Author: Rebecca Holland

It’s not uncommon for a marriage to experience financial issues, but sometimes the money problems are just the tip of the iceberg.

Dave Ramsey recently explained this to a Florida man, Hayden, who called in to the financial guru’s show. Hayden and his wife are deeply in debt, with a US$19,300 balance on their credit cards and US$64,000 in car loans, including a US$37,000 loan for a new Tesla. The two have created a budget to navigate their financial woes, but Hayden’s wife feels the couple hasn’t budgeted for one important part of life: fun.

Hayden shared that in spite of their lavish spending, the couple is struggling to afford things like attending baby showers and dining out with friends. Hayden’s wife, who is pregnant with their second child, has to clear her spending with him, asking for US$50 to use for thesee types of activities, which Hayden routinely denies.

“My wife started to feel very controlled,” Hayden admitted.

As Hayden continued to explain the situation, the conversation quickly shifted from “how do I get my wife on board?” to “how can we make budgeting decisions as a couple?” That’s when Ramsey’s advice veered away from discussing finances.

‘Ultimately, you two probably need marriage counselling’

Ramsey and co-host Jade Warshaw were visibly shocked when Hayden outlined the couple’s debts, as well as the issues Hayden’s wife has with their budget. “You’re imposing this on her, and she’s not got any adult ownership in the sacrifice that needs to occur for you all to swim.”

Since Hayden and his wife don’t appear to be on the same page with their financial goals, Ramsey suggested another remedy that might help the couple get to the bottom of their issues.

“Ultimately, you two probably need marriage counselling,” said Ramsey. “She’s not involved in this at all, emotionally, and so you’ve become her parent and she doesn’t like it when you tell her ‘no.’ And you’re getting tired of being the parent.”

Warshaw also pushed for the couple to attend counseling, noting that for most new parents, the arrival of a child tends to change their relationship with money. If Hayden’s wife still has a desire to spend recklessly, there is likely an underlying factor leading to this behavior.

“My guess is there’s something behind this,” said Warshaw. “You go to counseling, you’re going to figure out what that is, because there is something stopping her from wanting to go all in on this.”

While Ramsey was sympathetic to Hayden’s potential marital issues, he refused to let Hayden off the hook for the terrible financial decisions he and his wife have made. For example, buying a brand new Tesla when Hayden and his wife were already drowning in debt.

“It’s asinine, and you knew it when you did it,” said Ramsey. “But you went along with it, trying to make someone happy by buying them stuff. And it doesn’t work.”

Making money decisions as a couple

Budgeting as a couple should be a joint activity that not only takes into account what’s possible today, but also what’s possible for the future — what retirement will look like, when you both plan to leave the workforce and how you will invest to live comfortably when you reach retirement age.

According to an RBC poll, 77% of couples consider money a source of stress in their lives, and 62% say it causes them arguments.

While money issues are a common theme in marital discord — and even a top predictor of divorce — according to a 2013 study — it is possible to get on the same page about financial goals, even if one partner is a saver and the other is a spender. On the Ramsey blog, Rachel Cruze discusses how couples can get aligned with their money goals.

“When it comes to money fights in marriage, there’s often a surface issue and an underlying issue. And the only way to find the root cause of the argument is to stop and talk about it,” she wrote.

Cruze also detailed that savers and spenders are equally valid in their decisions as long as they’re maintaining a reasonable approach to their budget. “Neither is right or wrong — they’re just different.”

For Hayden and his wife, it’s important for them to discuss money as equals and understand each other’s perspective.

Making money decisions as a couple

When couples approach budgeting without alignment on goals and what they want the future to look like, one person often takes on the role of the ‘manager’ while the other is taking orders, rather than the budget being a joint project for the pair.

Ramsey notes that getting aligned on money is not just about looking at daily and monthly spending, but seeing the big picture: a plan for your marriage that includes financial stability as one piece of a happy life.

