Author: Monique Danao

Imagine being told you have just five days to leave your home — with nowhere to go and no plan for what comes next.

That was the nightmarish reality for residents of The Vault apartment complex in Statesboro, Georgia. City inspectors deemed the buildings “dangerous to the life, health, property and safety of the occupants,” and demanded a repair plan within 10 days, according to WJCL News. Tenants found eviction notices taped to their doors on April 7 saying units must be vacated by April 11.

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"Basically saying that we need to move out by Friday. By the end of the business day," Tamia Allen told the local broadcaster.

Here’s what residents have to say about the state of the complex, and what tenants should know about their rights.

A horrendous state of disrepair

A decade-long resident of the complex, Duston Bowen says he’s spent the last four years begging management to make repairs.

"This right here. You can just squeeze and just peel it off. It’s just it’s not even on. There’s a hole that goes up underneath it right now that’s just rotted out," he said while pointing out damages on the outside of his unit. Shots of the inside showed further damage, such as peeling on the ceiling and mold.

Bowen says calls to fix the unit have been ignored.

"I’ve told them about so many things; I’ve actually given up," he 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

Other residents have complaints of their own.

"When I opened the closet, an army of roaches crawled out," Walter Robinson told WJCL News.

On top of living in these conditions, hundreds of residents were suddenly left scrambling to find a new home within a matter of days.

What tenants can do

Many states have tenant protection laws about the living conditions of rental properties. Georgia has the Safe at Home Act, signed into law last year, which requires rental properties for new or renewed leases to be fit for habitation and free of safety risks. If a landlord fails to comply, tenants can file complaints with local housing authorities. Landlords may also be open to legal challenges.

If you feel your rights as a tenant have been violated, you can take certain actions. First, document everything (photos, videos) and keep a record of any written complaints. You can also reach out to tenant advocacy groups or even an attorney for support. Explore rental assistance programs in your area if necessary.

According to WJCL News, a number of local groups have offered former residents of The Vault assistance. For example, the nearby Georgia Southern University has offered students additional resources. Statesboro Pediatrics and Family Healthcare Center, a local clinic, has offered some free services in April. Christian Social Ministries has offered food and supplies.

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

As IRS employees in Kansas City rallied outside their workplace to protest layoffs that could delay tax refunds for millions of Americans, they argued that job cuts could disrupt operations at a critical point in the filing season.

Members of Chapter 66 of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) gathered at the IRS processing center on April 15, Tax Day, admitting the strain of filling the workforce gaps of those laid off.

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“We’re working seven days a week in this building to process returns so American people can get their refunds. It’s going to impact that because we’re hearing that any day now, they’re going to start reducing more people forcefully from the building,” said Chapter 66 NTEU Chapter President Shannon Ellis to Fox 4.

The heavier workload that current IRS employees are experiencing is a direct result of the Trump administration’s government efficiency initiative, which involves mass layoffs.

Those layoffs will trickle down to Americans at the most inopportune time: tax season.

Concerns over refund delays

In the aftermath of recent layoffs, the IRS has experienced a 25% reduction in its workforce.

As of April 11, the agency had processed 116.3 million returns, down 1.5% from 118.1 million processed by the same time last year, according to IRS data.

While processing volumes remain relatively steady, union leaders warn that continued layoffs could worsen backlogs and delay refunds, especially when many Americans are increasingly reliant on those payments. Nearly half of taxpayers (49%) say they depend more on their tax refund to make ends meet in 2025, according to a Credit Karma survey

Among those receiving refunds, 41% plan to use the money for necessities, 35% to pay down debt, and 25% to build their savings.

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

Preparing for possible delays

Financial experts recommend that taxpayers prepare for potential refund delays by following a few easy steps:

• Develop a debt payoff plan: Review all outstanding debts and prioritize essential payments for housing, utilities and minimum credit card payments. As motivation to reduce debt, you can use strategies like the snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest interest rate first) method.
• Start an emergency fund: Aim to set aside a small portion of each paycheck into a separate savings account. Even if it’s as small as $10–$25, these contributions can build a crucial financial cushion to cover unexpected expenses if your refund is delayed.
• Track spending to identify savings opportunities: Monitor daily and monthly expenses to understand where your money goes. Look for nonessential costs, such as subscriptions, dining out or impulse buys that can be reduced or eliminated.

In the meantime, taxpayers can use Where’s My Refund?, a tool to determine the status of their refund.

Union officials said Monday’s rally was intended to advocate for employees and raise public awareness about the potential impacts of the cuts.

