs increase further. Some may consider renegotiating with suppliers to prioritize vehicles built in North America, which may be less affected by the new tariffs.

    Highlighting where a car is assembled — especially if it avoids tariff costs — could also become a bigger part of how dealerships market their inventory.

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    What should car buyers expect?

    Buyers hoping to dodge higher prices may need to act fast. Some experts warn that sticker prices could jump by thousands, leading to significantly higher monthly payments as interest rates remain elevated.

    “Especially mixed with the high interest rates that we have right now, a $10,000 to $20,000 jump is going to raise your payment $400 to $500 a month,” DeMattio told CBS News.

    To avoid the steepest price hikes, look for models built in the U.S. or in countries not impacted by the tariffs. Dealership websites and manufacturer VIN decoders can help confirm a car’s country of origin. As the market shifts, don’t hesitate to shop around — some dealers may still have pre-tariff inventory they’re eager to move.

    It’s also worth exploring certified pre-owned options. Though used car prices are expected to climb, the increases are likely to be more modest. Purchasing cars already in the U.S. may help you avoid the largest price hikes.

    Finally, shop around to find lower interest rates on car financing. Local credit unions often offer more favorable rates. In the future, dealerships may be willing to work out better finance deals once prices increase and fewer buyers are in the market for a new vehicle.

    If you’re not quite ready to buy, look to save more. A larger down payment can help limit your interest payments, saving you money in the long term.

    For now, the sense of urgency is clear. Between global supply chain issues, high interest rates and now tariffs, buying a car in 2025 may require more planning — and a bit more luck — than ever before.

    What to read next

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

  • Washington state may start charging drivers based on mileage and raise its gas tax to 58.4 cents per gallon as fuel-efficient and electric vehicles hurt revenues

    Washington state may start charging drivers based on mileage and raise its gas tax to 58.4 cents per gallon as fuel-efficient and electric vehicles hurt revenues

    For more than 100 years, roads and bridges in Washington state have been paid for with gas taxes. But thanks to more fuel-efficient and electric cars, the tax revenue is declining, says House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Jake Fey.

    In a press release, he noted that gas tax revenue funds more than a third of the state’s transportation budget ($1.3 billion annually), and without action gas tax revenue will decline by over 70% by 2050, leaving roads significantly underfunded.

    Fey’s new proposal is to charge car owners an annual fee based on the mileage of their vehicles. This alongwith a nine-cent increase to the state gas tax is part of the House $15.2 billion transportation budget proposal.

    “It’s easy to collect," Fey said to King 5. "It’s easy to get the information on miles per gallon."

    The proposed fee would not apply to cars that get less than 25 miles per gallon — meaning vehicles that use more gas will not be charged the fee, since they already pay more in gas taxes.

    What could this mean for Washington drivers?

    Fey’s proposed per-mile fee would only apply to cars with more efficient engines — not plug-in hybrids or electric cars, which pay an annual registration fee. Traditional hybrids would no longer have to pay the $75 hybrid registration fee. Instead, they would be subject to the new Highway Use Fee.

    For example, a car that gets 26 miles per gallon would be charged about $7 per year in fees. A vehicle with 50 miles per gallon efficiency would pay $94 annually, according to KING 5.

    “This is going to start in addition to the gas tax, which is also going to be raised, so there are some concerns there,” said Rep. Andrew Barkis, the top-ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee, to King 5. “But if this is a model that over time can morph into a road usage charge that replaces the gas tax, this is a good model.”

    Despite his support, Barkis ultimately voted against the transportation budget proposal, saying he’d prefer to see the state use sales tax from car purchases or the Climate Commitment Act to pay for road repairs.

    The Washington House and Senate must now negotiate and reconcile their transportation budgets to reach a final agreement before the end of the legislative session on April 27.

    While the proposed Highway Use Fee might not break the bank, it comes at a time when many Washington residents are already feeling the pinch of rising car-related costs.

    Washington already has one of the highest gas taxes in the country at 49.4 cents per gallon and this may go higher. Auto insurance rates are climbing across the country, and drivers are also paying more for repairs, parts, and vehicle registrations. When viewed together, these incremental increases can put additional strain on household budgets.

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

  • ‘Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable:’ A scammer stole $800K from a Florida school board by faking a vendor email. Here’s how to avoid the same trap

    ‘Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable:’ A scammer stole $800K from a Florida school board by faking a vendor email. Here’s how to avoid the same trap

    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.

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    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.

    What to read next

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