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Author: Sarah Sharkey

  • ‘Now I don’t know’: Nearly 70% of South Dakota voters in this area cast a ballot for Trump — now, some share frustrations as they brace for the impact of tariffs on their local economy

    ‘Now I don’t know’: Nearly 70% of South Dakota voters in this area cast a ballot for Trump — now, some share frustrations as they brace for the impact of tariffs on their local economy

    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.

  • Las Vegas couple left feeling ‘vandalized’ and ‘violated’ after 200 teens break into their home, throw a party while they were out of town — here’s what’s behind the rise in ‘mansion parties’

    Las Vegas couple left feeling ‘vandalized’ and ‘violated’ after 200 teens break into their home, throw a party while they were out of town — here’s what’s behind the rise in ‘mansion parties’

    When Jamie Lewis received a call from police about a party at her house, she thought it was a prank. But after her husband received a call from their neighbors, Lewis started to believe the outlandish tale about what was unfolding in her home.

    On May 3, approximately 200 teens broke into her house and proceeded to throw a “mansion party,” as Lewis put it.

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    “The feeling of being, first of all, vandalized and then just 1000% being violated is something that you just don’t ever want to have to deal with,” said Lewis in an interview with FOX5 KVVU-TV.

    The teens made entry into the empty home by kicking in the door through her garage. Once police arrived on the scene, the teens began to scramble in all directions.

    How did this happen?

    The idea of teens breaking into a home in order to throw a wild party might sound like a plot from a movie. But for Lewis, this destructive story unfolded in her own home.

    While out of town, Lewis initially didn’t believe the reports that teens were partying in her empty home. But the evidence quickly forced her to accept this painful reality.

    “Seeing the videos, and realizing that we needed to get home, we needed to cut our trip short,” she told FOX5.

    Although she’s not sure how the party organizers knew she’d be out of town, she’s certain it was all preplanned. In the days leading up to the party, organizers broke the gate into her community to make entry easier for guests and circulated flyers online about the event.

    Lewis shared videos of the party from inside her home on social media with the goal of tracking down whoever is responsible for the party — and the damage it caused.

    “I will not let this go. I will not let this go. I will refuse to cower and be scared. I will not do it,” said Lewis.

    Since posting, Lewis has discovered multiple “mansion parties” have happened all over the Las Vegas area.

    “These kids go from house to house, sometimes multiple houses in the same night,” said Lewis. “They charge money at the door, they bring in a DJ.”

    So far, Lewis has spent over $12,000, according to Local News Live, repairing the damage left behind. But she still has many repairs to complete before the damage is completely resolved.

    Las Vegas Metro Police are still investigating the incident.

    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

    So-called ‘mansion parties’ are on the rise

    “Mansion parties” are a growing trend. Essentially, it involves breaking into an expensive home and throwing a party. In most cases, this leaves behind extensive damage.

    For example, New York Post reported a recent mansion party in East Nashville caused over $100,000 in damages across two unoccupied, recently built homes. Another mansion party took over a $1 million home in Goodyear, Arizona back in 2022, says Local News Live.

    Beyond the damage caused to the property, uninvited guests can open the door to lawsuits against homeowners. If an uninvited guest gets hurt on the property, they might have grounds to sue the homeowner, even though they broke in, President of Greater Los Angeles Realtors Association Anne Russel Sullivan told CBS News last year.

    If you’re leaving your home unattended, Lewis says to do everything you can to protect your property from unwelcome visitors. Locking doors and installing security cameras is a good place to start. If possible, install cameras on your property that will alert you to any unexpected movements. That might give you the warning you need to contact the police or race to the property to prevent any further damage.

    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.

  • ‘Do the man thing’: Albuquerque man moved cross-country to live with his girlfriend — and then they split. Now Dave Ramsey can’t get his head around the ‘weird’ situation it’s left him in

    ‘Do the man thing’: Albuquerque man moved cross-country to live with his girlfriend — and then they split. Now Dave Ramsey can’t get his head around the ‘weird’ situation it’s left him in

    After moving to Knoxville from Albuquerque for his girlfriend, Christopher is going through a breakup — but still lives with his ex. He called into The Ramsey Show for advice.

