Author: Sarah Sharkey

Just married last year, Ashley and her husband dream of going on an African hunt. The Oklahoma City couple were planning to go on a safari to celebrate their 10th anniversary — and save for a home first.

But life has taken an unexpected turn, which is why Ashley called The Ramsey Show for advice.

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“We entered a raffle and found out that we won a nine-day all-inclusive hunt in South Africa,” she explained.

Although the $20,000 package is described as “all-inclusive,” she discovered they’d have to pay up to $15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — including airfare, transportation, gun rentals and taxidermy. The taxidermy piece was important to Ashley.

“I’d like to have a zebra rug,” she explained. “That would be pretty cool.”

“You can buy them,” Ramsey noted.

Ashley wasn’t sure whether they should spend so much money on a luxury vacation while they’re still saving for a home.

“If you could help us with our first marital financial hurdle,” she asked Dave Ramsey.

Ramsey’s advice surprised her — and, he admitted, even himself. Because her answers surprised him.

Decision time: African hunting trip or first home purchase

When Ramsey asked about the couple’s finances, Ashley said they made $275,000 a year.

“In our first year of marriage, we are debt-free with our fully-funded emergency fund,” she added.

What’s more, they are on track to buy their first home in April 2026 with an $87,000 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

That’s when Ramsey came around. He told Ashley he had expected to declare a “hard no” on the trip and advise the couple to stay on track with saving for their first home.

“You gotta do this stuff in order,” he said.

But he noted that based on what Ashley revealed about their financial position, the trip would only set them back a few months on a down payment — but be a priceless experience.

“So instead of spring with $87,000 (for a down payment), we’re going to do summer with $90,000 and an African trip,” he said. “And that would put you in the same place, wouldn’t it?”

Making intentional choices and taking the trip

Ramsey always recommends staying extremely focused on paying down debt and getting your financial house in order, with no fun splurges to sidetrack you from your goals.

But Ashley and her husband have already got their house in order and are in a position to make intentional financial decisions based on values.

“The point is not Africa,” he said. “The point is, do you do a dream thing when you have the money at the right time?”

If they want to spend the money on an African hunting trip, they can do so without derailing their financial future. So Ramsey wholeheartedly encourages them to do so.

“I did not expect that,” Ashley said, delighted.

Ramsey’s co-host John Deloney laughed.

“Her husband needs to get her a zebra, man,” he said.

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

You’ve found the one. The love of your life. You’re planning a wedding, dreaming about your future and picturing a lifetime of shared memories. So, a prenup is not even in the picture.

But then, a financial curveball is delivered. In the middle of cake tastings and venue tours, one man stumbled onto a discovery: his soon-to-be wife was carrying $82,000 in credit card debt.

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The curveball has him behind in the count. After years of building a stable financial foundation, he suddenly felt like it was the bottom of the ninth, with runners on base and the score tied. He was the last batter.

Now with the wedding date fast approaching and his fiancée unwilling to sign a prenup, he’s left wondering whether love really is enough — or if this financial mismatch could upend everything they’ve worked toward.

Prenups aren’t just for the rich

Prenups were once seen as a tool for wealthy grooms to protect themselves from a spouse’s financial habits. But that perception is slowly changing — at least for some.

While only one in five married couples in the U.S. has a prenup, about half of American adults say they somewhat support the idea, according to a recent survey by Axios.

Contrary to popular belief, prenups aren’t just for the rich. They also don’t have to protect only the wealthier partner. Instead, a prenup can serve as a financial safety net for both spouses before marriage. When done right, a prenup works like a financial planning tool. Couples can use it to clarify responsibilities, outline debt expectations, discuss potential inheritances and more.

In this case, the fiancée’s refusal to sign a prenup is a red flag. Her $82,000 in credit card debt was a surprise — and it could have long-term consequences. Instead of viewing a prenup as divorce prep, couples can think of it as a way to protect both of their interests in the long term.

