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Author: Emma Caplan-Fisher

  • I’m 31, make $117K/year, cover all household bills — yet my fiance refuses to chip in. Insists his cash is for ‘fun’ while I handle ‘responsibilities.’ Can I fix this before we get hitched?

    I’m 31, make $117K/year, cover all household bills — yet my fiance refuses to chip in. Insists his cash is for ‘fun’ while I handle ‘responsibilities.’ Can I fix this before we get hitched?

    For some, the road to marriage can look financially lopsided. Those in their 30s earning their fair share — say, more than $100,000 a year — may be used to covering 100% of their individual household expenses.

    However, it doesn’t typically feel good when a fiance refuses to contribute, claiming their money is only for “fun,” not “responsibilities.” This scenario isn’t as uncommon as you might think.

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    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent about $77,280 annually on expenses in 2023, including housing, transportation, food, insurance and health care.

    In a two-person household, those costs can quickly add up. And when only one person is footing the bill, the financial and emotional burden becomes even heavier.

    The red flags of an unequal dynamic

    While differences in income are normal, refusing to contribute entirely can trigger long-term problems.

    When one partner sacrifices and handles 100% of the financial responsibilities, their personal finances may suffer down the road, while the other partner gains.

    This creates several challenges.

    Budget strain. Even with a six-figure salary, carrying the full weight of household costs limits your ability to save, invest or spend on yourself.

    Lifestyle imbalance and negative emotions. When one person is financially constrained while the other uses their full income for leisure, it can foster resentment.

    Power imbalance. Financial inequality can also seep into decision-making. The partner who pays for everything may feel overburdened and unheard, while the non-contributing partner may avoid accountability.

    Future financial insecurity. Without shared financial planning, big goals — from buying a home to starting a family — may be delayed or derailed entirely.

    It’s about more than just paying the bills: aligning your values, goals and decisions is important in a successful relationship.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How to address it before saying ‘I do’

    Before walking down the aisle, a couple in this situation needs to be candid, in a productive, structured way. If you see yourself as the "giving" half of your relationship, here are a few practical steps to hopefully see change.

    1. Have a values-based conversation

    Frame the conversation not as a confrontation, but as a shared planning session for your future.

    You can try something like: “I want us to feel like we’re building something together. Can we talk about how we want to manage money as a team?”

    Focus on shared goals, like housing, travel, kids and retirement, and how to achieve them together.

    2. Consider financial counseling

    If emotions are running high, a third party can help. Premarital or financial counseling can uncover deeper money beliefs and create shared understanding.

    Resources like the Financial Therapy Association can help you locate professionals near you.

    3. Propose a fair cost-sharing model

    A practical approach is using a cost-sharing model like a proportional contribution one.

    Under this, you’d figure out the proportion of total household income you each bring in. This system keeps contributions equitable while acknowledging income disparities.

    For example, say you earn 70% of your combined income and your partner earns 30%. You’d each contribute these proportions toward shared costs.

    So, if those costs are $65,000 annually, you’d pay $45,500 per year, while your partner would pay $19,500 per year.

    4. Set boundaries and deadlines

    If your partner continues to resist contributing, it’s worth asking yourself if this is a difference in values or a refusal to partner in life. Marriage is a financial partnership as much as an emotional one.

    Put yourself first by setting a deadline to revisit the conversation and being honest with yourself about your limits.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Cannot do business in the state of California’: Gas could spike to $8 per gallon as two major refineries shut down — and that’s not all. Are the state’s strong regulations worth the cost?

    ‘Cannot do business in the state of California’: Gas could spike to $8 per gallon as two major refineries shut down — and that’s not all. Are the state’s strong regulations worth the cost?

    Two large California oil refineries are shutting down, triggering mounting concerns from state legislators, industry groups and many others.

    Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson of the Gardena district bluntly described his concern during a recent Sacramento hearing.

    “This is a tremendous loss,” Gipson told NBC Los Angeles, referring to the looming closure of the Phillips 66 plant near L.A. "The jobs that it holds, the individuals… working each and every day, those individuals live in my district, they shop in my district, they add to the economy in my district."

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    Shutting down refinery powerhouses

    The Phillips 66 and Valero’s Benicia sites are set to close in 2026. Together, the shutdowns will eliminate nearly 300,000 barrels-per‑day of refining capacity — roughly 20% of the total used in the state.

