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Author: Jessica Wong

  • ‘I thought they’d take it back right away’: Social Security windfalls spark confusion — what you need to know

    ‘I thought they’d take it back right away’: Social Security windfalls spark confusion — what you need to know

    Recent changes to Social Security are leaving many recipients scratching their heads, as unexpected lump sum payments and overpayments are showing up in bank accounts — all without much explanation.

    Brooklyn resident Elizabeth Miller, 65, was shocked and confused when she noticed a large amount of money in her account. “I didn’t know what it was. I had no idea who sent me this,” Miller told News 5 Cleveland “I thought they’d take it back right away. It’s not mine. It was a mistake,” Miller added.

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    Miller’s situation comes at a time when significant changes to Social Security are affecting people’s payments and she’s not the only one.

    Mixed messaging baffles recipients

    Different Social Security reps gave her conflicting explanations about why her account balance had suddenly increased. But things didn’t stop there. As more payments and letters arrived, Miller was told the extra funds were actually overpayments she was owed.

    Still, Miller remains baffled by the large amounts showing up in her account. “I don’t understand why you would put that much money in my account,” Miller said.

    The Social Security Fairness Act was passed under the Biden Administraton, aiming to eliminate two rules that cut Social Security benefits for certain retirees: The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced benefits for individuals who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security, like many state and local government workers. In addition, the Social Security Fairness Act ensures these workers receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned.

    This means that people like Jeff Olds, who received a lump sum payment for his wife, are now eligible for the benefits they missed out on originally.

    Olds, a 72-year-old from Brunswick Hills, said after 10 years of normal payments of about $1,600 a month, he received a lump sum of more than $14,000 from Social Security. “I was shocked at first… this never happened before,” he told News 5 Cleveland.

    “It’s pretty scary for somebody who doesn’t deal with this every day,” April Roberts, a Social Security expert and CEO of AARIA, told News 5 Cleveland. She noted that lump sum payments will start arriving on March 27. Thereafter, in instances where there was an error, Social Security will recoup legitimate overpayments by withholding 100% of subsequent checks until the balance is repaid.

    In some cases, changes to benefits may also follow new income thresholds or changes in the beneficiary’s work status.

    The problem? Social Security has been sending lump sums before recipients receive letters explaining the amounts. This lack of communication can leave people confused about why they received a deposit, or whether it’s even theirs to keep.

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

    What to do if you spot changes to your Social Security payments

    With all the confusion, navigating the changes can be frustrating, so here’s what you can do.

    To start, regularly review your statements and make sure your personal information is up-to-date. Set reminders if you need them. If you notice an unexpected deposit from Social Security, call your local office for clarification, but be prepared to wait. “They have access to more detailed information about your specific situation,” Roberts explained.

    If you feel that the explanation or payment amount is incorrect, you can file an appeal. If you owe money, you can file a waiver form or arrange a payment plan.

    While changes roll out, stay informed and proactive to ensure your Social Security payments are accurate and handled correctly. You can set up alerts to be notified about any new updates to Social Security.

    As for Miller, she is still waiting for confirmation letters to explain the lump sum payments in her account. “I think the letters should come before the check to explain that you’re going to be receiving something… for sure, so you don’t have to panic when that much money is placed into your bank account,” she said.

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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 can’t afford to buy from Temu now’: Trump tariffs spike prices even at ultra-cheap stores, leaving strained shoppers nowhere else to go

    ‘I can’t afford to buy from Temu now’: Trump tariffs spike prices even at ultra-cheap stores, leaving strained shoppers nowhere else to go

    Rena Scott doesn’t think twice when it comes to shopping on the infamously cheap site Temu. In fact, she usually has 10 to 12 orders going at a time.

    “Everything here has come in from overseas anyway, so you’re just cutting out the middleman, like the Walmarts, the Amazons,” the retired registered nurse from Virginia tells CNN.

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    But when the Trump administration slapped a 145% tariff on Chinese imports — and a 10% minimum tax on goods from all other countries — “cheap” became a relative label. Temu and Shein raised prices on a lot of their most popular products just ahead of the May 2 tariff deadline.

    “I can’t afford to buy from Temu now, and I already couldn’t afford to buy in this country,” Scott said in late April.

    Two weeks later, the Trump administration and Chinese leaders agreed to temporarily slash most tariffs while they try to work out a new deal. The U.S. lowered tariffs on most Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China cut its tariff on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.

    Yet the reduced rates are still severe — and if a deal isn’t settled by mid August and sky-high tariffs return, Americans who are already buying the cheapest goods available may have no way to avoid the pain.

    Crackdown hits low-income shoppers hardest

    Rena Scott lives alone in Virginia, surviving on disability checks after a transplant ended her nursing career.

