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Author: Victoria Vesovski

  • ‘I saw the potential’: This 47-year-old spent $50K reviving 8 abandoned apartments — now they bring in $220K a year, but the hidden costs took her by surprise

    ‘I saw the potential’: This 47-year-old spent $50K reviving 8 abandoned apartments — now they bring in $220K a year, but the hidden costs took her by surprise

    It’s easy to fall for the charm and potential of a place like Minden, Louisiana — just ask Sara McDaniel.

    In 2020, she came across an opportunity to purchase an eight-unit, villa-style apartment complex that had been abandoned for nearly 40 years. By then, McDaniel was no stranger to real estate; she already owned over 20 properties, ranging from short-term rentals to vacant land.

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    “The villas weren’t my first rodeo with abandoned properties,” McDaniel told CNBC Make It. “But this project really pushed my skill set.”

    In 2021, she purchased what would become The Villas at Spanish Court for $51,306, using her savings to pay for it. But was dipping into her savings to invest in a long-neglected property really worth it?

    Falling for potential

    McDaniel wasn’t just chasing financial freedom — she was sprinting toward it. As a devotee of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, she embraced extreme saving and strategic investing to achieve early retirement. The premise is to save aggressively, invest wisely and eventually live off small withdrawals from a carefully built portfolio — typically around 3% to 4% — or supplement with part-time work.

    For McDaniel, real estate was her golden ticket. In her early 30s, she started saving nearly 50% of her income to build a life of freedom and flexibility.

    “I was very confident when we closed the deal. But it wasn’t long thereafter that I literally started having panic attacks wondering, ‘What in the world did I get myself into?’” McDaniel admitted. While real estate can be a smart path to financial independence, it’s not exactly a fairy tale. Market shifts and unforeseen expenses can turn a dream investment into a cautionary tale.

    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

    An unexpected surprise

    What seemed like a promising investment quickly turned into a financial nightmare. The charm of the apartments faded fast when ceilings began caving in and bullet holes in the windows hinted at deeper structural and safety issues.

    Only after closing the deal did McDaniel realize she had skipped a crucial step — an environmental hazard assessment. To bring the properties up to livable standards, she had to pour in far more money than she’d planned. She sold another investment property for $175,364, added $8,000 from other income streams, secured a $202,725 interim construction loan and took out a permanent mortgage of $290,710.

    When the villas were fully restored 18 months later, the total cost had ballooned to $729,885.

    McDaniel’s experience highlights a hard truth about real estate investing: what looks like a great deal can quickly become a financial drain. Rushing into an investment without fully evaluating the risks can end up costing far more than the purchase price.

    Despite the setbacks, by 2024, the villas were fully booked for approximately 1,300 nights at an average rate of $143 per night, generating a total revenue of $224,133 for the year.

    Getting into the market

    Real estate can be a great investment, but not everyone wants to deal with renovations, maintenance or surprise expenses that eat into profits. Fortunately, there are ways to tap into the market without purchasing a property outright.

    One option is investing in fractional shares of vacation and rental properties, sometimes for as little as $100. This allows investors to gain exposure to real estate without the overhead costs or financial risks associated with full ownership.

    For those looking to make a larger investment, commercial real estate can offer strong returns. According to Nolo, commercial properties typically yield an annual return of 6% to 12% of the purchase price, making them an attractive option for portfolio diversification.

    What to read next

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

  • Bag it before it’s gone: Shopping for a smart, stylish hedge for your portfolio? Here’s why investing in tangible luxury can both pad your wallet and protect it from inflation

    Bag it before it’s gone: Shopping for a smart, stylish hedge for your portfolio? Here’s why investing in tangible luxury can both pad your wallet and protect it from inflation

    LVMH lost its title as Europe’s most valuable luxury company — and Hermès didn’t need a runway to take the lead.

    The luxury conglomerate behind Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Sephora reported €20.3 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2025. While that signals solid performance, particularly in Europe, a softer U.S. market, lower sales in Japan and continued tariff uncertainty weighed on the results.

