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Author: Rebecca Holland

  • ‘That’s not going to happen’: Kevin O’Leary fires back at Trump’s call for retailers to eat the cost of tariffs — and he warns Americans will be sharing the pain as Walmart raises prices

    Kevin O’Leary seems to have changed his tune on President Trump’s tariffs.

    In a recent interview with NewsNation’s The Hill, the Shark Tank star expressed his doubts on whether retailers would be willing to absorb the rising costs of imported goods thanks to Trump’s tariff war.

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    “We’re at the beginning of a negotiation,” O’Leary said, predicting that retailers would lobby the government to help reduce the impact of tariffs on their bottom lines.

    O’Leary previously advocated for a bully approach to tariffs on China. During an appearance on the Laura Coates Live podcast in April 2025, O’Leary had this to say. “Let’s just level the playing field. The [Chinese] government cheats, steals, robs, and does not play by any rules. I don’t think 125% is enough — 400%!”

    Less than two months later, O’Leary appears to be singing a different tune when it comes to tariffs, telling The Hill that he expects both customers and retailers to share the costs of Trump’s trade war.

    “There’s going to be some distribution of the pain between increased prices, and retailers will take some of the hit, but it really depends what the hit is,” said O’Leary. “We don’t know. Is it 10%? 20%? 25%? What is it? Nobody knows.”

    Trump, meanwhile, has different views on the matter.

    In a recent post shared on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote, “Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain. Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, ‘EAT THE TARIFFS,’ and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!”

    But O’Leary, a Canadian citizen, has pushed back on this. “This idea that the president says, ‘Listen, retailers, eat the tariffs.’ That’s not going to happen,” said O’Leary.

    Walmart’s tariff announcement

    Some retail experts believe Walmart’s intention to raise prices in response to tariffs will set the tone for how the retail industry as a whole will respond to the trade war.

    As of 2023, Walmart accounted for 7.3% of overall consumer spending in the U.S., and nearly 19% of food and beverage spending. It remains to be seen if the retailer’s hold on a major portion of American wallets will slip as consumers look for lower prices elsewhere.

    In a separate interview with The Hill in May, a Walmart spokesperson said, “We have always worked to keep our prices as low as possible and we won’t stop. We’ll keep prices as low as we can for as long as we can given the reality of small retail margins.”

    Walmart CEO Doug McMillion also said the company isn’t “able to absorb all the pressure” from the tariffs during an earnings call in the same week.

    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 the experts say

    Today.com recently published a list of retailers that, along with Walmart, have announced or are expected to announce price increases in response to the higher costs of importing goods. These include popular big box chains like Target and Best Buy, plus a long list of automakers and tech giants like Apple and Samsung.

    Matt Pavich, senior director of strategy and innovation at Revionics, shared his thoughts during an interview with Retail Dive. “When Walmart makes pricing moves, the rest of retail follows, to some degree, on a lot of products.”

    However, retail economists note that getting pricing right at this moment when consumers are extremely careful with their spending is a tough needle to thread. “No retailer wants to be the one that’s called out on social media as gouging the consumer,” Ali Furman, Consumer Products Industry Leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, shared with Retail Dive.

    Speaking to RetailCustomerExperience.com, Rob Garf — SVP of strategy and insights at Cordial — said, "With 70% of U.S. adults anticipating higher prices and 43% already experiencing increases, we’re seeing significant pressure on both retailers and consumers. The recent 28% year-over-year decline in consumer sentiment reflects growing spending shifts, particularly among the Boomer and Gen X demographics.”

    NielsenIQ’s recent "North America Tariff Sentiment Study" echoes Garf’s concerns. With nearly 10,000 Canadians and Americans surveyed in March 2025, 61% of U.S. consumers and 86% of Canadians reported they expect tariffs to “negatively affect their country’s economy this year,” according to RetailCustomerExperience.com

    Protecting your wallet against uncertainty

    If, like the majority of consumers, you’re worried about the costs of tariffs taking a bite out of your budget, there are a few things you can do to cut costs and find some more wiggle room in your wallet.

    First off, dedicate a little more time to planning your grocery shopping each week. Searching for good deals in the flyers, planning to buy locally and seasonally, and buying items with coupons can help you trim your food budget. Having a good meal plan can also save you from impulse purchases at the grocery store, or from spending your money on last-minute takeout and delivery when dinner time rolls around.

    You can also look for ways to trim your budget by carefully tracking your spending each month. When you see how much you spend on entertainment, subscription services and shopping trips, you may be inclined to trim these expenses and look for cheaper ways to enjoy your leisure time.

    Finally, take a look at your quarterly or yearly expenses like insurance, travel and even veterinary bills. Try shopping around for better deals on your home or auto insurance, and look to spend your holidays closer to home this year, or opt for a last-minute deal to a popular destination.

    Finding creative ways to save can make budgeting less painful and keep the uncertainty of rising prices from cramping your lifestyle.