“So what we’re trying to do is show up and just remind the American people and the people in Washington that we are real people and there’s a proper way to reduce the size of government, and it’s not being used,” said Daniel Scharpenburg, NTEU Chapter 66 first vice president. “What’s being used is a slash-and-burn method that is not good for anyone.”

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

Even the most confident financial planner can question their future after a divorce.

But let’s say you’ve spent years as the primary breadwinner in your relationship, steadily building a comfortable retirement nest egg, only to lose both your life partner, along with $1.2 million following a costly divorce.

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Even if you’re debt-free, have no children and still have a cushy $2 million in retirement accounts and $500,000 in savings, you might still be reeling from what you’ve lost and find it hard to be sure of your financial security.

It gets even trickier if you still co-own a home with your ex — especially if you plan to stay there for the foreseeable future.

You may have enough saved for your next chapter on paper — but how do you know for sure? Here’s how to assess whether you’re truly ready to retire and start this new chapter all on your own.

How to evaluate your situation

Dividing up your assets and losing $1.2 million in a divorce isn’t just a blow to your net worth — it can completely reshape your financial future. Having the right strategy is key to retiring comfortably.

The first step is to take stock of your current financial picture. Start by assessing:

• Short-term liquidity: Do you have enough cash for emergencies and necessary expenses without dipping into long-term investments?
• Monthly expenses: How much are your monthly expenses, especially if you plan to retire soon?
• Housing decisions: If you still share property now that you’re no longer married, would buying out your ex make sense, or would selling and downsizing give you greater financial flexibility?

Next, consider your financial stability. Evaluate health care costs and the ideal time to claim Social Security for maximum benefits. The longer you wait, the better. According to the Social Security Administration, retirement benefits increase every month you delay claiming them until age 70.

When it comes to withdrawals, running multiple scenarios — the straightforward 4% rule and perhaps even testing a more aggressive 5% withdrawal — can help you determine if your savings can support your lifestyle. Suppose you have $2.5 million in retirement accounts and savings. A 5% annual withdrawal would give you $125,000 per year, or about $10,415 per month — well above the average retiree’s income. Even sticking to 4% would translate to $100,000 a year or about $8,333 a month.

For context, a survey by Northwestern Manual found that U.S. adults believe they need $1.46 million to retire. However, the average adult has only $88,400 saved for retirement, while baby boomers have an average of $120,300 saved for retirement currently.

With your financial foundation, you’re ahead of the curve — but to make your retirement more secure, you can continue rebuilding your finances in many ways.

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

Rebuilding your investment strategy

Rebuilding your finances after a divorce takes time — even if you have a solid amount saved. But not everyone will be fortunate enough to have $2.5 million to fall back on after a costly breakup.

However much you’re working with, start by reviewing your investments. To lower your risk, you may want to redistribute your portfolio, and diversify across different assets like stocks, bonds and savings accounts. Dividend stocks can provide regular income and improve your financial stability throughout retirement.

If you’re unsure about retirement, work a few more years to increase your savings. You can delay Social Security payments to increase your monthly benefits and get more income for the long haul.

You don’t have to stick with full-time work to stay financially secure. Part-time or freelance jobs can help bring in extra cash. You can even rent out part of your home or start a small side business to add new income streams.

A good tip is to consult a financial advisor even if the numbers say you’re in good shape. They can help you make smarter decisions about your savings, minimize taxes when withdrawing funds, and decide whether to keep or sell your home.

The right strategy will help you feel more confident about your financial future, allowing you to enjoy the retirement you deserve.

What to read next

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

Being in your mid-30s with mounting debt and no safety net can feel like you’re stuck in financial quicksand.

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, carrying $11,000 in debt and bringing in $3,800 a month — $3,000 from your main job and another $800 from side gigs — it can seem impossible to get ahead or build wealth.

But the truth is, you’re not alone, and recovery is possible.

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According to Experian, the average non-mortgage debt balance in the U.S. was $27,976 as of late 2024. While your $11,000 debt may feel like a giant obstacle — you can conquer it with a clear strategy.

Here are some steps you can take on the march toward financial freedom.

Build a budget and emergency fund

Build a budget that aligns with your financial reality. Even with an income of $3,800 a month, you can prepare a budget that supports your goals without making life miserable.

Try the 50/30/20 rule as a starting point:

• 50% of income goes to needs (housing, utilities and groceries)
• 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out and non-essentials)
• 20% to debt repayment and savings

In this case, $3,800/month breaks down to:

• $1,900 for needs
• $1,140 for wants
• $760 for savings or debt payoff

Depending on your area’s cost of living, you may want to adjust accordingly.