“You’ve been talking about ‘what’ way too much, but not ‘why’,” he told Hayden. “And you’ve got to work on that. Then she’s going to have to take an adult position in this relationship where we sacrifice together for the greater good of our overall family.”

Ultimately, Ramsey advocated for much stricter budgeting for the couple, which may include a “beans and rice” diet until they can get rid of their debt. Ramsey also had some blunt advice on what to do about that Tesla.

“You need to sell her car yesterday, it should have never been purchased,” said Ramsey, but his tough-love approach to Hayden’s troubles didn’t end there. “Don’t talk to me about baby showers when you’ve got debt up around your neck and you’ve got a one-year-old. And don’t talk to me about your Instagram life, I couldn’t give a crap less about your Instagram life.”

“That’s me being mean, and forceful, because that’s what I see in your lives,” admitted Ramsey. “You’ve got to want a bright future more than you want a false present.”

Sources

1. RBC: Finances and feelings: Harsh economic realities taking a toll on relationships among Canadian couples – RBC poll (Dec 2024)

2. CTV News: Fighting over money is a top predictor of divorce, study shows

3. Ramsey: How to Talk to Your Spouse About Money by Rachel Cruze (April 24, 2025)

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

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.

For many remote workers, the flexibility offered by working at home can’t be beat.

In a McKinsey survey from 2022, 21% of remote workers reported that getting a remote role was their primary motivation for seeking a new job. Furthermore, according to an independent survey of more than 12,000 respondents who work remotely, the ability to work from anywhere has increased their happiness by as much as 20%.

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So what if you’re currently on the job hunt, and have received a nice offer, but now find out it will mean you need to work from the office for at least three days a week? Is it worth it to trade in your sweats for a rush-hour commute? We’ll break down the added costs of office-based work, plus the benefits that you might enjoy.

The scenario

Say you’re currently making $140K with a 10% performance bonus. Your new offer has a base salary of $170K with a 15% bonus. However, you’ll be leaving a fully-remote role for a mandatory hybrid working arrangement, with three days a week in-office.

The extra salary could help you afford a down payment on your own home, which is your major financial goal.

So what would the extra salary look like on your monthly paycheck? If you live in California, for example, your total income after taxes would be $114,921, not including deductions for health insurance or any contributions to retirement accounts. In contrast, your current take-home pay at your $140,000 salary is $97,119. So the difference is $17,802, or $1,483.50 per month. When you consider your health care and retirement savings costs, you can target about $1,000 extra per month in income — which isn’t bad, but might not be enough to get you meaningfully closer to your goal of homeownership.

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

Additional costs for your new role

If you choose to transition back to working in-office, you’ll have to consider your transportation costs. As a remote worker, you may not have a car, or you may not use your car very often. With potentially long commutes ahead of you, you’ll need a reliable vehicle, a healthy gas budget, and some savings set aside in case of accidents or repairs. You may also need to consider whether your current auto insurance will be sufficient for your needs. If you work in the city, parking might also become a monthly expense you’ll need to factor in.

Many office workers prefer the convenience of having their lunches or even dinners at restaurants. Even if you brown bag it two out of the three days you’re in the office, your food budget can balloon when you’re surrounded by options for meals on the go. It’s also true that you’ll feel more tempted to treat yourself to social drinks or dinners with colleagues after work, or other activities that can take a bite out of your entertainment budget each month.

But there’s something to be said for the value of that informal off-the-clock socializing, especially if you’re hoping to climb the ranks at your new workplace.

You just need to be prepared for these added costs because the temptation for lifestyle creep could be a real concern. When you feel like you’re earning more, regardless of what the numbers in your bank account say, you may be tempted to splurge on luxuries like extra vacations, a new car or even more frequent discretionary purchases like clothes shopping and dining out. These costs could quickly eat up your extra $1,000 per month, and even leave you with less money for saving than you had before.

The bottom line

While it may sound as if we’re advising you against taking a new role, the truth is that it’s almost always a good idea. Your role is likely to be additional good experience you can add to your resume and help you in the future in your career.