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

  • Got $2 million? Here’s how long that nest egg will last you, depending on which US state you live in — you’ll get almost 50 more years in the cheapest state compared to the most expensive

    Got $2 million? Here’s how long that nest egg will last you, depending on which US state you live in — you’ll get almost 50 more years in the cheapest state compared to the most expensive

    A record number of people are reaching retirement age. Each day, more than 11,200 Americans turn 65 — adding up to 4.1 million Americans hitting retirement age per year.

    And yet very few of them feel they have enough saved to last the rest of their lives. The Federal Reserve reports that the reality is that most Americans aged 65 to 75 have approximately $426,000 in their 401(k).

    According to a Northwestern Mutual survey, most Americans believe they’d need closer to $1.46 million for a comfortable retirement.

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    Experts disagree. Suze Orman, for example, called $2 million in retirement savings “chump change”.

    So $2 million is a high bar. But according to a recent analysis from GOBankingRates, it should be enough to last you in all but three states: Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California.

    Here are some states where a $2-million nest egg will make you feel like a millionaire in retirement — and states you may want to avoid if you have a more modest retirement nest egg.

    The rankings

    GOBankingRates ranked all the states based on how long $2 million would last in retirement. They looked at average Social Security payouts and the average annual expenditure for Americans 65 and older (based on the 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey).

    Then they compared that data to each state’s overall cost of living to determine how many years retirees could make $2 million last.

    The state where it would last the longest?

    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

    Virginia, where a $2-million nest egg would last a whopping 71.93 years. Average annual expenses in that state would be $27,803 a year, after accounting for Social Security income.

    Unfortunately, living in West Virginia post-retirement has some downsides. The state has some of the worst health-care outcomes in the U.S.. Other retiree-friendly states on the list include Kansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma, with $2 million projected to last up to 69 years.

    In contrast, $2 million would not last even half as much in California, Massachusetts and Hawaii, which ranked at the bottom of the list for long-term affordability. The $2-million nest egg would last about 31 years in California and Massachusetts and Hawaii 22.75 years.

    In other words, if you retire at 65 in the Aloha state, your money would likely last until you’re 88, but no longer.

    That may not seem so bad, but this analysis didn’t take into account high health-care costs, so your $2 million nest egg may shrink more quickly than the data suggests.

    Deciding where to live in retirement

    Choosing when, where and how to retire is an individual decision based on multiple variables. Here are some factors to consider as you contemplate areas to live in retirement.

    • Local cost of living, This varies across the country, as GOBankingRates’ analysis shows.
    • Housing supply and prices. This is a major consideration if you’re planning to move states or downsize to a smaller home after you retire. Hawaii, like many states, is facing a housing supply crisis, while Massachusetts and California also report low levels of housing supply, driving up the cost of living in these states.
    • Public services. For example, you will likely need health facilities and use public transportation more as you age.
    • Convenience and amenities. Are there supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations within an easy distance? Community centres? Restaurants and theatres? As you age, proximity matters, and you’ll be less likely to want to cope with an inconvenience in your living arrangements.

    Whether or not you have $2 million, it pays to be realistic about your fixed income and make wise decisions about where to retire. That way you can ensure that your golden years are comfortable ones.

    What to read next

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

  • California couple was pulled over by Georgia police and had their rental car impounded — why they say the ‘negligence’ of rental company was to blame for putting them in ‘unsafe’ situation

    California couple was pulled over by Georgia police and had their rental car impounded — why they say the ‘negligence’ of rental company was to blame for putting them in ‘unsafe’ situation

    On the lookout for stolen cars, police in Suwanee, Georgia pulled over a couple visiting from California. The driver, Noelle Wilson, wondered what was wrong. She and her partner had just gone to pick up groceries.

    “My heart dropped into my stomach,” Wilson recalls, sharing her story with ABC7 News.

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    The officer asked about the car registration. Wilson explained she was driving an Avis rental.

    She was surprised when the officer told her that the license plate on the vehicle — a black Honda CR-V — was registered to a different car: a white Chevy Malibu.

    He said that’s why he’d stopped her, wondering if she was driving a stolen vehicle.

    It turns out this isn’t the first time this has happened. The officer radioed a colleague who confirmed the problem lies with Avis.

    "All of their brand new cars, they haven’t registered them, and they’ve just been throwing different plates on the cars," the colleague said.

    While the officer on the scene was apologetic to Wilson and her partner, he had to impound their rental vehicle, leaving the couple high and dry.

    They had to order an Uber to get back to their vacation rental, but that proved to be a minor inconvenience compared to resolving the situation that Avis created.

    "Their negligence put us in a very unsafe predicament,” she said of the car rental giant.

    Avis gives couple the runaround

    Wilson spent a week trying to clear up the matter with Avis so she and her partner could get home to California.

    "All I kept getting is, ‘We can’t do anything until the car is returned,’” Wilson recalled. “How do I return this car that’s been impounded?"

