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Author: Monique Danao

  • ‘What in the world are they doing?’: A Texas mayor says his city lost $1.7M in property taxes when a developer pulled off ‘one of the greatest frauds’. Here’s how they got away with it

    ‘What in the world are they doing?’: A Texas mayor says his city lost $1.7M in property taxes when a developer pulled off ‘one of the greatest frauds’. Here’s how they got away with it

    Jim Ross, mayor of Arlington, Texas, was furious when he learned his city was losing millions of dollars yearly because of a real estate loophole allowing private developers to avoid paying property taxes.

    "I think it’s inappropriate at best. It’s underhanded," Ross said to CBS News. "I was pissed. I still am."

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    The controversy centers on failed negotiations involving a Dallas-based real estate developer called TDI and the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation (HFC).

    The prospective deal would have allowed the developer to claim a tax exemption for converting the Jefferson North Collins apartment complex into affordable housing.

    Although the city rejected the proposal, the developers secured approval in the small Texas town of Pecos, allowing them to forgo taxes on the Jefferson North property, hundreds of miles away.

    Ross said the arrangement is costing his city $1.7 million of lost property taxes.

    “My first question was, what in the world are they doing,” he said. “What makes them think that they know better than the city of Arlington what this community needs.”

    How the deal unfolded

    The Pecos HFC approved the deal with the Dallas-based real estate developer.

    Because HFCs can legally operate beyond the boundaries of the governments that created them, Pecos’ HFC quickly expanded its reach and approved several real estate deals across North Texas.

    One of them is the complex in Arlington, which has been renamed Zenith. And, by law, the owners don’t even need to reduce any of the residents’ rents to meet the HFC affordability criteria — the only requirement is that at least half the tenants in the complex have a household income below $88,000.

    The legality of these cross-jurisdictional operations has been questioned. In the meantime, the practice has spread. Even as HFCs operate far outside their original borders, more small governments have embraced the "travelling HFC" to raise money.

    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 are Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs)?

    HFCs intend to support affordable housing development for low-income communities.

    They can issue bonds, offer property tax exemptions, and provide other financial incentives in exchange for long-term revenue agreements with developers.

    In many cases, HFCs partner with private developers to "own" properties on paper. They allow developers to claim public tax exemptions while operating as a for-profit business.

    Unlike city councils or other public agencies, HFCs are often not required to hold public meetings or disclose detailed records. As a result, it’s challenging to track the amount of affordable housing built.

    Critics say the consequences are significant. Every project that shifts onto an HFC’s books removes valuable properties from the tax base, depriving cities of crucial revenue for public services like schools, emergency response and infrastructure repairs.

    The CBS News Texas I-Team in the area found that Pecos’ HFC has approved similar deals across North Texas — in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Haltom City and Azle — amounting to more than $500 million in forfeited taxes.

    The impact on residents

    When cities lose primary sources of tax revenue, the burden can shift to residents. Homeowners and small businesses may face higher tax bills, while public services — from school funding to street repairs — may see cutbacks.

    Across Texas, local governments are increasingly sounding alarms about HFCs being used to shield private developments from taxes.

    Officials are now calling for state lawmakers to reform the system. The loophole could continue to drain city budgets when many communities struggle to make ends meet.

    "In hindsight, it’s gonna be one of the greatest frauds put on the Texas taxpayers — the introduction of this program and how it’s being abused," said Texas Rep. Gary Gates.

    What to read next

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

  • Job hopping was a quick path to a better salary just a few years ago — but could send your career off a cliff today. Here’s what changed

    Job hopping was a quick path to a better salary just a few years ago — but could send your career off a cliff today. Here’s what changed

    Changing jobs can feel like the fastest route to better pay and a fresh start.

    For many, this was true during the “Great Resignation” of 2021. According to the Society for Human Resources Management, that year a staggering 47.8 million workers (or 4 million a month) left their jobs in search of higher wages or remote work opportunities.

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    Fast-forward to 2025, and the path to success isn’t as straightforward.

    While job hopping can help you build skills and grow your network, they don’t always lead to more enormous salaries in this cooling job market.

    Why job hopping doesn’t always pay off

    Changing jobs is a fact of life for most of us. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, by 55, the average American will have switched jobs 12 times.

