Author: Jessica Wong

The iconic Astoria house from The Goonies that sparked countless childhood adventures is getting a treasure-worthy makeover — nearly 40 years after the film first hit theaters, it’s being restored to its full 1985 glory.

“The whole house top-to-bottom, back to the way it was in the movie,” James Pearse Connelly, the Emmy-winning designer leading the restoration, told FOX 12 Oregon.

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When the current homeowner approached Connelly in 2023 about restoring the property in Astoria, Connelly jumped at the opportunity.

“The moment you hear, ‘Hey, I own the Goonies house, I’m trying to restore it back to the way it was in the movie,’ it was like a no-brainer,” Connelly said.

Goonies never say die!

With Steven Spielberg’s legacy looming over the project, the pressure is on. Connelly has been obsessively studying the cult classic, breaking it down scene by scene and drafting blueprints for every inch of the 1896 home.

The project is both a passion and an architectural challenge. Connelly must bring the house up to 2025 code without disrupting the beloved chaos of the Walsh family’s hideout in the Goondocks.

While the interior remains off-limits, the exterior is already getting a facelift with fresh paint and restored wood. After all, this is the home base for the search for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure.

“It’s a group of friends that all gather in the central living room,” Connelly explained to Fox 12 Oregon. “And you get introduced to them in this house that is so relatable.”

He’s been diving deep into the film’s production history, even reaching out to the original designers — including J. Michael Riva, Linda DeScenna and Rick Carter — to ensure every detail is just right.

“I am calling the people who made the movie. I am asking them where they shopped, why they made those decisions,” he said. “There are some super duper fans of this project. Not only that, but Steven Spielberg made this movie. Whenever we show the final inside, to whoever sees this … It’s got to be right.”

Goonies devotees from as far as the U.K. and Brazil have sent in ideas and replica props, but Connelly is trying to keep it local when possible, sourcing period-appropriate details locally, including finds from Astoria Vintage Hardware.

And what would a Goonies house be without some nautical flair?

“So … everywhere in the house is like, nautical stuff. Everywhere,” Connelly said. “Of course, we live in Astoria. But now we have other areas of the house to detail out that’s not in the movie.”

With the 40th anniversary of The Goonies approaching on June 7, Connelly and his team are racing against the clock to finish the project.

“Astoria is a huge character in the movie,” he tells FOX 12 Oregon, standing in front of the iconic home. “They made this space for the Walshes. They told this story about Astoria. And as you dig into the details, it’s not just about Astoria, it’s about being a Goonie and what being a Goonie means.”

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You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?

From Cleveland to Winnetka, Illinois famous movie homes are being restored, renovated and re-listed — proving that nostalgia is good business. The Goonies house is part of a growing trend where iconic movie and TV homes are being revived and monetized, blending nostalgia with real estate savvy.

Kevin’s booby-trapped playground from Home Alone hit the market in May 2024, fully renovated and asking a cool $5.25 million.

The owners, who bought the Georgian-style home in 2012 for $1.585 million, gave it a modern luxury facelift — high-end kitchen, home theater and indoor sports court — while keeping the iconic staircase for dramatic Macaulay Culkin entrances.

The house eventually sold for $5.5 million — $250,000 over asking price. While the large size and luxury amenities helped, the nostalgic value was a key driver of the sale.

The home featured in A Christmas Story has been turned into a full-fledged museum. Bought on eBay in 2004 for $150,000, Ralphie’s Ohio house was restored to match the movie — right down to the leg lamp in the front window. (It’s a major award!)

After a $240,000 renovation, it’s now open for tours and even overnight stays. This means that yes, you can sleep where Ralphie dreamed of his Red Ryder BB gun.

Airbnb has also turned the famously spooky Beetlejuice house into an immersive stay. The experience was full-on with fog machines, creepy decor, and even the Winter River model in the attic.

It’s showtime!

Airbnb’s trend of creating pop culture-themed stays shows how fandom can drive profits, with Airbnb guests willing to pay a premium for the chance to stay in a famous place.

Iconic homes tied to movies and TV shows often come with what’s called a “celebrity premium,” meaning they can command prices well above market expectations. For homes like the one featured in Home Alone, this nostalgia factor translates into higher sales prices or rental rates, especially in markets where real estate is a luxury game.

Turning these homes into branded destinations is another way to generate income. Properties like the Beetlejuice house and A Christmas Story house have found new life as tourist attractions, showing how movie homes can be money-making enterprises beyond just real estate without shooting one’s eye out.