    To add insult to injury, Avis was charging Wilson for not returning the vehicle, in addition to maintaining the charge for the full term of her rental even though she didn’t actually have use of the car because it was impounded.

    After that week of getting the runaround, Wilson reached out to ABC7 News, and the outlet reached out to Avis for comment.

    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

    In response, the company reviewed Wilson’s case and a spokesperson confirmed that the incident “occurred as a result of a system error."

    What’s more, the company apologized.

    "Avis Budget Group apologizes for the inconvenience caused to Noelle, and will be refunding the rental fee in full, as well as covering the additional Uber expense incurred as a result of this incident."

    Wilson, however, calls the incident a safety issue, not just one of inconvenience or lost money.

    "I honestly think if maybe we were pulled over by somebody else, the ending on [this] story would have been completely different."

    The officer who pulled the couple over agrees.

    "We ran the VIN, the car’s not even registered with the state," he said in a phone interview with ABC 7. "You’d think big companies like this, this wouldn’t happen."

    Car rentals and consumer protection

    There are a number of consumer protection laws that apply to car rentals, including protections for reserved cars being available on-time and at the right location, pricing for services, disclosure of additional fees, and protecting your rights during damage claims.

    To avoid the kind of situation Wilson for herself in, you may have to do extra due diligence when you pick up a rental car.

    You can verify the vehicle registration number (VIN) online, read your rental agreement thoroughly, and ensure you hold onto any documentation related to the rental.

    The Federal Trade Commission advises car rental customers who find themselves in a situation where they suspect car rental fraud report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or contact the attorney general for their state.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘An absolute bloodbath’: Dave Ramsey told his viewers never to buy a home on more than a 15-year mortgage — and he was roasted on social media for it. But does Ramsey have a point?

    Dave Ramsey has upset his fanbase with financial advice that many are calling out of touch in the current economic climate.

    Last month, we covered Ramsey’s latest advice on mortgages, where he advised listeners on his popular show to never take out a mortgage of more than 15 years, as this will cost you thousands of dollars more in the long run.

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    However, users on X — as well as readers of a right-wing website called Not The Bee — are doing the math and showing just how difficult it is to get in on the housing market at all, let alone to be able to afford a home with a shorter mortgage term.

    The @FinancialPhysics X account posted a breakdown of how much homebuyers in the U.S. would have to make per year after taxes to afford the average home price in America — a whopping $190,000.

    The video further calculated the cost of a house in Mississippi, where the average home prices are the lowest in the country at $180,000, according to the figures in the video. Assuming you spend no more than a quarter of your take home pay on your mortgage, you’d still need to earn $95,000 per year to afford a 15-year mortgage in Mississippi.

    The caustic comments posted on X and elsewhere about Ramsey’s advice were described as “an absolute bloodbath.” Below, we’ll take a closer look at the financial realities of buying a home in America today, and how you can make the math work for you.

    Doing the math on American mortgages

    Checking up on the figures in the video, the math on mortgages more or less works out. According to Zillow, the current average home price in the U.S. is $367,711. Assuming a mortgage rate of 7.04% — the current national average — and a standard 20% down payment, your monthly mortgage payment would be $2,651 on a 15-year loan, according to Bankrate’s mortgage calculator. A down payment that’s smaller than 20%, or $73,542, would net out to monthly payments around $3000 per month.

    In terms of income, the figures for what makes a high-income individual vary widely by state, but across the board, an income of $335,891 per year puts you in the top 5% in this country. The @FinancialPhysics video also correctly reports the real median household income in the U.S. — $80,610 as of 2023, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis — which is well below the income levels for 15-year mortgages that we detailed above.

    In terms of the cheapest states to buy a house, West Virginia tops the list from Rocket Homes, with a median selling price of $208,968 in 2024.

    So while the video from @FinancialPhysics may not be perfectly accurate, it paints a fairly clear picture of the state of home buying in the U.S. today — a place where old-fashioned advice on finances may no longer be relevant.

    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

    Ramsey’s take on mortgages

    Ramsey warns his followers who want to get ahead with their finances that opting for a 30-year mortgage can see you flushing money down the drain. The longer your mortgage term, the more you pay in interest, which means it takes longer to pay down the principal of your loan.

    While Ramsey’s advice is perfectly sensible — a shorter loan means less spent in interest — it’s just not practical for many potential homebuyers who are already struggling with inflation and depressed wages.

    With the median price of a home having increased 220% in the last thirty years — from $130,000 in 1995 to $416,900 today — it’s no surprise that Ramsey fans feel gaslit by his advice and are making jokes about his baby boomer mentality.

    The social media uproar

    With @FinancialPhysics captioning their video with the phrase “Boomerism linked to dementia” — and others on X leaving comments ranging from “Yeah, I’ve just accepted I’m never owning a home” to “I was happier in my blissful ignorance” — commenters had plenty to say about the realities of affording a mortgage in the U.S. today.