    Valero attributed its decision to “years of regulatory pressure (and) significant fines for air quality violations,” including an $82 million penalty levied in 2024. Phillips 66 similarly cited business challenges stemming from California’s strict environmental regulations.

    "They have said that they cannot do business in the state of California," Gipson reiterated. “The regulatory agencies have imposed on the refiners of California very stringent regulation that makes it very difficult for them to remain in the state of California.”

    The way Gipson sees it, the state should do everything it can to ensure that its remaining refineries stay in California.

    "These companies have been working to make sure they meet these standards, these goals and objectives that the regulatory agencies and legislature have set."

    What’s at stake

    With California processing about 24% of its own crude oil needs but consuming a far greater share — some 13.1 million gallons daily — the impact of these closures is significant:

    Less supply and higher gas prices

    California drivers already pay the highest gas prices in the nation — around $4.85 per gallon, significantly greater than the $3.16 national average.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    With less local supply, experts warn of a potential impact that could range from modest spikes (less than $1 per gallon) to more dramatic spikes if supply disruptions occur. One particular analysis forecasts prices could even soar over $8 per gallon by late 2026.

    “California can ill afford the loss of one refinery, let alone two,” said USC Professor Michael Mische in a May 2025 report.

    Import dependency and emissions

    With fewer local refineries, the state will rely heavily on imported fuel — both from other U.S. regions and overseas — which would escalate shipping costs and increase emissions from tanker vessels at the ports as well as possibly the other refineries where the imported oil originates (they themselves may not be meeting sufficiently stringent environmental or quality standards).

    Job losses and tax impacts

    Each closure risks the loss of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. The Benicia refinery supports about 400 employees, while Phillips 66 has around 900 workers and contractors. Layoffs will ripple through communities, hurting local economies and tax revenue.

    The risks and rewards

    As California’s refineries close, the state stands to gain and lose in different areas. For example, while local air will potentially be cleaner, pollution will increase at ports from tankers bringing in imported fuel.

    There may be a boost to clean-energy infrastructure and jobs, along with potential federal or state transition aid. However, the current industry will see large job losses and communities reliant on incomes related to local refinery work may suffer economically.

    The state will also rely on foreign markets and supply chains, making it more vulnerable to disruptions beyond its control.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘We’re not trying to punish anyone’: This LA man created a device to deter unhoused people from sleeping outside his condo complex — but some residents would like to see ‘a better solution’

    ‘We’re not trying to punish anyone’: This LA man created a device to deter unhoused people from sleeping outside his condo complex — but some residents would like to see ‘a better solution’

    In West Hollywood, a new device called the "Blue Chirper" is stirring controversy as it aims to deter homeless individuals from settling near businesses.

    Invented by Santa Monica resident Stephen McMahon, the device emits a chirping sound and flashes blue light when it detects motion. McMahon describes it as a non-aggressive deterrent.

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    "We’re not trying to punish anybody," he told NBC Los Angeles. "We’re just trying to divert them."

    ‘A jerk’s first response to people living on the street’

    The Blue Chirper, priced at about $400, was developed after McMahon experienced homeless encampments outside his condominium complex’s storage area. He also noted a break-in and a neighbor with her infant daughter being assaulted, according to the Los Angeles Times.

    Local news channel KTLA5 says McMahon has sold about two dozen devices to business owners and residents in various Southern California locations, including the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

    In West Hollywood, it was recently placed near a Trader Joe’s on Santa Monica Boulevard. While some area residents appreciate the effort to keep sidewalks clear, others find the constant chirping and flashing lights disruptive.

    “It’s so annoying,” grocery shopper Jeffrey Howard told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s like an alarm from a smoke detector that you’re just waiting for somebody to turn off.”

    Another shopper, Travis Adam Wright, called it a bad look for West Hollywood. It feels like “a jerk’s first response to people living on the street,” he said.

    The city has received no official complaints, but a code enforcement officer is set to assess the situation.

    As one local woman pointed out, it may be more impactful to address the root of the issue rather than just one outcome.

    “It makes me sad that that’s what we’re doing to get people to move on. On the other hand, this is someone’s business, it’s their livelihood,” she told NBC. “We need just a better solution to the homeless situation.”

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    Homelessness: A national issue

    This local initiative comes amid a national surge in homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, marking the largest number since data collection began and 19% more than in 2007.