If debt is your most significant stressor, temporarily allocating income from the “wants” category to savings or debt payments could help you eliminate your balance faster. You may also want to consider establishing a modest emergency fund of, say, $1,000, before tackling your debt head-on. This can provide you with a financial cushion in case of an unplanned expense that might push you further into debt.

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

Tackle your debt — and don’t let it linger

Not all debt is created equal, but credit card debt in particular comes with a high interest rate. That might motivate you to get rid of it faster over other types of debt with low interest rates. Either way, the goal is to be debt-free, and if you’re juggling multiple types of debt, there are different ways to get there:

• Avalanche method: Focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates and make minimum payments on other debts.
• Snowball method: Start with your smallest debt to keep moving on up to build momentum.
• Debt consolidation: If you have multiple credit card balances, consolidate them with a new loan or line of credit. This strategy can simplify payments and may require closing the original accounts.

Paying off debt takes time but every small step counts. Even putting just an extra few hundred dollars each month toward your balance can reduce your payoff period and save you loads in interest.

Increasing savings and income

If you’re working side hustles that earn you $800 per month, on top of your regular job, you might already be feeling stretched thin.

At the very least, once your debt is paid off, you have more room to start saving. It’s a good time to boost that emergency fund — experts recommend stashing away three to six months’ worth of expenses — and start putting money away for your retirement.

Take this moment to reflect on your accomplishments, and then ask yourself, what can you do moving forward? Does the budget need adjusting? Is this a good opportunity to look for better-paying work?

You’ve taken a step forward with your finances already, and you can do it again.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

Nearly two in three Americans say they worry more about running out of money than death, according to a 2024 Allianz survey, and the top way they say they can address this concern is increasing retirement savings.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

Hidden wealth could be sitting right under your nose. From unused items in your garage to forgotten investments and valuable heirlooms, there are plenty of ways to turn overlooked assets into retirement savings.

The best part? You could unlock tens of thousands to your retirement fund.

Let’s take a look at the three valuable items you may consider selling to fund your retirement.

That second (or third) vehicle you rarely drive

If you’re no longer commuting or your children have moved out, you likely have an unused car. You may also have an RV, boat, or motorcycle you splurged on and don’t use much. These are some of the dream purchases retirees may regret buying. . You can sell any unused vehicle to reduce insurance, maintenance, and storage costs.

The average used car was listed for $25,180 at the start of April, according to Kelley Blue Book. The good news is it says there is a low supply of used cars and nationwide used car supply will likely remain thin for years.

Your life insurance policy

Many people are unaware that life insurance can be sold through a transaction known as “life settlement.”

In a life settlement, you sell your policy to a third-party investor for more than its cash surrender value but less than the death benefit. The payout varies based on your age, health, type of policy, the amount of the death benefit and premiums necessary.

The Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA) estimates that the average settlement nets seniors about 20% of the policy’s face value. Their research says that Americans who are aged 65 or older leave approximately $112 billion in benefits on the table each year by lapsing or surrendering their life insurance policies.

If your survivors are grown and no longer rely on you financially, you can consider letting that policy go.

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

FINRA provides a list of factors you should consider when making this decision, like taxes, your ability to receive state or federal public assistance such as Medicaid, and personal information being accessed by the buyers.

Also do your due diligence about whom you’re working with and shop around for a fair price.

“Check with your state insurance commissioner to see whether the life settlement company or settlement broker you’re dealing with is properly licensed—and whether either has a record of complaints,” says the FINRA website. “And if you’re working with a registered financial professional, use FINRA BrokerCheck to learn about their professional background, registration status and disciplinary history. Be extremely wary of life settlement companies and brokers with a history of complaints or regulatory infractions.”

Collectibles and sought-after vintage wearables

Your heirloom jewelry could be your golden ticket to a beachside retirement. You might be surprised by the value of items like grandma’s vintage brooch, dad’s coin collection, or the original artwork that has been hanging in your living room since the ’80s. It’s worth noting that the value of gold and silver have also surged amid recession fears.

Vintage jewelry — especially designer or gemstone pieces — can sell for thousands at auctions or resales. Old pocket and wrist watches can also fetch you thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer and how many jewels are on it. Artwork from lesser-known or regional artists might also surprise you.

Make your retirement count

Your golden years should be stress-free and fulfilling.

While it might be challenging to part with valuable keepsakes, remember that you’re trading them for freedom, security, and peace of mind.