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    Following the report, LVMH shares dropped 7%, lowering its market capitalization to €246 billion. According to CNN, this allowed rival Hermès to claim the top spot at €247 billion.

    While LVMH has a broader portfolio and greater global reach, Hermès’ steady rise signals a shift in consumer and investor sentiment. As high-end shoppers gravitate toward timeless, low-key luxury over label-heavy branding, the market is responding — and so are those betting on the future of fashion as a financial asset.

    Buy the Birkin

    As the economy continues to fluctuate under the weight of tariffs and recession fears, investors and high-end consumers are shifting their attention to luxury goods that don’t just turn heads — they hold value. Hermès, with its measured growth and fiercely loyal clientele, has emerged as a clear front-runner in the luxury space, ahead of some flashier, trend-driven rivals.

    LVMH, for example, reported a 3% drop in first-quarter sales — a miss compared to analysts’ expectations for 2% growth. The decline reflects broader market unease, amplified by President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements.

    In response, consumers are rethinking what luxury really means. Instead of chasing seasonal drops, they’re investing in pieces with lasting value. Take the Birkin 30 in Togo leather that retails for around $12,500, but can resell for up to $30,000 — a return of about 140%.

    “Luxury collectibles have delivered for investors over the long term. If you had invested US$1 million in 2005 and tracked KFLII, your investment would now be worth US$5.4 million,” Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s global head of research, told Forbes. “The same amount invested in the S&P 500 would have been worth US$5 million by the end of 2024.”

    And while not everyone has the funds for a five-figure handbag, Hermès’ wealthier clientele does. That’s part of what makes the brand so resilient, according to Jelena Sokolova, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, who notes that its customers are less affected by economic slowdowns and more focused on timeless value than trend-chasing.

    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

    Diversify your portfolio

    Luxury handbags aren’t just fashion statements — they’re becoming portfolio pieces. But not all Birkins are created equal. Value can hinge on everything from the model and year of production to the leather quality and color.

    If you’re thinking of adding a designer bag to your list of alternative assets, you’ll need to do your research just like you would with stocks: study historical resale trends, monitor market demand and consider the condition. That means carrying it to a candlelit dinner might not be your smartest financial move.

    But handbags aren’t the only collectibles catching investors’ eyes. Since Janaury 20, the S&P 500 has dropped about 15.6% — and nearly 20% from its February 19 peak — while gold has climbed nearly 30%. That contrast has investors turning to tangible assets as hedges against inflation and volatility.

    Luxury goods, fine watches, vintage cars, even wine — they’re all part of a broader shift toward diversifying wealth outside of traditional markets. But the key is to know what holds value and why. Luxury goods aren’t just nice-to-haves anymore; they’re smart, resilient investments.

    What to read next

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

  • Living the dream, leasing the nightmare: Young renters are now paying over $6,000 a month to chase the ‘West Village Girl’ fantasy

    Living the dream, leasing the nightmare: Young renters are now paying over $6,000 a month to chase the ‘West Village Girl’ fantasy

    To her million-plus followers, Miranda McKeon isn’t just living in the West Village — she’s selling the dream. At 23, her mix of polished fashion posts and raw honesty about her breast cancer journey has built a brand that feels both aspirational and relatable, with her West Side Village lifestyle front and center.

    Long before she touched down in New York, McKeon knew exactly where she wanted to live. A student at the University of Southern California, she spent her final semester glued to StreetEasy, scrolling through listings and plotting her perfect postgrad landing.

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    But while the West Village has become a magnet for young adults chasing that fantasy, they aren’t the ones driving up the rents. The neighborhood’s luxury glow-up has been decades in the making — fueled by deep-pocketed buyers and commercial overhauls.

    Fantasies, after all, come with price tags — and, in this case, the occasional rodent roommate. The average one-bedroom in the West Village now rents for $6,182 a month, according to Zumper. For many recent grads, that’s a hard no.

    Even for those who can afford it, like McKeon, there’s a hidden cost to chasing the perfect zip code — and it’s not just the rent.