    Factors contributing to this rise include rising inflation, stagnating wages among middle- and lower-income households and a severe shortage of affordable housing, with median rent increasing by 18% since 2020, says the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and a deficit of over 7 million affordable rental homes nationwide, according to National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates.

    Notably, the baby boomer generation is facing homelessness at unprecedented rates. People aged 65 and older are now the fastest-growing group among the homeless population, with Justice in Aging projections indicating their numbers will peak by 2030. Many in this demographic struggle with rising housing costs on fixed incomes.

    In fact, in the 2024 HUD report, about one in five people experiencing homelessness on a single night was 55 or older. Almost half of adults in this age group (46%) were experiencing homelessness in "places not meant for human habitation."

    While a chirper may get rid of people occupying public stairways, it does nothing to address the broader issue at large — and a substantial solution remains to be seen.

    What to read next

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

  • Colorado businesses facing $8 million in fines for employment law violations, including hiring unauthorized migrant workers — but here’s why undocumented workers are paying the highest price

    Colorado businesses facing $8 million in fines for employment law violations, including hiring unauthorized migrant workers — but here’s why undocumented workers are paying the highest price

    Three Denver-area businesses face a combined $8 million in fines for allegedly employing unauthorized migrant workers in contravention of employment law.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent Steve Cagen told Fox31 News that the fines are designed to uphold the law and “promote a culture of compliance."

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    “The employment of unauthorized workers undermines the integrity of our immigration system and puts law-abiding employers at a disadvantage,” he said.

    The agency announced the fines publicly on X.

    Who was fined and why

    ICE said CCS Denver, Inc. — a commercial cleaning and facility maintenance company — knowingly hired and employed at least 87 unauthorized workers. It faces the largest fine: $6.19 million.

    According to ICE, Denver’s PBC Commercial Cleaning Systems, Inc. demonstrated “a pattern of knowingly employing at least 12 unauthorized workers.” It was fined nearly $1.6 million.

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    Green Management Denver was fined $270,195 after ICE identified 44 unauthorized employees.

    ICE said its enforcement actions follow workplace audits. John Fabbricatore, a former field office director for ICE. said such audits have been going on for decades.

    “They performed an I-9 audit in which they found multiple Social Security number (probably) mismatches and no matches,” Fabbricatore told Fox31.

    “So, they went through with a civil violation of that and fined these companies for employing people who are unlawfully present in the United States and unauthorized to work (there).”

    Undocumented workers pay a price

    While the businesses face financial consequences from such audits, undocumented workers pay a high price on the job. Here’s how they’re typically impacted.

    Wage theft

    When employers knowingly hire unauthorized workers, they sometimes exploit that status to skirt labor laws, resulting in wage theft.

    According to a report from the Economic Policy Institute, workers lose over $15 billion each year due to minimum wage violations alone — a burden that disproportionately affects immigrant and undocumented workers.

    Benefits loss and job instability

    Undocumented workers are rarely offered employee benefits like health insurance, paid sick leave or unemployment protections.

    Their precarious legal standing often prevents them from reporting labor violations like unsafe conditions, wage theft or harassment.

    For many, this is due to fear of retaliation or immigration consequences, including deportation.

    But some workers also have visas tied to a specific employer, meaning that employer controls their visa status along with their livelihood.

    Financial strain and tax implications

    Although many undocumented workers pay taxes — often through Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) — they’re ineligible for many public benefits funded by those taxes.

    They’re also more likely to face budgeting strain due to unpredictable income, lack of formal employment contracts and vulnerability to sudden job loss during enforcement actions.

    What to read next

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

  • This Minnesota mom of three is struggling to survive on her $37,000 annual teacher salary — and she’s not alone. Here’s how many like her are now navigating the death of the American dream

    This Minnesota mom of three is struggling to survive on her $37,000 annual teacher salary — and she’s not alone. Here’s how many like her are now navigating the death of the American dream

    Michelle Boisjoli, a 37-year-old mom of three from St. Louis County, Minnesota, starts her days early and ends them late — not because she wants to, but because she has to.

    As a full-time teacher earning $37,000 a year, she’s become part of a growing demographic of working Americans who need a second job to get by.

    “It takes multiple incomes to survive in this economy,” Boisjoli told CBS News.