Take a fresh look around. Items collecting dust could be your ticket to a more comfortable and confident retirement.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

As home prices soar and dreams of ownership slip away for many Americans, one couple decided to stop chasing the market and a new life from the ground up.

In spring 2024, Sophie Hilaire Goldie, 37, and her husband Rocky Goldie, 50, purchased a 37.5-acre fixer-upper homestead in rural Kentucky for $390,000 and began transforming it into their forever home.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

They are now dedicating their energy, time, and skills to remodeling the property into a self-sustaining lifestyle. Their plans include raising chickens, starting a dairy goat farm and launching a new skincare business.

“We are not moving,” Sophie said. “It’s weird even to think that’s an option because it’s not how we think. I have no interest in leaving — ever.”

From match to mortgage

Sophie, an Army veteran, and Rocky, a former Marine, met on Match.com. They quickly bonded over their shared love of the outdoors and their desire to embrace life.

When they started dating, Sophie transformed a friend’s Home Depot shed into a tiny home after spending two years living in a Sprinter van. Their second date was spent working together to build the shed.

“It was important for me while we were dating to see if we could work together on projects,” Sophie told CNBC.

After she returned from a trip through Southeast Asia, Rocky suggested they find a place of their own. They turned to Zillow and searched for rural properties with at least 10 acres and a sense of history.

A local photographer introduced them to a real estate agent, who showed them the abandoned property. It included two log cabins from the 1840s, a 2,200-square-foot home with four bedrooms and one bathroom, a 200-square-foot separate cabin and two barns — all on 37.5 acres.

The couple secured a 30-year mortgage with minimum monthly payments of $1,790, but they plan to pay off their home within five years. Sophie recently launched her own skincare company, Seoul + Soil, inspired by their natural lifestyle on the homestead. The business is part of a larger goal to become 85% to 90% self-sufficient.

“I think it’s the most excited I’ve ever been about anything,” Sophie said. “There’s nothing more entrepreneurial than just making up your life.”

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

Why homesteading may be a smart financial strategy

For the Goldies, homesteading is more than a lifestyle — it’s a financial strategy grounded in long-term resilience and freedom.

According to a 2022 survey by Homesteaders of America, nearly 40% of respondents said they had adopted homesteading within the past three years. Here’s how the Goldies are making it work:

• Reduced Housing Costs: It’s rare to find a 37.5-acre property with existing infrastructure for less than $400,000. By purchasing this land, the couple is eliminating decades of future housing expenses and aiming to be mortgage-free within five years.
• Income Diversification: Sophie’s skincare company is one source of income. Additional revenue may come from selling farm produce, hosting workshops or providing agritourism experiences such as farm stays.
• Asset Appreciation: Historic properties on large rural land are increasingly seen as wise investments. Renovations and the addition of sustainable infrastructure can significantly increase long-term value.
• Financial Resilience: A self-sufficient lifestyle that includes livestock, gardens and renewable energy systems can provide protection against inflation, food shortages and job loss.

For the Goldies, this bold experiment in modern homesteading is driven by passion and purpose.

“We only have a few more decades left, but we want to do 200 years’ worth of stuff,” Sophie says. “Everything we did brought us to where we are now, but it would be nice to be 20 and starting this.”

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

By now, most Americans are familiar with news reporting rising costs of living. Whether at the grocery store, housing, their electricity and even insurance, there seem to be countless ways affordability is top of mind. Now, even as Trump considers a new “baby bonus,” new parents may find their budgets squeezed yet further.

Elizabeth Mahon, owner of the children’s boutique Three Littles in Washington’s Union Market, is raising prices on top-selling items like strollers and car seats.

Her suppliers warned that she should expect an increase in prices, but even she was surprised by the numbers: “It was shockingly high.” Mahon told KATU 2.

The increase is in response to sharp cost hikes tied to tariffs on Chinese-made goods.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

Tariffs drive up baby gear prices

Mahon sells strollers from the popular brand UPPAbaby, whose products will increase by $150 to $300 each — a big hit to families who are already paying for so many baby items, such as diapers, baby formula and more.

In a public statement, UPPAbaby said it had made “every effort behind the scenes to absorb as much of the cost as possible, but some price increases are unfortunately unavoidable.”

Mahon noticed a worrying sign. “We’ve had a huge uptick in sales — which would normally be good,” Mahon said. “But we know that once prices increase, those sales will drop off.” In other words, the sharp increase is not only bad for new parents, but for business owners catering to this demographic as well.

As with many other common goods, most strollers and car seats sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China. This means they are subject to 145% tariffs that the Trump administration levies on Chinese goods.