Investing in these cult-favorite houses isn’t just for diehard fans — it can also be a savvy business move. Whether buying, renting or creating a unique experience, these homes show that nostalgia can be transformed into real financial returns.

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

If your grocery bill feels like it’s been getting out of hand lately, you’re certainly not alone — especially if you live in Nevada.

A recent LendingTree analysis of USDA and U.S. Census data shows that Nevada households now spend an average of $10,390 annually on groceries. That’s more than $2,000 more than the national average of $8,167, and food inflation isn’t helping.

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Nevada spends the fourth-highest amount on groceries, behind only Utah, Alaska and Hawaii.

Nevada and Utah also spend the second highest share of household income on groceries (10.1%), behind only Idaho (10.4%).

Kitchen staples like mini sweet peppers have sky-rocketed in price by as much as 99% in some instances, while the price of avocados rose by up to 75%, forcing families to rethink their entire approach to grocery shopping.

Here’s how Nevada families are adapting.

Shoppers feeling the sting of higher prices

According to the analysis, grocery bills are a whopping 27% higher in Nevada than the national average, so shoppers are second-guessing what they pick up at the store.

"There’s a lot of stuff that I don’t buy anymore because I won’t pay for it. Like chips, I don’t buy chips anymore," Anna Marie Hyatt, a Las Vegas resident told KTNV ABC 13 News. "I am not going to spend 6 bucks on a bag of chips. "

While shopping at her local Smith’s near Desert Inn and Decatur, Hyatt told ABC 13 News that she and her husband hit the grocery store weekly, but lately, each trip feels more painful. Like many Nevadans, she’s watching prices climb higher with every checkout total.

"Up, up, up, it’s about all I could say, it’s up," said Hyatt. "Whoever has the cheapest price, that’s where I am going to buy it," she said.

According to LendingTree’s analysis, organic groceries continue to carry a hefty premium, with half of them costing shoppers more than 50% more on average compared to their conventional counterparts.

In some cases, such as with iceberg lettuce and Brussels sprouts, shoppers are paying more than double the average price.

Roughly one in four organic items reviewed in the study cost at least 75% more. But the overall price increases of organic versus conventional groceries were similar year over year, at 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

When you consider that American households are spending an average of 7.4% of their household income on groceries, according to LendingTree, every dollar counts.

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Nevadans tighten grocery budgets, but at what cost?

With high food prices, families are stretching every dollar they can.

To cut costs, many households are buying in bulk, trading brand names for generics and planning meals with military-like precision.

Store apps and loyalty programs are also getting a workout as shoppers hunt for deals. And with more of the paycheck going to groceries, non-essentials like dining out, streaming subscriptions and even weekend getaways are on the chopping block.

But for some, trimming the budget isn’t enough. Some short-term survival tactics may be keeping fridges full, but they’re also setting the stage for serious financial consequences down the line.

According to a study by Urban Institute, about six in 10 adult shoppers are swiping credit cards at the grocery store just to get through the week — and 20% aren’t paying off the full balance.

That temporary relief can come at a steep price if balances begin to snowball. The average credit card APR is now hovering around 21.37%, making any unpaid groceries a costly burden in the months to come.

Emergency funds are also being drained. What used to be a safety net for surprise car repairs or medical bills is now being used for milk, eggs and gas. Once that cushion is gone, families are just one unexpected expense away from what could be a major financial blow.

The squeeze could be forcing some folks to hit pause on major life goals. Homeownership, for instance, is getting further out of reach, as more than eight in 10 Nevada households wouldn’t be able to afford the median home price in the current market, according to Nevada Housing Now.

However, emergency rental aid is available through local and state initiatives and nonprofits like Three Square and Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada are expanding food assistance programs in the state. The nations SNAP program could also help more Americans put food on the table if policymakers broaden eligibility for benefits.

The challenge for Nevadans, and other shoppers struggling with grocery prices, is to survive today’s high prices without sacrificing tomorrow’s financial health.

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

Chicago-area resident Mark Aiello hit the jackpot with a $389,000 March Madness win on BetMGM, only to have his dreams dashed when the payout vanished.

Aiello, a military vet and dad from Roselle, Illinois, placed $2,000 in bets that turned into a life-changing amount of almost $400,000.

But when he checked the app after the game, Aiello was devastated to see his bets were gone.

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"I looked at my BetMGM app, and I noticed that it looked weird," Aiello told CBS News Chicago, "like all of the bets were grayed out."

