News Direct

Author: Monique Danao

  • Oregon woman, 70, says she’s ‘trying very hard’ to be able to retire by 80 — and now an offer to use her land for a solar farm would make that doable. Dave Ramsey gave her some blunt advice

    Oregon woman, 70, says she’s ‘trying very hard’ to be able to retire by 80 — and now an offer to use her land for a solar farm would make that doable. Dave Ramsey gave her some blunt advice

    Abigail, a 70-year-old woman from Portland, Oregon, says she’s “trying very hard to make it possible to retire by 80.” That goal may be within reach now that a solar company has offered to lease her farmland. Still, she’s not sure if the deal is a financial lifeline or a liability.

    Don’t miss

    She called into The Ramsey Show seeking advice and said the company wants to lease 45 acres of her property to build a solar farm, offering a payout of about $4 million for 40 years.

    Accepting could allow Abigail to retire in a few years — but there are potential pitfalls.

    “I’ve looked at these deals,” said personal finance personality Dave Ramsey. “ In the event they go bankrupt, obviously this lease is cancelled, and then you’ve got a bunch of junk on your farm that’s got to be hauled off. It’s very expensive to get rid of it … You’re leaving this mess for your heirs then.”

    A warning and an alternative

    Ramsey warned that accepting the lease would effectively place a lien on the property, which Abigail said is worth $3 million today.

    Even though she would technically own the land, it would be tied up in the deal for decades. Any future buyer would have to accept the lease terms which complicates a potential sale or inheritance.

    Ramsey questioned whether this was all worth it. “ You’re not gonna like my answer, but I wouldn’t tie up a $3 million asset for that and have my whole backyard full of this.”

    He offered an alternative: “ I would sell 10 acres and use that money to live off of.”

    Abigail’s husband is not in support of renting out the land or selling it, but Ramsey had a blunt response to this. “You’re working at 70 years old and worried about how you’re going to eat at 80. Your husband didn’t save enough money when he was young and working to provide for his wife’s food, and so we’re going to sell some of his land.”

    Ramsey said she should figure out how to sell 10 acres to generate $1.5 million by talking to a real estate agent and a land surveyor. That would give her the money to retire without encumbering the rest of the property or saddling her heirs with a long-term lease.

    Ramsey’s advice is clear: avoid complexity and don’t leave behind a problem disguised as a paycheck.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Do your research

    Leasing land for solar development has let land owners generate passive income, but it’s not always the best option. If you’re facing a situation like this, there are resources online to help you make the right decision.

    Mike Nuckols of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Jefferson County made a list of considerations when leasing agricultural lands to solar developers.

    “Given the long-term ramifications, we strongly recommend that you have lease agreements reviewed by an attorney to avoid unexpected surprises such as transfer of mineral rights or mandated renewal after the performance period expires,” he wrote. “Due diligence is required to avoid exaggerated claims of financial windfall or outright scams.”

    For example, look closely at end-of-lease terms. The developer should be responsible for removing equipment and restoring your land at the end of the lease. You also need to consider tax implications, what will be possible on the land not rented out, and if the developer is obeying local laws and obtaining necessary approvals, among other factors.

    The SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) has also published a guide for solar land leasing.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Social Security told Cleveland man, 74, he owed them $1.7K for benefits his wife apparently collected in the months after her death — until it became clear someone else had cashed her checks

    Social Security told Cleveland man, 74, he owed them $1.7K for benefits his wife apparently collected in the months after her death — until it became clear someone else had cashed her checks

    When 74-year-old David Carr of Cleveland opened the letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), he was unprepared for what it said.

    The SSA told him that his late wife, Deb Carr — who died in March 2020 — had somehow collected $1,700 in unemployment benefits between March and September 2020. He was notified that he must repay the entire amount, even though it appears someone else claimed those payments.

    Carr relies on Deb’s survivor benefits to help care for their two adult children who have special needs.

    “That was like a… like a knife right in the ribs,” said Carr. “And I thought, man, I can’t take that because they’ve already lost their food stamps.”

    The urgency to repay the money threatened the family’s ability to cover rent, utilities and medical expenses.

    Don’t miss

    Challenging the claim

    Suspicious of the claim, Carr secured a certified copy of his wife’s death certificate. Armed with this documentation, he visited his local SSA field office — only to be rebuffed.