If you’re feeling underutilized in your current role, or you’re not growing, a new role can break you out of your rut, and also make you more competitive in the job market. In today’s layoff-heavy climate, staying relevant with new skills and better titles is a must.

You can also look at the role as an experiment — if you find that the commuting and lifestyle changes aren’t worth it after six months to a year in the role, you can hit the job market again and find something that suits you better, hopefully this time with even more skills to aid you in your search.

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

Relationship patterns in the U.S. are changing. As of 2023, 9.1% of the population was cohabiting without being married, up from only 3.7% in 1996. With more unmarried couples opting to have children and buy homes together, those living in these types of partnerships should be aware that, while values have changed, the law in many cases has not kept up with the times.

Consider this scenario: You’re 29 years old, planning to buy your dream home with your partner. You’ve been living together for several years, and have a child together. While they have been saving up for a down payment, you have been doing most of the childcare, and diligently paying off your student loans to reduce your overall debt load in the relationship. You’ve found a house you love, but then your partner drops the bombshell: They believe that since they’re the one putting the upfront payment on the house, only their name should be on the deed. They still expect you to split the mortgage 50/50. What should you do?

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Property laws in the U.S.

Your rights as part of an unmarried couple will vary depending on which state in the country you call home. While many states recognize common law marriage, the rules around property in these unions vary.

For example, in states that recognize common law marriages to some extent, the fact that you have cohabited for several years and demonstrated the capacity and intent to marry by getting engaged would make you common law spouses. This would give you the right to make a legal claim on the property in the event of a break-up, or the death of your fiancé. You would also have the right to file for divorce.

Even if you live in a state like California that does not recognize common law unions, the fact that you share a child, equally contribute to living expenses, and are engaged would give you a strong legal case to make a claim on the home even if your name was not on the deed. However, you should know that suing your former spouse could be a lengthy and expensive process in court.

For most couples that share children and have been cohabiting for years, marriage is still the best way to protect each partner’s legal rights in the event of the relationship ending, and also in the event of the death of either party.

If you are considering buying a house together or significantly contributing to mortgage payments and other living expenses, it’s a bad sign if your partner is looking for ways to block your claim to ownership of the property, especially if it is your primary or only residence. In the scenario outlined above, this is a major indicator that your partner is not financially trustworthy.

Also, while the childcare you’ve provided isn’t paid work in the traditional sense, it does hold value, and this should be acknowledged in the partnership. While you hypothetically could have gone back to work to earn a traditional paycheck, you then might have had to find paid childcare.

Advice for new couples

For couples who intend to cohabitate or have not established a common law marriage but will be sharing the cost of a mortgage, it’s essential that both names appear on the deed to the home. If this is not possible, you can opt to sign a cohabitation agreement that outlines the division of your property if you choose to part.

Before you enter into any major purchases with your partner, be clear on your rights. As an unmarried person, your partner’s finances and property remain theirs, even if they buy a home while you’re together, and you contribute significantly to the cost. And if you have any doubts about your partner’s intentions or the financial repercussions for you if the relationship ends, don’t contribute to the mortgage or down payment.

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

Financial abuse

A partner who is trying to block you from exercising your legitimate claim to the home you share or plan to share may be showing early signs of abusive tendencies. Financial abuse is a control tactic where an abuser will intentionally manipulate or control a victim’s access to money, their financial autonomy, withhold financial information that affects the victim, or block them from accessing any financial advice, products or property that would give them freedom to leave the relationship. The National Network to End Domestic Violence says that financial abuse happens in 99% of domestic abuse cases.

In the case of the couple who has cohabited for several years and share a child, one partner attempting to block the other from property rights that would normally be theirs in a marriage is definitely a flag. Regardless of the reasons, unmarried couples are best advised to have clear legal agreements about major joint property, and to maintain separate bank accounts so that neither partner will be left without an emergency fund if the relationship ends.