Aiello’s huge win turned into an even bigger headache for the suburban dad, and now he’s warning others to be careful when it comes to sports betting apps.

This has happened to other people

The American Gaming Association has predicted a jaw-dropping $3.1 billion in bets this year on men’s and women’s college basketball, so it’s safe to say there was a lot of money on the line.

In Aiello’s case, he thought he was about to score big during a March 2 Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers game.

He placed four $500 bets on specific player rebounds and assists, hoping that a mix of six outcomes would land in his favor.

"350 to 1 is definitely like hard odds to hit, so it’s unlikely," Aiello said. "Once the game was over, I was just, my heart was racing. I was incredibly excited."

But Aiello’s bets were canceled right before tipoff as if he had never gambled at all, leaving him with no winnings.

"It’s discouraging," he said. "It’s confusing and it makes you angry."

Aiello’s situation isn’t an isolated one.

Kris Benton from Virginia experienced something eerily similar in 2023.

Benton had placed a massive $214,000 bet through BetMGM, only to see his payout voided hours later.

"They just kept, you know, spamming me with their terms and conditions about the ‘obvious errors’ clause," Benton told CBS News.

In both cases, BetMGM sent the same message: “These wagers were voided due to an obvious error.” The reason? “Obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds per the house rules.”

But Aiello was baffled, since he says at least one of his bets had been reviewed by a BetMGM trader before being approved.

"They took a look and said, yes, this is good to go, and then they didn’t cancel them for seven hours," Aiello said. "So I’m wondering where the obvious error was."

Both Aiello and Benton say they never got a clear answer on what the correct odds should have been.

Benton went public with his story, speaking to Washington, D.C. CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, and just weeks later, a BetMGM lawyer reached out to him with an unexpected offer: the company would pay out his bets in full.

BetMGM didn’t provide a clear response when CBS News Chicago reached out, but they did confirm they submitted a report to regulators about Aiello’s complaint.

So, how do you ensure you’re not caught in the same unfortunate situation as Aiello?

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

How to protect your winnings

Since sports betting and online gambling are regulated state-by-state, it’s critical that you navigate the rules and pick the right platform to protect your bets. Here are some best practices to follow:

Always use a licensed betting platform

Licensed sports betting apps are regulated by state authorities and must adhere to strict rules around fairness, transparency and accountability. States like New Jersey, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board, have their own agencies that oversee gambling to make sure the platforms are legitimate.

Keep records of everything

This includes screenshots of your bets, transaction logs and confirmation emails for deposits or withdrawals. Most reputable platforms let you access your transaction history anytime. If things go sideways, this history is crucial for sorting things out. And, don’t forget to document any conversations with customer support.

Prioritize security

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account, use strong passwords and consider a password manager to keep your information secure. Stick to trusted payment methods like PayPal, bank transfers or credit cards, which typically offer fraud protection.

Understand the legal landscape

Sports betting is legal in almost 40 states, but the rules can vary. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan have embraced it, but be sure to check the regulations in your state, such as age limits or tax implications, before you bet.

Always gamble responsibly

Many betting platforms offer self-exclusion or deposit limit features. If you feel like you’re losing control, these can help you manage your activity. For anyone struggling, there are resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling to lend a hand.

The excitement of a big win can quickly turn into frustration, and in some cases, like for Aiello, disappointment. So, it’s best to be careful where you put your money.

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

Imagine breathing a little easier this tax season, not because you’ve filed on time, but because the IRS has handed you an unexpected extension.

Recently, the IRS rolled out a major tax filing and payment extension, but only for one specific state.

The move came after the state was declared a disaster zone by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the wake of intense and damaging severe weather.

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But here’s the twist: the extension isn’t just for folks hit hard by natural disasters. It’s a statewide reprieve.

FEMA unlocked a set of emergency relief, including a tax break

The state in question is Tennessee, and if you are a resident in any of its 95 counties, you’re able to take advantage of the extended deadline.

Recent storms have battered parts of the Southeast, bringing powerful winds, flooding and tornadoes that disrupted homes, businesses and infrastructure. In response, FEMA declared the entire state a disaster zone, unlocking a broad set of emergency relief options, including this tax extension.

Now, all individuals and businesses in the state, regardless of whether they were personally impacted or not, have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file their federal returns and make any payments due. That’s more than half a year past the typical April 15 deadline.

According to the IRS, this relief is automatic and applies to all counties in the state.