For example, the prenup could lay out the plans for the fiancée’s responsibilities on addressing the extensive credit card debt, maybe with some support from her spouse. If she won’t discuss a prenup or set clear financial expectations before the wedding, it might be time to hit pause. It’s better to iron out these details before walking down the aisle.

Otherwise, shared debts could drag down their financial plans.

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

When should you consider a prenup?

While a prenup might not be romantic, it makes sense in certain situations, especially when there’s a financial imbalance. If one partner has significant savings and the other has major debt, a prenup is worth considering.

Other good reasons to consider a prenup include if one partner plans to stop working, if either person owns a business, if either has kids from a previous relationship or if one partner brings substantial assets into the marriage.

Even if it sounds like a good idea, talking about a prenup can be a tough topic to navigate with your partner. The topic is loaded with assumptions and stigma. When you bring it up with your fiancée, do it with care and an open mind.

Instead of focusing on protecting your own assets, aim to protect both of your financial futures — even if you part ways.

Start with a shared goal. Be sure to listen carefully to what your prospective spouse has in mind. If something matters to them, find a way to include it in the agreement.

These conversations aren’t easy. That’s why it helps to start sharing financial information early and consider working with a professional to create a fair agreement that leaves both of you feeling comfortable.

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

In eastern South Dakota and the surrounding area, nearly 70% of voters picked Donald Trump during the 2024 election.

Although few regret their decision, this agriculture-based community is starting to feel financial pressure from Trump’s tariff decisions.

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“Now, I don’t know what would have been better,” Jaime Baysinger, a local waitress, told CNN, admitting that she now doubts her choice after the president’s first 100 days in office. “I was expecting a lower cost of your everyday living things.”

Some didn’t vote for Trump, and that small minority of South Dakotans were hesitant to share their opinions with CNN reporter Elle Reeve. Those interviewed expressed anxiety, fear and concern about how Trump’s actions could hurt the Alpena, South Dakota community.

Candor with a hint of caution

Farmers, residents and entrepreneurs now find themselves at a crossroads. They’re proud of their political stripes, but grow increasingly worried about how trade tensions will affect their bottom line.

Further to Baysinger’s comments, she said she was hopeful that the cost of living would not continue to increase.

“Groceries are already outrageous, and then we put the tariffs on across the seas or whatever, like China,” she said. “It just makes everything more expensive for everybody.”

Baysinger is not alone. Becky Hofer, a freight broker who votes Democrat, watched her neighbors vote for policies that will impact the community.

“The biggest thing that frustrates me is that I just feel like nobody cares right now until it affects them,” she told Reeve. “And I don’t understand how they don’t see that.”

To offset her frustration, some farmers showed patience and a laissez-faire approach.

“I think we need to let the president do what he’s doing,” cattle rancher Rod Olerud admitted. “We need to just see what’s going to happen here and give him a little latitude.”

Those who experienced Trump’s first term, and the tariffs on China in 2018, were skeptical, however. Tommy Baruth, a since-retired soybean farmer, felt the pinch firsthand.

“The export market just went right down the tubes because these countries could buy them from other places cheaper, and a lot of times those markets don’t come back,” he said, adding he thinks it’s too soon for his neighbors to open up and admit they’re wrong.

As the economic situation continues to evolve, the area will feel the pinch, regardless of whether or not South Dakotans regret who they voted for.

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

Farming under pressure

Tariffs are poised to impact the American agriculture industry. But it’s not the first time they’ve bruised operations. According to the American Soybean Association (ASA), soy growers have still not fully recovered from the 2018 trade war Trump initiated with China.

“In the summer of 2018, soybeans were the prime casualty when the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese imports,” the ASA said in a recent press release. “China quickly responded with retaliatory tariffs, including on U.S. soybeans; a move that essentially halted soy exports to the country overnight.”

With exports halted, farmers were the first to experience the financial impact. Even with this experience, many farmers are still willing to support Trump during these renewed tariff talks.