    She maintains a frugal lifestyle and hasn’t eaten fast food in a year, drives a 2005 car and keeps her thermostat at 85 degrees to trim the power bill. A savvy bargain hunter, Scott buys in bulk, once ordering 53 packs of yarn she liked.

    But prices are climbing fast. “Not sustainable,” she said, pointing out a cabinet she bought for $56 that increased in price to over $80.

    Temu and Shein had been skirting import duties using the longstanding “de minimis” rule, which let sub-$800 packages enter the U.S. tariff-free. That loophole was closed on May 2 and replaced with a 120% tax, though the Trump administration reduced it to 54% midway through the month.

    Researchers at UCLA and Yale warn the impact will fall hardest on low-income Americans. Nearly half of all de minimis packages went to the poorest ZIP codes.

    In Rochester, N.Y., consumer rights writer Phillip Dampier is stockpiling goods before prices go up any further.

    “Basically anything you might find in a JCPenney,” he told CNN, explaining that he spent eight hours daily shopping on Temu, Shein, TaoBao and AliExpress over the course of two weeks.

    “I have a feeling that this economy is about to go into the tank, and we’re going to have shortages that [rival] the pandemic.”

    Dampier was once loyal to Amazon but said post-pandemic price hikes and poor service pushed him away. His first Temu buy in 2023 quickly became a habit.

    Low-cost Chinese imports ballooned from $5.3 billion in 2018 to $66 billion in 2023. The Trump administration argues tariffs protect U.S. businesses and boost domestic jobs, but shoppers like Dampier don’t buy it.

    “The entire idea of tariffs is idiotic, in my opinion,” he said. “The Trump administration is trying to bully everybody, and it’s wrong, and the tariff policy is wrong.”

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

    Nowhere to go but up

    The National Retail Federation estimated in November that tariff-related changes could slash Americans’ spending power by $46 billion to $78 billion a year.

    It based its estimates on two scenarios: a 10% tariff on imports from all foreign countries with an additional 60% tax on China, or a 20% universal tariff with an extra 100% tax on China.

    Depending on how negotiations go, that could lead to huge price hikes for a range of items:

    • Clothes: 12% to 20%
    • Shoes: 18% to 28%
    • Appliances: 19% to 31%
    • Toys: 36% to 55%

    That would make an $80 pair of jeans cost up to $16 more, a $650 refrigerator cost up to $200 more, and a $17 plush toy cost up to $10 more.

    Be skeptical of low prices listed online. Shoppers are now getting hit with unexpected fees at checkout as stores like Shein and Temu pass along customs charges to buyers.

    And don’t be surprised if your favorite items are suddenly harder to find. Because of rising import costs, some retailers are cutting back on variety and sticking to bestsellers or high-margin goods. This leaves fewer choices for budget-savvy shoppers.

    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.

  • Done with Florida — Canada’s snowbirds are putting their properties up for sale and canceling trips as trade war heats up

    Done with Florida — Canada’s snowbirds are putting their properties up for sale and canceling trips as trade war heats up

    Over a million Canadian snowbirds go south when it gets cold every year, and many of them choose to spend winters in Florida.

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    But the current political climate is changing that.

    Gulf Coast News recently reported on “a mass exodus” of Canadians from Southwest Florida as new travel regulations are imposed and the trade war escalates.

    CNN also recently reported on snowbirds considering alternative destinations or selling their properties. “Some of the clients I have been dealing with want to sell at any cost, even at a loss,” said Share Ross, a realtor based in southeast Florida.

    “More home purchases in the U.S. are done by Canadians than any other country — 13% from April 2023 to March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says,” reported CBC News. “Half of all Canadian purchases were vacation homes, and roughly 41% of sales were in Florida.”

    This will likely have a ripple effect on the tourism industry and local businesses.

    “If we travel at all, it won’t be here”

    Many Canadians are rethinking their plans to return to Florida, with some even considering putting their properties on the market.

    "I’ve lived here six months. This is my home, but I’m leaving April 2," said Susan, a Canadian speaking with Gulf Coast News. She was not comfortable sharing her last name for fear of becoming a target amid the growing political divide between the U.S. and Canada.

    For the Presement family, regular winter residents in Fort Myers, the political landscape has left them regretting their decision to visit Florida. “The truth of the matter is if I hadn’t prepaid everything and wasn’t here and your weather wasn’t so damn nice. I’d go home now,” said Barry Presement to Gulf Coast News. He and his wife Ruth have no plans to return next winter. "If we travel at all, it won’t be here," Ruth said. "For sure, it won’t be here. We’ll go elsewhere."

    Their son Brian had even considered retiring in Southwest Florida, but now says Mexico is looking like a better option. "We thought about buying a home in Florida, but now we might reconsider that," he said.