    The person behind the @FinancialPhysics account further stoked the flames with comments that the new reality of homeownership has been destructive to birth rates and overall quality of life, and that many of America’s most affordable homes have been bought up by investors specifically to “destroy American birth rates.”

    However, some commenters came out in support of Ramsey, pointing out that first-time homebuyers are probably not aiming for the median-value homes in the market.

    “I feel that this data is being misrepresented by using average house prices rather than median house prices,” said one. “Came here to point this out and add that a typical first-time home buyer should not be buying a house that is anywhere near the average or median price,” said another.

    The verdict on 15-year mortgages

    According to Investopedia, a 15-year mortgage is a major advantage to those who can afford it, as it lowers the overall cost of the loan. But buyers who cannot comfortably afford the higher monthly payments risk defaulting on their loan.

    While the total interest you’d pay for a 15-year mortgage will likely be half of what you’d pay for a 30-year mortgage — since you’re borrowing the money for half as long — it’s critical to have a 360 degree view of the true cost of a 15-year mortgage. Not only do you have a higher monthly bill, but you should also consider your insurance, maintenance fund and any additional loan or homeownership fees as part of the true cost of your mortgage.

    However, a 15-year mortgage has the benefit of lower fees for the loan. Government sponsored lenders such as Fannie Mae often charge loan-level price adjustments, and according to Investopedia, these fees often apply only to 30-year mortgages. It’s also worth noting that these fees are usually for those with lower credit scores, or those who make a small down payment.

    Finally, future homeowners considering a 15-year mortgage should consider their potential earning capacity in the future. While you can save substantially with a shorter loan term, the higher monthly payment may prevent borrowers from building up savings for retirement or putting money away for a child’s college tuition.

    When considering the true cost of your mortgage, you should also calculate the potential value of investments in your 401(k), which are compounded by your employer contribution. You can also consider how much any potential investments in stocks and bonds would appreciate over the 15-year term.

    No matter how you choose to finance your home purchase, it can be well worth your time to speak to a financial advisor who can help you map out these future scenarios and make the most informed decision possible about your mortgage.

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

  • ‘It’s not safe’: This Houston couple says their brand-new home in a gated community has become a mold-ridden uninhabitable nightmare — now they’re left in an ‘unfathomable’ position

    ‘It’s not safe’: This Houston couple says their brand-new home in a gated community has become a mold-ridden uninhabitable nightmare — now they’re left in an ‘unfathomable’ position

    When Angela and Terry Taylor of Houston moved into a four-story home in a gated community in 2020, they thought it would be a safe, low-maintenance environment where they could ease into retirement.

    Instead, things started to go wrong almost immediately. The Taylors noticed condensation on the windows and doors. Angela began to feel ill.

    They soon identified the problem: mold. A doctor discovered mold in Angela’s sinuses and told her it was the highest level he had seen in 32 years.

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    Then they checked out the house. Hundreds of thousands of mold spores per cubic meter, on the walls, beneath stucco finishes — even their furniture.

    "It’s not safe for anybody to be there," their attorney Ernest Freeman told KHOU 11.

    The Taylors have moved into an apartment, carrying the costs of the apartment and their new home at the same time.

    "We’re trying to retire one of these days and these are some of the most expensive days of our lives," said Terry Taylor. "It’s unfathomable that we’re in the position we’re in."

    Now they’re suing the home builder, Pelican Builders, and sharing their story to alert other people to the dangers.

    Mold takes a physical and financial toll

    "We worked hard, raised our kids and this is our time, and I’ve gotten sick," Angela said. "It’s just a nightmare."

    The couple said they initially tried to work with the builder on a solution.

    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

    Pelican Builders’ lawyer Ben Westcott said that the company offered to repair the Taylors’ home at no cost in 2022. He said the Taylors’ decision not to take the offer led to further degradation of the property.

    But Freeman and his clients note that the builders’ offer did address underlying structural issues that caused the mold growth in the first place.

    Mold grows when houses aren’t properly sealed. Warm air fills the inside of the walls, forced down from the attic. Cooler air from the other side of the wall makes condensation form, causing mold to grow rapidly.

    What you can do if your new home has serious structural issues

    If you, like the Taylors, find structural problems in a new-build home, there are several avenues you can pursue to get help.

    First, review your contract and the builder’s warranty. This type of warranty is standard for new homes, and is also enforced when any extensive remodels to your existing home take place. It covers permanent parts of your home, including concrete floors, plumbing, electrical work and the like.

    You may also have a home warranty, which covers replacements or repairs. This can include appliances or air conditioning systems, and servicing for these items.

    If your warranty covers the repairs you need, you should have no trouble enforcing the terms of your agreement with your builder.

    If the issues are not part of the warranty, but are so significant that the property is uninhabitable, your builder should also make a good faith agreement to repair the damage and underlying issues with the home.