    A neighborhood built on fantasy and fortune

    It’s tempting to blame the West Village’s high prices on TikTokers and Instagram stars, but the truth is, this Manhattan hotspot has always drawn people in. Savannah Engel, a fashion publicist who moved to the neighborhood in 2009, remembers when the West Village still had a bohemian edge. “I’d wake up on a Tuesday and there’d be 10 people passed out in my apartment,” she told The Cut. Back then, her rent was $900 a month — a price that now feels mythical.

    But the vibe began to shift by the mid-2000s. Bleecker Street turned into a luxury shopping corridor, and soon after, wealthy buyers followed. Rupert Murdoch purchased a 25-foot-wide townhouse for $25 million in 2015. A year later, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick bought two adjacent townhouses for a combined $34.5 million. The New York Post even dubbed a section near West 11th Street “the real Billionaires’ Row.”

    By 2017, the tables had turned. Small businesses were forced out as commercial rents soared, leaving once-buzzing storefronts empty. “The landlords started jacking up the prices,” said designer Cynthia Rowley, who bought her building back in 2004. “That’s when everybody left.” So yes, influencers may be the latest faces of West Village gentrification — but the neighborhood’s transformation has been decades in the making.

    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

    Real Estate glow-up

    The West Village might look picture-perfect on Instagram, but renters say the experience isn’t always so glamorous.

    Polly (HuiWen) Milligan, a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman who’s called the neighborhood home for over eight years, says affordable finds are nearly extinct thanks to rent control laws and the high demand. “The price never drops,” Milligan told Street Easy. “Not even during the lockdown. The price never went down.”

    Even at premium price points, quality can fall short. McKeon, who was wowed by her apartment’s bright, spacious layout online, soon discovered the fine print that didn’t make the listing: cockroaches, leaks and strange brown liquid dripping out of a brick wall onto her roommate’s comforter. Yet despite it all, McKeon’s planning to re-sign.

    How to get the vibe

    We all know the siren call of a trendy neighborhood — the cobblestones and the indie cafés. But before you get swept up in the fantasy, ask yourself: are you chasing the lifestyle, or just the moment?

    Often, living just a few blocks outside the hottest zip code can cut your rent by hundreds, sometimes thousands a month — while still giving you easy access to the same brunch spots and boutique gyms. Expanding your search radius is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it still works.

    If you’re set on living right in the thick of things, think strategically. Roommates can be a game changer, cutting costs and even providing built-in company. And while rare, rent-controlled or stabilized units are out there — locking one down can help stabilize your finances over time.

    Above all, keep your budget front and center. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of a dream neighborhood, but nothing sours the experience faster than constant money stress. The ultimate dream is living somewhere that fits both your lifestyle and your bank account.

    What to read next

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

  • This Netflix exec says her ‘big public failure’ was actually her ‘greatest’ lesson — here’s why shaking off the shame of getting fired can be the shot in the arm you need

    While many Americans are busy climbing the corporate ladder, there’s one nagging fear that tends to keep them up at night: tumbling right back down.

    That’s exactly what happened to Bela Bajaria, now chief content officer at Netflix. Long before she held, arguably, one of the most coveted titles in entertainment, she faced what she called a “big public failure” in a recent interview with CNBC’s Julia Boorstin at the recent 2025 Changemakers Summit in Los Angeles.

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    And, in hindsight, it was her “greatest learning lesson.” In other words, she lived out every corporate worker’s worst nightmare: getting fired for all to see.

    Before Netflix, Bajaria was president of Universal Television, where she brought in heavyweights like Tina Fey and Mike Schur. But as she told The Cut, rising tensions between the network and the studio led to her unceremonious exit. Turns out, getting fired wasn’t her finish line — it was her new beginning.

    Fired but not finished

    The months after Bajaria’s firing were anything but easy. She remembers the gut-wrenching moment of coming home and telling her three children she’d lost her job — a moment layered with the sting of personal failure, especially after working so hard to be a role model for them.

    While the fallout from losing a high-profile position was heavy, Bajaria didn’t let it define her. Instead, she found space to reflect on her career and take pride in the hard work that had gotten her that far.

    “It was a painful period to be fired and own that, but there was lots of growth and learning, which I would not trade,” she told The Cut.