    Local businesses are probably going to feel the strain of Canadians avoiding the U.S.

    “It’s not only having a negative impact on the tourism market, but business as a whole,”said Cole Peacock, owner of cannabis cafe & CBD marketplace Seed and Bean to Gulf Coast News. “You need those extra visits to kick that profit margins to another level.”

    "Not only have Canadians been electing to divest from their vacation homes and investment properties in Florida, they have also been canceling their trips to the area which is having a negative impact on our vacation rental market," Robert Washington of Savvy Buyers Realty told Realtor.com. "We have heard from several of our vacation rental property owners that they have experienced multiple cancellations from Canadian guests due to the tariff battle. Hopefully the tariff situation is resolved soon, or it could have a lasting impact on our tourism industry."

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

    What Americans can expect with tariffs

    The U.S. Travel Association has said Florida is among the top five most visited states by Canadians and it “could see declines in retail and hospitality revenue, as shopping is the top leisure activity for Canadian visitors.”

    In addition to losing business from a lack of Canadian visitors, Florida businesses and consumers are also facing another blow — the implementation of tariffs on imports from Canada and the rest of the world.

    These tariffs are set to raise the costs of imported goods, raw materials, and even locally produced items that rely on imported components.

    The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found that an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and 10% tariffs on other countries could raise consumer prices on everyday retail purchases such as food and beverage items and general merchandise, covering about a quarter of the total consumption basket, by 0.81% to 1.63%, assuming the costs are fully passed to the consumer.

    So what can consumers do to protect their budgets?

    A good place to start is to review spending habits, since cutting costs could provide some relief. Consider buying essentials in bulk before the tariffs drive prices higher. That way, you can lock in current prices and shield yourself from immediate price increases.

    For those willing to shop around, you can consider products from countries not affected by tariffs, or choose items that are produced locally to avoid the extra costs.

    Above all, staying informed is critical. As tariffs and related policies continue to evolve, consumers who stay up-to-date should be better equipped to make smarter financial decisions.

    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.

  • ‘What did I sign?’: A Houston man claims his illiterate stepfather — who doesn’t speak English and struggles with memory loss — was scammed into taking on $98K of solar panel debt

    ‘What did I sign?’: A Houston man claims his illiterate stepfather — who doesn’t speak English and struggles with memory loss — was scammed into taking on $98K of solar panel debt

    Isable Aguirre, a 72-year-old Houston resident, can’t read or write and speaks only Spanish. The senior also struggles with memory loss.

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    His stepson thinks these factors made Aguirre the perfect target for unscrupulous solar panel salespeople who left him in massive debt, according to a report from KPRC 2.

    The senior said he doesn’t remember consenting or signing to buy solar panels that have been installed on his house since 2023. But his stepson, Oscar Garcia, believes that’s exactly how the trouble started.

    “Even if you come to his house and tell him, ‘Hey, sign this and sign that,’ he will sign it,” Garcia told KPRC 2. “And then next time he’s like, ‘What did I sign?’”

    Aguirre recalled, “I clearly told them I didn’t want that, and they ran away.”

    But now, he has solar panels sitting on his roof, locked and inactive. No payments have been made on them, but he is staring down nearly $98,000 in debt.

    Garcia said a lien has been placed on his stepfather’s home.

    Solar panel complaints up over 800% in 5 years

    Aguirre has lived in his Northside Village home for more than 15 years, and relies solely on Social Security for income.

    According to Garcia, the sales team pitched a too-good-to-be-true story: “They were telling him something about that, I think Medicaid was going to pay for them or his Social Security was going to pay for them.”

    Garcia wasn’t present when the deal went down, but a contract he shared with KPRC 2 names Texas Energy Resources Innovation as the contractor, and GoodLeap as the loan company now charging Aguirre.

    Texas Energy Resources Innovation is not Better Business Bureau accredited and has an F rating for failure to respond to 15 complaints filed against it.

    GoodLeap is BBB accredited and holds an A rating, but it’s also racked up over 1,000 consumer complaints in the last three years. The company was also named in a 2023 lawsuit by the Minnesota Attorney General, accusing it and three others of “making misrepresentations and engaging in other deceptive conduct while marketing their loans to prospective customers.”

    According to a report from non-profit Texas Appleseed, solar-related consumer complaints to the Texas Attorney General’s Office jumped a massive 818% from 2018 to 2023.

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

    “Many of the harmful practices targeted older Texans and people who are not native English speakers,” it said. “These practices included misleading statements that residents would no longer receive electric bills after panels were installed, false promises of government tax credits, and forgeries of signatures or other deceptive practices used to execute financing contracts.”

    Common complaints included defective or damaged goods, problems with sales practices, failure to provide repairs, and unsatisfactory workmanship. In about 8% of cases, customers said they were billed for equipment or services that they never received.