    “The guy wouldn’t even talk to me,” Carr recalled. “How could she collect six months of benefits when she passed away in March?”

    Left with no recourse, he enlisted the help of News 5 Investigators to press SSA for answers.

    After News5 reached out on his behalf, Carr says SSA representatives finally agreed to review the case.

    “We’re going to get a letter to you showing that you are cleared from all of this,” Carr was told in a phone call that reduced him to tears. The erroneous overpayment notice has since been rescinded.

    How often do overpayment notices occur?

    While the SSA disburses benefits to nearly 74 million Americans each month, overpayment notices are not rare.

    An audit by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General found that from fiscal years 2015 to 2022, the agency made about $72 billion in improper payments. Moreover, the SSA had an overpayment balance of $23 billion in 2023.

    There were approximately 333,000 reported claims of fraud, waste, or abuse in SSA programs and operations.

    The overall rate of improper SSA payments is below 1% of the total benefits paid for that period. Nevertheless, even a small percentage of errors can have outsized consequences for households living on fixed incomes.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Protecting your benefits

    Recipients who receive an unexpected overpayment notice can take several steps to safeguard their finances:

    • Gather Documentation: Collect death certificates, bank statements and any relevant correspondence before contacting SSA.

    • Contact SSA Promptly: Call 1-800-269-0271 or file an inquiry online at SSA.gov to initiate a formal review.

    • Seek Advocacy: Nonprofit organizations, ombudsmen and local experts can guide beneficiaries through appeals and complex paperwork.

    • Monitor Annual Statements: Review your SSA benefit statement each year and enroll in My Social Security to receive electronic notices and so you can detect discrepancies quickly.

    For David Carr, prompt action and outside support made all the difference. His experience shows that beneficiaries should never dismiss alarming notices — even when they feel like it’s a nightmare to tackle.

    Recipients can defend their lawful benefits by staying vigilant, documenting details diligently and demanding accountability. Being proactive also helps manage uncertainty that comes with a wrongly issued bill.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Las Vegas casino dealers are quietly being laid off amid steep decline in tourism — what’s behind the slump in Sin City and why foot traffic isn’t the only factor leading to job cuts

    Las Vegas’s famed casino floors are getting quieter as table game dealers find themselves among the first to feel the squeeze of technological change and a downturn in tourism.

    Major resorts on the famous Las Vegas Strip, including Fontainebleau and Resorts World, have started laying off workers — many of which are dealers — as foot traffic dwindles on the gaming floor.

    Don’t miss

    “We want those casinos to be successful, active and robust because that gives our break-in dealers an opportunity to transition, that’s the goal,” CEG Dealer School Managing Director David Knoll shared with KLAS.

    Declining foot traffic leads to job cuts

    New data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shows the city’s visitor volume dipped 7.8% year-over-year in March 2025, marking the third straight month that tourism dropped in Sin City. With fewer guests coming into town, gaming revenue on the Strip fell 4.8% over that same period, while hotel occupancy slid to 82.9%, down from 85.3% in March 2024.

    Despite the city’s drop in overall visitors, convention attendance in Vegas is actually up 10%, but analysts warn that event-driven boosts are unlikely to offset the broader declines.

    Tourism throughout the country appears to be in steep decline, as International arrivals are down sharply amid evolving U.S. travel and tariff policies. According to Travel Weekly, advance summer bookings for flights between Canada and the U.S. have plunged by more than 70 percent compared to the summer of 2024.

    “Less tourism means less shifts at the job, less small businesses that support our tourist industry,” Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) told The Washington Post. “It’s going to cause businesses to go under. It has a trickle-down effect. It’s going to be devastating to Nevada.”

    Travel industry analysts also link the decline in Sin City visitors to broader economic uncertainty at home. A recent Bankrate survey found that only 46% of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer due to affordability concerns.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Automation accelerates job losses

    As casinos begin to tighten belts, automation is reshaping the role of the typical Vegas table game dealer.

    According to Travel and Tour World, casinos have introduced electronic table games that handle bets and payouts without human intervention, another factor that has encouraged casinos to cut labour costs. Enrollment in dealer training programs has also fallen as fewer people view Las Vegas as a stable option for employment.