    He doesn’t want to leave his ex, but revealed he has $19,000 in debt and isn’t making big money in Knoxville. He earns $3,000 a month as a personal trainer at a local gym.

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    “What’s your point of staying there?” co-host Jade Warshaw asked him. “Did you go just for the relationship or is there any other reason you’re there?”

    “Yeah, pretty much just for the relationship,” Christopher replied. “Her and I are still living together. Trying to work things out, but it’s not super clear on if that’s going to happen, but I’m just trying to do some growth as a man right now.”

    Ramsey was surprised and confused about the situation Christopher finds himself in.

    Broken up but still living together?

    Although the couple has broken up, Christopher feels committed to supporting his ex for a year while she takes a physician’s assistant program, helping around the house and supporting her emotionally.

    “Dude, you know how weird that sounds?” asked Ramsey.

    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 told Christopher that he did not have to help an ex get through a school program and certainly didn’t need to live with her.

    Ramsey tried to get clarity on whether Christopher was done with his relationship.

    “You either are together or you’re broken up,” Ramsey said.

    “I don’t know how you kind of stand in the middle with one foot on the boat and one on the dock and the boat’s leaving. I think you’re just going to get wet.”

    Although Christopher said didn’t want to be done with the relationship, Warshaw and Ramsey advised him to move out and stand on his own for a while — preferably back in Albuquerque.

    “I would move out immediately, basically, if you can,” Warshaw advised.

    Ramsey said Christopher needs to get his own place and pay his own bills.

    “Do the man thing and stand alone and then you’ll like you better,” Ramsey said. “And the next time you go into a relationship you’ll be a different person.”

    How to move forward financially after a breakup

    Breaking up can be devastating, particularly if you were married or living together. It can also disrupt your finances in a big way.

    But taking quick action can help you get your finances back on track after a breakup. Here are some tips.

    Separate joint accounts immediately. For shared savings and checking accounts, transfer your share of the funds into an individual account in your name. Tackle this task as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the worst-case situation could involve your ex taking out all of the funds without leaving your share.

    Evaluate your shared assets and debts. If married, you may have a pre-nup or state laws that dictate how your assets and debts will be divided. If you weren’t married, splitting shared debts and assets (such as a car and car loan, or a house and mortgage) could require negotiation and even mediation. Consider consulting with a lawyer to ensure parties each get their fair share.

    Update the named beneficiary on any accounts — like retirement funds or a life insurance policy — and your will to someone other than your ex. Otherwise, they could inherit your funds after your death.

    Map out your own financial goals and create a budget that supports your vision as you untangle your finances from your ex,

    For many, a financial fresh start can be daunting. If you aren’t sure which direction to take, consider getting financial advice from a trusted advisor.

    You can share your numbers and goals with a competent professional to get guidance on what might work best for your situation.

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

  • ‘Words matter’: Ramsey Show hosts sound off on 22-year-old Knoxville man after he said his parents were ‘financially abusing’ him over a cosigned loan — what they told him to do next

    ‘Words matter’: Ramsey Show hosts sound off on 22-year-old Knoxville man after he said his parents were ‘financially abusing’ him over a cosigned loan — what they told him to do next

    After receiving pushback from his parents over how he used a student loan refund, Tyler called into The Ramsey Show from Knoxville with claims that his parents were “financially abusing” him.

    “I’m struggling with the fact that my parents are kind of financially abusing me,” the 22-year-old University of Tennessee student told cohosts Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman in a clip posted May 30.

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    He says he received around $4,000, partly from a work study and also a student loan refund, which he used to pay off some debt. His parents didn’t react well.

    “They were just absolutely furious at me, saying that was their money, and about how hard they worked to put me out here and everything like that,” Tyler said.

    But after getting more details, the cohosts strongly disagreed that Tyler’s parents were exhibiting signs of financial abuse.

    Family matters

    It’s unclear how much of the cash Tyler received was from a student loan refund. Warshaw clarified that student loan refunds can happen when, “you took out a loan and the loan was too much for what school actually costs, and so they gave you the money back in cash but it is still loaned money.”

