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Author: Sarah Sharkey

  • The Port of Seattle is a ‘ghost town’ because of Trump’s China tariffs, online rumors say — viral post claims the trading hub is ‘effectively dead.’ Here’s the truth

    The Port of Seattle is a ‘ghost town’ because of Trump’s China tariffs, online rumors say — viral post claims the trading hub is ‘effectively dead.’ Here’s the truth

    A recent social media post stated, in part, “not a single international cargo ship at the Port of Seattle. The port is effectively dead.”

    While the post went viral, a local news outlet, KING 5 News, decided to investigate the claims. According to the station’s reporting, the information shared in the social media post wasn’t true.

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    Even as the Trump administration imposed up to 145% tariffs on most Chinese imports, which it has now temporarily walked back to about 30%, the port isn’t a “ghost town” yet.

    Tariff impacts loom over the Port of Seattle

    KING 5 News reported that, based on data from VesselFinder, which tracks vessel positions in real time, three container ships were docked in the Port of Seattle at the time of the post. The ships were registered in Portugal, Singapore and Hong Kong.

    They also reported that traffic to the Port of Seattle was up 7.3% over the previous 30 days, according to the Northwest Seaport Alliance. In March, volumes were up by 18.4%, but that lift may be partly due to early cargo movement in anticipation of tariffs.

    "The last forecast I saw was forecasting out over the next three months, and each month was forecasted to be down around 25% per month,” Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commissioner, told KING 5 News.

    Ship traffic isn’t the only thing that may trend downward.

    “Unfortunately, we are beginning to see a reduction in the total number of containers coming off any particular vessel when they come in,” Calkins said.

    The Seaport Alliance says that some ships are arriving with 30% less cargo.

    Additionally, some U.S. export orders have been canceled, which may leave U.S. business owners struggling to store and sell their products.

    “Unfortunately hearing stories right now of our agricultural exporters having to come back to the terminal and pick up containers full of agricultural exports to return back and store them as they wait for a customer because the sale that they had made to an overseas customer was canceled as a result of the tariff war,” Calkins told KING 5 News.

    As the tariff situation evolves, it’s possible a resolution won’t be reached in time to avoid fallout.

    “If we don’t get a resolution quickly, I think we’re all going to feel a lot of pain in the pocketbook,” Calkins said.

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

    Impacts on personal finances ripple outward

    The Port of Seattle represents a key player in a massive trade network. If shipment volumes continue to drop, it’s likely that people connected to the port will feel it financially.

    With a drop off in imports and exports, some of the people who might immediately see an impact include dockworkers, truck drivers and warehouse staff.

    As the impacts of tariffs play out across the economy, anyone closely connected to trade, like farmers and manufacturers, will also feel the pinch.

    Unfortunately, a job loss could spell financial disaster for many, with around a quarter of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, according to a Bank of Amreica report. The domino effect can start with drained emergency savings and move to early withdrawals from retirement savings and sliding into debt to keep the lights on. Not to mention the long-term impact of pausing progress toward financial goals, like saving for retirement and paying off debt.

    If you find yourself in a tight financial situation, budget for what you have and what are your immediate needs. Start by pulling back on discretionary purchases, like eating out and entertainment. From there, tap into any financial support available through your union or state, including unemployment benefits.

    While income assistance can help you stabilize the situation temporarily, if the impacts continue, consider exploring job retraining programs and picking up a side hustle, like driving for a ride-hailing or food delivery service, to pull in some income while you look for a more permanent solution.

    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.

  • Knoxville woman, 79, being evicted from apartment over ill daughter’s ‘excessive noise and disruptive behavior’ — how to handle housing obstacles on a fixed income amid US housing crisis

    Knoxville woman, 79, being evicted from apartment over ill daughter’s ‘excessive noise and disruptive behavior’ — how to handle housing obstacles on a fixed income amid US housing crisis

    Julie Powers, a 79-year-old senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, is facing eviction from her long-time rental apartment.

    The septuagenarian, who is living on a monthly fixed income of $1,900, began experiencing trouble when neighbors started filing complaints about Powers’ 42-year-old daughter, who moved into the apartment over a year ago.

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    Although her daughter had been living there for some time, tensions escalated when residents in the community raised concerns about the daughter’s behavior.

