Author: Emma Caplan-Fisher

When Lexi called into The Ramsey Show from New York, her voice carried the weight of crushing debt and the pressure of years of following flawed familial guidance.

Lexi admitted she’d made a lot of "really bad financial decisions” in order to fulfill her parents’ dreams. They wanted her to pursue medicine.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

While she didn’t become a doctor, Lexi did manage to graduate with a master’s degree in health administration — and $230,000 in student loans. She only earns $54,000 a year as a care coordinator in New York City. Now her mom wants her to co-sign a mortgage.

Co-hosts George Kamel and John Delony’s top tip for Lexi? To stop listening to her parents.

And as far as her co-signing the mortgage is concerned, that’s a hard no.

Cut the umbilical cord to pay down debt

"They have given you such horrific financial advice up till now,” Delony told Lexi. “You’ve carried their dream as far as you can carry it because now this is your nightmare."

Lexi is a first-generation college graduate. Her parents pushed her to attend expensive private schools hoping she’d become a doctor. In her effort to realize their outsized dreams, she ended up with outsized debt.

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Kamel and Delony offered Lexi practical advice on how to start cutting down her crushing debt.

“You have a math problem — a very serious math problem," Delony said. "You’re going to have to get serious about where you can live, where your cost of living is as low as humanly possible.”

She currently shares rent with a roomie in New York, but given her relatively low income and the high cost of living in the Big Apple, Kamel and Delony believe New York is the last place she should live.

Delony advised her to move to a community where she can pull in a much higher salary, for example as a health administrator in a rural hospital, and save more.

Lexi revealed that the main reason she lives in New York is that her mother worries about her moving too far away. Lexi has a chronic medical condition, but is managing it, along with her life, independently.

They encouraged her to embrace that independence and move to a more affordable region, as so many other Americans are doing.

Between July 2023 and 2024, relatively affordable states like Texas, North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee saw some of the highest net migrations, with anywhere from 50,000 and 85,000 people moving in from elsewhere in the U.S.

Vermont, Oklahoma and West Virginia have even introduced relocation incentives. For example, Tulsa Remote offers $10,000 grants to remote workers who move to the city.

Planning a strategic move

Relocating isn’t easy, but for someone in Lexi’s situation, it may be the most viable path to financial recovery.

As Kamel put it, “If you can make $54k in Idaho, you’re going to have a better shot at paying off these student loans in your lifetime … New York City is not the place.”

Here’s what financial experts say to consider in a potential move:

Cost of living. Use tools like MIT’s Living Wage Calculator to compare real expenses in potential cities.

Job market. Ensure comparable or better-paying jobs exist in your field in the new location.

Healthcare access. For those with chronic conditions like Lexi, proximity to care is critical.

Support system. Having community, friends, relatives or another support network is crucial when adapting to a new place.

What to read next

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

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.

Many stay-at-home moms barely managing month-to-month find themselves weighing whether a part-time job or going back full-time (and paying for day care) makes more sense.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

About 26% of U.S. mothers are stay-at-home parents, with the majority saying it’s because they have to take care of the home or family, according to Pew Research.

Child care costs are possibly a major factor. According to Care.com’s 2025 Cost of Care Report, the average parent spends 22% of their household income on child care.

Last year, nearly 60% of parents spent at least $9,600 on child care.

With day care expenses per week for two children averaging about $598, it’s no wonder your dilemma is far from uncommon.

How to make the right choice for your family

Nobody said this would be an easy decision, but making some key considerations will likely ease the process.

You can look at the average weekly rates for child care (nanny, day care, family care center, babysitter) here.

Start by defining your family’s financial goals. Are you trying to pay down debt? Save for a home? Build a college fund? Your decision should align with these priorities.

For example, if you’re breaking even with day care and gas expenses from a full-time job, but that job has upward mobility or long-term benefits (like a 401(k) match), it may still be worth it.