    Tyler and his mom both cosigned on the student loan, which means the money would be tied to her as well.

    But Tyler described his parents as “spenders,” and while they’ve helped him financially, he also says they’ve previously haggled him for money.

    “It’s just a money struggle,” he said. “When I ask for money if I need it, they just never give it to me or they’re 50-50 on it.”

    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

    Coleman was quick to jump in: “But that’s not abuse.” The cohosts agreed.

    “Let me be very clear. You need to stop saying they’re financially abusing you, because this is not anywhere close to it. It’s dramatic. And by the way, words matter,” Coleman said.

    Both cohosts praised Tyler for thinking differently from his parents about money, but suggested he start acting differently toward them. There may always be tension when it comes to opinions about finances, but there are ways to respectfully move forward.

    Cons of cosigning a loan

    The cosigned student loan represents one point of financial tension between Tyler and his parents. But for any relationship, cosigning on a loan can lead to strain.

    When you cosign on a loan of any kind, each party is legally responsible for paying it off — even if the loan isn’t for your benefit. Sometimes a person who seeks a cosigner may have bad credit and requires the backing of a trusted individual. Before you cosign on a loan with anyone, ask yourself if you can afford to take on the payments if the other person can no longer do so.

    If cosigning would derail your financial plans, and you still want to help a friend or relative who needs money, consider some alternative ways to support them. Financially speaking, you could provide budgeting guidance or even offer to loan them some of your own money, which they can repay using a friendly, but firm, payment plan.

    The risks of cosigning are real. It increases liability and your credit score could suffer greatly if payments aren’t made. So, if you’re not comfortable with the practice, you can always say “no.”

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    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 the city employee 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 she 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

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

  • ‘It’s 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 earlier 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 was 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

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

  • ‘The public is the loser’: Arizona houseboat owners say ‘no-bid’ management company has failed to maintain their marina — despite reportedly raking in hundreds of millions

    ‘The public is the loser’: Arizona houseboat owners say ‘no-bid’ management company has failed to maintain their marina — despite reportedly raking in hundreds of millions

    Lake Powell sits on the border of Arizona and Utah. The massive reservoir attracts vacationers each year, while some own houseboats docked at the Wahweap Marina on the south side.

    Although the costs to store a houseboat here are high, the upkeep of the facilities leaves much to be desired.

    “Once we became a houseboat owner here on the dock, I started noticing a decline in services,” Kari Handley told Fox 13 Salt Lake City in a story published May 20.

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    Rotting wood, screws poking out of the decking and a general lack of maintenance at the marina have left many feeling frustrated.

    “We started having to bring our own toilet paper,” Handley said. “If you have to go to the restroom, chances are you’re not going to have any toilet paper.”

    Contractor raking in the cash

    Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company, operates Wahweap Marina, including its docks, boat rentals, gas station, restaurants, lodging and all the restrooms within, per the broadcaster. The company also operates Bullfrog Marina, at the northern end of the lake, and most of its services. Both marinas are part of the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, which is governed by the National Park Service (NPS).

    Hundreds of millions of dollars have flowed Aramark’s way. Fox 13 reports it obtained and verified documents from boaters that show, from fiscal years 2014 to 2023, the company received $684 million in gross revenue — money paid by the leisuring public — from its Lake Powell contracts. In addition, the NPS has paid Aramark around $100 million since 2018 for structures it has built, such as docks, parking lots and employee dorms.

    But here’s one number that might startle regular visitors: 1969. According to Fox 13, citing public records, that’s the last year the NPS issued a bid for its Wahweap and Bullfrog Marina contracts. Aramark took over after purchasing the company that held those contracts in 1989. The NPS has been extending the deals annually.

    “It’s a form of no-bid contract,” Charles Tiefer, a professor emeritus at University of Baltimore School of Law, told Fox 13. “Since they’re not afraid of losing the contract, their incentive is to maximize their profits.”

    A company has little reason to improve its performance if it knows it’s going to be retained every year.

    “The public is the loser when there’s no competition,” Tiefer 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

    The cost of stagnant services

    The broadcaster reports it received a statement from Aramark Destinations, the division of the company that’s responsible for the Lake Powell contracts, which said in part: “Our commitment to high standards ensures a memorable experience for all.”