    Forty-two percent of the complaints involved solar loans, and another 11% mentioned leases, which are the two most common ways people pay for residential solar. GoodLeap and Solar Mosaic were the lenders most commonly cited in the complaints.

    Lawmakers are paying attention. House Bill 1640 would require the Public Utility Commission of Texas to create a consumer guide for going solar. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1036 that was passed in the Senate in April aims to create a regulatory framework to protect consumers.

    How to protect yourself

    Thinking about going solar?

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that solar scams can begin with a phone call, a message on social media, or a simple knock at the door. Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with solar salespeople:

    • There’s no such thing as free solar panels, even if someone claims the government will cover the cost under a special program.

    • Salespeople may exaggerate or lie about rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives that you can receive. Make sure to do the research and verify these facts yourself.

    • Don’t get pressured into signing on the spot or paying upfront or immediately.

    • Promotional rates or short periods of relatively low payments are often used to mask the true cost.

    Solar can save money, but only if the deal is real and right for you. With the solar industry growing fast, it’s more important than ever to read the fine print, check company credentials, and never rush into a deal, no matter how sunny it sounds.

    Vist the the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Consumer Solar Awareness website for more useful information and guidance to avoid scams.

    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.

  • Boston man thinks his fiancée’s parents might have committed financial fraud — now worried about signing marriage papers. Here’s what Dave Ramsey called their actions

    Boston man thinks his fiancée’s parents might have committed financial fraud — now worried about signing marriage papers. Here’s what Dave Ramsey called their actions

    A Boston man reached out to The Ramsey Show for advice after learning that his fiancée’s dad may have gamed the student aid system — something he feared might amount to fraud.

    According to Cody, “back in November, [my fiancée] told me her father had transferred all her parents’ investments to her so that her sister could get a better financial aid package [for college].”

    Dave Ramsey didn’t mince words, saying that while he couldn’t determine if it was indeed fraud, it was “definitely morally wrong.”

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    “It’s approaching the criminal side,” Ramsey said, adding, “It’s ethically horrendous, ethically ridiculously bad.”

    Torn between family pressures and conscience

    Ramsey thinks Cody’s future in-laws were applying for Federal Pell Grants, typically reserved for undergrads in serious need of financial assistance. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.

    Ramsey finds it abhorrent that anyone would pose as poor to receive aid that is actually intended for students who are legitimately struggling.

    “This guy has no ethics, he’s willing to lie to the government to get poor people’s student assistance,” Ramsey said.

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

    To add to Cody’s dilemma, his future father-in-law asked him to sign a prenuptial agreement. Cody said he wasn’t comfortable signing and combining assets with the man.

    “That’s why you got slime on you and wanted to take a shower after you met him,” Ramsey said.

    The entwining of family finances, he warned, “is not healthy.”

    “You can’t prenup away a lack of ethics.”

    Building a ‘standalone life’

    Ramsey advised Cody to stand his ground and build a “standalone life that doesn’t involve something that’s unethical.”

    The finance guru acknowledged that Cody’s fiancée could suffer, caught between loyalty to her father and her future husband. Ramsey encourages a careful approach.

    “You can be gentle and kind, and don’t have to accuse him,” Ramsey said. “Don’t call him names. You could say, ‘I got some counsel because I was confused about it and it bothered me.’ Take all the weight of the problem on you and say you can’t go forward with this.”

    He added that Cody could also tell his future in-laws: “All of my understanding of setting up a household is we are to leave and cleave to set up our standalone household to be able to have a high-quality relationship with your daughter.”

    Ultimately, Ramsey stressed, Cody’s fiancée needs to “realize what’s going on. You can’t cave, because it condones everything.”

    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.

  • Arizona’s AG just issued warning over ‘equity-stripping’ scam that tricks victims into signing over their home — and the fraud has been running for almost 10 years. Here’s how it works

    Arizona’s AG just issued warning over ‘equity-stripping’ scam that tricks victims into signing over their home — and the fraud has been running for almost 10 years. Here’s how it works

    It started with a promise of help. It ended with hundreds, possibly thousands, of Arizonans losing not just their homes, but the very foundation of their lives.

    For nearly a decade, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says a criminal enterprise has been preying on vulnerable homeowners, using high-pressure tactics and legal loopholes to rob them of the equity they had spent a lifetime building.

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    “Here comes a company with a very nice sounding name, or a “nonprofit,” that says ‘we will help you and all you have to do is sign here,’” Mayes told Arizona’s Family News.

    But what these homeowners were actually signing, Mayes says, was their future away.

    A lifetime, gone in a U-Haul

    For one victim, the betrayal was both financial and deeply personal.