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    A day-to-day struggle

    Boisjoli’s days are a strained balance of child care, lesson plans and DoorDash deliveries. She feeds her young children — ages 1, 4 and 8 — before eating whatever leftovers remain to "try to make every dollar count.”

    “I always grew up thinking about the stereotypical American dream, where you own a house and you have a yard to play in. And I think that dream is dying," she lamented.

    Her story highlights a harsh reality confronting many today. A CBS News poll found that 2 out of 3 Americans are stressed about their finances, and 3 out of 4 say their income is not keeping up with inflation.

    For Boisjoli, the reality is more cereal, less eggs and bacon — and the constant calculation of whether she can afford to gas up the car.

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    The cost-of-living crisis

    Boisjoli’s experience is far from unique. The cost of basic necessities, like food, gas and housing, has risen dramatically in recent years.

    In early June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index showed a 2.4% year-over-year increase in inflation, driven largely by housing and food prices.

    Wages, however, have not kept pace. According to a report by Pew Research Center, real wages — what people earn when adjusted for inflation — have fallen since the pandemic, eroding purchasing power across the board.

    The median adult full-time, year-round salary dropped by more than $4,000 per year (from $64,321 in 2021 to $60,000 today).

    Americans are working multiple jobs to get by. Since May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently found that more than 5% of the workforce — about 8.5 million people — were holding more than one job.

    That figure includes professionals like Boisjoli, who, despite full-time employment, must work evenings or weekends to afford life’s basics.

    “I’ve had to take on a second job just because everything has gotten so expensive,” she said.

    An out-of-touch system

    Boisjoli’s frustration isn’t just with the cost of living, but also with the systems that allow it to persist.

    “A lot of the people making the decisions for us are wealthy, don’t know what it’s like to work two jobs, don’t know what it’s like to have to pay for gas with quarters,” she said.

    “If they knew a little bit about the average person who is fighting every day to make ends meet, I think that maybe they would make decisions that were actually helpful for the average person.”

    She represents a disillusionment of younger working-age people with the American dream — a concept once defined by upward mobility, homeownership and economic security.

    More than half of U.S. adults under 50, feel the dream is no longer possible — or was never possible.

    What to read next

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

  • Before moving into assisted living, a Montana man racked up $18K in credit card debt — leaving his wife, 75, on the hook. Here’s what Dave Ramsey told their son to do now

    Before moving into assisted living, a Montana man racked up $18K in credit card debt — leaving his wife, 75, on the hook. Here’s what Dave Ramsey told their son to do now

    When Matt from Bismarck, North Dakota, called into The Ramsey Show, he asked if his mom was responsible for his dad’s credit-card debt.

    His father, now in assisted living, racked up $18,000 on an American Express card. While Veterans Affairs assistance covers some of his residential care, it’s not enough to cover interest on his debt.

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    That leaves Matt’s 75‑year‑old mom doing her best to pay interest on her husband’s debt. She has no savings and works part-time, three days a week.

    Neither Matt nor his sister have the means to eliminate their father’s $18,000 debt. Their parents’ home is paid off and valued at $700,000, but their mom does not want to sell and move.

    "In order to save the house, [you’re] going to have to deal with Amex,” Dave Ramsey said, adding that otherwise, “They’re going to just drive her bananas.”

    The family’s financial crossroads

    Theoretically, American Express could place a lien on Matt’s parents’ home to recover the debt and force a sale — driving Matt’s mother out.

    But Ramsey said credit-card companies like American Express rarely take this kind of action, saying there’s less than 0.25% chance of it happening.

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    The real concern, Ramsey said, is that Amex’s collections department will harass Matt’s mother relentlessly to get more money.

    "They are absolute buttholes,” he said. “They are horrible to deal with.”

    Mitigate the damage of parental debt

    To shield Matt’s mom and his parents’ home, Ramsey laid out this plan:

    For six to nine months — or until the debt “goes bad” — Matt’s mother should stop making any payments on the credit card and refuse to engage with collectors. Ramsey said that means she should not pick up the phone or respond to any inquiries, email or otherwise. During that time, Matt and his sister should save a total of $5,000.

    At the nine-month point, or whenever the debt has “gone bad,” Matt and his sister should offer American Express a $5,000 lump-sum settlement (no more) to settle the debt once and for all.

    Ramsey added that Matt and his sister should refuse to pay off the debt until Amex agrees to the $5,000 settlement terms in writing — not just over the phone.