    But regular visitors, like Handley, claim to have experienced subpar standards. On top of the maintenance issues, there may be a staffing shortage as well. Handley told the broadcaster it recently took days for her to reach Aramark employees at Wahweap Marina to update her credit card information because nobody answered the phone.

    “NPS needs to hold Aramark more accountable,” she said. “And not just to slip holders or houseboat owners but to the general taxpaying public.”

    Michelle Kerns, NPS’s superintendent for Glen Canyon, told Fox 13 new requests for bids are in the works, but she didn’t specify when they would materialize.

    “We have capacity issues, quite frankly, in our Washington office to get to all of these contracts that need to be renewed annually,” she said.

    In the meantime, houseboaters like Handley continue to pay their dues — which she says includes $1,100 per month for a slip fee and $464 annually, plus boat registration fees with the state and a national park pass to enter and exit the marina free of charge.

    “It just feels like we’re not getting any of the things we ask for in return,” Handley said.

    Here’s the full statement Fox 13 says it received from Aramark Destinations: “We work closely under contract with the National Park Service to ensure the best experiences for guests during every visit to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where we’ve provided hospitality and recreational services for nearly 40 years. We encourage guests to share feedback through various channels, including in-person at our marina offices, via our website, or through customer service hotlines. All feedback is promptly reviewed and addressed to ensure visitor satisfaction and continuous improvement of our services. Our commitment to high standards ensures a memorable experience for all, and we are excited to welcome visitors during the heavy summer travel season.”

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    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 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.

    Don’t miss

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

  • ‘Do we have to die? Fix the road’: Phoenix family turns to drastic measures to get help after 18 cars have crashed into their home — they say it’s just a matter of time before someone dies

    ‘Do we have to die? Fix the road’: Phoenix family turns to drastic measures to get help after 18 cars have crashed into their home — they say it’s just a matter of time before someone dies

    When a single vehicle crashed into their home, homeowners Melissa and Ryan Langhor were shaken up. But now, after 18 crashes and counting, the Phoenix couple is calling for changes to protect their home from future incidents.

    They live near the corner of West Northwest Ranch Parkway and 163rd Lane, where drivers face a near-90-degree turn with little warning. Miss the turn, and you end up in the Langhor’s backyard.

    Don’t miss

    With their safety at stake, the couple painted a bold message on the backyard wall that’s been hit over and over again:

    “City of Surprise. Do we have to die? Fix the road.”

    The message is hard to miss. For the Langhors, it’s more than a cry for help. It’s a plea born of fear and frustration, aimed squarely at city officials. But how did it come to this?

    How did it happen?

    It sounds like something out of a movie, but for the Langhors, it’s a recurring nightmare. Of the 18 crashes so far, some have shattered windows, others have sent vehicles through their concrete wall. In one case, a car plowed into their dining room while they were sitting there with their kids.

    They no longer feel safe in their own home and don’t even sleep in their primary bedroom, worried a car might crash through the wall in the middle of the night.

    “Driving down the road, you can see the problem. All of a sudden, you hit a near-90-degree turn. And if you miss it, you end up right in their backyard,” reporter Steven Nielsen told Fox 10.

    Although the speed limit is 25 mph, drivers often go much faster.

    “It’s sad when you’re not feeling safe in your own home,” said Melissa Langhor.

    After a particularly bad crash in 2021, Melissa spoke at a Surprise City commissioners meeting, but nothing changed. Then, just last month, a truck crashed through their wall, stopping just feet from where she was sitting.

    “We have PTSD,” she told News 2.

    After that crash, city staff showed up — not to talk safety, but to make sure the wall was repaired and painted to match neighbourhood guidelines.

    “That’s what the city was concerned about — the color matching,” Langhor said.

    Instead of repainting, the couple turned the wall into a sign calling for change. Since then, the mayor has vowed to address the issue, starting with improved speed signs and traffic studies.

    “I hope he keeps his promise,” Melissa Langhor 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

    How to make a neighborhood feel safe again

    After this many crashes, it’s clear something needs to change — and not just for the Langhors.