    “We’ve seen our enrollment drop, and people interested in becoming a dealer,” said Knoll. “We used to have a lot more people transition from out of state and come to Las Vegas for the opportunities here.”

    On the broader labor market, Vegas’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.2% in April 2025 — one of the highest among large U.S. metro areas — primarily driven by cuts in leisure and hospitality. This sector has shed thousands of jobs over the past year, even as the average hourly wage for Vegas dealers hovered around $19.96 — slightly above the national average of $19.25

    What lies ahead

    There are many factors that are likely doing damage to tourism numbers in Las Vegas.

    Beyond what was mentioned above, Trump’s tariff policies, his threatening rhetoric around annexing countries like Canada and Greenland, and the increased scrutiny that international visitors can face at the borders are all additional factors that are likely scaring tourists away from the U.S. And with Trump’s economic policies forcing many Americans to tighten their belts, domestic tourism throughout the country is also in decline.

    Upcoming projects in Vegas, such as Universal Studios’s Horror Unleashed attraction and a $1.75 billion stadium for the Athletics — an MLB team that will be moving to Vegas in the near future — could potentially draw fresh crowds.

    But in the meantime, Sin City’s tourism — as well as its ability to generate revenue — could continue to struggle in the years to come. And if this trend of dwindling tourism continues, casinos could be forced into making more cuts, which will likely keep Vegas’s unemployment rate well above the national average of 4.2%.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • New Orleans father says he’s seriously stressed about his family’s spending — while his wife blows $5K/month on ‘things.’ Here’s the 1 move The Ramsey Show says will quell the chaos

    It’s tough enough to balance a family budget when incomes are unpredictable. But when one spouse leans toward saving and the other splurges on luxury items, even couples with healthy take‑home pay can find themselves at odds.

    That was the dilemma faced by Taylor, a New Orleans dad of three, who called into The Ramsey Show. He claimed his wife racks up roughly $5,000 in credit card charges each month.

    Don’t miss

    Taylor’s household runs most expenses on credit cards and pays the balance in full every month, but that hasn’t quelled his anxiety.

    He typically spends $2,500 to $3,000 on his card each month for bills and necessities, while his wife’s charges push past $5,000 on things like children’s clothes and “fun” purchases.

    Their sole recurring non‑credit debt is the mortgage, which drafts automatically from their joint checking account.

    Because Taylor works on commission, his take‑home pay can swing dramatically, from as low as $6,500 in down months to over $20,000 when sales spike.

    Here’s what the hosts had to say about their situation.

    Cutting the credit cards

    The Ramsey Show co-hosts Ken Coleman and Jade Warshaw advised that credit cards remove natural spending boundaries. With cash, when it’s gone, it’s gone — plastic tempts consumers to push past what they can genuinely afford.

    “ I’m always gonna tell people to cut up their credit cards, but for you guys, it’s like a no-brainer. I feel like in many ways it’s just creating more chaos around the subject of money, and it’s creating a free-for-all because I don’t know what the limit is on these credit cards,” Warshaw told Taylor.

    Beyond the emotional stress it triggers in households like Taylor’s, relying heavily on credit cards carries real financial risk.

    Revolving balances often come with APRs north of 20%, meaning routine purchases can quickly morph into long‑term debt burdens.

    Hidden fees — such as late‑payment charges or over‑limit penalties — can accumulate even when cardholders pay off their balances most months.

    And when utilization rates climb, credit score volatility becomes a serious concern, potentially driving up borrowing costs on mortgages, auto loans and other forms of credit.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Crafting a family budget from scratch

    According to a 2023 Credit.com survey, 27% of Americans don’t think a budget is necessary. Meanwhile, a recent Laurel Road survey found that just 46% of couples discuss their budgets with each other at least weekly.

    At its core, crafting a family budget from scratch means assigning every dollar a purpose before the month begins. It’s about transparency, shared responsibility and agreeing on financial priorities.

    Taylor and his wife could start mapping out a detailed budgeting plan by:

    • Determining true income: Average the lowest three months of take‑home pay to set a conservative baseline.

    • Listing fixed and necessary expenses: Include mortgage, utilities, childcare and insurance — then pad each by 5% to 10%  for unexpected costs.

    • Allocating “fun money”: Give each spouse a cash‑only allowance for discretionary spending to prevent surprise credit card charges.