Even if you’ve already filed, the payment extension still applies.

And, it’s not just Tennesseans who benefit. If you live outside the state but either work in Tennessee or do business there, you’re in the clear for the extended deadline too.

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

Important details about the tax extension

Here’s what you need to know about the tax extension for Tennessee:

• Tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals, businesses and certain tax-exempt organizations have been pushed to Nov. 3, 2025.

• Estimated tax payments (typically due April 15, June 16, Sept, 15) are also delayed.

• Individual retirement account (IRA) and health savings account (HSA) contribution deadlines are extended as well, giving you extra time to maximize retirement and health savings for the 2024 tax year.

• Business tax filings, including payroll and excise taxes, are covered in most cases.

• If you were directly impacted by the storms, such as losing your home or being displaced, you may be eligible for additional relief beyond the blanket extension.

The IRS encourages those with unique circumstances to reach out directly, though you may need to be patient due to staffing shortages contributing to delays.

Tips for filing your taxes

Don’t forget about your taxes. Just because you may have more time doesn’t mean you should put off filing indefinitely. If you’re affected by the extension, set a calendar reminder to revisit your taxes in the summer.

Remember to talk to a tax professional. If you were impacted by severe weather or need clarity, a tax professional can help you interpret what’s covered and what’s not.

Hang onto all of your documentation. If you do apply for further relief, keep records of storm-related damage, expenses or displacement that may support your case.

Check state deadlines. While the IRS has granted federal relief, state tax deadlines may differ. Be sure to check with your state’s revenue department for updates.

Whether you’re dealing with storm recovery or just grateful for a little breathing room, this unexpected extension could make a big difference.

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

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.

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

An Eastpointe, Michigan, woman is sharing her story of being defrauded for thousands of dollars, hoping to help others avoid the same devastating experience.

Destiny Smith, a single mother in desperate need of a home, thought she had found the perfect place on Facebook. But it turns out the property was already occupied, and she had lost her deposit money in a scam.

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"I really wanted to pass out," she told Local 4 Detroit News in a story published March 21. "I was just, like, ‘No way I’ve just been scammed.’"

Here are the details behind Smith’s story, plus a few tips to avoid rental scams.

Scammers use fake listing

Smith’s ordeal started when she saw what seemed like the ideal rental property. The ad featured a video showcasing what appeared to be an updated interior, and it seemed too good to pass up.

Rental scammers often prey on people who are looking for immediate housing, especially those who are vulnerable, including single parents like Smith and seniors. They promote fake listings on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist and ask for immediate cash deposits to lock in a deal.

Smith agreed to hand over a $2,500 security deposit, according to the local broadcaster, and she was handed a set of keys. Things took a strange turn when she arrived at the property.

“[There] was a white truck in the driveway, so I was, like, OK, maybe this is the guy that was coming to fix the stuff I requested,” Smith explained.

But when she asked the man what he was doing there, she was shocked to find out he was there to change the locks. That’s when Smith realized she had been the victim of a scam.

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 to avoid rental fraud

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from rental and housing scams:

• When looking for listings, stick to well-known platforms that have verification processes and user reviews.
• Beware of listings with lower-than-normal prices. If it looks too good to be true, it may very well be.
• Always check out a property in person before making any commitments. Don’t settle for a video tour. It’s a red flag if the landlord won’t allow you to visit.
• Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay through unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.
• Do your research on listings and look up the address to spot potential duplicate listings or inconsistencies.
• You may also be able to verify property ownership by checking local records to ensure a landlord’s legitimacy.

Most of all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s best not to ignore it. Performing due diligence is always a good thing when it comes to finding a new home.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a rental scam, authorities urge you to file a police report and provide as much evidence as possible to help with any investigation.

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

Four generations under one roof might sound chaotic, but for this family, it’s become the key to saving money and staying connected in a time of rising costs.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Lowe family is proving that living together isn’t just about togetherness, it’s also a smart financial move.

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It’s a full house — and a growing trend. According to Pew Research, 18% of Americans now live in multigenerational households, a number that’s been climbing as rent and mortgage prices soar.

For the Lowes, this setup isn’t just practical, it’s necessary. With U.S. rent averaging over $1,700 a month and the median mortgage payments Americans are applying for reaching $2,205, sharing housing is helping them all stretch their dollars.

The pros outweigh the cons

Gema Lowe shares her home with her 84-year-old mother, her daughter Jade and Jade’s three kids.