    “She would scream,” Julie Powers told 6 News, “She would say words that didn’t need to be said. But what she said was loud enough for the neighbors to hear.”

    Eventually, the property management company issued an eviction order for Julie Powers. If nothing changes, she’ll be required to leave her apartment within a few months.

    Facing eviction after 25 years

    Powers has lived at the Center Court apartment complex — managed by Freedom Investment Group (FIG) — for more than 25 years. Until recently, everything was going well. But when her adult daughter moved in after a period of homelessness, things took a turn.

    “She called and said, ‘Mom, can I come over?’ I said, ‘Of course.’ So, that was in December of 2023,” Powers said.

    Her daughter, who struggles with unaddressed mental health issues, exhibited behavior that unsettled other residents. As complaints mounted, the property manager issued a notice giving her 14 days to vacate the premises, citing “excessive noise” and the presence of an “unauthorized guest.” Her daughter left within the 14-day window, but returned shortly after.

    In early April, Powers discovered she might be evicted from her apartment after her rent payment was declined. A week later, FIG accepted Powers’ rent payment, but the underlying issue remained unresolved.

    As a result, a formal complaint was filed, and Powers was summoned to court on April 29. From FIG’s point of view, it is “responsible for providing tenants with a peaceful and tranquil living environment,” which includes “limiting excessive noise and disruptive behavior by a tenant.”

    Powers appeared in court with a Legal Aid attorney. As of now, she is allowed to remain in her apartment for two more months — under strict conditions.

    First, Powers’ daughter must leave the apartment by May 1 and remain on the no-trespass list. She cannot return to the property or be invited back. If she shows up, Powers is required to report it to the police.

    Powers is now hoping to find a new place to live within the next month — ideally a single-family home, where her daughter’s presence won’t disturb the neighbors. In the meantime, the Knox County Eviction Program will cover Powers’ rent through June, and Water Angel Ministries is stepping in to support both her and her daughter.

    “With her daughter, we will work hand in hand with her,” said Kathy Oran, program coordinator at Water Angel Ministries. “Do an assessment first of all to find out what her needs are so that she can be somewhere safe, so that she can be successful.”

    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 can seniors on a fixed income protect themselves?

    Julie Powers isn’t alone. Many seniors living on a fixed income face similar challenges — especially during a housing crisis.

    After living in what was presumably an affordable apartment for over 25 years, Powers is now being forced to look for a new home in an increasingly expensive rental market.

    With average rent prices in the Knoxville area hovering around $1,800, it may be difficult for her to find an affordable place to call home with her fixed income of $1,900 per month.

    Along with rising housing costs, older adults often face increased health care expenses. These mounting costs can quickly deplete retirement savings. However, financial assistance programs are available. Seniors may qualify for rental assistance, housing vouchers and emergency rental aid to help cover expenses and avoid eviction.

    The HOPE Hotline (1-888-995-4673) offers free counseling and housing-related education. Representatives can also help connect older adults to local resources that offer financial and housing support.

    According to the National Council on Aging, thousands of public and private programs exist to help low-income older adults pay for essentials like groceries, health care and more. Accessing these resources can help reduce pressure on fixed income.

    What to read next

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

  • Georgia woman claims city worker went into her home for 20 minutes while she was at funeral — now she’s ‘furious’ and no longer feels safe at home. But here’s what the city had to say

    Georgia woman claims city worker went into her home for 20 minutes while she was at funeral — now she’s ‘furious’ and no longer feels safe at home. But here’s what the city had to say

    Christina Broadway says she was at a funeral when security cameras captured a city worker walking around her property and entering her home. She says the employee was inside for about 20 minutes.

    "I’m extremely furious, as a single woman. I don’t understand why somebody would just walk straight into my home," Broadway told WSB-TV Channel 2 in a story published May 14. "I don’t feel safe at home anymore at all."

    But Marietta, Georgia, city officials say the employee had a right to be at the home and didn’t break any policy or law.

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    Here are the details behind the story, along with ways you can protect your property from unwanted visitors.

    City worker’s observations

    According to a statement from city officials published by Channel 2, a city employee was in the area inspecting a separate site when he “observed strong evidence of unpermitted illegal construction activity,” including construction debris and workers carrying boards inside the property. The employee approached “knowing that this property did not have any active building permits.”