    • Prioritizing savings goals: Treat emergency‑fund contributions and retirement deposits like nonnegotiable bills. Taylor could redirect at least $2,000 of his wife’s typical credit card spend toward savings or investments.

    • Reviewing together weekly: A quick five minute check‑in helps spot overages early and keeps both partners aligned.

    Beyond these steps, automating transfers into savings accounts the day after payday also reduces the temptation to spend “what’s left.”

    Taylor’s call underscored the need for shared values around money. As the hosts noted, budgeting isn’t merely about tracking dollars; it’s a conversation about what matters most.

    By agreeing on clear spending limits, this New Orleans family can move from financial friction to teamwork — and finally hit that “happy medium.”

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • California woman, 63, hasn’t worked since 2007 and after burning through all her savings has just $4,000 left in the bank — here’s what The Ramsey Show hosts say she needs to do ASAP

    Cherie, a 63-year-old San Bernardino, California resident, has been surviving on dwindling savings since 2007. And she’s down to her last few thousand. Concerned, she called into The Ramsey Show for some advice.

    With multiple disabilities that prevent consistent work, she lives in a fully paid-off home held in a trust. She carries zero debt and spends roughly $1,000 a month on essentials, living diligently within her budget, paying only utilities, insurance and food (supplemented by food stamps).

    “I’ve burned through nearly all my savings and I’m down to $4,000,” she confessed on her recent call to The Ramsey Show.

    She cannot claim Social Security retirement benefits until age 67 and repeated disability-benefit denials have left her without another reliable income source.

    Don’t miss

    Prioritize income over equity

    Cherie asked if she should borrow against or sell her trust-held home to gain more money.

    “Don’t borrow against it because that’s now putting the one thing that you have that’s safe and secure at risk because income is an issue for you, so you don’t want to do anything that will add debt to your life,” cohost Jade Warshaw advised.

    Instead, they urged her to generate modest but essential income through part-time remote work.

    “You sound great on the phone,” said cohost Ken Coleman. The hosts recommended customer service roles that require only a headset and about four hours of work per day.

    Warshaw mentioned her own experience working flexible hours on platforms such as arise.com, which allow workers to choose short shifts without competition. This is ideal for someone who hasn’t held a traditional job in years but needs flexibility due to health challenges.

    They also advised Cherie to apply immediately for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which averages about $718 monthly for all recipients (that number is slightly higher for someone aged 63, averaging $764). This will allow her to cover roughly two-thirds of her current expenses while bolstering her application for Social Security at age 67.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Increase income when retirement isn’t an option yet

    Cherie’s predicament isn’t unique. Nearly half of Baby Boomers (49%) are working past age 70 and do not plan to retire. Their situation is driven as much by financial necessity (82%) as by a desire to stay active (78%).

    Pew Research data backs this up, and notes it as a growing trend for those aged 65 and older. While, in 1987, only 11% of Americans in this age group were working, in 2023 that number was up to 19%.

    Part of the reason is that many Americans do not have sufficient savings to retire (the latest number puts these at $1.26 million). By contrast, the Federal Reserve found the median retirement savings among Americans ages 65 to 74 is just $200,000 as of 2022, the last year for which data is available.

    While the average retiree’s Social Security benefit hit a record $2,002 per month in May 2025, many cannot afford to wait or don’t qualify due to limited work history.

    For seniors like Cherie, experts recommend treating job seeking as a strategic project:

    • Apply for SSI and appeal disability denials: Even partial SSI support about $700/month) can ease immediate cash flow.

    • Launch remote job searches tonight: Sites such as arise.com and flexjobs.com list customer service, data-entry and tutoring roles that require minimal qualification and offer flexible hours.

    • Track and adapt: Keep a simple spreadsheet of applications, follow up weekly and tweak your pitch to emphasize reliability and interpersonal skills over technical credentials.

    • Plan for Social Security at 67: You can delay full retirement age and raise benefits by up to 8 percent annually, which can make a long-term difference in your retirement situation.

    Cherie owns her home outright and has no debt. “You got to happen to this problem,” says Coleman. Her next step, he says, is to increase her income until she qualifies for more retirement benefits.

    “ Sum it all together and say, ‘I’m not going to be a victim here. I’m going to take control.’ And you can, but you have to go after it,” Coleman said.