    Her story hits close to home for many Americans today. Since the start of 2025, roughly 5 million people have faced layoffs — whether from company downsizing, closures or performance cuts, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But Bajaria’s experience is a reminder that getting fired isn’t just about failure — it can be the first step toward something bigger.

    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

    Learning to lose

    Bajaria was understandably shaken after losing her role at Universal, but what surprised her most was the reaction she got afterward.

    “I quickly realized, as the phone rang and I got job offers, and everybody reached out, and people were really supportive — it all mattered. The way I treated people, what I had done, the impact I left — it all mattered,” she told Boorstin. In other words: your reputation sticks long after the pink slip lands.

    No matter how early you clock in or how many extra projects you take on, some things are simply out of your control. But what’s in your control is how you prepare for and bounce back from that uncertainty.

    One of the smartest moves you can make is building a financial safety net.

    According to Ramsey Solutions, you should have an emergency fund to cover three to six months of living expenses. You can start by setting aside small amounts — an extra $50 or $100 per paycheck — into a high-yield savings account. Even a modest cushion can keep you afloat during unexpected hardships.

    It’s also important to stay in touch with your network. Bajaria’s story proves that relationships matter a lot. Even if you’re not actively job-hunting, make it a habit to check in with former colleagues, attend industry events or shoot off the occasional message on LinkedIn. Your network can be your lifeline when things get rocky — so don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode to start nurturing those connections.

    And while you’re at it, consider diversifying your income streams. No matter how stable your nine-to-five feels, having a side hustle or freelance gig can add an extra layer of security. Whether it’s consulting, tutoring or monetizing a hobby, that additional cash flow can help bridge the gap during rough patches.

    Bajaria’s experience is proof that while getting fired stings, it doesn’t have to define your career.

    What to read next

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

  • A New Jersey man borrowed $20K from his brother to go to law school, but bought a car instead — then crashed it. Here’s the advice he got on John Mulaney’s new Netflix talk show

    A New Jersey man borrowed $20K from his brother to go to law school, but bought a car instead — then crashed it. Here’s the advice he got on John Mulaney’s new Netflix talk show

    When a loved one is in need, lending a helping hand can feel like second nature — even with a price tag.

    On a recent episode of his new Netflix talk show, Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, the comedian explores what it really means to help someone — and the consequences that can follow.

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    He’s joined by actor Michael Keaton and Jessica Roy, a personal finance columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Their first caller was Dylan from Montville, New Jersey, who borrowed $20,000 from his brother to attend law school. But instead of cracking open textbooks, Dylan bought a car. Then he crashed it. After selling the wreck for scrap, only $1,200 of the original $20,000 remained.

    Now, Dylan finds himself in a bind: no money, no law degree, a totaled car and a $20,000 lie he has to repay.

    It’s a cautionary tale and one that might hit closer to home than you’d expect. Whether you’ve loaned money to a loved one or considered asking for help yourself, navigating finances within personal relationships can be tricky.

    Being a good friend

    When money enters the mix between friends and family, the emotional toll can often outweigh the financial loss. A LendingTree survey found that 31% of Americans are owed money by a loved one — with friends and siblings being the most common borrowers.

    The top reason? Covering debt payments and everyday expenses like meals and gas. But personal lending often comes with strings attached: nearly half of the respondents said they regretted lending money to someone close, and one in six admitted it had damaged a relationship.

    In the episode, Roy emphasized that lending money to someone you care about requires a mental shift.

    “Any money you loan someone you need to be psychologically detached from it,” she explained. “It’s a gift and I’m not going to get it back.”

    It’s a mindset that protects more than just your wallet — it safeguards your relationships, too. When lending to friends and family, boundaries are just as valuable as budgets.

    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

    Stuck in a tough spot

    Dylan found himself in a messy situation. Not only did he lie to his brother about using the $20,000 loan for law school, but now he has no way to pay it back. He mentioned buying a van for $500, which led Roy to suggest he start a side hustle — like driving for Uber — to begin earning money.