    If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some things you can do:

    • Know your rights. Unsecured debts don’t legally attach to someone who didn’t co-sign.
    • Separate finances. Keep your own credit accounts separate; avoid adding additional liability.
    • Document everything. Request written settlement terms. As Ramsey said, “If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.”
    • Assess legal exposure. Find out whether creditors can file a judgment lien and under what conditions. This will vary from state to state and depend on your specific circumstances.
    • Limit communication. Harassment by collectors is regulated. File complaints if needed under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
    • Plan liquidity strategy. Even if you have no savings, consider offering up a lump-sum settlement to eliminate your parent’s debt with available equity and/or family contributions.
    • Seek professional help. Credit counseling firms and elder law attorneys can aid in navigating intergenerational debt.

    What to read next

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

  • This Baltimore renter says her unit remains ‘uninhabitable’ over a month after major flood damages 70 apartments — leaving some fighting their insurers to cover emergency housing

    This Baltimore renter says her unit remains ‘uninhabitable’ over a month after major flood damages 70 apartments — leaving some fighting their insurers to cover emergency housing

    In mid‑June, a major water leak struck 414 Light Street, a 44‑story luxury apartment high-rise in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor neighborhood, flooding units as high as the 17th floor.

    Nearly a month later, about 70 apartments remain under repair — walls and flooring torn out, fans running, sealed-off sections still drying.

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    “Be very careful, guys,” one resident warned when bringing a Fox45 News (WBFF) team inside her unit, “Cause it’s a lot going on.”

    The situation

    The leak soaked through multiple floors and necessitated weeks of repairs. The resident, who asked not to be named, says she’s been displaced and without a home since June 12.

    “I was hoping by this time, I would have my apartment back,” she said. “A lot of us are in the same club that none of us want to be a part of.”

    Another renter, about 14 floors below, described her unit as stripped.

    “Drywall has been removed … all the flooring has been removed in my entire apartment,” Sophia McCormick told the Fox45 team.

    Exposed outlets, holes in ceilings and lingering moisture remain, posing hazards to her and her elderly dog.

    That aside, she said her biggest concern is the lack of “meaningful communication” about ongoing repairs and the few housing solutions available, including no hotel accommodations, guest suite availability or empty apartments to move into.

    The executive vice-president of building owner Questar Properties told Fox45 News that residents are responsible for their own relocation costs via renters’ insurance, which is required.

    However, McCormick reported her renter’s policy “doesn’t cover lodging,” and management doesn’t consider units officially “uninhabitable,” leaving tenants without alternatives.

    When FOX45 asked what does constitute a unit as "uninhabitable," Questar Properties indicated there’s no prescribed definition, as each impacted unit is unique.

    “I would like to know what that would look like to qualify … I don’t have the ability to be here safely, and I’m concerned about my well-being,” the 17th floor resident said. She says she plans to take the issue to court over rent payments she feels she shouldn’t have to pay.

    Questar Properties said they planned to finish in the next several weeks and update each resident in the "coming days."

    On July 7, some residents reported getting a notice that the restoration process would begin on July 9 and last six days. An email from property owners said residents who chose to stay at a hotel during the repair work would be reimbursed for their stays.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Luxury promises vs. harsh reality

    414 Light Street is marketed as a luxury building with resort‑style amenities, high-end finishes and sweeping harbor views, “where effortless living is the everyday,” according to its website.

    But, for McCormick, the current state is anything but the “easy living” she expected. She told Fox45 that she’s planning to move rather than live through an "open-ended" restoration.

    This situation underscores a central issue in modern rentals, particularly in rapidly gentrifying areas: who’s accountable when a property becomes unliveable?

    Federal and state tenant-landlord regulations generally require landlords to maintain livable conditions, but “uninhabitable” often isn’t clearly defined, leaving ambiguity for insurers and varying resulting impacts on renters’ rights.

    In this case, tenants like McCormick contend their apartments are unsafe and unlivable, yet received no formal relief or relocation. In situations where developers and property managers prioritize profit and amenities, the reality is that structural integrity and occupant safety may get sidelined.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘I thought maybe it was the UPS guy’: Florida family woken up by alligator scratching at their front door — here’s how to safeguard your home from gator gatecrashers

    ‘I thought maybe it was the UPS guy’: Florida family woken up by alligator scratching at their front door — here’s how to safeguard your home from gator gatecrashers

    In a startling incident showcasing the unique challenges of Florida living, Courtney Beck and her family were awakened by an unexpected visitor — a large alligator attempting to enter their home.