    If your builder refuses to cooperate, you can file a complaint with your state’s contractors licensing board. The specific rules and regulations vary by state, but each board can pursue disciplinary action against a contractor who fails to uphold a reasonable standard for their work.

    Finally, you can consider hiring a lawyer. Look for a representative who has handled similar cases in the past, and can help you understand the laws in place in your state to protect homeowners.

    What to read next

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

  • St. Louis tow lot federal investigation reveals systemic ‘corruption within the city’ and $5 million worth of missing vehicles — here’s why the story was ‘swept under the rug’ for years

    St. Louis tow lot federal investigation reveals systemic ‘corruption within the city’ and $5 million worth of missing vehicles — here’s why the story was ‘swept under the rug’ for years

    Almost four years after longtime civil servant and whistleblower Angelica Woods first spoke to local news station KSDK about the corrupt practices she witnessed after a year working in the city’s tow lot, the once-buried report has finally come to light.

    Woods was a dispatcher for the tow lot, and in that time witnessed city staff setting aside vehicles for friends and family, then pocketing the payment for themselves. Her suit, filed in 2021, also alleged that these employees forged paperwork to cover their tracks.

    At the time, Woods told KSDK, “People pretty much made up rules as they went."

    Woods was fired from her role for speaking out, though she had worked for the city in various roles for 23 years at the time of the suit. Now in 2025, she has finally won the modest sum she sued the city for, and has paved the way for two other city employees to come forward with their stories.

    "Because a lot of cash was being taken under the table here, it was a lot of corruption within the city," Woods said about the way she and other city staff were treated for trying to do the right thing.

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    Audit report on the tow lot

    A city audit was quietly released in March of this year, finding that 568 of 1,133 vehicles (that’s 50%) were missing from the inventory — accounting for nearly $5 million in missing city revenue. The audit also found that more than $80,000 in cash was unaccounted for, and 33% of tow tickets were missing, incomplete or had incorrect amounts listed for vehicle sales or value.

    Newly-elected Mayor Cara Spencer responded to the situation, stating, "This audit … should not have been swept under the rug."

    "A lot of the employees was taking the cars and benefiting for themselves," said George Hooker, another longtime city employee who previously worked as the auctioneer for the tow lot.

    In spite of the fact that Hooker signed paperwork that he would be protected as a government whistleblower, he still faced consequences.

    "They promised me that I was protected under it, but I still got moved," he said. "Betherny is the one that transferred me. She transferred me because I was complaining to her about what was going on down here."

    Former Streets Director Betherny Williams transferred Hooker to the city’s refuse division, and he claims Williams buried him in difficult work assignments as a retaliation.

    Systemic corruption

    "Once I started ruffling feathers, they got me out of there pretty quickly," said James Mundy, another city employee who briefly served as commissioner of the tow lot. He was also transferred for trying to speak up to his superiors about what he saw.

    Speaking to KSDK in 2021, Lynette Petruska, Angelica Woods’ attorney, said, "What the city is really doing here is they’re sending a message loud and clear. We’ve got this whistleblower protection on paper, but don’t do the right thing and don’t blow the whistle because if you blow the whistle, you’re going to pay.”

    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 city’s audit from March recommends that payments at the tow lot be converted to online systems instead of the current cash payments — a recommendation that seems long overdue in 2025. The audit also recommends implementing a digital system to track all records, which also raises questions about why city staff have been using paper-based methods for so long. The city’s Comptroller Donna Baringer forwarded the audit findings and additional evidence collected to the federal prosecutors investigating the case.

    Impact on St. Louisans

    KSDK reported in 2021 that a special audit from that time found up to 150 cars appeared to leave the tow lot for free between 2018 and that year, a figure that did not include stolen cars that were released to their owners. Almost $78,000 in tow and storage fees were also waived for no reason.

    However, a number of citizens came forward after the news station broke the story and claimed that their stolen cars were not retrievable from the tow lot for free — despite a city ordinance that allows owners to collect their stolen vehicles without a charge within a 72-hour time frame.

    Protection for whistleblowers

    According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal government alone loses an estimated $233 to $521 billion to fraud each year. These numbers are based on an assessment covering 2018 to 2022, and the GAO reported that “no area of the federal government is immune to fraud.”

    However, no matter which level of government a civil servant works for, the US has laws in place to protect whistleblowers. Both government employees and private sector employees can find the info they need on whistleblowers.gov to file a complaint and understand their rights.

    When whistleblowers file a complaint, the government site recommends keeping a paper trail of related communication with your employer, including emails, meeting notes, etc. The Office of the Inspector General also maintains a hotline where federal employees can report corruption. City and state-level OIGs are also the first line of defense if you have evidence of bribery, conflicts of interest, or other criminal activity.

    Finally, if you are aware of a dangerous situation in your workplace, such as an employee who is retaliating against others using physical violence or threats of violence, be sure to call the police right away to report the crime.