    In a strong market, switching roles every year or two might lead to a 10% to 20% salary boost. That may sound appealing, given the median American salary is $61,984 per year.

    But with inflation and slow wage growth, job hopping may not stretch your paycheck as far as you’d hoped.

    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

    It can also make future employers think that you’re a flight risk, especially if you’ve never stayed at a company more than a year. That might cost you a dream role, even if your resume looks impressive on paper.

    And there are long-term financial tradeoffs. Retirement contributions may come with a vesting period for up to three years — meaning you might not get to keep all of your employer’s 401(k) match if you leave too soon.

    Health-care benefits like extended parental leave, fertility treatment coverage or mental health coverage may also have waiting periods or eligibility conditions tied to your tenure.

    On the bright side, staying with an employer long enough to build trust can also lead to internal promotions, mentorship or participation in high-impact projects. If you’re starting over, these opportunities are hard to come by.

    Things to think about before you make a jump

    Here are a few things to consider before jumping into a new job.

    • Make sure it aligns with your career goals: Ask yourself if this move will help you grow. Will you build new skills, expand your leadership potential or take on greater responsibilities?
    • Research salary trends in your industry: Check if your pay expectations align with the market. Resources like Glassdoor and Payscale will reveal whether the new role is a financial upgrade or if you’re better off negotiating a raise in your current position.
    • Think beyond the paycheck: A higher salary may not be worth it if you face burnout, poor leadership, or a toxic environment. A good tip is to read reviews and talk to current employees about the work culture.
    • Consider the benefits you’d give up: Retirement contributions, stock options, and vacation days often grow with tenure.
    • Don’t overlook internal opportunities: The growth you’re looking for could exist at your current organization. A raise, promotion or department switch might give you a new challenge without starting over somewhere else.

    Career growth isn’t always about moving. Growing where you are could lead to better rewards.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘I feel lousy’: Tampa woman, 83, paid a heavy $4,500 toll after being hooked by trendy phishing text. Here’s what the scam looks like — and how to avoid falling for the bait

    ‘I feel lousy’: Tampa woman, 83, paid a heavy $4,500 toll after being hooked by trendy phishing text. Here’s what the scam looks like — and how to avoid falling for the bait

    When Ed Mondello’s 83-year-old wife received a text message about an unpaid toll, it seemed legitimate.

    “They said she didn’t pay the toll and had to pay $6.99 by a certain time,” the Tampa Bay resident told WFLA News. “If not, it would go to her credit report, and she would lose her registration. I feel lousy."

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    The link in the message looked official, appearing to come from Florida’s SunPass system complete with branded logos and language. Wanting to resolve the issue quickly, she clicked the link and entered her debit card information.

    That small decision cost $4,500. According to Mondello, the thieves used his wife’s debit card 25 times over three days, making purchases at Staples stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    Their story is part of a troubling national trend: a surge in toll-related phishing scams.

    Toll-related phishing scams on the rise

    The toll scam targeting the Mondellos follows a typical playbook in which scammers impersonate toll agencies and send mass text messages claiming that recipients owe a small amount for unpaid tolls.

    The messages typically include a link and urgent warnings of steep late fees or even the threat of license suspension without immediate payment.

    The link directs victims to a fake payment portal. Once a victim enters their credit or debit card information, scammers charge large sums or steal sensitive information for future use.

    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

    According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $470 million to text-message scams in 2024 alone — five times as many as in 2020.

    Older adults are particularly vulnerable.

    AARP reports that people in their 70s suffered median losses of $20,000 to investment scams — a stark contrast to the $1,551 median loss reported by victims in their 20s.

    How to avoid falling victim

    Here are some ways you can protect yourself from toll-related text scams:

    • Don’t click links in unsolicited texts: If you receive a toll notice, contact the tolling agency through their official website.
    • Look closely at the sender: Scam texts often come from email addresses or numbers you can’t trace. Verify the message with the tolling agency using a trusted source when in doubt.
    • Watch for urgency: Scammers rely on panic to prompt quick action. A legitimate agency won’t threaten license suspension or credit damage over a single missed payment.
    • Enable alerts from your bank: Instant notifications can help you catch and respond to fraudulent activity before it causes more damage.
    • Report suspicious messages: Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them from your device.

    In the end, the Mondellos were fortunate. Their credit union, Achieva, reimbursed the more than $4,500 they lost in the scam.