    “This was never supposed to happen,” Claire Bataille told Arizona’s Family, “I just never thought I would leave.”

    She bought her home in 2004. A couple of years ago, financial hardships pushed her into foreclosure. Then came a man named Cameron Jones, claiming he was with a group called Arizona’s Helping Hands.

    “I thought he was such a wonderful person at the time,” Bataille said. “It was only a loan.”

    But the loan turned out to be a trap. Suddenly, she had an online court date and was being evicted.

    “He’s taken far more than my home, my memories, my heart,” she says.

    According to Mayes, the scam, called equity stripping, involves convincing distressed homeowners to unknowingly sign over the deeds to their homes, often in exchange for as little as $5,000 or $10,000. Meanwhile, the true value of the properties could be anywhere from $500,000 to $800,000, or more.

    “They are literally stealing people’s homes,” she said. “Sometimes even with the mortgage getting paid off, they could be getting $300,000 or $200,000 and the scammers are not telling them that.”

    Mayes has filed a sweeping civil lawsuit against 70 defendants for consumer fraud and racketeering, alleging that Cameron Jones and Samuel Sutton led a sophisticated network involving title companies, attorneys and so-called nonprofits.

    “We don’t know exactly how many [homes are involved], but it is at least hundreds of houses in this case alone,” she said.

    “But we also estimate that this fraud has grown and metastasized so badly throughout Arizona, that there could be tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of homeowners who are the victims of this kind of fraud by other bad actors.”

    Carolyn Singer came terrifyingly close to losing her home due to a paperwork glitch on her reverse mortgage. That’s when Jones and his team stepped in.

    “He said he could help get it out of foreclosure,” Singer told Arizona’s Family reporters. “Of course, he wanted me to sign some papers. He covered up the top part so I didn’t see what it was. But I thought it was paperwork to keep it out of foreclosure.”

    Thankfully, someone from the real estate world intervened just in time. Carolyn was able to remain in her home.

    But not everyone who’s had dealings with Jones and Sutton managed to keep their homes. About 30 homes involved in the lawsuit may still be recoverable, but the rest have already been sold or flipped on the open market.

    When asked for comment, Cameron Jones did not respond to inquiries from Arizona’s Family. Samuel Sutton referred the news channel to his attorney, who declined an interview.

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

    How to protect yourself from equity-stripping scams

    Homeowners who are facing foreclosure need to be vigilant and here’s how:

    • Be wary of unsolicited offers to “save” your home.
    • Beware of any up-front fees. The Federal Trade Commission notes that, under the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rules, it’s illegal for a homeowner to be charged any money until they’ve accepted a written offer for loan relief from their lender.
    • Watch out for high-pressure tactics to sign documents.
    • Many scammers pretend to be from “helpful” organizations with official-sounding names, use a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official source.
    • Question any sale price far below market value. Use websites, like Zillow, Redfin, or speak to a licensed real estate agent to understand your property’s true market value.
    • Get everything in writing. And always consult a licensed attorney or real estate professional.

    As Mayes warns, “This is not just about fraud. It’s about robbing people of the homes they’ve built their lives around. It’s about stealing memories, safety, and dignity.”

    If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of this or a similar scheme, report it to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office online or by calling 602-542-5763.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘An entire community effort’: These Tennessee brothers saved their childhood home from a catastrophic storm with a DIY 6-foot levee — how to flood-proof your home on a budget

    ‘An entire community effort’: These Tennessee brothers saved their childhood home from a catastrophic storm with a DIY 6-foot levee — how to flood-proof your home on a budget

    In Bogota, Tennessee, a local family came up with an ingenious way to protect their home from severe flooding — they built a DIY flood barrier over several decades.

    Justin and Tucker Humphrey weren’t engineers, but their late father had taught them how to build a levee.

    As nearly a foot of rain fell over Bogota in just three days, they would put that knowledge to the test.

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    With floodwaters threatening to swallow their childhood home, the Humphreys worked day and night to build an earthen barrier around their property, 3 acres of dirt moved with farm equipment.

    This barrier has proven successful in safeguarding their property during recent storms.

    In early April, Tennessee experienced a series of intense storms, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches of rain. The resulting floodwaters overwhelmed many regions, but the Bogota family’s home remained dry, thanks to their proactive measures.

    A community effort

    The levee, 6 feet tall at the front, rising to 9 and a half at the back to account for elevation, was completed just before the storm.

    The brothers maintained it by sandbagging plastic sheeting to protect the soil and patching weak spots and as floodwaters rose, neighbors delivered sandbags, tarps and gas for generators.

    "In no shape, form or fashion was it a two-man show," Justin Humphrey told FOX News.

    "It was, by far, an entire community effort.”

    Just 20 minutes north, Tiptonville closed its floodgates and hoped for the best.