    According to LendingTree, 38% of Americans have a side hustle, whether it’s delivering food, freelancing or picking up seasonal work. For many, these gigs aren’t just for extra cash: 61% say their life would be unaffordable without one.

    But earning money is only part of the solution — Dylan also needs to come clean. His brother still believes he’s in law school.

    “I would talk to your brother and come up with a good faith repayment plan of however much you can commit to,” Roy advised.

    Dylan should also consider building a budget to get his finances back on track. That means taking stock of any income — including side hustle earnings — and mapping out monthly expenses like gas, food and debt payments.

    Even setting aside small amounts consistently — say, $50 or $100 a week — can build momentum toward repaying the loan. Beyond that, budgeting can help Dylan understand where his money is going, avoid future financial missteps and rebuild trust — not just with his brother, but with himself.

    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 was a calculated attack’: This Chicago man won a whopping $800,000 in sports bets at Midwest casinos — but they refuse to pay. 3 ways to make sure you cash in on big wins

    ‘It was a calculated attack’: This Chicago man won a whopping $800,000 in sports bets at Midwest casinos — but they refuse to pay. 3 ways to make sure you cash in on big wins

    Thomas McPeek didn’t just stumble into a lucky streak — he studied for it.

    The 24-year-old from Chicago spent last year diving into the world of sports betting, placing dozens of complex, high-risk wagers on football — called parlays — based on odds he believed he could beat.

    “It was a calculated attack where I thought I had an edge,” McPeek told CBS News Chicago.

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    In August, he visited the sportsbook at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, owned by Caesars Entertainment. To ensure his bets wouldn’t be rejected, he remained anonymous, making multiple small bets at kiosks instead of with a clerk at a counter.

    He even went so far as to disguise himself with sunglasses or hiding his hair.

    Over the course of a single week, McPeek says he bet around $30,000 and won $350,000.

    A month later, he traveled across state lines to employ the same strategies at another Caesars property — the Isle Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa. This time, he says his tickets totaled about $450,000 in winnings.

    But McPeek says when he tried to cash in, both casinos voided his tickets, citing house rules and anti-money-laundering policies. He says he’s willing to sue to get his winnings.

    Where’s the money?

    McPeek maintains that he played by the rules but Caesars says he tried to circumvent them, particularly by crossing state lines — something that can violate betting regulations.

    Scott Morrow, a former casino executive who now teaches gaming at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas, says Caesars was justified in voiding his tickets on those grounds.

    “I have a tough time finding sympathy for his case,” Morrow 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

    But Eli Feustel, a seasoned betting expert and author, sides with McPeek — not because of how the bets were made, but because of Caesars’ timing in voiding his wins. He argues that the casinos only acted after realizing McPeek might actually win.

    “The clear answer is Caesars owes this,” he told CBS News.

    The Indiana Gaming Commission says Caesars followed the rules. Now, regulators in Iowa are reviewing McPeek’s complaint.

    Against the odds

    Caesars has banned McPeek from playing at their casinos but is willing to pay back the money McPeek used to place the bets.

    Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana, also banned McPeek from playing at their casino after he won $127,000, but at least Blue Chip paid him out first.

    With Americans spending more than $60.4 billion on commercial casino gaming and sports betting in 2022 — up 14% from 2021 — some wonder if the house plays fair when the odds shift in the bettor’s favor.

    For gamblers navigating the high-stakes world of sports betting, McPeek’s case is a cautionary tale.

    Here are three ways to ensure you can cash in on your sports bets.

    1. Read the fine print before you place any bets. Sportsbooks include detailed rules in their terms and conditions — including the right to void wagers. Knowing those rules ahead of time can keep you from betting into a gray area.
    2. Keep your bets to one jurisdiction to avoid raising red flags and accusations of gaming the system.
    3. Document everything as you game, from screenshots to transaction receipts. Keeping a trail could make or break your case if things get contested.

    Even if the odds are in your favor, the rulebook — and how it’s enforced — might not be.