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

  • Irvine police arrest 5 believed to be linked to ‘transnational organized crime ring’ after security footage shows them posing as Amazon delivery drivers to rob Southern California homes

    Irvine police arrest 5 believed to be linked to ‘transnational organized crime ring’ after security footage shows them posing as Amazon delivery drivers to rob Southern California homes

    A residential break-in on Easter Sunday in Irvine, California has led to the arrest of five people that police say are part of a transnational organized burglary crew.

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    Police say they have been able to link the members, who have ties to Colombia, to other burglaries throughout Southern California.

    Security camera footage released shows them posing as Amazon delivery and food delivery drivers and knocking or ringing the doorbell before entering. Police told KTLA 5 the burglars were trying to blend in to the communities they were targeting.

    Now the five suspects are charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and narcotics possession.

    If you’re worried about thieves gaining access to your home by adopting these or other tactics, there are a few things you can do to protect your property.

    The operation

    On April 20, a resident in Irvine reported that his surveillance cameras showed multiple people unknown to him in his home while he was away. The people were dressed as Amazon delivery drivers. By the time the police arrived, the burglars had already left, taking with them designer purses, shoes and jewelry.

    However, an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and stopped it. The driver, Jhon Osorioarias, a 24-year-old Fontana resident, said he was delivering food to a customer, but he could not provide the address where he delivered it. Police found suspicious items in the vehicle, and he was arrested for being unlicensed.

    After an “exhaustive investigation” of Osorioarias, they determined he was part of an organized burglary crew and identified his associates as well.

    With the help of the department’s drone team, the investigators were able to coordinate a successful operation that culminated in the arrests of the five suspects in May.

    “The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be added as detectives sort through the evidence,” the police said in the press release.

    According to KTLA 5, police said hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property has been recovered from the suspects, including cash, jewelry, designed handbags and four guns, and they are in the process of tracing the owners.

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

    How to protect your home from break-ins

    The good news is data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reveals reports of burglaries have fallen sharply since 2011.

    The agency says that residential properties account for most burglaries, and in 2019, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,661.

    To protect yourself from this crime, you can take some simple precautions.

    A survey of victims in Charlotte revealed that most burglaries happen during the day, between noon and 4 pm. This is prime time for most individuals to be out of the home, whether they’re working or running errands. So even if you’re just taking a quick trip to the store, be sure to lock all your doors and windows, and enable your security system during these hours. Also be extra-aware of potential burglars posing as delivery drivers around your neighborhood and scouting homes to hit.

    Cameras and security systems are more accessible than ever, and can help to deter thieves who may try to enter your home. One study by the Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) in Newark found that “installed burglar alarm makes a dwelling less attractive to the would-be and active intruders and protects the home without displacing burglaries to nearby homes.”

    Clear signage, as provided by your security company, and a camera placed in a prominent location near your front door can be enough to scare away anyone attempting to enter your home.

    The Justice Department has found that renters are more likely to be the targets of theft than those who own their homes. In 2011, the rate of completed burglary was 18.3 per 1,000 households that owned the property and 32.7 per 1,000 households that rented.

    “If you’re a renter, you’re at high risk for a home break-in,” says Safewise. “Read your lease and talk to your landlord about any security concerns you have. Ask if you can upgrade the lock in your apartment, or add a compact all-in-one security system like the Abode Iota or Canary.”

    Finally, it’s critical to have either renters or homeowners insurance. In the case of a break-in, your landlord or property management company is not liable for any damages or items stolen.

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

  • This Minnesota woman stole $360K from Social Security by pretending to be her dead mother for ‘literal decades’ — does this prove Elon Musk is correct about widespread fraud in the system?

    This Minnesota woman stole $360K from Social Security by pretending to be her dead mother for ‘literal decades’ — does this prove Elon Musk is correct about widespread fraud in the system?

    Mavious Redmond of Austin, Minnesota, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds after more than 25 years of fraudulently collecting Social Security retirement benefits after her mother’s death in 1999.

    Redmond collected more than $360,000 in payments, and allegedly impersonated her mother on several occasions, including forging her signature.

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    Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick said in a statement, “Redmond stole well more than a quarter-million dollars in taxpayer funds. She scammed social security for literal decades. No more. My office will continue to aggressively pursue the federal programs fraud that plagues Minnesota.”

    Redmond will be sentenced at a later date. But is this an isolated case of daring theft, or an example of a larger trend of Social Security fraud?

    Social Security scams

    According to think tank Brookings, before the DOGE cost-cutting team made a target out of Social Security fraud, fraudulent payouts were an extremely small problem for the SSA.

    “Claims of widespread fraud in Social Security were misleading, with fraud representing just 0.00625% of the annual budget, far less than what private companies like Mastercard or Visa would accept,” said the report dated March 26 of this year.

    DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency, run by Elon Musk, is responsible for finding “fraud and waste” across government programs, but with Social Security, he may be looking in the wrong place. The inspector general found in 2021 that over the previous two decades, about $300 million in benefits was paid to Social Security recipients after their deaths. Of that, about one-third was recovered.

    Musk claimed on Feb. 16 of this year that the SSA was still paying benefits to millions of deceased Amercians, using a chart from the SSA’s Numident database. Fact checkers responded immediately to clarify that the table Musk posted on his social media did not provide evidence that payments were going to beneficiaries who were long dead — or to those impersonating them.

    Acting Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek released a statement following Musk’s post. “The reported data are people in our records with a Social Security number who do not have a date of death associated with their record. These individuals are not necessarily receiving benefits.”

    DOGE and the White House continued to muddy the waters, however, with the president repeating Musk’s false claim two weeks later.

    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 success rate of SSA scams

    As reported in The Hill, the SSA receives 80 million calls a year from citizens on its 1-800 number. JD Vance and Musk have both claimed that 40% of those calls, which would total 32 million, are from “fraudsters who steal your direct deposits.”

    The Washington Post reports that only one in every 3,100 calls succeeds — briefly — in direct deposit fraud, accounting for 0.032% of all calls to the 1-800 number.

    They further found that for every successful attempt at direct deposit fraud, five attempts were prevented by SSA staff. However, 7,000 SSA workers were laid off in early April, and more cuts are planned. Critics of DOGE and the administration note that this will mean SSA offices will be severely understaffed, and many will have to close. For seniors with limited mobility issues, or who already face economic barriers, they may have to travel hundreds of miles to visit a Social Security office in the future.

    Current stats on Social Security

    About 69 million people in the US currently receive Social Security benefits. The Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program reports a payment accuracy rate of 99.7%.

    The SSA further reports that the majority of improper payments paid out actually go to eligible beneficiaries, but are incidents of mistakes or delays, resulting in incorrect payment amounts.

    Their data also show that, contrary to claims from Musk, only 0.1% of Social Security benefits are paid to those over 100 years old. The SSA already has dedicated processes in place to prevent benefits from going to those who have died. They use data from state agencies, funeral home directors, and financial institutions to keep their records up-to-date, as well as comparing whether beneficiaries are using other programs like Medicare.

    So while fraud happens, stories like Mavious Redmond’s are newsworthy precisely because they’re so rare. The millions of Americans who rely on Social Security should not face cuts to their services to prevent a few clever fraudsters from collecting illegal payments.

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  • Americans over the age of 55 are the country’s fastest-growing workforce — here’s why so many are now kicking retirement down the road

    Americans over the age of 55 are the country’s fastest-growing workforce — here’s why so many are now kicking retirement down the road

    Joan Madden-Ceballos didn’t make headlines for volunteering or falling victim to a crime. Instead, she caught the attention of Boston 25 News for something that says a lot about about America today: at 70, she’s still on the job.

    Madden-Ceballos is among the growing number of Americans 65 and older who are staying in the workforce into their golden years.

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    Working past the traditional retirement age of 65 isn’t new — especially as life expectancy increases — but the number of Americans remaining on the job continues to rise, largely due to economic hardship.

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2003 and 2023, the number of people over 55 still in the workforce increased by nearly 74%. Today, more than 1 in 5 workers are 55 or older. For those 75 and older, the number has grown by a record 113%.

    Why older adults keep working

    People have a variety of reasons for working beyond retirement age, but some clear trends have emerged.

    One of the more positive reasons is that Americans are living longer — and healthier — than previous generations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy for a 65-year-old has increased by just over a year since 2000, now nearing 84.

    Financial expert Suze Orman has even cautioned retirees-to-be to plan for living into their 90s. That means a retirement fund at 65 might need to last nearly a third of a person’s lifetime — a long time to go without income.

    For many, work also provides purpose and mental stimulation. The 2024 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that nearly half of older adults said their work “gave them a sense of purpose and kept their brains sharp”. Nine in 10 said it helped their overall well-being.

    Nicole Maestas, a professor at Harvard Medical School, points to another factor: today’s information economy. Jobs are less physically demanding than they were for previous generations, making it easier for older adults to stay employed.

    Still, it comes down to money for most people.

    That same University of Michigan poll found that nearly 78% of older workers said financial stability was the main reason they continued working. Others said they wanted to boost their savings or maintain access to health insurance.

    A 2024 AARP survey found that about 66% of adults over 50 don’t feel they’ve saved enough to retire securely. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, only 2 in 5 workers are on track to retire comfortably.

    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 financial landscape has shifted

    One of the biggest changes facing today’s retirees compared t their parents’ generation: pensions are increasingly rare.

    As of 2020, more than 85 million Americans were enrolled in defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. By contrast, only 12 million were in traditional definition benefit pension programs. That makes it harder to replace working income after retirement.

    Researchers from the Georgetown Center for Retirement Initiatives found that today’s retirees are spending their savings faster than previous generations. The culprits? Rising costs of living, high health care expenses and increased longevity.