    “This much rain in such a short period of time, we’ve never experienced that,” Mayor Cliff Berry Jr. told the Washington Post, “especially over such a wide area.”

    Tennessee is smack in the middle of a soggy stretch of the South where storms are only getting wetter and wilder. Fueled by warmer waters in the Gulf and Caribbean, they are dumping record-breaking rain and testing the state’s flood defences. In northeastern Tennessee, the Obion River breached a levee during the deluge.

    With such storms becoming the new normal, what should residents in these areas do to protect themselves and their homes?

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

    Budget-friendly ways to help flood-proof your home

    For homeowners looking to protect their properties, here are some key tips.

    Firstly, check to see if you live in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to be eligible to purchase flood insurance. In Tennessee there are 400 participating communities.

    You can set up products like water-filled flood tubes or inflatable barriers that can be used around your property to help prevent water from getting in during heavy rains or floods. These barriers are relatively affordable and easy to set up.

    Seal windows and doors by installing weather stripping around them, and use caulk to seal cracks where air or moisture can enter.

    Remember to raise electrical appliances and utilities above potential flood levels to help prevent water damage.​

    The City of Memphis also recommends that residents:

    • Keep curbs clear. Don’t leave trash bags, yard waste or garbage bins at the curb or near storm drains because they can potentially clog gutters and block water flow.
    • Do a drain check. Take a few minutes to clear leaves and debris from gutters and storm drains near your home.
    • Turn around. Never drive through standing water or near downed power lines or trees.
    • See something? Say something. Spot a blocked drain, flooded street or fallen tree? Call 311 (Memphis also has 311 app) to report it and help keep your neighborhood safe.
    • Practice power safety. Only operate a generator outdoors, in well-ventilated spaces and at least 30 feet from your home or garage to avoid potentially deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

    In flood-prone areas, it’s critical to use flood-resistant materials like concrete, stone and pressure-treated wood for construction. The NFIP provides guidance on flood-resistant materials.

    Consider consulting with a local floodplain administrator or a certified floodplain surveyor who can provide tailored recommendations to your specific location and circumstances.

    The storms are coming, being prepared can help you safeguard your property.

    What to read next

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

  • Big Apple bites back? Rosie O’Donnell sells luxe NYC penthouse — eating a $3.35 million loss to settle in Ireland. How to make a lifestyle change without sacrificing your financial security

    Big Apple bites back? Rosie O’Donnell sells luxe NYC penthouse — eating a $3.35 million loss to settle in Ireland. How to make a lifestyle change without sacrificing your financial security

    Talk show titan Rosie O’Donnell has officially closed the chapter on her Manhattan real estate — and it’s a costly goodbye.

    According to the New York Post, the comedian just sold her glitzy Midtown East penthouse triplex for $4.75 million, swallowing a jaw-dropping $3.25 million loss from the $8 million she paid in 2017.

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    The listing in the upscale Sterling Plaza lingered on the market before finally finding a buyer on April 23, according to city records. The new owner is a shell company named Sky Space LLC.

    Despite the building’s luxe features, including a 24-hour doorman, live-in super and a panoramic rooftop terrace, the property was a tough sell.

    ‘I was never someone who thought I would move …’

    From the Big Apple penthouse to the Emerald Isle retreat, O’Donnell is closing one door and opening another, even if it came with a multimillion-dollar price tag.

    With four bedrooms, three baths, a glass-wrapped dining room with East River views, a two-person sauna, six walk-in closets and a Guggenheim-esque spiral staircase leading to a 1,620-square-foot rooftop deck, the 3,381-square-foot space was nothing short of high-end.

    But even with all the bells and whistles, the market didn’t bite at the original value.

    Caroline Bass of Corcoran held the listing but declined to comment via a brokerage spokesperson.

    The timing of the sale comes as O’Donnell, 63, leaves the U.S. behind and starts anew in Ireland with her 12-year-old child. The Emmy winner confirmed the move in a heartfelt TikTok video.

    “I was never someone who thought I would move to another country,” she told fans. “That’s what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child. And here we are.”

    She cited the political climate in the U.S. as a driving factor for the move, seeking a safer environment and equal rights. O’Donnell is in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship due to her grandparents’ origins.

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

    Tips for making a big move

    If you’re planning on selling due to a life change, like divorce, health crisis or retirement, you’ll want to keep in mind some strategic planning and have a clear-eyed approach.

    In the U.S., specialists now cater specifically to homeowners navigating these transitions. And if you’re facing a major lifestyle change, leaning on this support can make all the difference, not just for your peace of mind, but for your bottom line.

    You could start with a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTS). These pros guide homeowners through major life shifts, especially older adults downsizing or moving to senior living. Beyond the logistics of packing and coordinating moves, CRTS experts offer emotional support.