In response, China has imposed 125% tariffs on American goods. The tariffs are part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing and address trade imbalances. But for small retailers like Mahon — and the families they serve — the impact has been immediate and costly.

An additional problem: Due to slowed imports and rising costs, empty store shelves could become more common. For families, that could mean life-saving products like car seats and strollers are out of reach.

"If my products become more expensive, then so too do the more affordable options and there are going to be families that are put in the position of using expired car seats or buying secondhand car seats and it’s extremely unsafe because car seats can be in a crash that makes the car seat unusable, unsafe, and it is totally invisible to the naked eye," Mahon said.

Budgeting for a baby in the era of tariffs

According to CNN, stroller prices have climbed by an average of 25%, while infant car seats have seen a 20% increase.

This means that planning ahead and getting creative can help families stay on budget without compromising safety.

• Buy in phases: Spread out expenses over the first year. Focus on what you’ll need in the early months (like a car seat, bassinet, or feeding gear).

You can pause purchasing items for later developmental stages — like high chairs or walkers — until your baby is ready to use them.

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

• Consider secondhand options: Websites like GoodBuy Gear and Rebelstork provide secondhand baby items at more affordable prices.

That said, experts caution against purchasing used car seats unless you have documentation to verify its history and expiration date (and even those may be hard to verify).

• Join local parent groups: Whether on social media or elsewhere, many parents organize gear swaps or share gently used baby items at little to no cost — a budget-friendly way to access essentials.

If you have local buy nothing community groups, this may be another avenue to score baby gear for free.

• Track deals: Tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey can let you know when prices drop online.

• Try group gifting: Ask multiple loved ones to contribute toward a higher cost item such as a stroller or crib during events like baby showers to help offset the cost.

• Start a baby budget: BabyCenter estimates first-year expenses for new parents total around $20,384, with nearly $1,000 going toward essential safety gear alone.

Having a dedicated savings plan can help ease the financial shock. Use budgeting apps to plan for monthly baby-related expenses and set savings goals ahead of your due date.

These tips can help new parents stay financially grounded in a time of rising costs without sacrificing safety or quality.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

The streets of Oak Park, Illinois, erupted in chaos when $300,000 in cash spilled from a Brinks armoured truck into the street.

“People were running down the streets with money bags,” Nicole Phillips-Edwards, an Oak Park resident, told CBS News Chicago.

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Although she did not witness the unfolding event, Phillips-Edwards says police arrived at her home to provide details of the incident.

Bystanders scramble for found money

In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood heist, Oak Park turned into a frenzied free-for-all when the back door of a Brinks armoured truck suddenly swung open and three bags of cash, worth $300,000, tumbled out.

The Brinks driver reported to police that a swarm of people — estimated between 50 and 100 — rushed to collect the loose bills scattered across the street. Bystanders stuffed their pockets with cash and fled the scene.

With the police involved in the investigation, authorities are scrambling to track down those who took part in this unusual incident. If caught, individuals involved may experience serious legal consequences.

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The legal line between found and stolen

According to Illinois law, the rules regarding found property are clear: If a person comes across lost items, including money, they are legally obligated to return them to the rightful owner — in this case, Brinks — without expecting any form of compensation.

Former FBI agent Mike Driscoll shared insights on the challenges of apprehending suspects in this scenario.

“In an instance like this where you’re talking about loose cash, that’s very, very difficult,” he told CBS News.

“Law enforcement will have to rely on old-fashioned investigative techniques.”

Investigators will likely comb through surveillance footage and interview witnesses to identify potential offenders.

Anyone who keeps lost money can face severe penalties. If someone commits property theft of between $500 and $10,000, they may be charged with a Class 3 felony. Individuals caught may face a prison sentence of 2 to 5 years, alongside fines reaching up to $25,000.

Depending on the amount, passersby who believe they found an extraordinary stroke of luck may instead face court appearances and lasting criminal records.

Returning found money

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a cautionary tale: When you come across lost cash, report it immediately to local authorities.

If you find cash or property valued at $100 or more in Illinois, you must file an affidavit within five days.

This document should detail what you found, where and when you discovered it, and affirm that you have no knowledge of the rightful owner — and have not kept any portion of the money or property.

In the meantime, Village of Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick told USA Today that the Oak Park Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident. Any witness who can share valuable information can contact the department by calling 708-464-1636 or visiting www.oak-park.us/crimetip.

As the dust settles on this freak event, those who seized the moment may find that the real cost of their actions is only beginning to emerge.

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