    Still, the experience left its mark. Ed says his wife learned a challenging but important lesson about suspicious text messages.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘This is a game-changer’: Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran says this 1 big megatrend is about to alter US real estate forever — are you prepared to profit or will you panic?

    Barbara Corcoran knows a thing or two about real estate. The Shark Tank star built a $100 million net worth and has spent decades at the top of the industry.

    And according to Corcoran, a new era of home buying is on the horizon thanks to one tool: artificial intelligence.

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    “If you have a low IQ, suddenly you can look smart. It’s like the whole world got a genius implant,” she said in a recent interview with Yahoo Finance, covered by GoBankingRates. “This thing is such a game-changer.”

    Corcoran is a firm believer that AI is worth all the hype.

    She sees two reasons why generative chatbots like ChatGPT and other AI technologies will transform the industry fast. Here’s why.

    Corcoran’s take: AI as the ultimate time-saver

    Corcoran sees AI as a productivity powerhouse for real estate agents that can help them regain what they need most: time.

    “The same kind of documents you had to review that would take an hour, you’d see in two, three minutes,” she told Yahoo Finance. “People are writing emails and texts explaining the market to their customers.”

    Beyond analyzing documents, ChatGPT can write listing descriptions in seconds. The writing process which takes agents hours — drafting, editing and rewording property features — can now be done with a simple prompt.

    The second reason is that AI helps agents have better, more efficient client conversations. From pricing updates to commission talks, Corcoran believes ChatGPT offers clear and accurate communication that can level up the personalization of a sale, including language translation for international buyers.

    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

    The bigger picture: How AI could reshape real estate

    The impact of AI on real estate can extend far beyond writing listings or sales scripts.

    Here are a few ways it could streamline and scale the industry:

    • Smarter lead generation: AI can identify high-intent buyers and sellers to help agents focus on qualified prospects. It can also automate tailored follow-ups based on where each lead is in the sales funnel.
    • Seamless scheduling: AI-powered assistants can handle bookings and calendar coordination to eliminate the back-and-forth that can delay a deal.
    • 24/7 client support: Chatbots can handle common buyer questions such as property specs and neighborhood insights to give agents more time to close deals.
    • Hyper-personalization: AI can craft targeted marketing campaigns and recommend listings based on individual buyer behavior and preferences.
    • Enhanced property presentations: AI helps buyers visualize homes remotely through virtual staging and immersive tours.

    That said, there are concerns to consider.

    Data privacy is a key risk since sensitive financial and location data are at stake. Personal contact information can also be stored in systems used to curate results, which have the potential to be compromised.

    Algorithmic biases could skew listings or pricing, too, which could limit the chances of stumbling upon a home that fits your needs well below your budget. Automation might also significantly alter or lower the volume needed of some junior agent and administrative roles, which could affect the job market.

    Still, Corcoran believes agents who embrace AI rather than fear it will thrive.

    Is she right? She might be if the tech invasion of the past few decades are any indication.

    What to read next

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

  • Looking to shore up your retirement savings? The 3 unexpected high-value assets you can consider selling to help fund your golden years

    Looking to shore up your retirement savings? The 3 unexpected high-value assets you can consider selling to help fund your golden years

    According to CPP Investments61% of Canadians are worried about running out of money in retirement., and one of the top ways they can address this concern is increasing retirement savings.

    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 for 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 that much now. These are some of the dream purchases retirees may regret buying.

    You can sell any unused vehicle to reduce insurance, maintenance and storage costs.

    In 2025, the average cost of a used car in Canada is $36,342, according to Car Rookie. The good news is that there is a low supply of used cars in Canada right now and 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.

    According to Canadian Life Settlements, seniors will receive anywhere from 10-50% of the face value or death benefit when selling their life insurance policy.

    If your survivors are grown and no longer rely on you financially, you can consider letting that policy go. When making this decision, you should consider factors like taxes, your ability to receive governmental assistance and personal information being accessed by the buyers.

    Be sure to do your due diligence about who you’re working with and shop around for a fair price.

    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 collectio, 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.