    With that pragmatic plan, Cherie may transform her precarious situation into a sustainable next chapter.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • ‘At my wits’ end’: This Chicago woman just learned her husband has $80,000 of mystery debt he won’t pay off — why Dave Ramsey thinks her ‘marriage will be over’ in 6 months

    She thought they were saving for a house. Now, Andie from Chicago says she’s ready to sell everything she owns and move into an RV after discovering her husband racked up $80,000 in credit card debt.

    “I am at my wit’s end,” she told Dave Ramsey on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show.

    Don’t miss

    Andie’s husband has yet to offer a good explanation for the debt. In fact, he’s still eyeing lavish new purchases, like a $4,000 sofa, while suggesting debt consolidation will be an easy fix for their problem.

    “I don’t know how else I could guide him besides saying it’s a bad idea,” she said.

    She’ll need to figure it out quickly. Ramsey explained that the problem goes well beyond money and could be even worse than Andie thinks.

    "I predict in six months your marriage will be over," Ramsey said.

    Partners or roommates

    The couple has been together for about eight years, and married for the last year, but Ramsey told Andie “you’re operating like roommates.”

    “He’s acting like a free agent just running around over here. You can’t tell me if I buy a couch, and I’ll do whatever I want to do, and I may or may not tell you. And that’s destructive, isn’t it?”

    While Andie’s problem is severe, financial infidelity is very common in American households.

    In fact, 28% of married Americans admit to hiding big purchases or debt from their partner, according to a recent survey by Western & Southern Financial Group. Many couples start off on the wrong foot, with over a quarter waiting until after marriage to discuss how much debt they have.

    Potential signs of financial infidelity include unexplained late payments, unfamiliar statements or receipts hidden away, a hesitation to discuss financial plans or a partner insisting on separate and undisclosed accounts.

    Forty percent of respondents in the survey said they would end a relationship over financial dishonesty. That could very well be the end result for Andie.

    “It’s not about the money. You guys need to go to marriage counseling this week, or your marriage is going to end,” Ramsey advised.

    Waking him up

    Ramsey Show cohost John Deloney encouraged Andie to speak from a place of vulnerability rather than judgment. Instead of telling her husband, “This is a dumb idea,” she should say, “I’m so scared about our financial future.”

    That shift may prompt her husband to truly hear her fears instead of tuning her out.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    He also advised the couple to conduct a full money audit to determine their total debt and rebuild trust.

    You won’t know how to make a plan “until you both sit down and pull credit reports and you have real data in front of you,” he explained — adding that she needs independent information because she cannot trust him right now.

    Experts also suggest several practical steps for couples grappling with financial infidelity:

    • Open dialogue: Schedule a weekly “money meeting” to review your budget.

    • Joint budgeting: Get a budgeting app and set spending limits for each category.

    • Accountability partners: Have a neutral third party like a financial coach or mutual friend review monthly statements, so both parties remain honest.

    • Professional help: If conversations turn hostile or one partner remains secretive, marriage counselling or financial therapy can offer structured guidance.

    • Rebuild trust: You can establish shared goals such as buying a home, paying off debt or saving for retirement, then track your progress together.

    Moving forward

    While Andie thinks the best solution might be selling everything non-essential and living minimally — even in an RV — to tackle their debt head-on, her husband is reluctant.

    “Why is it so difficult to get rid of material stuff?” she asked, her voice breaking from frustration.

    Andie’s husband suggested some of the debt covered expenses the couple incurred while he was off work due to an injury. The hosts, however, suspect a more serious problem such as addiction may be at play.

    Whatever the truth may be, Ramsey advised Andie to push forward, because eventually the feelings of betrayal will become too great to bear.

    “I do know that when people reach a certain point, the switch flips, and you can’t get them back,” he said.

    If you are in a similar situation, understand that financial infidelity doesn’t have to signal the end of your relationship. You can make joint decisions and seek professional help to progress together as a team.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Philadelphia woman says Greyhound gave her the runaround for months after her $479 voucher for a canceled trip had nothing on it — how to safeguard your funds when getting a travel credit

    Philadelphia woman says Greyhound gave her the runaround for months after her $479 voucher for a canceled trip had nothing on it — how to safeguard your funds when getting a travel credit

    When Tanisha Bryant’s Greyhound bus to Canada was canceled this winter, she says the company compensated her with a $479 voucher for future travel.