    “That was just not what I was expecting,” Beck recounted to WSVN 7News in a story published May 11. “I thought maybe it was the UPS guy. It was the last thing I was thinking, was a gator.”

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    The family from Wesley Chapel was alerted to the reptile’s presence by their porch camera, which captured the alligator rattling their front door. Now, Beck says, she and her family watch their backs when they leave the house.

    The Becks aren’t the only household in the state to report being visited by large, scaly predators as of late. Here’s how they responded, and what homeowners can do to gator-proof their property.

    Gators visiting Florida neighborhoods

    In April, a homeowner in Lake Mary described a similar experience, per 7News, in which an eight-foot alligator came knocking on the front door.

    “There is an alligator at the front door. Do not open it!” a resident is heard shouting in footage shown by 7News.

    The local broadcaster reported another incident of an alligator targeting homes in a Fort Myers neighborhood. The loose gator was eventually secured and handed over to a trapper.

    Florida is home to approximately 1.3 million alligators, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Alligators can be found across the state, the group says, and crocodiles can also be spotted by locals, primarily in south Florida.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How to gator-proof your home

    If you live in a place where wildlife encounters are frequent, given the potential dangers posed by large animals, you may wish to review your home insurance policy and consider additional coverage, if available. Companies typically don’t provide compensation for damage caused by small creatures, such as insects, rodents and birds, however, they may be more lenient when it comes to damage from large animals, such as deer, bears and, yes, alligators.

    Beyond this, homeowners in Florida may want to gator-proof their property. Here are some measures to consider.

    Wildlife removal services: In the event of an alligator sighting, it’s crucial to contact the appropriate public agency or a professional wildlife removal service. The average cost for such services varies widely depending on your specific location and situation.

    Alligator-resistant fencing: Installing sturdy fencing can deter alligators from entering your property. Be sure these fences are high enough they can’t be climbed, possibly with the top angled outward, and the bottom several inches underground to deter digging underneath.

    Reinforced, screened lanais and patios: Enclosing outdoor spaces can provide an additional layer of protection.

    Smart doorbells and motion detection cameras: These devices provide a means for monitoring your home’s entrance, so like the Beck family above, you can see if that scratching at the door is a person or an alligator.

    Avoid leaving pet food or garbage outside. Alligators may be drawn to food sources such as trash or pet food left outdoors. Secure all garbage in animal-resistant bins and bring pet food inside after feeding.

    What to read next

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

  • I’m 36, with 2 kids, and in the middle of a divorce. I’m moving home to my parents’ for a bit to save money — and I want to invest at least $3.5K/month for my future. Where do I start?

    As a 30-something, rebuilding your life post-divorce can feel daunting, especially if there are a couple of kids involved.

    However, if you’ve moved back in with your parents and you’re starting with no debt and a steady monthly savings goal of $3,500, you’re in an incredibly strong position.

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    Moving back home may feel like a step back mentally and emotionally, but financially, it’s a strategic move that could help fast-track your goals, especially if you’re ready to invest aggressively.

    Here’s a breakdown of smart, efficient ways to put that $3,500 to work.

    Prioritize retirement accounts

    Before anything else, max out your retirement contributions. If you have access to a 401(k) through your employer, particularly one the company matches, make sure you’re contributing at least the full match amount. That’s free money you shouldn’t pass up.

    Beyond a 401(k), consider opening a Roth individual retirement account (IRA), income limit permitting (for the current tax year, it’s $150,000-$165,000 for single and head-of-household tax filers).

    As someone under 50 years old, you can contribute up to $7,000 for the year. Roth IRAs grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free, making them ideal for younger investors with a long time horizon.

    If your income is too high for a Roth IRA, don’t worry — you can still use a "backdoor Roth" strategy.

    This involves making a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA and converting that account to a Roth IRA. Each month, consider allocating about $1,500 to your 401(k) and $500 to a Roth IRA, until it’s maxed out.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Stay flexible with a taxable brokerage account

    Once you’ve hit your limit on retirement contributions, you could open a taxable brokerage account for investing. This type of investment account is held with a brokerage firm that lets you buy stocks, mutual funds, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other products.