    He “proceeded to the front door,” which was open, and spoke with the workers. The employee noticed “additional evidence of unpermitted illegal construction. He observed structural building modifications, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work, as well as an expanded driveway, all of which require permits.”

    Channel 2 reports a construction worker who says he was there that day described a man entering the home and said he wasn’t sure what was happening.

    The city employee asked to speak with the property owner, according to the city’s statement, but the workers were unable to reach the owner by phone. The employee then “posted a Stop Work Order notification on the front door before walking the construction site for further inspection of illegal construction activities.”

    Broadway indicated to Channel 2 the work being done to her home was cosmetic, which doesn’t always require permits. She also acknowledged receiving a phone call during the funeral. Broadway, an attorney, claims she’s reviewed the case law and city code, and doesn’t believe he had the right to enter her home.

    City officials say two reviews were conducted by police and the city, and the employee was found to have “acted within his official capacity and did not violate any policy or law, as his actions were based on probable cause of unpermitted construction taking place.”

    The full statement from city officials can be read in Channel 2’s story.

    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

    Protect your property

    Generally, government employees are required to obtain a warrant or the express permission of the owner before entering a property.

    For example, Marietta building code 7-4-2-040, under “Right of Entry” for building officials, states, “if such [a] building or premises is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such [a] building, structure or premises is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of such and request entry. If entry is refused, the building official shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.”

    The statement to Channel 2 says the property appeared vacant and unoccupied, and the employee identified himself to the workers inside. The workers called the owner with no response. “The employee made reasonable effort to contact the property owner and proceeded to speak with the individuals present and responsible on the property.”

    Broadway says plans to fight the allegations regarding her property.

    In order to protect your own property from an unwelcome visitor, consider adding security measures.

    For example, you could install smart locks in order to lock your doors from anywhere, or install cameras and video doorbells to monitor activity around your home. Perhaps even a door alarm.

    If you have contractors in your home at any time, consider asking them to keep the doors locked as often as possible while they work.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Lowlife idiots’: Michigan crooks target Dodge Ram dashboard touchscreens in string of thefts — here’s how this simple, 30-second crime could impact all drivers

    ‘Lowlife idiots’: Michigan crooks target Dodge Ram dashboard touchscreens in string of thefts — here’s how this simple, 30-second crime could impact all drivers

    Police in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, are warning drivers following a string of thefts of dashboard screens from select Dodge Ram trucks — a crime they say takes 30 seconds to pull off.

    “It only takes a couple of screws to get the touchscreen out,” Det. Ben Leitch told Fox 2 Detroit in a story published April 7. He’d investigated 16 thefts in the previous two months.

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    “This is definitely a crime that probably could be stopped if the manufacturer changed some security features,” Leitch noted.

    So, who is affected by these thefts, and what can drivers do to protect themselves?

    Who is affected by these thefts?

    According to the local broadcaster, thieves are targeting touchscreens from Dodge Ram trucks manufactured between 2021 and 2025.

    One victim, identified as Dave, says his truck was parked in his driveway when the theft occurred. It had been two weeks and he was still waiting for a replacement screen.

    “It’s still not fixed, so we’re waiting for parts, I guess,” he told Fox 2 Detroit. “When I get it fixed, [do] I have to worry about it getting swiped again?”

    He added: “I’ve never stolen from anybody and they do this. That’s what hurts.”

    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

    Police have urged drivers to park their vehicles in a garage if possible, beef up home security and report any incidents, per the broadcaster.

    Dave had a message for the criminals who broke into his truck.

    “You’re lowlife idiots, losers,” he said. “Get a job.”

    Costs for vehicle owners

    Those with comprehensive auto insurance should be able to file a claim for the type of theft described above and receive a full reimbursement after paying the deductible.

    But for those without a comprehensive policy, theft generally isn’t covered, and you could be forced to pay for any repairs and replacements out of pocket. Be sure to read over the details of your policy.

    Beyond the direct cost of repairs after a theft, increased thefts on certain Dodge Ram trucks could lead to indirect costs for owners. Specifically, car insurance companies might consider it riskier to insure Dodge Ram trucks due to the break-ins, which could lead to a spike in premiums. Hopefully, if it could be easily fixed by the manufacturer, as Leitch suggested, a solution will be implemented.