Financial self-care

Whether you’re married, common-law, or in a partnership, maintaining a separate emergency fund is an important step to safeguard yourself, especially if you’re a woman. Studies show that the gender pay gap persists, with white women earning 83% of what men earned in 2022, and the gap increasing for women of color. In the case of a stay-at-home mom, leaving the workforce to be a caregiver is a significant financial pitfall, costing women $150,000 in wages on average.

Contributing three to six months of expenses to an emergency fund can help get you on your feet quickly if you need to leave your relationship for any reason. You can open a high yield savings account separate from any joint accounts you hold with your partner, and set a budget for monthly contributions.

In the case of our example couple, it may be advisable to seek financial counselling to help outline their money goals in the relationship and future marriage. A couples therapist may also help to unravel the miscommunication and mismatched expectations for their future — financial or otherwise.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

Mississippi business owner Jim Dutton is feeling burned by Tren Solar, a Louisiana-based company that installed solar panels on his property, and Mosaic Solar, an affiliated company that loaned him $99,000 for the job.

Now Dutton has 47 non-functional solar panels installed on top of his auto body shop, located on the same property as his home in Carriere, Mississippi. That’s because there are “multiple potential safety hazards” with the panels and wiring, according to David Blackledge of MIssissippi’s Cooperative Energy electrical company, who inspected his property.

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That hasn’t stopped Mosaic Solar from continuing to send Dutton the bills for the $99,000 loan.

Now Dutton is sharing his story with Fox 8, warning others about his experience with the two companies.

Solar panel company seemed legitimate

Dutton first learned of Tren Solar when they called him “out of the blue.” He was interested in the potential savings of producing solar energy on his own property and powering both his home and his auto body shop, where he restores vintage cars.

He did some online research that led him to believe that Tren Solar was trustworthy.

“It looked like a legit business. And one of their partners, I guess they call it on the website — Panasonic — and they rated them in 2023 the best installer in the region,” Dutton recalled.

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

He moved forward with the job and signed a loan with Mosaic.

“They installed the panels within three days,” Dutton said. “I was like, ‘Wow, this is cool. They weren’t kidding, four to eight weeks.’ Then, it was radio silence.”

After three months of Dutton’s constant calls to Tren Solar, an electrician finally showed up to wire the system to supply power to the auto body shop and home — without an approved plan from Cooperative Energy to do so.

“These two jobs should not have been installed by Tren Solar, because they didn’t make it past the initial utility review stage,” the utility company’s Blackledge told Fox 8. “The installation method used has created multiple potential safety hazards.”

Blackledge added that Tren Solar waited till after the panels were installed to reach out to Cooperative Energy for permission to do the installation. When Blackledge reached out to Tren Solar to follow up, he was never able to reach anyone.

The disappearance of Tren Solar

Fox 8 visited the Tren Solar business address, but were told Tren Solar had closed its office months before. The company’s co-founders did not return emails or calls.

Fox 8 has since discovered multiple complaints about Tren Solar and Mosaic lodged with the Better Business Bureau.

“All of the complaints have been (regarding) the lack of customer service communication that’s been happening,” said Michael Drummond, president of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Greater New Orleans.

“We’ve reached out many times through our processes. We’ve been unable to get them to respond.”

Now, Attorneys General in multiple states are suing Mosaic for deceptive trade practices.

“A government action or a government warning is definitely a red flag,” Drummond said.

How to protect yourself from shady businesses

If you’re considering a major installation on your property, like solar panels:

• Research regulations to familiarize yourself with building, fire and electrical codes and other rules designed to protect you and your home. That includes making sure you are lined up for inspections throughout the process.
• Don’t hire the first contractor you find — especially if they reach out to you through a cold call or similar type of outreach marketing. Shop around.
• Do your due diligence on the principal contractor you choose and their affiliates. Check with the Better Business Bureau, study online reviews and testimonials and don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials from your neighbors. If your contractor is legitimate, they’ll be happy to provide contacts.