    Sources

    1. CPP Investments: Nearly 2 in 3 Canadians worry about retirement savings: survey (Oct 30, 2024)

    2. Car Rookie: Used Car Prices Canada: 2025 market trends (March 30, 2025)

    3. Canadian Life Settlements: Determining Your Life Settlement’s Value in Canada (August 5, 2023)

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

  • ‘Economic euthanasia’: 52% of America’s 87 million pet-owning households have decided against vet treatment — and it’s leading to deadly consequences. Here’s what’s behind the alarming trend

    ‘Economic euthanasia’: 52% of America’s 87 million pet-owning households have decided against vet treatment — and it’s leading to deadly consequences. Here’s what’s behind the alarming trend

    Fur babies are family. But for many Americans, the cost of caring for them is becoming unbearable.

    A Gallup poll found 52% of U.S. pet owners say they’ve had to put off veterinary care because of the cost. A whopping seven in 10 also say they forgo pet care due to financial reasons.

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    These numbers reveal a troubling reality: financial constraints are significantly affecting how Americans care for their pets.

    According to The Atlantic, experts call this situation “economic euthanasia,” referring to the heartbreaking decision to forgo necessary treatment or euthanize a pet because the care is unaffordable.

    Why are vet bills getting so high?

    It’s not your imagination — prices are soaring. The Atlantic reports that in 2023, Americans spent around $38 billion on healthcare for their pets — up from $29 billion in 2019.

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also found that urban veterinary services saw a 5.9% price increase from March 2024 to March 2025 — more than double the 2.4% average rise in the cost of all consumer goods. Looking back a decade, the average veterinary bill is now 60% higher than it was in 2014, according to Morning Brew’s analysis of federal data.

    This is partly due to advancements in pet medicine, such as clinics’ investments in ultrasound machines, X-rays and lab equipment — an expense that’s passed down to consumers.

    However, unlike human health care, employer plans and private insurance don’t cushion these costs.

    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

    When finances decide a pet’s fate

    According to Gallup, 71% of pet owners say they either can’t afford veterinary care or don’t believe it’s worth the cost.

    Most respondents claim they can allot $1,000 or less to treat their pets. Yet 64% of respondents say they could afford double the amount for lifesaving treatment if their veterinarian offered a no-interest and year-long payment plan.

    Still, only 23% report ever being given that option.

    The lack of financing alternatives has real consequences: pets go untreated. In some cases, animals are surrendered to shelters or euthanized because of financial limitations.

    What can pet owners do?

    For many, skipping the vet feels like the only option. But there are alternatives to make care more affordable:

    • Consider pet insurance: Pet insurance can offset the cost of unexpected injuries or illnesses. While most policies exclude pre-existing conditions, they can ease the financial burden of emergency care. On average, monthly premiums cost about $46 for dogs and $23 for cats, for a plan with a $5,000 annual limit, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement, according to Forbes.

    • Explore low-cost clinics: Nonprofits, humane societies and some local shelters offer low-cost veterinary services. For example, ASPCA Animal Hospital provides affordable care to pet owners earning under $50,000 annually, according to Bronx Veterinary Center.

    • Explore CareCredit: Many veterinary clinics partner with CareCredit, which allows you to pay your pet’s medical bills in monthly installments.

    • Check with veterinary schools: Many veterinary colleges operate teaching clinics where students treat animals under supervision. These programs offer significant savings while giving students hands-on experience.

    For millions of Americans, rising veterinary costs are forcing an impossible decision: pay the bills or risk your pet’s health. It’s a choice no one should have to face.

    While the financial strain is real, planning ahead and tapping into available resources can help make care more accessible, because pets aren’t just animals — they’re family. And every family member deserves a chance at a healthy life.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘We’re working seven days a week’: Kansas City IRS employees rally against ‘slash-and-burn’ approach to layoffs amid tax season — and weigh in on how it may impact your refund this year

    ‘We’re working seven days a week’: Kansas City IRS employees rally against ‘slash-and-burn’ approach to layoffs amid tax season — and weigh in on how it may impact your refund this year

    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.”

    What to read next

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

  • ‘It scares me’: LA copper thieves target streetlamps, leaving a neighborhood in the dark as residents fear break-ins and car thefts every night. How widespread copper theft affects homeowners

    ‘It scares me’: LA copper thieves target streetlamps, leaving a neighborhood in the dark as residents fear break-ins and car thefts every night. How widespread copper theft affects homeowners

    In the heart of Los Angeles, the once well-lit streets of Los Feliz are now cloaked in an unsettling darkness. A surge in copper-wire theft has plunged entire neighborhoods into pitch-black darkness.