Also, consider your child care options and availability. In many areas, day care spots are hard to come by, especially for infants or toddlers. If grandparents or other relatives can provide support, that could tip the scales in favor of part-time or even full-time work.

Then, there’s the emotional load to factor in. Rejoining the workforce after years at home is a major adjustment, especially when combined with managing a household and child care.

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If the idea of rushing from day care pickups to dinner to emails sounds overwhelming, it might be smarter to start small and check your bandwidth before diving into a full-time role.

You can always try a "test-the-waters" strategy. Look for part-time jobs, contract work or even remote roles with flexible hours. This allows you to rebuild skills, close resume gaps and ease the transition, without fully committing to the demands of a 40-hour workweek and full-time day care.

Ultimately, the decision doesn’t have to be permanent. What works for your family today might change when your kids start school or if your financial situation shifts. The key is to weigh both the financial and emotional return of your work, not just the numbers on a paycheck.

Part-time vs full-time work: What really pays off?

So, what actually pays off, part-time or full-time work? The answer is different for everyone, but here are some pros and cons of each route.

Part-time

• Pros: More flexible / family time, lower day care costs
• Cons: Less income, fewer career advancement opportunities
• Potential earnings: A $30 per hour part-time role (20 hours per week) earns about $2,400 gross monthly; after 15% taxes, about $2,040. Subtract part-time child care.

Full-time

• Pros: More income, more career advancement opportunities
• Cons: Less flexible / family time
• Potential earnings: A $40 per hour full-time job (about $6,400/month gross) nets $5,440 after 15% taxes. After day care for two children ($2,400/month), this nets about $3,040.

Working fewer hours means more family time and reduced child care costs. That said, part-time work offers limited income. Plus, part-time work may not hold steady employment benefits or career advancement.

On the other hand, full-time work brings higher earnings that potentially offset day care bills and contribute to long-term financial goals. However, with that comes longer hours, stress and inflexibility typical of many full-time jobs.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

Nestled in the Honolulu neighborhood of Kaimuki, a partially constructed building at 3615 Sierra Drive has become a focal point of contention.

One of Hawaii’s so-called “monster homes” — unusually large residences, sometimes occupied by dozens of people — the structure has stood incomplete for three years, drawing criticism from residents and scrutiny from city officials.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

“It’s really just a disguised apartment house with inadequate parking, so as a nearby resident, I think it really should just be torn down,” a Kaimuki resident said, according to KHON2 News in a story published May 27.

Here’s the story behind the property, and why residents are so unhappy.

What’s happening?

Three years ago, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) revoked the property’s building permit after discovering discrepancies between the approved plans and the actual construction, per KHON2 News. A report by Hawai’i Public Radio says the structure exceeded the city’s floor area ratio threshold, had more bathrooms and wet bars than permitted and lacked sufficient side and rear yards.

After an appeal by the property owner was denied, new building permit applications to comply with the ordinance were filed, which are under review by the DPP, according to KHON2 News. A department spokesperson told the local broadcaster “the owner must pay a triple fee penalty for the permit, and possibly remove any portions of the work that do not comply with the monster homes ordinance.”

The DPP also noted that since 2022, 17 building permits have been revoked as part of a crackdown on such developments. Meanwhile, residents have voiced concerns about this particular unfinished building attracting illegal activity and being an eyesore.

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“I don’t think you can let these houses just sit there derelict indefinitely,” Elaine Evans told KHON2 News.

Another resident, Daniel, told the broadcaster: “Unfortunately, this monster home is very visible, that’s the problem … It’s just ugly.”

The problem with monster homes

Honolulu City Councillor Tyler Dos Santos-Tam spoke with KHON2 News last year to explain why monster homes can be a problem, particularly the one at 3615 Sierra Drive.

He described these homes as large and often stretching to the border of the lot. “Frequently, you’ll see numerous entry points — disguised as back doors or side doors — but really serving as the entrances to separate units. Monster homes will have dozens of bedrooms. At 3615 Sierra Drive, for example, the building had 19 bathrooms and 21 bedrooms.”