    Drivers who face a hike in premiums, regardless of vehicle, may want to consider shopping around and potentially switch insurance companies if a better rate is found. Additionally, don’t forget to look for discounts. For example, you might tap into savings for having a safe driving record or bundling your home and auto coverage.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Residents of this small California city were left furious after a fleet of about 70 RVs was illegally parked near their homes — here’s what happened

    ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Residents of this small California city were left furious after a fleet of about 70 RVs was illegally parked near their homes — here’s what happened

    The unsuspecting residents of Wildomar watched in horror as battered luxury RVs, some covered in graffiti, began to show up.

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    From January to April, roughly 70 moved into a storage lot in the small city with a rural feel in Riverside County, California. Many in the quiet community were furious.

    "It’s heartbreaking to see our quiet little rural town turn into a dumping ground," said Debbi Renfrow, Wildomar resident, to CBS News Los Angeles.

    The fleet has since been towed away. The city took out a warrant since the owner of the RVs did not have a permit to store them there, reported ABC7. City officials said the vehicles violated local zoning regulations and fire codes, according to LA Post.

    "I have not slept properly in months, and it was like Christmas arrived this morning. My husband and I literally opened the curtains to see code enforcement here, and we were like, ‘It’s like Santa’s arrived,’" said Wildomar resident Jessica Hume to ABC7. Hume had complained about the smell of human feces coming from the parked vehicles in an interview with KCAL News.

    The owner of the RVs, Jack Hong Wei Qiu, told ABC7 he moved some of them to a property in San Bernardino County over the weekend, and he’s waiting to see what the cost will be to recover the ones the city towed.

    Qiu isn’t a stranger to complaints. In fact, the Black Series trailers were also recently removed from the city of Industry by authorities after they attracted squatters. Several of the vehicles even caught fire at one point.

    According to NBC4, several homeless people living in the vehicles in Industry claimed they paid rent to Qiu, which he denied.

    Wildomar homeowners heartbroken by arrival of RVs

    The saga of these Black Series RVs doesn’t start in Wildomar. Instead, they first popped onto the public’s radar back in 2024. At that point, they were parked in the city of Industry, where they attracted squatters.

    The squatters reportedly wreaked havoc on the RVs and the surrounding neighborhood. Wildomar residents didn’t want their neighborhood to experience the same issues.

    “I don’t want to see this turn into the city of Industry. I don’t want to see people in there and I don’t particularly want a fire, that’s the biggest scare because we are very dry out here,” Lynne Mayes, a Wildomar resident for over 40 years, said in an interview with NBC4. “We have one fire truck here, this is a small town.”

    Mayes continued, “Just because we are wide open and rural, it’s not a welcome sign.”

    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

    Homeowners bear the hidden costs

    Although the residents of Wildomar didn’t witness squatters moving into the vacant RVs, the threat of a city of Industry situation repeating itself is unnerving.

    When RV encampments show up in any neighborhood, the homeowners face indirect financial consequences.

    First off, an ongoing presence of RV squatters in a neighborhood will likely pull property values down. After all, potential homebuyers likely don’t want to purchase a house near a volatile situation like a homeless encampment.

    Beyond falling property values, homeowners may feel the need to spend more money on security. For example, they might opt to install an alarm system or build a sturdy fence to protect their property.

    Additionally, homeless encampments may also lead to increased insurance premiums. After all, insurance companies price policies based on risk. Insurers might raise premiums for nearby homeowners if there is a higher risk of fire or crime in a particular area due to an encampment. Los Angeles property owners were dropped by insurance companies or saw their rates skyrocket for this reason, according to a 2019 report from NBC4.

    For many homeowners, an RV squatting community showing up on their doorstep could lead to serious financial consequences. Although it’s difficult for individuals to protect their property from this risk, actively involving your local government could protect your entire community. If the local government has the right rules on the books and makes the effort to enforce those rules, squatters in RVs won’t be allowed to wreak havoc on your neighborhood’s property values.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘The end of an era’: Saks Fifth Avenue shutters its iconic San Francisco location after 45 years — joining a number of legacy retailers vacating the bustling Union Square

    ‘The end of an era’: Saks Fifth Avenue shutters its iconic San Francisco location after 45 years — joining a number of legacy retailers vacating the bustling Union Square

    Saks Fifth Avenue joins a string of legacy stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Old Navy and Nordstrom, in an exodus from Union Square in San Francisco.