    What to read next

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

  • Prices don’t go down: Jerome Powell says it’s too early to debate monetary policy as economy remains solid – but that optimism is not being felt in American households

    Prices don’t go down: Jerome Powell says it’s too early to debate monetary policy as economy remains solid – but that optimism is not being felt in American households

    Despite policy shifts under the Trump administration — from tariffs to immigration to federal spending — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the U.S. economy remains on solid footing.

    While the long-term effects of the policy changes continue to unfold, Powell signaled no urgency to adjust monetary policy, citing a strong labor market and easing inflation as signs of underlying resilience.

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    Speaking at the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) conference, Powell noted that inflation has fallen significantly from its 2022 peak, even though recent progress toward the Fed’s 2% target has slowed.

    “We look at inflation which is the change in prices and we’re seeing that it has come down quite a bit and unemployment is actually low, it’s very close to measures of maximum employment and the economy is growing,” he said.

    New jobs data released in May showed 177,000 positions added in April. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.2%.

    While the numbers suggest stability, many Americans aren’t feeling it. With the cost of everyday essentials still climbing, consumer sentiment continues to lag behind the Fed’s optimism — a disconnect that could shape economic policy in the months ahead.

    The market looks fine on paper

    Recent employment may reflect a relatively stable U.S. job market, but Americans remain anything but reassured. A January survey from résumé service MyPerfectResume found that 81% of U.S. workers are worried about losing their jobs in 2025.

    The Trump administration has introduced sweeping policy changes, including large-scale federal layoffs, deep budget cuts, new tariffs and strict immigration enforcement. While the full impact on the labor market has yet to be felt, these measures have already stoked anxiety across multiple industries — from government agencies to tech and manufacturing.

    “The March employment data is the calm before the potential tariff-related storms,” Dana Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board, told CNN.

    Workers’ unease is understandable as they navigate a landscape filled with economic uncertainty and potential aftershocks. Even though job numbers haven’t plummeted, the fear of what lies ahead is keeping many employees on edge.

    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

    Is inflation really cooling?

    For many Americans, the sting of inflation is still being felt — especially at the grocery store.

    According to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, egg prices have cracked wide open — rising 63% over the past year. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows the national average price for a dozen eggs hit $5.90 in February, making a basic breakfast item feel more like a luxury.

    Powell acknowledged the ongoing strain during his remarks at SABEW, attributing much of today’s high prices to lingering pandemic-era inflation. He emphasized that overall inflation has cooled since its 2022 peak — but that the road ahead is uncertain.

    The Trump administration’s new tariffs could reignite inflation in the coming months. Powell noted that it’s still too early to gauge the full impact, as details such as which goods will be affected and whether trade partners will retaliate remain unclear.

    “Our obligation is to keep longer-term inflation expectations well-anchored and to make certain that a one-time increase in the price level does not become an ongoing inflation problem,” Powell said.

    Now’s a good time to revisit your budget and take stock of where your money’s going. Small changes — like cutting back on impulse buys, pausing unused subscriptions or buying bulk — can free up more funds than you’d think. Even in times of uncertainty, a mindful approach to spending can bring a sense of control.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘There’s a huge percentage of the US population that isn’t getting access to these medications’: Novo Nordisk makes game-changing $2 billion deal for new obesity drug

    ‘There’s a huge percentage of the US population that isn’t getting access to these medications’: Novo Nordisk makes game-changing $2 billion deal for new obesity drug

    Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk — best known for its blockbuster weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy — has signed a $2 billion deal to acquire the global rights to an experimental obesity treatment from China’s United Bio-Technology (Hengqin) Co.

    The March 24 agreement includes milestone payments of up to $1.8 billion, plus tiered royalties.

    Don’t miss

    The new drug in question, UBT251, is a next-generation therapy designed to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes by targeting three key hormones including, GLP-1 and GIP — which regulate appetite and blood sugar — and glucagon, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

    Roughly 15.5 million U.S. adults have already used injectables for weight loss, according to Gallup. With access to weight-loss medications still limited by patchy insurance coverage, UBT251 may face the same barriers, even as it promises new possibilities.

    Here’s what this deal means for Americans looking for alternate treatments for their diabetes or chronic obesity.