    She kept it and planned to use the credit when her schedule and budget aligned, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.

    In April, Bryant, who lives in Philadelphia, and a friend logged on to Greyhound’s booking site to reserve a trip to Virginia Beach with Greyhound. To her shock, the digital voucher registered a balance of $0.

    “I thought, maybe I made a mistake,” Bryant recalled. “So I tried it again. Zero dollars.”

    Don’t miss

    From $479 to $0 voucher

    Bryant says she immediately phoned customer service, only to be told, “It looks like you’ve already used this voucher.”

    When she asked when and by whom, the agent had no record — and promptly hung up.

    “I was speechless,” Bryant said. After multiple calls and emails, she filed a complaint with NBC10 Philadelphia.

    She shared her documentation — the original ticket, voucher details and correspondence — with NBC10. Three days later, Greyhound’s customer service team reached out. Instead of reissuing a new voucher, Bryant was informed the carrier would refund her the full $479 in cash.

    “I received an email that they decided… we’re just gonna give you the money outright,” she said.

    When NBC10 asked for Greyhound’s official response, the company declined to explain the initial error but issued this statement: “We are committed to doing everything possible to ensure our customers have a positive travel experience. If they have questions or need help before, during, or after their trip, our dedicated customer service team can provide timely assistance by phone, chat, or email.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Preventative steps for travelers

    Many tourism companies offer travel vouchers to compensate consumers for failed trips. In 2020, GMA reported passengers had over $10 billion in untapped travel credits.

    Still, even legitimate vouchers can sometimes lead to unexpected complications. To safeguard yourself in the event of a failed voucher, it’s wise to adopt a few best practices.

    • Document the voucher immediately: Note the voucher number, issue date and expiration. Screenshot the digital voucher or save the email as a PDF to have a permanent record.
    • Confirm usability before shelving it: Call customer service as soon as you receive the voucher. Ask the representative to verify the balance and expiration, and record their name, employee ID and call time.
    • Use it promptly: Policy changes or system errors can render unused credits worthless. Booking your next trip as soon as possible helps you minimize the risk.
    • Understand terms and conditions: Read restrictions such as blackout dates, transferability and refund policies. Many vouchers expire within a few months and may carry blackout or minimum-spend requirements.
    • Protect with travel insurance: If you paid for the original ticket with a credit card or have separate travel insurance, verify whether it covers unused vouchers or additional out-of-pocket costs if the voucher fails.

    A good tip to remember is to capture every detail when you receive your voucher and confirm its value before it’s too late. Acting swiftly not only protects your travel credit but also spares you the kind of ordeal Bryant experienced.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • ‘Too little, too late’: Florida condo owners say between soaring HOA fees and sky-high insurance, the state’s condo reform legislation falls short. Here’s why — and what they’d prefer

    ‘Too little, too late’: Florida condo owners say between soaring HOA fees and sky-high insurance, the state’s condo reform legislation falls short. Here’s why — and what they’d prefer

    For Fran Sullivan, living in a Florida condo has become financially unbearable.

    “I’ve seen my condo HOAs at $450, double in two years to $900, and I’ve seen thousands of dollars in assessments. That’s what it’s cost us,” Sullivan, a condo owner in St. Petersburg, told ABC Action News.

    Don’t miss

    Across Florida, thousands of condo owners are facing similar financial pressures as homeowner association (HOA) fees and insurance premiums skyrocket.

    Surfside collapse drives up condo expenses

    The 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, which claimed 98 lives, prompted Florida lawmakers to enact sweeping safety regulations.

    The disaster exposed widespread structural vulnerabilities in the state’s aging condo buildings.

    The resulting legislation requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for condos 30 years or older and three stories high, as well as strict funding requirements for future repairs.

    The compliance deadline — Dec. 31, 2024 — triggered fee hikes and surprise assessments. Some owners, like Sullivan, have already paid thousands for repairs with little warning.

    “A lot of people here were financially strapped for doing this, myself included,” said fellow condo owner Tyler Clee.

    “To come up and say, I need $10,000 in three months — for most of us, that’s not realistic.”