Unlike other parts of the city where there are high-rise buildings, this building was located in Kaimuki, “where no house has more than, say, five bedrooms,” Dos Santos-Tam said. Since the neighborhood wasn’t designed with high-density housing in mind, a monster home could potentially lead to problems.

“Assuming each bedroom goes to a separate person — which it often does — that’s potentially 21 new cars using street parking. That’s 21 new people using the area infrastructure — electrical, plumbing, water. That’s 21 new people who often aren’t attuned to the surrounding community. And this is assuming those people don’t have spouses, children, pets, etc.”

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

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.

Formerly friendly neighbors in Stonebriar, a quiet subdivision in northern Pinellas County, Florida, are at odds over an $82,000 special assessment the homeowner’s association (HOA) has levied.

It’s a lot of money — $1,400 per household.

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“It’s insane to ask people to pay that,” resident Ken Christensen told ABC Action News. “We have lives besides our mortgage payments. I personally have a son in hockey. There are people with kids in college.”

Unlike regular HOA dues, special assessments are meant to be one-time fees designed to cover unexpected expenses.

But this one follows another special assessment that the Stonebriar Improvement Association levied last year to the tune of $35,000, or $595 per household,

The situation has caused anger to erupt in the once-peaceful East Lake community of 59 single-family homes.

“When we all got the letter that showed why this assessment was necessary, people really reacted,” resident Dorothy King said.

What has residents at odds is the rationale. The board is raising the money to pay its legal fees in a long legal battle with one resident: John Siamas.

As with so many battles, it started over something seemingly small.

The heart of the conflict

It all began in 2020 when Siamas installed what he describes as a small "plastic, snap-together shed" in his backyard. The HOA board said the structure violates a rule prohibiting outbuildings in Stonebriar, and is suing Siamas over the matter, demanding he take it down.

“He put up a shed and the covenants indicated no sheds — and the board nicely asked him to remove it. He said no,” resident John Papa said. “One thing after another, now we’ve got a lawsuit on our hands.”

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For his part, Siamas says he told the Stonebriar Improvement Association board about his plan to install a shed, and the board never rejected it. Mind you, they didn’t agree to it, either.

Now Siamas has escalated an already tense situation with the board by attempting to trademark the HOA’s name: Stonebriar Improvement Association, Inc.

“I think it’s foolish,” Papa said. “Why would he do it?”

Many residents counter that the HOA’s costly legal battles are foolish.

The trademark case will cost an estimated $425 per hour over 141 hours through to November 2026. Former Stonebriar HOA president Stephen King says the trademark battle is unnecessary as the Stonebriar Improvement Association has served the community well for 33 years without having a trademarked name.

Meanwhile, Siamas has filed federal complaints against HOA president Gayle Zelcs over the board’s trademark challenge, saying she and the board are trying to ruin him financially and force him to “sell his home” and move out of Stonebriar.

For his part, Christensen agrees that the board and its president are causing unnecessary financial hardship in a battle he describes as “nonsense.” He wants things to return to normal.

“It’s a good family neighborhood,” he said. “It used to be peaceful, no drama.”

How HOA residents can protect themselves

Living in an HOA-governed community comes with financial responsibilities that can go well beyond monthly dues.

Special assessments for out-of-budget anomalies like legal fees, structural repairs or emergencies can cost homeowners thousands of dollars, often with little warning.

Unlike traditional emergency expenses (like a car repair or medical bill), HOA assessments may be non-negotiable and time-sensitive, with tight payment deadlines and legal consequences for nonpayment.

While you can’t avoid them altogether, there are things you can do to ensure you’re prepared:

Budget for the unexpected. Plan for financial risks by building a designated HOA emergency reserve in addition to your general emergency fund. Many HOAs set aside 25 to 40% of their monthly dues for reserves to avoid sudden assessments.