    The store has been a landmark in the area since 1981. But after nearly 45 years, the high-end retailer closed its doors on May 10.

    “While the closing of Saks marks the end of an era, this was not an unforeseen development considering their recent changes to an appointment-only model, and Neiman Marcus acquisition,” said Will Reisman, a spokesperson for the Union Square Alliance in a statement.

    Reisman continued in the statement, "We expect the path to downtown revitalization to have its twists and turns — still we are extremely optimistic about the future of Union Square.”

    Company maintains a presence across the street

    Since the pandemic, Saks Fifth Avenue and other retailers in Union Square have struggled with the changes in foot traffic.

    Last year, the iconic store transitioned to an “appointment only” model. Presumably, the luxury retailer intended that this change would make the store more sustainable.

    Additionally, Saks’ parent company acquired the Neiman Marcus Group in December 2024. With a Neiman Marcus location essentially across the street from Saks Fifth Avenue, the parent company seemed unwilling to maintain such a large presence in Union Square.

    “While we saw meaningful engagement and success through the appointment-only format, we have made this decision as part of our integration process as we focus on long-term growth,” a Saks Global spokesperson said in a statement.

    With this store closing, the first question is where the employees will go. For some, the answer lies right across the street.

    The company claimed it would offer some employees transfer opportunities to the Neiman Marcus San Francisco location. Since this isn’t possible for every employee, others would receive appropriate separation packages.

    For locals, the rash of store closings is sad. “I bought my suit at Bloomingdale’s only to see a month later that they’re gone,” said Grant Johnson of San Francisco to NBC Bay Area. “I just think these stores are magnificent, I’d like to see them stay, they’re kind of fun to shop in.”

    A changing retail environment

    Saks Fifth Avenue isn’t immune to the changes happening in downtown San Francisco. Since 2020, once-bustling retail districts of the city have seen declining foot traffic due to a combination of factors, including increased remote work, reduced tourism, and the perception of crime, according to CBRE. In fact, it said Union Square’s foot traffic declined by 45% between pre-pandemic levels and October 2023.

    "In the first quarter of 2025, the overall vacancy rate in Union Square was up by 70 bps from the last quarter’s figure to 22.8%," said commercial real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield. "Despite the increase of the vacancy rate, tenant touring activities were active in the first quarter, showing strong interest from national and international retailers looking for an opportunity in the San Francisco market."

    Union Square isn’t down for the count just yet. While the old guard of retailers might be moving out, new retailers are moving in. Newer tenants include Banana Republic, IKEA, a flagship Zara location, World Network, and a highly anticipated Nintendo store. It is the Japanese company’s second official store in the U.S.

    City leaders are pushing for Union Square and other retail locations to thrive. As a part of the city’s “Vacant to Vibrant” program, new pop-up retailers will arrive in Union Square soon.

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

  • I’m 33, earn $120K/year, and have no idea where our cash goes. My husband controls every cent — and I just found out we have $31K in credit card debt. How do I not get screwed if we divorce?

    I’m 33, earn $120K/year, and have no idea where our cash goes. My husband controls every cent — and I just found out we have $31K in credit card debt. How do I not get screwed if we divorce?

    When you get married, it might feel like a relief to pass off all financial duties to your spouse. But choosing to offload your financial responsibility can come at a cost.

    Take, for example, the following scenario: A wife recently checked into her household finances and discovered that there was $31,000 in credit card debt. With her husband controlling every cent, she doesn’t have clear insight on where the money went.

    The debt is shocking to her, especially because she earns $120,000 per year. Now, she wants to learn how to protect herself financially, especially in the event the couple gets divorced.

    Although the average household with credit card debt carries a credit card balance of $4,562, the high interest rates typically associated with credit cards can make it difficult to climb out of this hole.

    But the real problem doesn’t lie only with credit card balances. After all, financial infidelity isn’t just about secret spending. This couple is likely also dealing with a lack of financial literacy.

    According to a 2022 study, nearly 30% of Canadians believe they are financially illiterate. Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to get a household’s financial situation under control, even without the added complications of a controlling spouse.

    Do shared assets come with shared liabilities?