If you have concerns about the installation, make sure you record all communications with the company, including times of calls, any emails or texts you received, and all bills or invoices.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of deceptive business practices, report the business to the Better Business Bureau or your State Attorney General’s Office. You can also file an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or reach out to a local Consumer Protection Office.

If you’re attempting to recover money you spent on such an installation, you can try to send a notice of dispute to your credit card company to stop payment to the company.

You can also try to get your insurance company working on your behalf. Some insurance policies can help cover losses or damage from faulty installations. Check with your provider for more information.

Finally, you can take the company to small claims court or — if you’re dealing with a significant sum — hire a lawyer.

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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

The 4% rule in retirement has been a widely accepted retirement standard for over 30 years.

The rule states that you should draw 4% of your assets from your investments each year in retirement. This should, in theory, allow you to maintain a comfortable standard of living while continuing to let your investments appreciate in value.

However, it seems this longstanding rule could be poised to fall.

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A recently retired caller to The Ramsey Show asked host and finance personality Dave Ramsey if it would be safe to go up to a 5% withdrawal rate in order to pay for trips he and his wife wanted to take in early retirement.

Ramsey has said he believes that retirees can earn up to a 12% annual return from mutual funds, and will therefore be safe to withdraw more than the standard 4% per year without jeopardizing their nest egg. He calls the standard rule “absolutely wrong” and “ridiculous.”

But another finance celeb has a very different opinion.

Suze Orman has called the classic 4% rule “very dangerous.”

Orman, a fellow best-selling author and expert, also called for a tweak to the 4% rule in an interview with Moneywise — saying that retirees should only withdraw a maximum of 3% yearly if they are retiring in their 60s.

Who’s right? Here’s what to consider.

The importance of retirement accounts

Ramsey’s advice is based on a number of suppositions that may not reflect the real financial status of the average retiree.

Inflation will eat away at the value of your retirement savings, and it’s very possible that your retirement years could coincide with a period of higher inflation.

That’s not to mention the stock market’s volatility. Many experts believe a consistent 12% return, like Ramsey has optimistically said mutual funds can deliver, may not be likely.

Suze Orman’s advice, on the other hand, is more conservative. She advises retirees to withdraw as little as possible from their savings, which is a safer approach.

Either expert would argue that the best way to make your money last in retirement is to start saving as early and as aggressively as you can.

One of the best ways to save for retirement is with an IRA. But with the fluctuations of the market, you may be wondering if there are safer investment options available.

For example, Opening a gold IRA with help from American Hartford Gold combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the inflation-resistant properties of gold.

Gold has historically acted as a hedge against inflation, and many professional investors such as Ben Mallah and Peter Schiff tout it as a solid alternative investment to the stock market and way to diversify your IRA as the price of gold continues to rise.

As one of the nation’s most reputable and trusted precious metal companies, American Hartford Gold is a source for IRAs and direct purchases of precious metals and coins that many retirees trust.

Before you begin investing however, you need a plan. And while Ramsey and Orman make good points on withdrawal strategy, you may need help that’s more tailored to your personal situation. If you’re unsure of how to navigate planning for retirement on your own, calling a professional give you some peace of mind.

Advisor.com simplifies the search process by connecting individuals with an exclusive network of fiduciary advisors, each dedicated to transparency and held to high ethical standards.

All you have to do is answer a few simple questions regarding your finances and long-term goals, and Advisor.com will connect you with a vetted expert near you who is best suited for your needs. You can then set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if they’re the right fit for you.

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

Boost your existing savings

If you’re already in retirement, you may want to follow Ramsey’s advice on growing your existing savings with safe vehicles like mutual funds. However, many retirees have not considered the benefits of certificates of deposit, whose returns can now exceed 5%.

Between 2008 and 2022, when certificate of deposit rates were practically zero, and their appeal to investors about the same, they fell out of favour. But since the Fed started aggressively raised interest rates to combat inflation, certificates of deposits (CDs) have become a hot topic once more. And even though rates are slowly coming back down, these accounts are still worth a look.