For individual homeowners planning, that translates to $2,000 to $5,000, ideally.

To estimate what you’ll need, review your HOA’s budget, reserve studies (which outline anticipated expenditures) and minutes to understand upcoming projects and potential liabilities.

If you see any red flags — lawsuits, aging buildings, vague expense reports — increase your reserve savings accordingly.

Review governing documents early. If you’re in the market for a condominium, understand the rules for special assessments before buying. For example, Florida law requires at least 14 days’ notice before forming a special assessment meeting.

Push for transparency. Attend meetings, demand clear breakdowns of fees and question exorbitant or unusual costs — like $82,000 in trademark legal expenses.

Build community alliances. Get to know your neighbors and understand their concerns and questions. When you’re in a unified front, it’s easier to vote in new board members, renegotiate payment terms or challenge unfair assessments.

Know your rights. Condominium boards can’t always apply unlimited assessments without owner approval. HOAs may face similar constraints depending on the state law and bylaws they’re subject to. If board actions seem suspect, seek legal counsel.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

For the third time, Amanda Sparks, the owner of A&L Sheds, has been arrested — this time, in Montgomery County, Texas.

Authorities allege she scammed more than 100 people out of more than $1 million by promising to build sheds and tiny homes that were never delivered.

Sparks’ previous arrests occurred in Gray and Harris counties, and now a $12 million civil judgment has been issued against her by the Harris County Attorney’s Office.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

"It’s heartbreaking. It’s very heartbreaking," victim Julia Marino told KPRC 2 News Houston.

"My mother passed away just last month. If I had my $8,100, I could help with her funeral."

A web of victims and a $12 million judgment

Sparks faces felony theft charges after a warrant was issued by Johnson County. According to investigators and victims, she allegedly collected large upfront payments — ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 — often in cash, from individuals and organizations expecting sheds or tiny homes. In many cases, contracts were signed, but no work ever began.

Victims include private citizens as well as vulnerable groups including a church, a domestic violence shelter and even a construction crew claiming it completed work in 2023 but was never paid.

Victim Charlotte Clifford, who says she paid $16,800 up front, recalled her experience to KPRC reporters

"She wrote out a contract — I’ve got the contract, all the paperwork at home — telling us when she was going to start our building. It never happened.”

The fraud unraveled when more than 100 people came together via a Facebook group, where they compared notes and documented their stories, revealing a pattern of broken promises and missing funds. Their collective effort culminated in a complaint submitted to the Harris County Attorney’s Office in late 2024.

Marino, an organizer behind the complaint, emphasized the importance of recordkeeping and speaking out.

"We’re showing a paper trail because we’re all in this together,” she told KPRC News. “We’re trying to get a resolution on this. It’s just taking a little time.”

The result of that work was a $12 million judgment signed at the end of March 2025, which could help victims recover some of their losses.

With housing costs on the rise, more people are turning to tiny homes as an affordable alternative. According to one report, 73% of Americans would consider living in a tiny home.

However, this case highlights how the booming industry has presented an opportunity for scammers.

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Watch for red flags and protect yourself from builder scams

If you’re planning to purchase a tiny home, here are some ways to protect yourself. The key is staying vigilant and doing your homework before committing.

Verify builder licensing and references

Ensure your builder is licensed and bonded. Ask for references, check online reviews and their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Reputable builders should have a portfolio of completed projects and satisfied clients.

Get a detailed contract

A legitimate builder should provide a detailed contract outlining timelines, materials, payment terms and guarantees.

Avoid paying 100% up front

Never pay the full amount before any work is done. A deposit, typically 10% to 25%, is reasonable, but further payments should be tied to completed work milestones. Your state may have limits on how much a contractor can ask for up front, check your local laws.

Use escrow services

Escrow accounts protect your money by only releasing funds when both parties meet agreed-upon terms. This is especially helpful for large transactions.

Watch for red flags

High-pressure sales tactics, vague or verbal-only agreements and refusal to show credentials or provide timelines can all be warning signs.