    Married couples often have shared assets, like a home or bank account. In addition to shared assets, many married couples also share liabilities, like a mortgage or credit card debt. But when one partner doesn’t know about shared debts, that puts them at financial risk, especially during a divorce.

    Many married couples often share joint responsibility for debts accumulated during the marriage. For example, if both partners open a joint credit card, they are both legally responsible for repaying that debt.

    Whether or not divorce is on the table, it would be important for this person to get involved in the household finances immediately.

    Although it can be challenging to establish new patterns of behavior around money, getting on the same page with your partner financially is critical.

    If you find yourself in a similar situation, start by investing in your own financial literacy. As you gain competence around financial topics, you’ll likely start to develop confidence around making joint and individual financial decisions.

    If planning to stay together, ideally, you’ll both come together around the central goal of money management. For example, if debt repayment is important to you, then hopefully you and your partner can commit to a debt repayment plan that takes care of the credit card debt as soon as possible.

    If divorce is on the table, you’ll need a different approach. Start gathering information about the household’s financial situation. Tally up the assets and debts. If you aren’t sure where to start, look for credit card statements, tax returns and bank account transactions to build a picture of where your funds are going each month.

    With a clearer picture, move quickly to open your own bank account. Start depositing your paycheque into that account and build up savings to get you through the potentially rough patch ahead. In terms of household bills, you could transfer the necessary funds, and only the necessary funds, into the joint account for scheduled payments.

    If you are worried about your spouse opening more joint credit cards, freeze your credit temporarily, which prevents any new loans from being opened in your name or damaging your individual credit score.

    Consider enlisting the help of a financial advisor to help you evaluate the situation and help you prevent any future financial damage. If divorce is a pressing concern, consider getting an attorney involved as soon as possible.

    How do I rebuild financial autonomy?

    Regardless of the situation, it’s critical for both partners in every relationship to build some financial autonomy. Although it’s somewhat common for women to leave money management to their spouses, that can backfire even with the most supportive of spouses.

    A recent report from Fidelity found that almost 90% of women become financially responsible for their own situation at some point in their lives. This might be due to divorce, widowhood or choosing to stay single.

    With that in mind, it’s better to build financial autonomy sooner than later. It’s often most important to start with building financial literacy. Learning how to manage your money can help you set up a plan to protect yourself financially.

    For many women, rebuilding financial autonomy involves building an emergency fund and establishing individual credit accounts, while keeping diligent track of your finances and your personal budget. After hitting these basics, the right move varies based on the individual’s situation.

    For example, one woman might choose to pay down her credit card debt, but a debt-free woman might start to aggressively save for retirement.

    For those lacking the confidence to map out their own financial plan, consider turning to a financial advisor to get started.

    Along the way, you can evaluate the continuing need for a financial advisor as you gain the skills required to build long-term financial stability and independence.

    Sources

    1. TransUnion: Q3 2024 Credit Industry Insights

    2. CityNews: 7 in 10 Canadians consider themselves financially literate: poll, by Meredith Bond (Nov 4, 2022)

    3. Fidelity: The financial realities of being a woman

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

  • ‘Denied. Denied. Denied’: This Florida woman’s insurer didn’t pay a $150K bill for ‘medically necessary’ surgery — after telling her they would. Here’s how the provider’s story changed

    ‘Denied. Denied. Denied’: This Florida woman’s insurer didn’t pay a $150K bill for ‘medically necessary’ surgery — after telling her they would. Here’s how the provider’s story changed

    After undergoing a medically necessary surgery on her colon, Madeline Rogers of Zephyrhills, northeast of Tampa, was shocked to discover that she was stuck with a $150,000 bill due to a denied insurance claim.

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    “I was told every time: denied. Denied. Denied," Rogers told the ABC Action News I-Team. “Somebody has got to intervene and stop what’s going on with this healthcare system.”

    Receiving a bill of this magnitude could completely derail anyone’s financial future. While recovering from surgery, managing the stress of this unexpected bill is the last thing that a patient wants to deal with.

    Unfortunately, medical debt isn’t a rare occurrence in America. About 20 million adults owe some level of medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.

    Insurance company denies patient’s claim

    The day before heading into surgery, the hospital called to cancel because they hadn’t received the approval from the insurance company. Rogers called the insurance company for more information about the late approval.