With SavingsAccounts.com you can shop and compare top certificates of deposit rates from various banks nationwide.

Their extensive database shows the most competitive rates, with daily rate updates and personalized recommendations based on your risk preferences and time horizon so you can find the right CD to meet your retirement savings goals.

Parking your savings in these short-term growth funds will allow you to plan year-to-year and continue to grow your savings when you’re on a fixed income.

You can check out Moneywise’s Best High Yield Savings Accounts of 2025 to find some savvy savings options that earn you more than the national average of 0.4% APY.

Invest for passive income in retirement

Dave Ramsey is a huge advocate for finding new passive income streams to pay down debt and build savings. While much of his advice is focused on finding a lucrative side hustle, for those in their golden years, a more relaxed approach may be easier to incorporate.

One of the easiest ways to grow your savings and portfolio is through Acorns, an automated investing and saving platform that simplifies the process of setting aside extra funds.

When you spend on anything — groceries, gas, or bills — Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into a smart investment portfolio for you, allowing you to grow your wealth without even thinking about it.

You can also customize how you save.

With an Acorns Silver plan, you get access to Acorns Later, a retirement investment account with a 1% IRA match on new contributions.

You can also opt for Acorns Gold plan, which offers a 3% IRA match on new contributions and the ability to customize your portfolio by selecting your own stocks.

Sign up now and for a limited time you’ll get a $20 bonus investment.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

Road construction is always disruptive. But for Houston businessman Kent Edwards, years-long roadwork has cost him so much that he’s suing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

“This is a long-term saga going back to 2015 for me,” Edwards told Moneywise.

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Edwards has run Motorcars Limited, his restoration shop for luxury and classic cars, on Hempstead Road since the mid ’80s. As he shared with KHOU, it used to be full of cars. Now it’s nearly empty. It’s hard for customers to drive in.

That’s because for 10 years, Hempstead Road has been under construction with repeated roadwork delays and no end date in sight. Edwards has not only lost customers but had to sell a commercial property across the street when all his tenants moved out due to the disruption.

As for his auto body shop, “I can’t sell it. I can’t rent it. I can’t do anything with it.”

Now he’s filed an “inverse condemnation” lawsuit against TxDOT seeking compensation for lost profits and business damages.

Meanwhile, the road construction is also costing the state a lot of money. TxDOT has to pay for ongoing delays with tax dollars. What is TxDOT doing to recover the cost of delays?

State charges, then refunds, road contractors for cost of delays

KHOU reported that when a roadwork project is past due, the state is within its right to charge the contractor damages. In the case of the roadwork outside Edwards’ business, those damages amount to $1.7 million.

But as the news outlet discovered, as soon as TxDOT charges contractors for these damages, it regularly reverses course and waives the costs, crediting money back to the same contractors.

In the past three years, TxDOT charged roadwork contractors $88 million in damages, but credited them back $39 million. In some cases, the credits were almost equal to the damages, essentially negating the cost to contractors.

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

“There ought to be consequences,” said Adrian Shelley of the government watchdog group Public Citizen. “If there’s no consequences for delays, they’re going to keep happening, right? It’s that simple."

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams told KHOU that contractors are not being let off the hook, but that contractors dispute the damages, claiming legitimate reasons for delays, like bad weather.

“We work very hard to hold those contractors accountable,” he said. “We want the projects … to be done right, to be done on time, but we also are fair.”

What can small business owners do?

But Edwards doesn’t think TxDOT is being fair to business owners.

“I don’t think it’s acceptable at all,” he said.

In other parts of Texas, city councils offer financial assistance to business owners affected by construction.

San Antonio City Council has earmarked $1.4 million for businesses in construction zones to help them with advertising and operating costs — during and after construction.

For small businesses across the U.S., the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network offers tools and resources to help owners stay afloat, including advice on filing for tax credits and incentives and information on commercial tenant protections.

Small business owners can also reach out to their local community organizations and business development councils for support and to organize cross-promotional activities to keep the community aware that the business is open while construction continues.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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