Keep all documentation

Save emails, receipts, signed contracts and messages. This can be helpful in disputes and legal actions, should it come to that.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

Sarah, a 43-year-old from Anaheim, California, has finally had it with her partner of 20 years.

“He’s financially irresponsible,” she told The Ramsey Show cohosts John Delony and George Kamel in a clip posted July 2. “He’s 56 and he’s got maybe $8-10,000 in retirement savings.”

Now, Sarah is seeking a path forward after admitting to both her partner and the cohosts she’s unhappy with how things have turned out.

“He has shown you his cards,” Delony bluntly put it. “You cannot do one single thing about anything that’s come before this phone call. You’re holding a pen and a blank piece of paper. You get to decide what story you write next.”

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

The situation

The pair had been living together for 18 years, but never combined finances.

“We’ve talked about money, we’ve argued about money, we’ve fought about money,” Sarah explained. “He didn’t even put money into his 401(k) at work until I finally put my foot down.”

On the other hand, Sarah is debt-free, with over $50,000 in savings, and has contributed to a 401(k) at every step of her career.

Her partner is well off the pace of his peers in terms of retirement savings. According to Federal Reserve data, as of 2022, the median retirement account balance among those aged 55-64 in the U.S. was $185,000.

Sarah admitted she’d previously thought about leaving him, but wound up feeling guilty he might end up in financial peril.

“You’re going to have to choose guilt over resentment, and there’s a lot of resentment that’s built up over 20 years of you carrying the load,” Kamel said.

“Sit down with a friend, maybe a local counselor, and just get all this stuff out,” Delony added. “Go towards something. Don’t just run into the night screaming, because you’re going to end up right back in the same situation.”

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Financial irresponsibility and romantic compatibility

In any long-term relationship, money issues can spark tension, but persistent financial irresponsibility is a different story. Refusing to change or take accountability or repeatedly draining shared resources causes stress, erodes trust and can place an unfair financial burden on one person.

If some of these things occur and you find you’re often the one cleaning up the mess — whether that means tackling debt or managing all the long-term planning — it’s worth assessing whether the dynamic is sustainable.

It’s key for everyone in a relationship to be financially aligned. Ask yourself questions like: Are our goals the same? Can I trust them to make the right decisions for our future? Do I feel more like a parent or a partner?

A 2025 survey commissioned by LendingTree found that 23% of Americans in relationships had ended one in the past due to financial incompatibility. An additional 34% said they’d consider ending a relationship for this reason.

Of those who reported being in a financially incompatible relationship, many blamed their partners for overspending (34%), poorly managing their finances (30%) and not earning enough (27%). However, some admitted they don’t save enough (27%) and they overspend (21%).

There may be disagreements between people about money — that isn’t necessarily a bad thing — but the point is to move forward together.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

When Damon from San Jose called into The Ramsey Show, he didn’t ask how to get out of debt — he asked whether he should tell his wife they’re secretly worth millions.

His question of whether he should ever disclose his secret to his wife caught listeners — and hosts Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman — completely off guard.

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• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

"You have deceived your wife," was Ramsey’s initial reaction.

A breach of trust

Damon, who’s been married for five years, explained that he’s a high-earning minimalist, while his stay-at-home wife is more of a spender.

He works a full-time job, runs a business on the side and handles all the family finances. His wife gets an allowance and has no idea about their true financial standing, which includes $750,000 in annual income and a net worth in the millions. Since they got married, Damon’s income has grown sevenfold.

Ramsey was blunt in his response.

“You’ve been married to her for five years and sleeping with her for five years, but she didn’t know you got any money — that’s deception,” he said.

Damon said he’s afraid of how she’ll react and worries she’ll overspend. But as Ramsey and Coleman pointed out, that kind of secrecy can have serious consequences.

Their advice? Start with accountability and don’t make it about her spending. Coleman suggested he open with something like, "I have a massive fear problem, and because I have a fear problem, I’m a control freak … I’ve got to confess this.”