    Down the street, the city is taking action. After the Langhors put up their sign, officials installed concrete barriers along the road to protect the homes. Drivers may still speed, but the barriers make it far less likely they’ll crash into someone’s living room.

    That offers some peace of mind. Still, for families living near dangerous roads, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to prepare — just in case.

    Start with an emergency fund. A cushion of cash can be a lifesaver if your home is damaged and you need to cover repairs quickly.

    Also, consider setting aside money each month to invest in home safety over time. Ryan Langhor built a garden along the back wall to help slow down any incoming cars. Other ideas include planting trees or placing large boulders as barriers.

    And of course, make sure that your homeowners insurance is up to date. If a car hits your house, you’ll want help covering the cost to fix it.

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

  • ‘Why so much?’: These Florida condo owners fear losing their homes after being handed a shocking $3.5 million assessment — now they want answers on where their dues have been going

    ‘Why so much?’: These Florida condo owners fear losing their homes after being handed a shocking $3.5 million assessment — now they want answers on where their dues have been going

    Like many condo owners in Florida, residents at the Heron Condominiums in West Kendall were expecting to receive a special assessment of some kind. The mandatory 40-year recertification inspection is the result of new regulations for condominiums in the state following the deadly 2021 condo collapse in Surfside, Florida.

    But when their special assessment came back for $3.48 million, the residents were aghast.

    While the aging condo building was likely to need repairs of some kind, the colossal price tag has left many worried about potentially losing their homes.

    "They’re not against the special assessment," said Mayra Rodriguez, a resident speaking on behalf of several homeowners in an interview with CBS News Miami. "They’re just saying, why so much?"

    Don’t miss

    Expected costs put pressure on budgets

    Those who own condos know that some of the costs and maintenance responsibilities are outside the residents’ control.

    For example, this condo needs roof repairs, building repairs, waterproofing and other structural work. And, until these are completed, the buildings cannot be recertified and must bare code violation signs throughout the property. These repair costs are covered through the assessment, which is divided between the number of units a building has so that each unit covers a portion of that total bill.

    In this case, the $3.48 million assessment is spread across approximately 250 units. Residents at Heron have a choice between two different payment options: a 10-year bank loan amounting to roughly $154 per unit per month or a self-funded payment of over $13,200, paid either as a lump sum or divided into four quarterly payments of roughly $3,300, starting in June.

    In order for the condo board to move forward with the bank loan payment option, at least 66% of the condo owners must approve that action. With the vote yet to happen, residents are worried about being able to cover the cost on their own.

    “That’s $3,300 every three months," Rodriguez explained. "Most people here just can’t afford that."

    Beyond the consternation about the upcoming assessment, residents are frustrated about the lack of communication and transparency from the board. The owners at this condo complex already pay $260 per month in dues. But they aren’t clear on how those funds have been used.

    "Where is all the money we’ve been paying for?" asked Jose Redondo, an owner in the complex.

    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

    Some Florida condo owners could see legislative relief

    Earlier this month, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill aiming to bring immediate financial relief to condo owners.

    The bill allows condo associations to tap into lines of credit or loans for their reserves and allows for an extra year to make repairs following a structural inspection.

    While this bill may offer some financial relief for condo owners in the short term, it doesn’t entirely protect their budget or longer-term financial wellbeing. The ability to tap into loans likely means many condo owners will face an ongoing monthly payment (with interest) or higher condo dues. Similarly, not all residents have the luxury to wait for the bill to come into effect in July (Heron residents for example are expected to start paying their portions of the assessment in June).

    So while Florida’s post-Surfside condo regulations were made with safety in mind, the new requirements have also meant greater financial strain for those living on a fixed income. Some residents of the Heron complex are seniors living on such an income. While their property values might be high, these lower-income residents may feel ‘house rich but cash poor.’

    Depending on the situation, some residents might also not qualify for new loans to cover their assessment costs. If they wanted to leave the complex, they might struggle to find a comparable housing option in the area.

    With that, many condo owners might feel compelled to sell below market value, downsize to a smaller place, relocate to a more affordable city, or switch to renting for the foreseeable future.

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