    Inflation is also a major factor. Consumer Affairs reports that the consumer price index jumped 586% between 1973 and 2023. Combined with wage stagnation, and saving for retirement becomes even more difficult

    In 2024, the Government Accountability Office reported that a third of households with a worker 55 or older had no employer-sponsored retirement plan at all. Half of all households had no retirement savings whatsoever.

    Trouble ahead for Social security

    Another looming concern is Social Security. It is projected to deplete its trust fund by 2034, at which point it would only be able to pay about 77% of scheduled benefits through incoming payroll taxes.

    “Far too many people are one crisis away from economic insecurity," said Ramsey Alwin, president and chief executive of the National Council on Aging. A 2022 University of Massachusetts study supports that view, showing that half of single older adults and one in five couples struggle to meet their basic needs.

    The Pension Research Council at Wharton has suggested reforms to help both current and future retirees. A key issue is access: almost 57 million Americans don’t have a workplace retirement savings plan. Workers of color and lower-income workers are disproportionately affected — over-represented in this group, with 53% of Blacks and 64% of Hispanics without access, compared to 42% of White workers. For low-income workers, those numbers jump to between 64 and 79%.

    Wharton researchers recommend expanding access to retirement plans, as well as improved portability of 401(k) and IRA plans, to encourage people to keep saving as they change careers. They also recommend government programs to match contributions for low-income workers, allowing for more equal access to retirement, letting America’s golden years be ones of leisure and not full-time work.

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  • I’m 45 with 5 children to support and my breadwinning husband died unexpectedly. I only get $1.5K/month from disability and still have a $220K mortgage — how do I secure our financial future?

    I’m 45 with 5 children to support and my breadwinning husband died unexpectedly. I only get $1.5K/month from disability and still have a $220K mortgage — how do I secure our financial future?

    The death of a spouse is devastating under any circumstances. But, what happens if your spouse who passed away was also the breadwinner for your family of seven, including five children?

    When this type of tragic incident occurs, survivors left behind can find their whole life changed.

    Now, imagine that you are the surviving spouse. You have a disability, with a $1,500 monthly benefit and you own a home that you owe $220,000 on. And, your basic monthly bills (not including expenses like food, transportation and health care) are $3,320.

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    You’d probably be panicking about your financial future in this situation, and rightly so. The big question is, what can you do to ensure that you and your children are provided for and the bills get paid?

    Take stock of your situation

    The first thing to do in this situation is to determine what your finances look like based on what your spouse left behind.

    Look to see if your husband has a will, and take account of any assets you may have, such as your spouse’s workplace 401(k), life insurance policies, bank accounts and investment accounts.

    Hopefully, you and your spouse communicated about these issues, and you know where to look. If not, you may have to contact financial institutions, look at your spouse’s computer history and email to see if you can find statements and use the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) life insurance policy locator.

    In most cases, the estate will need to go through probate to officially transfer certain property and assets. A legal aid attorney may be able to help you through this process if you can’t afford a lawyer otherwise. If you were a joint owner on any assets, though, you should be able to access those right away.

    With luck, your spouse left something behind that can help you to make ends meet in this difficult situation. Depending on the equity in your home, you may also be able to downsize to something less expensive while freeing up cash you can invest to produce income to live on.

    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

    Claim available benefits

    If your spouse left behind limited resources, the next step is to try to claim any benefits that may be available to you.

    This can include survivor benefits from Social Security. These benefits are available to surviving spouses who are raising minor children, as well as to kids under the age of 17 or kids under the age of 19 if they are still in school. If any of the children have a disability, these benefits can be available at any age.

    With your limited financial resources, you will likely be eligible for other government benefits as well. These can include:

    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
    • Medicaid health insurance coverage.

    Other benefits, such as utility assistance programs and reduced property taxes, may also be on offer. Check Benefits.gov and search your state’s assistance programs to see what is available. These benefits can help you to make ends meet.

    Consider working in some capacity

    After the death of a breadwinning spouse, it normally would make sense for you to go back to work. However, that may not be the case if you have a disability, because earning too much money could affect your eligibility for disability and other benefits.

    Of course, if you could earn enough to support yourself and your family despite your disability, doing so would be a good idea. If your condition prevents you from doing that, though, then you could end up worse off if you earn too much to get benefits but not enough to meet your needs.

    Still, you can check with the benefits programs you participate in to see how much you are allowed to earn before losing benefits, and check out programs that help with job training and searches for people with a disability.

    Take care of yourself in all aspects of your life

    Finally, you need to think about creating more stability for yourself in your future — including emotional and financial stability.

    Taking steps to become more financially stable, like trying to build an emergency fund and savings, can be a good first step.

    You should also make sure to get the emotional support you need after a devastating loss. Check with your local community center, health center, faith group or hospital for support groups that may be available for you and your kids.

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