"I’m blessed to be able to have my mom with me, my daughters with me and my grandbabies with me," Lowe told Good Morning America.

Jade, 29, pays her mom a portion of the rent instead of footing an entire mortgage on her own. The rest of the family chips in to split utilities, groceries and other expenses.

"It allowed me to still live my best life in my 20s,” Jade told GMA. “It allowed me to honestly just be happy and not have to worry about those extra expenses. I get to keep it, and I get to put it in my savings. It means everything, honestly."

The benefits go beyond just financial advantages. Gema helps with school pickups and childcare, giving Jade the kind of backup most working parents dream of.

Of course, sharing a home with six people of different ages can come with challenges.

"There’s a lot going on in the household. And sometimes, you know, I want things my way," Lowe said. "And then… I have to think about, ‘Oh, but maybe it’s not what they would like.’”

But according to the Lowes, the pros outweigh the cons. Family dinners are the norm, the kids grow up surrounded by love and wisdom from every generation and everyone saves on rent, childcare, food and even emotional labor.

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It’s not just about saving

As housing costs soar and inflation stretches budgets, more Americans are turning to shared living across generations as a smart financial move.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 6 million households in the U.S. included three or more generations living under one roof in 2020, up from 5.1 million 10 years prior.

Why? The answer’s simple: money.

In a 2021 Pew Research survey, half of lower-income adults said they chose this setup to ease at least a little bit of financial pressure. Even for middle- and upper-income families, multigenerational living can offer savings on everything from rent and mortgage payments to groceries and utilities.

Americans in these households are slightly less likely to live in poverty, with only 10% still considered poor versus 12% for the general population.

But it’s not just about pinching pennies. Shared living can often include other big perks. Think built-in child care, elder care and emotional support. Grandparents help with school pickups, parents share bills, kids grow up surrounded by extended family and everyone benefits from a little extra help.

Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. Space can get tight and disagreements happen. If you’re considering sharing living space with your extended family, set clear expectations, communicate often and remember the bigger picture.

As Jade Lowe told GMA, “It’s a blessing to be able to still live at home with my mom, to be able to see my grandma on a day to day [basis], to be able to put my kids and my grandma under one roof where they have such a great relationship."

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With rent prices soaring and longtime residents being forced out, Rockville, Maryland tenants are demanding urgent action from city leaders to stabilize housing costs before their community becomes unrecognizable.

Renters, who make up 50% of Rockville’s population, have shared their frustration with 7News about how increasing rents are driving long-time residents out of the community.

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“Rent stabilization is incredibly important at this moment,” said Grant Samms, head of the Reed Tenant Association. “The neighbors that I’m surrounded by are quite different than the neighbors that I had two years ago … watching people move out of my apartment, watching them get evicted in many cases.”

In July 2024, Montgomery County implemented a 6% ceiling on rent increases, providing relief to renters. However, Rockville has its own housing authority, making it exempt from this law. As a result, residents are now pushing for rent control measures to be extended to Rockville as well.

“When rents go up that high, people have to move out,” Samms added. “These are teachers. These are firefighters. These are EMS. That erodes the stability of our community.”

‘Outrageous rent increases’ hard on seniors

For many Rockville residents, these rent hikes have become unbearable.

Chris Madden, the leader of the Huntington Tenant Association, expressed concern for seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, who are struggling to keep up with the steep increases.

“I hate to see my neighbors have to leave this great community because of these outrageous rent increases,” Madden told ABC 7 News. “For seniors, especially, it’s very hard because they’re on a fixed income and moving is very difficult.

“This neighborhood, specifically, this apartment complex has seen up to a 30% increase.”

Renters like Madden say such steep hikes are forcing people to leave. As of March 14, 13,000 federal workers and contractors in the DMV area had filed for unemployment, adding to the financial strain for many Rockville residents.

“We have had renters here who are federal workers that are currently feeling a lot of uncertainty with the layoffs,” he said. “They need some semblance of certainty, at least about where they live.”

One of the residents’ biggest concerns is the potential impact of rising rents on the area’s diversity.

“I am concerned about what this means for diversity in the area,” Adams said. “This is one of my biggest concerns as someone who has seen minority communities get pushed out because of high rent prices.”

7News spoke with Councilmember Zola Shaw, who has expressed support for the tenants’ push for rent control.

“I think that my constituents are doing a great job talking to them directly and coming to City Hall,” Shaw said. “We’ve had hundreds of renters, landlords — all types of residents — coming and sharing their story. It’s time for Rockville to have the same equal protections as the majority of our housing market.”