    She said, “I had spoken to the insurance company about the approval, and I was told on a recorded line, do not worry if you don’t have the authorization ahead of time. As long as the doctor deems it medically necessary, you won’t have any problems.”

    Since her condition was life-threatening, Rogers decided to move forward with the surgery anyway. She paid $26,000 upfront to receive the care.

    After the surgery, Rogers received a bill from the insurer indicating that they had denied the claim, and she owed $150,000 for her care. Immediately, Rogers started the appeals process. She went through two rounds of appeals and a peer-to-peer review by medical professionals without getting anywhere.

    Finally, she reached out to the I-Team at ABC Action News to share her story. The I-Team reached out to the insurance company, Oscar, about the issue.

    The next day, Rogers received news that her claim was approved.

    “I was floored to hear from them so quickly," Rogers told the I-Team.

    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 to do if an insurance company denies your claim

    People in the U.S. owe a total of at least $220 billion in medical debt. Most of that burden is on individuals who owe more than $10,000 in medical debt.

    If you find yourself facing a mountain of medical debt after a denied claim, start by appealing your insurance company’s decision. Patients with denied claims have the right to appeal the decision both internally and externally.

    Generally, you’ll start with an internal appeal, which involves your insurance company conducting a full review of the situation. Without a resolution, you can move to an external appeal, which involves an independent third party reviewing the situation.

    Another option is to negotiate the medical debt with the provider. In some cases, they might allow you to pay a lower amount to clear the debt. Many hospitals offer some level of financial aid. If you qualify for financial aid, this could relieve your medical debt burden.

    When possible, start with the hospital’s billing department for guidance on your options. But if you need additional help, consider working with a medical bill advocate. Medical bill advocates can help you navigate the billing system.

    In the best-case scenario, the insurer will cover the claim. But even if your insurer foots most of the bill, you’ll likely face some out-of-pocket costs surrounding a major medical event. With that, it’s helpful to build up savings in a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account to cover medical costs.

    Finally, building a solid emergency fund to lean on during unexpected medical events can take some of your financial stress out of the equation.

    What to read next

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

  • My 71-year-old father lost ‘every cent’ of his 6-figure 401(k) and savings — all because he trusted the wrong person online, and fell for an online scam. Can he dig himself out of this hole?

    My 71-year-old father lost ‘every cent’ of his 6-figure 401(k) and savings — all because he trusted the wrong person online, and fell for an online scam. Can he dig himself out of this hole?

    Americans lose billions of dollars every year to fraud, many of them are older.

    Imagine a 71-year-old retiree who falls for an online scam and loses every cent of his entire 401(k) and savings.The magnitude of this loss would put his entire financial future at risk.

    Don’t miss

    It can happen: According to the FBI, the elderly population loses more than $3 billion per year to scams.

    If you or a loved one has fallen victim to a financial scam, the very first thing to do is immediately report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI.

    Losing a retirement nest egg

    Losing your retirement nest egg due to a scam can be financially devastating. Facing the situation head-on can help you right the ship.

    For starters, stop the bleeding. When you discover you’ve fallen for a scam, do your best to mitigate the damage. Stop any additional funds from leaving your bank account.

    Depending on the situation, you may actually recover some of the funds with the help of the authorities and your financial institution.

    If you don’t have any luck through reputable channels, don’t fall for a recovery scan, which promises to help recoup your funds but actually steals more money from you. If someone asks for an upfront fee to help you recoup your funds, it’s likely a recovery scam.

    When you’ve exhausted your recovery options, the only thing to do is move forward. Luckily, there are still some strategies to help regain your financial stability.

    Concrete steps you can take

    Start by exploring your Social Security benefits. For eligible seniors who haven’t applied for Social Security benefits yet, it might be the right time to tap into this monthly income. Although Social Security income alone likely won’t replace your savings, it can help you cover your needs.

    Beyond Social Security, look into senior support programs available through local nonprofits. For example, some might offer packages of nutritious food or healthcare support, both of which might help you stretch out your budget.

    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

    Don’t overlook the possibility of returning to work in some capacity. Although you might not feel up to a full-time position, you might take on part-time or remote work to bring in a supplemental income. When combined with your Social Security benefits, it might be enough to live your retirement dreams.