    Need help figuring out where to go next? A retirement housing navigator might be your best asset. These specialists help older adults evaluate future housing options, from retirement communities to aging-in-place strategies, and they streamline the selection process to make things easier.

    Don’t forget about your real estate agent. Choose someone with relocation experience who understands how to price your home and can help you find a property that suits your new lifestyle. They should know how to position your listing for maximum appeal in today’s market and help you avoid common seller pitfalls.

    Before listing, you should consider a pre-listing home inspection. Finding any issues early means you can make repairs before buyers enter the picture so you can potentially avoid price negotiations later and boost your home’s appeal from day one.

    First impressions matter, and that’s where staging comes in. Decluttering and depersonalizing your home helps to create a vision for buyers to see themselves in your space. Staging can shorten its time on the market and even drive up offers.

    Selling a home can unlock significant equity, but it’s not all profit. You’ll face costs like agent commissions, taxes and new-home purchase expenses. That’s why consulting a financial advisor is critical. They can help you map out the short-term impact and ensure your long-term goals remain intact.

    Big life changes like O’Donnell’s can be stressful, but selling your home doesn’t have to be chaotic or costly. With the right professionals, a clear strategy and a firm grip on the numbers, you can turn a challenging transition into a smart financial move.

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

  • Suze Orman says all retirees now need to have a five-year ‘just-in-case’ fund — in cash. But is this a realistic (or reasonable) goal for most Americans?

    Suze Orman says all retirees now need to have a five-year ‘just-in-case’ fund — in cash. But is this a realistic (or reasonable) goal for most Americans?

    If you’re heading into your golden years without a sizable "just-in-case" fund, you could be walking a financial tightrope without a safety net.

    Suze Orman expressed this concern during a recent episode of her Women & Money podcast. The personal finance expert believes seniors should save enough money to cover three-to-five years’ worth of living expenses in liquid accounts that are shielded from stock market turbulence and can be easily cashed out without having to sell any assets.

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    Her reasons for exercising such caution are simple: Orman warns that when the stock market crashes, recovery isn’t always swift. In fact, it can take years for the market to rebound. For retirees who rely on investments to cover their monthly bills, a downturn could force them to sell at a steep loss just to survive.

    “It’s not always that stocks go down and bonds go up, or bonds go down and therefore stocks go up,” Orman said on the podcast. “Sometimes everything can go down.”

    Orman’s just-in-case fund is a strategy that, on paper, screams financial wisdom. But is it realistic for the average American?

    Orman’s ideal cushion is out of reach for many

    According to the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the average retirement savings for American families is roughly $333,940.

    Diving deeper, households headed by those under 35 are looking at a median retirement savings of just $18,880, while the median for those aged 65–74 is about $200,000. That makes Orman’s ideal "cushion" out of reach for many typical Americans.

    The upside of Orman’s advice is clear: a five-year just-in-case fund provides a powerful buffer against market volatility, giving retirees the peace of mind that comes with not having to sell stocks in a slump. It’s a form of self-insurance that could save thousands in losses during bear markets and could help retirees with sleeping better at night.

    But the downsides are just as real. Building up three-to-five years’ worth of cash funds, which likely means saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, requires one to have a level of wealth that many Americans just don’t have.

    Plus, keeping so much cash on the sidelines comes with a hefty opportunity cost, since that money could be working harder in stocks or other investments with a higher yield.

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

    Balanced options for saving

    Since Orman’s ideal just-in-case fund seems to be out of reach for many Americans, it’s key to consider a more balanced, attainable approach to saving for retirement.

    First, try to figure out how much cash savings you want on hand — maybe one-to-two years’ worth of living expenses — as well as how much money you’ll need to save for retirement. Keep in mind that for many retirees, you don’t need to replace 100% of your pre-retirement income because once you stop working, some expenses disappear along with your commute.

    You no longer need to put money away for retirement because that’s already taken care of. And the daily costs tied to working — like gas, public transit, office attire and going out for lunch — often vanish when you call it a career. Furthermore, if you’ve paid off your mortgage by the time you retire, that’s another major bill off your plate.

    You can use the federal government’s retirement planner to help with crunching the numbers.

    Building a smaller emergency fund — which is basically the same thing as a just-in-case fund — in high-yield savings accounts or short-term bond funds can offer liquidity without locking up a large chunk of your nest egg.

    Another popular approach is the “retirement bucket strategy”. This is where you divide your savings into short-, mid-, and long-term buckets based on when you’ll need the money. This method lets you tap into safer investments early in retirement while giving riskier assets time to grow before you need them.

    Orman’s five-year just-in-case fund may be the gold standard for retirement security, but for many Americans it’s more of a dream than a realistic plan.