    Taking over the market

    In the past, Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) for charging American patients far more than their international peers for the same medications. However, CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen has blamed the U.S. health care system’s bureaucracy and markups for the high prices.

    But now, Novo Nordisk has changed its pricing model with the launch of NovoCare Pharmacy — a direct-to-patient service offering all doses of Wegovy at $499 per month for patients paying cash. This strategy was designed for those without insurance or whose plans don’t cover weight-loss drugs.

    Ozempic’s insurance coverage dropped 22% from 2024 to 2025, according to GoodRx, leading to 1.1 million Americans having no access to these medications.

    "If only certain patient populations get access to these medications — those primarily with private insurance, more generous health plans — then there’s a huge percentage of the U.S. population that isn’t getting access to these medications," lead author Christopher Scannell told Axios.

    When Novo unveiled its latest retail gambit, Wall Street raised a glass as the stock also surged nearly 4%. However, it remains unclear — in a system rife with co-pays and corporate contracts — whether this will translate into improved access or affordability for American consumers.

    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

    Will this make a change?

    Despite the excitement surrounding NovoCare, the company’s U.S. strategy has faced some ups and downs. Since last summer, Novo Nordisk’s stock has dropped by nearly 50% — reflecting investor concerns about pricing pressure, increased competition and lingering supply chain issues.

    Last year, the overwhelming demand for Ozempic and Wegovy led to widespread shortages in the U.S., prompting regulators to allow compounding pharmacies to replicate the drugs — often at a lower cost. That shift disrupted the market and Novo Nordisk responded with a renewed push for its own branded products. NovoCare is part of that strategy.

    "Novo Nordisk continues to advance solutions for patients that improve affordability and access to our medicines, whether they have insurance or not,” said Dave Moore, President of Novo Nordisk Inc.

    But with insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs still limited and ongoing questions about affordability, it’s too early to tell whether this latest deal — and the rollout of UBT251 — will meaningfully lower costs or intensify market competition. For now, Novo Nordisk seems determined to dominate the playing field — but the question remains: will everyday Americans be able to afford to join the game?

    What to read next

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

  • This CEO went from $300,000 in debt to a self-made millionaire. She says these 3 common money mistakes could be costing you thousands — here’s how to fix them

    Bernadette Joy, CEO of Crush Your Money Goals, went from $300,000 in debt to earning her first million in just eight years — and it all started with one simple but powerful step: taking ownership of her finances.

    But before her fortunes began to turn, Joy often felt like she was broke and that her finances were off track. As it turns out, many Americans can relate to this feeling — a recent survey from Empower found that 41% of Americans don’t consider themselves to be financially “well-off.”

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    By holding herself accountable and confronting the money mistakes that were quietly draining her wealth, Joy flipped the script on her financial future. And as a self-proclaimed “debt-free millionaire money coach,” her goal is to help others to do the same.

    Here’s what Joy recommends you can do to stop overspending on common missteps and get your finances on the right track.

    Hidden credit cards fees

    That shiny new credit card promising free flights, cash back galore and VIP lounge access might seem like a fast track to living your best life, but Joy warns her clients not to be fooled. Many of these credit cards come with hefty annual fees that can quietly chip away at your budget. On top of that, they often carry steeper penalties if you miss a payment, making them even more expensive over time.

    While the perks may sound glamorous, they can quickly lose their luster if you’re not earning enough rewards to outweigh the cost — or worse, if the card nudges you into spending more just to "get your money’s worth."

    With U.S. credit card balances reaching $1.21 trillion by the end of 2024 — according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — it’s clear that debt is already a major financial hurdle for millions of Americans. Add on unnecessary fees, and you could be walking further away from your financial goals.

    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

    Skipping retirement contributions hurts twice

    When it comes to investing, a lot of people jump straight into brokerage accounts without taking full advantage of tax-advantaged options like a 401(k), HSA or IRA.

    “Unless you have put the maximum allowed by the IRS each year in these, you likely don’t need a brokerage account at all,” Joy wrote in her CNBC article.

    While there’s nothing wrong with investing in a regular brokerage account, you’re likely paying more in taxes than you need to. That’s because contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars — meaning the money you contribute gets deducted from your taxable income for the year.