    Finally, losing your nest egg might mean you need to reevaluate your retirement plans. For example, if you were planning to move to a more expensive area, staying put might be a viable option now.

    Or, if you have a large home with lots of equity, you might consider downsizing in order to lean on that hard-earned equity during your retirement years.

    How to protect yourself (and your loved ones) from elder fraud

    Falling for a scam can come with serious financial consequences. As more retirees manage their finances online, getting familiar with common scams can help you protect your assets.

    According to the FBI, tech support scams are the most widely reported kinds of elder fraud. In this scenario, an elderly person accepts “help” from a bad faith actor online in hopes of solving a tech problem. Instead of receiving help, scammers steal funds and personal information from the victim.

    If you need technical assistance, find help from a reputable company. For some situations, it’s best to take the device to a physical location for repair, like an Apple Store or Best Buy, to get legitimate help from tech problem solvers.

    Romance scams are another common pitfall. When an elderly person starts an online ‘relationship’ with a scammer, it often ends with the victim forking over funds to solve a problem for their purported partner.

    Although slightly less common, investment scams were the most expensive type of elder fraud in 2023. With victims losing a collective total of more than $1.2 billion in 2023, some lost the bulk of their life savings.

    Generally, investment scams claim that you can make money quickly or easily through the ‘investment opportunity.’ After the victim provides the funds, the scammer typically disappears. If someone is promising an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    When you spot a scam or think you’ve spotted a scam, discontinue all communication with the fraudster.

    If you aren’t sure whether or not something is a scam, ask others for their opinion. If possible, ask someone, such as a child or a younger relative, for their opinion. In many cases, someone from a younger generation can help you quickly uncover a scam.

    If someone isn’t available, consider calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. The agents can help you determine whether or not something is a scam.

    What to read next

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

  • Las Vegas tourism seeing steep decline in visitors, gaming revenue — why Trump’s gamble with controversial policies appears to have dealt Sin City a losing hand

    Las Vegas tourism seeing steep decline in visitors, gaming revenue — why Trump’s gamble with controversial policies appears to have dealt Sin City a losing hand

    Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists, but visitors aren’t flocking to the city in the numbers they once were.

    In March 2025, visitor volume was down by 7.8% from the same period last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

    Beyond falling visitor numbers, gaming revenue on the Strip, where many of the iconic hotels and Vegas experiences exist, was down 4.8%.

    Gaming revenue was up on the Boulder Strip and Downtown, but they rake in a fraction of the revenue that the Strip sees.

    Hotel occupancy in the city reached 82.9%, down from 85.3% last year, and the total room nights occupied was down by 6.1% year over year.

    Vegas sees more convention attendees

    On the face of it, a drop of 7.8% in the overall number of visitors to Vegas is a startling reality. The city’s tourism-based economy relies heavily on the dollars that out-of-towners spend in their hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and more.

    Although the city is experiencing a drop in overall visitors, not all forms of foot traffic are down. Surprisingly, convention attendance is up by 10%. The spike in convention attendance is due in large part to a recent health care conference, which brought a massive number of attendees to the city. But since this conference rotates locations each year, Vegas likely won’t enjoy this conference-related bump to the economy next year.

    Why visitors aren’t flocking to this gambling metropolis right now

    It’s clear that visitor traffic is down in Las Vegas, and there appear to be multiple contributing factors.

    The LVCVA report cited “a slightly less‐packed event calendar and as‐yet unclear impacts of evolving federal policies rippling through international and domestic markets.”

    The Trump administration’s tariff and immigration policies are unpopular around the world. International visits to the U.S. fell approximately 14% in March from the same period last year, according to government data cited by the U.S. Travel Association in April. It added that “domestic travel has held relatively steady so far in 2025 — but early signs suggest this momentum may not last.”

    Many visitors may be choosing to skip a Vegas vacation due to cooling feelings toward the U.S. Last year, the city drew five million international visitors, and more than half were from Canada and Mexico, according to the LVCVA. U.S. relations with both countries have been tense lately.

    Americans may also be nervous about the economy and spending. A recent Bankrate survey found that only 46% of U.S. adults plan to travel domestically or internationally this summer, down from 53% last year. Sixty-five percent of the non-traveler group said it’s because they can’t afford it, even though travel costs are actually down compared to this time last year, per Nerdwallet.

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