From there, they said Damon needs to apologize, commit to therapy and work on rebuilding trust by budgeting together.

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

Financial infidelity vs transparency in relationships

Damon’s situation highlights a growing but often overlooked issue: financial infidelity — when one partner hides money, debt or financial decisions from the other. It can create misaligned goals, poor planning and erode trust.

“You’re the problem, not her, and you need to go work on you,” Ramsey told Damon. “This is a weird thing you’ve done — and you need to own that.”

And Damon’s not alone. According to a survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education, 43% of US adults admit to committing financial deception in a relationship.

How to rebuild trust

Financial transparency, on the other hand, is about openly sharing everything — income, debts, goals and spending habits. It helps build trust, encourages shared decision-making and allows couples to plan for the future together.

Best practices for financial transparency include:

• Full disclosure early. Couples should discuss their income, debts, assets and financial goals openly before or shortly after getting married.
• Joint budgeting. Using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to plan together helps prevent miscommunication.
• Regular financial check-ins. Monthly or quarterly conversations keep both on the same page.
• Shared access. Even if accounts aren’t merged, having mutual visibility builds trust.
• Counseling or coaching. Working with a therapist or advisor can help couples overcome deeper issues.

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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.

What would you do if your city placed $366,000 in liens on your home after inspectors observed minor violations like broken window frames, cracked outlet covers and peeling paint?

If you were Lauderdale Lakes residents Kenneth and Mildred Bordeaux, a Florida couple in their 80s, you’d hire a lawyer and fight back.

"I feel like I’m just being beat on with a sledgehammer, and I don’t understand it," Kenneth told CBS News.

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Their lawyer Ari Pregen says the city’s actions are completely unfair.

“It’s absolutely mindblowing to say ‘We’re going to hold your property hostage and we’re not going to allow you to do what you want with your property, to pass it on to your next of kin and your loved ones, because of window cranks and plastic covers,’” he said.

Now, their efforts — and the media attention — may have borne some fruit.

How minor violations turned into major fines

It all started last year when the Bordeauxs — who rent out part of their duplex to cover bills — evicted a tenant.

When inspectors visited the property following the eviction, they fined the Bordeauxs for six violations, including broken window frames and handles; cracked outlet covers; peeling paint; minor interior door and wall damage; and smoke detectors needing replacement.

The Bordeauxs say they promptly addressed all the issues and made the required repairs.

The problem? City inspectors took 222 days to verify that the repairs had been made. Meanwhile, for every one of those 222 days, the city levied additional daily fines of $1,500 per violation — resulting in the $366,142.70 total.

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Their attorney, Ari Pregen, said the situation is unreasonable.

"You can’t charge someone $65,000 for a broken window crank, $55,000 for a broken [cover] plate,” he said.

The couple applied for a lien reduction, a process allowing property owners to request a lower payment on fines or fees owed to the city.

Inspectors only offered a 10% reduction, meaning the Bordeauxs would have to pay more than $300,000 to remove the liens on the property, one the couple want to leave to family members.

"It’s just been absolutely terrible,” Kenneth Bordeaux said.

CBS Miami has since discovered that other Lauderdale Lakes property owners have been hit with excessive fines and liens due to code inspection delays.

The news outlet revealed that in its 2025 budget, the City of Lauderdale Lakes is counting on a 161.4% increase in revenue from fines and forfeitures compared to 2024.

The Bordeauxs’ lawyer notes that levying excessive fines is illegal.

“We have the excessive fines clause for a reason,” Pregen says. “It prohibits excessive fines.”

He continues to negotiate with the city — not only to lower the Bordeauxs’ fines and remove the liens on their duplex, but to urge the city to change its policy to protect other homeowners in similar situations.

In a CBS followup to the story, City Attorney Sidney Calloway rejected the idea that the City of Lauderdale Lakes "acted improperly, has (dragged) its feet or slowed the process" for the Bordeauxs.