    The financial fallout is chilling Florida’s condo market. Listings in areas like Pinellas County have been sitting on the market longer, ABC Action News reports, as buyers balk at unpredictable costs.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Condo owners criticize late reforms

    In response to mounting pressure, lawmakers passed House Bill 913 — the latest revision to the post-Surfside condo reform. While core safety rules remain intact, the bill includes key concessions:

    • A one-year delay in funding structural integrity reserve deadlines.
    • Permission for associations to use loans or lines of credit instead of cash.
    • Clarification from inspectors on which repairs are safety-related.

    The bill also allows electronic voting to engage more owners in financial decisions. For many residents, the changes come too late. Sullivan’s building has already set its budget and has completed major repairs based on the earlier deadlines.

    “It’s too little, too late,” she said.

    “I was hoping they would have done that before the end of last year, because we were forced into a position, because of the timeline, that we had to take care of all of that. … Now, I’m not sure if other condos could be helpful to them, that’s great. It’s not for us.”

    Instead, residents hope for zero- or low-interest loans to offset assessments that weren’t included.

    Potential solutions

    While the new law offers short-term relief, many say broader reform is needed. One of the biggest frustrations is that the legislation does little to address soaring condo insurance.

    Experts and residents alike suggest more balanced, long-term strategies. These could include:

    • Phased timelines. Allow condo associations to resolve urgent repairs first and offer extended deadlines for less critical upgrades. That way, owners have time to plan, save and avoid sudden, unaffordable assessments.

    • Means-tested aid. State-backed grants or low-interest loans to seniors and low-to-moderate-income residents to help cover extensive assessments or emergency repairs.

    • Tax incentive. Provide tax credits or deductions for unit owners or associations making qualified repairs — such as structural reinforcements, roofing or waterproofing.

    • Exemptions or relaxed rules. Exempt or reduce requirements for small, low-rise or recently constructed condos with clean inspection records.

    As Florida’s condo communities grapple with the financial fallout of much-needed reforms, many hope lawmakers will allow sustainable recovery. The goal being to ensure staying safe doesn’t mean losing your home or going into debt.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • I’m 34 years old, lost my job last month and just found out I owe $8,500 for a medical bill that’s gone to collections. My credit score is tanking — what do I do?

    I’m 34 years old, lost my job last month and just found out I owe $8,500 for a medical bill that’s gone to collections. My credit score is tanking — what do I do?

    Medical emergencies can derail even the most carefully planned budgets. That’s exactly what happened to Alex, 34, who lost his job last month and was soon blindsided by an unexpected $8,500 medical bill. The debt has already been sent to collections, and his credit score has taken a hit.

    Unfortunately, Alex is far from alone. According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, about 14 million Americans owe more than $1,000 in health-care debt, and 3 million people owe more than $10,000.

    Don’t miss

    While recent reforms offer some protections, medical debt remains one of the leading causes of financial hardship in the United States.

    Know your rights: The No Surprises Act

    If you’ve been hit with a surprise bill, it’s worth checking whether it violates the No Surprises Act, which took effect January 1, 2022.

    This federal law protects patients from unexpected charges that result from receiving out-of-network care at in-network facilities.

    For example, if you were unknowingly treated by an out-of-network doctor in an in-network hospital, the No Surprises Act prevents you from being billed beyond your deductible, coinsurance or copayments.

    You also have the right to receive a “good faith estimate” for non-emergency care if you’re uninsured or self-paying. This estimate should outline the expected charges before treatment. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by more than $400, you can dispute the charges through a formal patient-provider resolution process.

    How medical debt impacts your credit

    The good news is that recent changes to credit reporting have softened the blow of medical debt. The three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — no longer report unpaid medical collections under $500. Paid medical collection debt is also no longer included on credit reports.

    That said, larger unpaid debts — like Alex’s $8,500 bill — can still appear and remain on your credit report for up to seven years, hurting your score and future borrowing ability.