    The firm completes investment transactions as you request. Taxable brokerage accounts are flexible, as funds can be used before retirement without penalty (though you’ll owe taxes on gains).

    Consider setting up automatic monthly investments to stay disciplined and benefit from dollar-cost averaging, a strategy that lowers volatility impact by regularly spreading out your purchases over time, so you’re theoretically not buying shares at a continuously high price point.

    Invest in your kids’ futures

    If your children are young and you want to help with their education, you could keep things simple with one or two ETFs that go to your kids on their 18th birthdays. But there are a couple of savvier investments that might help you (and by association, them) earn even more.

    For example, a 529 college savings plan is a powerful tool. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free as well. Some states even offer tax deductions or credits for contributions.

    Not sure if college is in the cards? Open a custodial brokerage account (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act/Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) instead.

    These accounts don’t offer the same tax perks as a 529, as only a portion of earnings is tax-exempt (currently up to $1,350). However, they’re more flexible and can be used for any purpose once your kids become adults.

    While individual priorities and circumstances vary and there’s no concrete, standard figure, advisors recommend contributing about $150–$350 per month per child to build a substantial education fund over time.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • San Jose man has $12 million to his name while his fiancee has only $50,000 — he wants a prenup, but she has concerns. How The Ramsey Show hosts suggest he navigates this ’emotional’ process

    San Jose man has $12 million to his name while his fiancee has only $50,000 — he wants a prenup, but she has concerns. How The Ramsey Show hosts suggest he navigates this ’emotional’ process

    When Derek, 36, called into The Ramsey Show, he wasn’t just looking for financial advice, but for peace of mind as well.

    Recently engaged and preparing to blend a family of five children, all aged between 10 to 12, Derek also brings something else into the marriage: $12 million in assets.

    Don’t miss

    His fiancee has about $50,000, plus some debt. That financial gap has led them into difficult conversations about whether a prenuptial agreement is the right choice.

    “We started the process of looking into a prenup and it’s been an emotional one,” Derek admitted in a clip posted June 18. “And I totally understand why.”

    A sticking point

    Although the couple initially worked through a questionnaire together, his fiancee’s attitude shifted once the first draft of the agreement came back from Derek’s lawyer.

    "She feels like I wouldn’t be fully entering the marriage in the same way that she is because it feels like I’m holding assets separately, off to the side,” Derek explained.

    Cohosts Rachel Cruze and Jade Warshaw acknowledged the complexity of the situation — one that includes a significant wealth imbalance and a sensitive family dynamic.

    “It’s a very tough way to start out a marriage,” Warshaw said. “Because we’re dividing ‘yours’ versus ‘mine,’ and everything else in the marriage is ‘ours.’”

    Derek says any income the couple earns after marriage would be shared, and the plan is for his fiancee to leave her job to manage the household full time. Derek also said he would pay off her small remaining debt after the wedding. They’ve also discussed buying a home together with Derek’s money but titled in both their names and treated communally.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    However, the prenup, as it’s written, also states that any growth from Derek’s $12 million would remain solely his.

    That point, Warshaw noted, is something she’d ponder if entering into such a marriage

    “How can we protect what you’ve already created, but how can I be a player in how that grows from here on out [and] be a part of that?” she wondered aloud.

    Cruze offered a way to frame the situation: “We are living our lives together as one, but if something ever happened in a divorce, this part still goes back to me.”

    Derek agreed, acknowledging that the only time the wealth would not also be hers is if they legally go through a divorce, and confirmed it’s how they want to go into the marriage.

    When a prenup makes sense — and how it can evolve

    Prenuptial agreements are often recommended when there’s a major financial imbalance, one partner has substantial debt or either person owns a business or expects to receive a large inheritance. Prenups are a way of protecting one’s assets in the event a marriage ends — if you get a divorce without one, they may be at the mercy of state laws.

    In Derek’s case, Warshaw floated the idea of a “progressive” agreement — one with clauses that loosen restrictions over time.

    While Derek’s current agreement doesn’t include a sunset clause, that kind of flexibility can be introduced later through a postnuptial agreement, which allows couples to revise terms after marriage. Some prenups even allow for amendments or revocations, as long as both parties agree in writing.

    Prenups have become more common. A 2023 survey commissioned by Axios found that 1-in-5 married U.S. couples had signed a prenup, while half of adult respondents stated they at least somewhat supported the use of prenups.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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