    “It scares me,” resident Barbara Wright told KTLA 5. “I’m afraid to go out. All of the lights are out and it’s pitch dark at night.”

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    Her neighbor was robbed. Resident Sarah Yun added that there have been a number of car break-ins.

    “We’re more fearful of what might happen at night,” Yun said.

    Copper, crime and your streetlights

    As the New York Times reports, copper is in high demand as a component in telecommunications. electric cars, grids and data centers. Its value has soared since 2020, frequently hitting $5 per pound, according to Trading Economics.

    For thieves, that makes even small amounts worth stealing, and streetlights are a target nationwide.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    Last year in Los Angeles, criminals stole copper from more than 3,700 streetlights, leading to an estimated $17 million in repair costs, according to LAist.

    When copper is stripped from a single streetlight it can impact others in the circuit. On average, repairing and reinforcing just one circuit — with 18 connected lights — can cost $36,000.

    Copper theft impacts insurance rates and property values

    It’s not just taxpayers that have to pay for copper theft; it’s property owners.

    Copper was at the heart of 95% of metal theft insurance claims from 2017 and 2018, according to the most recent analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

    When it comes to streetlights, premiums may rise as lighting outages lead to more insurance claims for car theft and break-ins. Insurers may also limit coverage or drop high-risk areas altogether.

    The ripple effects extend to real estate. Safety is a top concern for today’s buyers, and many avoid neighborhoods with persistent lighting and safety issues.

    For existing homeowners in neighborhoods targeted by copper thieves, that can mean lower property values, challenges refinancing mortgages and long-term financial uncertainty.

    The residents of Los Feliz are asking their Councilmember Nithya Raman to take action now. Her office said she is working on making repairs “swiftly.”

    Meanwhile residents have installed motion detectors and other security measures to protect their property and their neighbors.

    Until real action is taken, the cost of darkness may prove far greater than the price of copper.

    What to read next

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

  • This Texas city is shaking up the short-term rental market with a new lodging tax — Who stands to win from the local council’s move and who could lose

    This Texas city is shaking up the short-term rental market with a new lodging tax — Who stands to win from the local council’s move and who could lose

    Short-term rental operators in Austin, Texas are bracing for a financial curveball after the city implemented an 11% “hotel occupancy tax” (HOT) on short-term rentals like those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo.

    City officials believe the lodging tax, which kicked in April 1, will help regulate the industry and generate revenue for local services.

    “The issue is that we have these corporate-owned STRs that come into our city that buy up entire blocks,” Austin City council member Vanessa Fuentes said. "They’re buying up affordable housing stock and impacting our affordability levels."

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    The city collects about $7 million annually from short-term rental operators — a figure expected to climb significantly with the tax hike.

    But the tax has drawn concern among local homeowners who have used short-term rentals to subsidize their housing costs.

    Short-term lodging tax and its ripple effects

    Blake Carter, co-founder of Cribs Consulting, a company that owns and manages about 85 short-term rental properties in Austin, has already seen the impact on guests.

    “It looks like the platforms are adding it to the guest side so that the guests are paying more,” Carter said in an interview with Austin ABC affiliate KVUE.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    That could force short-term rental operators to lower their rates to keep their fees steady — and avoid pushing guests away.

    On the bright side, Carter added, it could shift demand for short-term rentals to the suburbs.

    “They can maintain their rates and still be priced the same as if they were in Austin,” he said, appealing to more attractive to budget-conscious travellers.

    If the tax ultimately causes some operators to shut down their short-term rentals, it could open up more long-term housing to local residents, who may currently be pushed out of high-density short-term rental neighbourhoods.

    As the summer travel season approaches, visitors and locals will be watching to see how this new tax changes the landscape — and who the winners will be.

    What to read next

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

  • I’m 60, just divorced, and lost $1.2 million in the process — will I ever recover from this setback? Here’s how to build a secure retirement even when you have to rebuild your life

    I’m 60, just divorced, and lost $1.2 million in the process — will I ever recover from this setback? Here’s how to build a secure retirement even when you have to rebuild your life

    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.

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    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.

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