However, he did invite the Bordeauxs to meet with him to reduce how much they owe.

And CBS discovered the city attorney also reached out to the local business Levy Realty Advisors — one of Lauderdale Lakes’ biggest taxpayers — to talk about reducing $744,000 worth of liens that resulted from similar delays in city inspections.

How to handle excessive fines on a fixed income

For retired homeowners like the Bordeauxs living on fixed incomes — primarily Social Security and modest pensions — unexpected fines, fees or repair costs can be ruinous.

Without sufficient savings, seniors in such situations may accumulate debt and could lose their homes. The added stress can take a toll on physical and mental health, particularly for seniors who don’t have the resources to navigate complex legal and financial systems.

Legal advocacy and community support can be lifelines. Homeowners facing large municipal fines should first seek legal counsel, especially pro bono services or nonprofit legal clinics that specialize in housing or elder law.

Organizations such as Legal Aid or the AARP Legal Advocacy Group may offer assistance or connect individuals to local resources.

Homeowners on fixed incomes who find themselves in the same predicament as the Bordeauxs should consider doing as they have done and bring media attention to the case to increase public pressure and push local governments to revise their enforcement practices or settlement offers.

Homeowners can also work with housing counselors certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to explore options like financial hardship programs, home equity solutions or income-based repayment plans for liens, where available.

What to read next

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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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.

A Phoenix couple’s homebuying joy turned into a cautionary tale after termites, burst pipes and a hidden hole in the wall surfaced just days after they closed on a property.

Hailey and Alex Aguire were thrilled to return to Arizona from the East Coast and settle into a remodeled home they’d secured after a quick house hunt. Just 24 hours before closing, however, they received unsettling news.

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• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

“We got a call from our realtor who was, like, ‘Hey, they were moving the staging furniture out and found termites,’” Hailey told ABC15 Arizona in a story published May 20. “We just decided, you know, they’re getting it handled that day, so we’ll go ahead and trust that it’s handled. We closed, got the keys and the next day, they were back on the wall.”

But termites were just the beginning of the couple’s problems. Here’s what happened, plus what homebuyers can do to help ensure the same doesn’t happen to them.

Multiple problems post-closing

Despite having hired three companies for inspections ahead of closing, the couple says problems continued to crop up. On day three, pipes burst in the laundry room after they used the washer for the first time. They also found a big hole in the wall hiding behind a battery-operated doorbell.

“I think the termite company and the [inspector] missed a couple of really big things that fell on us to advocate for ourselves a little bit,” Alex told ABC15 Arizona.

Fortunately, the issues were caught early, and the couple says some of the repair costs were being covered by seller credits.

The Aguires decided to share their experience to help other homebuyers avoid similar pitfalls, urging them to work with a good real estate agent, get second opinions on inspections and test every appliance before finalizing a sale.

To avoid similar issues as the Aguires experienced, the National Association of Realtors recommends walking the property alongside inspectors. The group also suggests hiring professionals from organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

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Beyond general inspectors

Aside from general inspections, you may want to enlist additional specialists depending on the type, age and condition of the home you’re looking to buy. Here are some to consider:

Pest inspector: These inspections help identify infestations that can wreak havoc on a home’s structure. Cost can depend on a property’s size and location, and how detailed an inspection is requested.

Structural engineer: For assessing the home, foundation, roof and/or chimney. Price may vary based on the home’s location and requirements.

Septic system inspector: Especially for rural homes, a septic system inspection can be key to ensuring the waste management system functions as it should. Costs may depend on the nature of the inspection and things like tank accessibility and any extra services required.

HVAC specialist: Inspecting heating, ventilation and cooling systems can help ensure they’re running as they should. The cost can go up depending on the system’s complexity and if further tests are needed.

Arborist: Trees near a home can pose a risk if diseased or leaning, so you may want to know how healthy and safe a prospective property’s trees are.

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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.