    But her underlying message is that retirees shouldn’t leave their retirement fate to the whims of the stock market. Whether it’s a five-year just-in-case fund or a scaled-back alternative, building a cash cushion could be the smartest move you make for your future self.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘My whole account is messed up’: Student loan chaos ensues, borrowers face soaring payments, uncertainty as repayment system unravels

    ‘My whole account is messed up’: Student loan chaos ensues, borrowers face soaring payments, uncertainty as repayment system unravels

    Student loan borrowers face steep increases in their monthly payments as court rulings and Department of Education staff cuts disrupt the repayment system.

    A February ruling from a federal appeals court expanded an existing injunction, blocking the Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which was one of four income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Its goal was to calculate monthly payment amounts based on income and family size.

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    As a result, millions of borrowers who rely on these repayment options are unsure if they will be able to manage their monthly payments, and their chances of achieving loan forgiveness are in jeopardy.

    To make matters worse, the Department of Education recently announced it would cut its workforce by nearly 50%, leaving many borrowers in the dark about their repayment options and unable to get support during this critical time.

    Looming deadlines, higher payments

    The court’s ruling specifically blocked the SAVE plan, one of four IDR plans designed to help borrowers manage their monthly payments based on income. This decision halted access to the program.

    Borrowers enrolled in SAVE are now stuck in forbearance, which pauses payments and sets interest rates to zero. However, time stuck in forbearance does not count toward loan forgiveness, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which many borrowers in nonprofit or government jobs rely on.

    The ruling also casts doubt on the legality of student loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years for borrowers enrolled in Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans. However, these two older plans remain accessible. The ruling did not block the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, another IDR option created in 2007, or PSLF, which remains available for some borrowers.

    Despite this, the Department of Education has stopped all IDR applications, including for the unaffected plans. As a result, borrowers cannot update their income or switch to alternative repayment plans, leading to delays and payment spikes. The inability to recertify income has become a major issue for those enrolled in ICR, IBR, and PAYE.

    Each year, borrowers must update their income with their loan service providers, which recalculates monthly payments. But since the Department of Education halted the application process, recertification is impossible. This has resulted in higher payments and, in some cases, triggered interest capitalization — meaning borrowers could owe even more in the long term.

    Some borrowers have been shocked by the increases in their monthly payments. According to Forbes, one PAYE borrower whose income recertification was delayed saw her payments jump from $600 per month to $3,400 under a Standard Repayment Plan. Others are being pushed into Graduated or Extended repayment plans, which are often unaffordable and usually don’t count toward forgiveness.

    “I’m supposed to recertify by the 10th, and my payments are going up by $1,000 in May,” one borrower shared on Reddit. “I wasn’t asked to recertify, and now my account shows I owe $2,411.11, due today.”

    Meanwhile, the Department of Education’s recent layoffs have left its borrower services division stretched thin, making it difficult to dispute issues or receive guidance on their repayment options. The Department of Education has also failed to update its guidance to reflect recent changes, forcing borrowers to navigate an increasingly complex and inaccessible system.

    As the Department of Education struggles to get its systems back on track, borrowers are left grappling with an uncertain future, rising payments and delays in forgiveness programs.

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

    How to tackle rising student loan payments

    With the student loan landscape in flux, managing repayments can feel like navigating a maze. However, there are steps borrowers can take to stay on track and protect their finances during these uncertain times.

    If you’ve been relying on an IDR plan like the Biden-era SAVE plan, you may have already noticed disruptions.

    First, if your loan repayment schedule changes, contact your loan servicer immediately to understand your options.

    While the future of these plans is in limbo, it’s important to explore alternative repayment options. Standard, Graduated and Extended repayment plans may offer some relief if your income-driven plan is no longer available. Stay informed by regularly checking official Department of Education updates and trusted financial news sources.

    Prepare for potential increases by adjusting your budget. With a larger portion of your income going toward loan payments, you may need to cut back on discretionary spending to prioritize essentials like housing, utilities and transportation.

    Although financial experts typically recommend setting aside at least 15% of your annual income for retirement, higher student loan payments may make that seem out of reach. If saving for retirement or an emergency fund feels out of reach, consider starting with small contributions to maintain financial stability.

    Some borrowers may consider loan consolidation or refinancing or private student loans to secure a lower interest rate or more manageable payments. However, refinancing federal loans may result in the loss of key benefits, such as IDR options or student loan forgiveness, which could prove costly down the line.

    If you’re struggling to make payments, explore available loan forgiveness programs, but be sure to review their strict eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, a group of Democratic attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the sudden firing of half the Department of Education’s workforce is unlawful.

    As legal battles and administrative uncertainty continue, millions of borrowers remain in limbo.

    What to read next

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