    However, you typically have a 365-day grace period after the bill is sent to collections before it appears on your credit report. This gives you time to fix billing errors, work out a payment plan or negotiate a reduced amount.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    What to do if you can’t afford to pay

    If you’re facing a large medical bill with no way to pay it off, consider these steps:

    • Check for errors: Medical bills are often inaccurate. Request an itemized invoice and verify each charge with your insurer.
    • Negotiate: Many providers will accept less than the full amount if you can pay a portion upfront. Ask if they offer discounts if you pay a certain amount in full.
    • Set up a payment plan: Hospitals and clinics may allow monthly payments. However, take note of the interest or fees charged by the provider.
    • Apply for financial assistance: Nonprofit hospitals offer charity care. You may also qualify for Medicaid, local government aid or help from religious or nonprofit groups.
    • Hire a medical billing advocate: These professionals can dispute errors and negotiate on your behalf. They typically charge a fee or a percentage of what they save you.
    • Avoid high-interest debt: Using credit cards or personal loans should be a last resort. If you must, look for a 0% APR offer and pay it off before interest kicks in.

    Rebuilding your credit

    If your score has already taken a hit, it’s not the end of the road. Focus on paying your other debts on time, keeping credit card balances low and checking your credit reports for mistakes. Once your medical collection is paid, it will be removed from your report.

    Medical debt can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your financial future. By knowing your rights and acting quickly, you can take back control and protect your credit moving forward.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Just 3 companies control nearly 19,000 homes in metro Atlanta — why the situation is ‘unlike anything we’ve ever seen’ in the US so far

    When Darren Clark bought his home in Henry County, Georgia, it was more than a personal milestone — it was a legacy.

    “It means a great deal to own this and leave something for my family,” Clark told WSB-TV.

    In just a few years, he’s watched the character of his neighborhood shift. “I’d say at least 60% of the homes around here are owned by corporations,” he said.

    Clark’s experience is increasingly common across metro Atlanta, where large investment firms have quietly transformed the housing landscape.

    Don’t miss

    Investing firms own 19,000 homes

    According to a study titled Horizontal Holdings: Untangling the Networks of Corporate Landlords by Georgia State University geography professor Taylor Shelton, just three corporations now own nearly 19,000 single-family homes in the region.

    In counties like Paulding and Henry, corporate landlords own more than 12,000 homes, accounting for 11.2% and 9.9% of all single-family homes in those counties, respectively.

    “This is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before in America when it comes to the single-family rental market,” Shelton said.

    In the study, Shelton specifically writes, “[T]hese three firms control more than 19,000 single-family homes across the five core counties of Metro Atlanta, using an extensive network of more than 190 corporate aliases — registered to seventy-four different addresses across ten states and one territory — to hide their holdings behind a veil of secrecy and insulate themselves from liability.”

    A national trend, a local crisis

    Atlanta isn’t alone. Experts have actively tracked and reported the rise of corporate landlords in the U.S.

    A report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Rental Housing: Information on Institutional Investment in Single-Family Homes, found that while institutional investors hold about 2%.) of the nation’s single-family rental stock overall, they have heavily concentrated their holdings in certain metro areas, distorting influence.

    According to GAO estimates, institutional investors control roughly 25% of single-family rental homes in Atlanta, 21% in Jacksonville, 18% in Charlotte and 15% in Tampa.

    When a handful of companies dominate local housing markets, the consequences can be severe.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Shelton explains corporations can gain the power to influence rental prices, tack on hidden fees (sometimes referred to as “junk fees”) and often overlook essential property maintenance.

    “So that means these companies are able to get away with a lot more than they would otherwise because there is no competition. They have essentially crowded out their competitors,” Shelton said.

    A Georgia Tech study also found large landlords were 4 to 5 times more likely to have code complaints than their smaller counterparts.

    As neighborhoods shift from owner-occupied to renter-dominated, local engagement often declines. Schools and community services that depend on long-term residency and homeownership may suffer. Additionally, individuals who own property in such areas may also see their interests drowned out by the better-resourced corporations dominating ownership in the area.

    Tenants renting from large out-of-state firms may face more barriers when asserting their rights, especially with vague lease terms or slow maintenance responses.

    Policy playing catch-up

    In response to mounting concerns, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has launched a federal investigation into the practices of institutional investors in Georgia’s housing market.

    While this could pave the way for policy reform, lawmakers have not yet established a timeline for potential legislation.

    For homeowners like Clark, change can’t come soon enough. “It’s going to be a hard hill to climb to be able to dig out of these corporations owning so many properties,” he said. “They are going to keep snatching them up.”

    As more neighborhoods transition into corporate-controlled rental zones, Georgia’s housing future hangs in the balance — and with it, the American dream of homeownership.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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