“If it doesn’t work, then we’re going to have to try something different,” says Olerud.

Still, as farmers fail to break even, that laissez-faire approach may make it harder for them to repay loans and potentially increase reliance on government subsidies. Beyond cash flow, farmers who had been hoping to retire — or pass on the family farm to the next generation — may have to pull back on the reins.

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

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.

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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?

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

Thousands of Americans experience identity theft each year — and when a bad actor starts using your information, there’s no telling what they’ll do with it.

Identity thieves put victims’ names on all sorts of fraudulent accounts, such as credit cards and loans.

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The fraud can also involve cellphone service, as one Florida man, who’s nearing his birthday, discovered earlier this year.

Mike Battista of Tarpon Springs, northwest of Tampa, was sent a cellphone bill from Verizon after someone used his information to open a new account. Even though he immediately reported the issue to the company, Verizon denied his fraud claim and still expected him to pay the bill left by the fraudster.

That’s when he reached out to a local news station for help resolving this issue.

Verizon denies Florida man’s fraud claim

Battista, a retired law enforcement officer with 28 years of experience, found an unexpected phone bill in his mailbox.

The bill, which contained his name, address and personal information, was for $198.30. It reflected the purchase of a new phone and a new phone line through Verizon.

Not only did Battista not approve this new phone line; he isn’t even a Verizon customer.

He went to the local Verizon store in Tarpon Springs to sort things out.

“They said they couldn’t do anything,” Battista said. “I had to go to a corporate store.”

At a second Verizon store, he was told no when he tried to close the account. From there, he immediately filed a fraud claim with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. After submitting his police report and fraud details to Verizon, he was shocked when they denied his claim.

In a letter to Battista, Verizon said, “We are unable to substantiate your claim that this account was opened without your knowledge or consent.”

Running out of options, Battista contacted a local news channel, ABC Action News. A consumer investigative reporter, Susan El Khoury, contacted Verizon about the issue. On the next day, Battista received an email resolving the claim.

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 yourself from identity theft

Identity theft can wreak havoc on your financial life. Unfortunately, reporting identity theft to a company doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have the issue resolved. Companies don’t have a financial obligation to victims of identity theft.

But if you are impacted by identity theft, seeking recourse with the company is a valid option. In the best-case scenario, the company will not expect you to pay for purchases made by a fraudster.

However, if the company doesn’t waive your responsibility to pay for the purchases, consider reaching out to a consumer protection group, like the Federal Communications Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to file a complaint about the situation. If you want more help, even your local police station may offer guidance.

Battista’s recommendation for anyone going through a similar situation: “If something doesn’t seem right, mention it to somebody, never surrender.”

But, of course, preventing identity theft before it happens is ideal.

One way to stop fraudsters is to freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

“It just takes a few minutes to request to freeze your credit report, and then if you decide that you need to open new credit yourself, you can unfreeze it,” said Anna Marie Fiallos, an investigator and outreach coordinator with Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection, to ABC Action News.

Additionally, take measures to protect your personal information. Never share details about your finances with anyone over the phone, online, or via email. If possible, shred documents with sensitive information before throwing them away.

What to read next

• Millions of Americans now sit on a stunning $35 trillion in home equity — here’s 1 new way to invest in responsible US homeowners while targeting a 14%-17% IRR
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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 goes.

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 $6,065, 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 recent study, only around 48% of adults in the U.S. possess a baseline level of financial literacy. 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.

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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 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.

Even if you and your partner actively choose to keep your finances separate and avoid joint credit cards, state law might dictate that both partners are still on the hook for any outstanding debts. For example, if you live in Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington or Wisconsin, you’re on the hook for debt your partner assumes.

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 paycheck 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.

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

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 shared 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.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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

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 said it would close 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 claims it will offer some employees transfer opportunities to the Neiman Marcus San Francisco location. Since this isn’t possible for every employee, others will 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 opening on May 15. It will be 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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

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