As the pressure grows on city leaders, Rockville residents continue to demand protections that will help maintain the stability of their community and ensure affordable housing options.

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Pros and cons of rent control

Rent control policies, like those that the Rockville tenants are pushing for, can make housing more affordable and provide more stability for tenants.

The benefits of rent control include predictable rent increases and allowing tenants to budget effectively. It also helps increase affordability for low- and moderate-income earners by making keeping units accessible.

However, there are also potential impacts on rental prices and the broader housing market.

One challenge of rent caps is that they put a burden on landlords, potentially reducing their ability to provide upgrades or repairs. As a result, while tenants’ rental costs are protected, buildings may suffer from deferred maintenance.

Rent control could also shrink the rental market if landlords decide to convert units into non-rental properties or withdraw them from the market altogether.

Additionally, rent control policies can create a gap between capped and unregulated units, driving up rents in the non-capped segment when demand shifts to those properties.

When implementing rent control policies, policymakers must weigh the pros and cons to strike a balance between protecting tenants and maintaining a healthy housing market.

As for Rockville, the call for rent stabilization has gathered significant support, with many residents urging the City Council to act.

“The city council of Rockville desperately needs to consider and pass this legislation,” Samms said.

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A sharp-eyed store clerk and a well-timed police visit saved a local woman from losing $4,000 to a Bitcoin scam in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

The woman was stopped when the Cumberland Farms employee flagged the situation to a nearby detective, who intervened just as she was about to finalize the transaction.

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Crypto scams like this are on the rise, and because Bitcoin is nearly impossible to trace, it makes it a go-to for fraudsters.

So, how did she get tricked, and what can you look out for with similar scams?

Eagle-eyed clerk saves woman from fraud

According to the report by WWLP, the incident occurred when a detective entered the Cumberland Farms store and was alerted by a clerk who suspected the woman was being scammed.

The woman explained that she’d been on the phone with a man who instructed her to withdraw $4,000 from her bank and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine inside the store. The scammer had told her to tell anyone who questioned her that the money was for a trip.

The detective intervened just as the woman attempted to create a PIN on the machine. He advised her not to proceed, effectively preventing the scam. The South Hadley Police Department commended the store clerk for their vigilance and quick action in alerting authorities.

If the transaction had gone through, once funds had landed in the scammer’s wallet, it would have been nearly impossible to retrieve them thanks to the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), once a deposit is made, these ill-gotten gains are often moved quickly to accounts overseas, making recovery extremely difficult.

This incident highlights the growing trend of cryptocurrency scams, where fraudsters exploit the anonymity of digital currencies to scam victims. Which is why it’s even more important these days to stay vigilant and exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments.

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Crypto scams are everywhere: top red flags to look out for

Cryptocurrency might be an exciting investment for some, but it also gives fraudsters opportunities to scam unsuspecting people. The red flags are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Let’s break it down.

First: No legitimate company, government agency, or job will ever ask you to pay them in cryptocurrency.

If someone’s demanding you send Bitcoin or any other coin to “protect your account” or “finalize a purchase,” be suspicious. And those crypto “job offers” online? If they ask you to pay to apply or start working, be wary. Real jobs pay you, not the other way around.

If someone promises big returns or “easy money” with zero risk, especially in crypto, walk away. Whether it’s an “investment manager,” a fake celebrity endorsement, or a new mystery token, if it sounds too good to be true, it typically is. Real investing comes with risk, and nobody can guarantee profits.

Do your research. You can use a legitimate resource like Investor.gov to verify that the individual or firm is licensed/registered. You can also check websites like the RED LIST where you’ll find entities not listed with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

A common thread with most of the crypto scams is that the fraudster will use high-pressure tactics to push you to make quick decisions. A legitimate investment opportunity would allow you to take your time to do your research and carefully consider.

Online romance scams are another way people are getting defrauded. They’ve evolved to where they’re asking you to “invest” in crypto together. If your new online crush is giving you financial advice or asking for cash, it’s most likely fraud.

Crypto scammers are great actors. They’ll pretend to be Amazon, your bank, the IRS, or even your local utility company. They’ll say there’s fraud, a legal issue, or an emergency, but the “solution” always involves sending crypto to some wallet they control. Sometimes they’ll stay on the phone and walk you through it, like the case at Cumberland Farms.

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to fraud, report it to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the CFTC and your local law enforcement.

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