    For example, if you earn $70,000 per year and put $10,000 into your 401(k), you’ll only pay income tax on $60,000. That’s an instant tax break that could give you more money to save for your nest egg. On the flip side, investments in a brokerage account are made with after-tax dollars, and any gains could be taxed as well.

    Investment fees that eat at your wealth

    Even if you’re diligently contributing to your 401(k) or investing in mutual funds, hidden fees could be quietly draining your returns. One of the biggest culprits is the expense ratio, a fee charged annually to cover operating costs like management and administrative services.

    “While paying an extra 1% in fees might not sound like a big deal, over 30 years, it could mean losing out on six figures in potential growth,” Joy mentions in her CNBC article.

    Instead, Joy recommends opting for low-cost index funds over actively-managed funds. Low-cost index funds tend to have significantly lower fees and, over time, those savings add up.

    Even small adjustments to your investment strategy today can make a big difference to your future finances.

    What to read next

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

  • This Wall Street Journal writer grew up believing money talk was ‘vulgar’ — leaving her with a financial strategy of ‘hope and avoidance.’ Here’s what you can learn from her money mistakes

    This Wall Street Journal writer grew up believing money talk was ‘vulgar’ — leaving her with a financial strategy of ‘hope and avoidance.’ Here’s what you can learn from her money mistakes

    Not everyone’s a natural with numbers — but if there’s one life skill worth forcing yourself to get good at, it’s money.

    Katie Roiphe, author of The Wall Street Journal’s Personal Space column, has never been afraid to tackle bold subjects head-on in her writing, according to a recent interview with the University of Austin.

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    But, as she wrote in a recent piece for The Journal, she hasn’t always been able to say the same about her approach to money.

    Roiphe peeled back the curtain on her own financial blind spots, admitting that while she’s generally “highly functional,” the world of personal finance has always sent her running for the hills.

    “I would basically summarize my approach to all practical money matters as some combination of hope and avoidance,” she wrote.

    For Roiphe, that deep-rooted avoidance traces back to childhood. Growing up in a household where her mother — an unapologetic intellectual — deemed money talk “vulgar,” Roiphe absorbed the idea that caring about cash was crass. But the problem was no one taught her one crucial life hack: if you want to stop thinking about money, you need to have enough of it first.

    Stop avoiding, start acting

    Roiphe’s not the only one who’s tempted to ghost her finances. For most of us, when something feels stressful, it’s way easier to shove it to the back burner and hope it magically sorts itself out.

    “I would just leave the mail in a pile, as if not actually laying eyes on a bill would make it vanish. I have an active imagination, and I could almost wishfully think away a heating bill,” she wrote.

    But pretending your bills don’t exist doesn’t make them disappear — it just racks up your debt.

    In fact, U.S. household debt ballooned by $93 billion last quarter alone, hitting $18.04 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s latest Household Debt and Credit Report. Turns out, ignoring the problem just makes it worse.

    For Roiphe, the financial wake-up call got even harsher during her divorce. She realized she had no savings, no benefits outside her ex-husband’s job and no financial safety net of her own.

    It was a harsh lesson in what can happen when you lean too hard on old-school gender norms, or the idea that “there are certain aspects of life that men should take care of,” she wrote. But that kind of thinking can leave you exposed when life inevitably flips the script.

    One smart move is to start having open, no-shame conversations with your partner about money. Whether it’s a monthly check-in when the bills roll in or bigger-picture chats about long-term goals, getting on the same page is key. And if your partner is more finance-savvy, don’t be afraid to learn from them.

    Talk through tricky concepts, and grow together so you’re never left in the dark when it matters most.

    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 awkward art of asking

    Eventually, Roiphe began building real financial security for herself. She landed a steady job in higher education, and that monthly paycheck helped her support her daughter and son while navigating life in an expensive city — but stability didn’t mean fairness.

    She soon found out her male colleagues at the university were earning significantly more than she was. And, it wasn’t because they were more qualified.

    The real difference was “they asked for more money,” Roiphe wrote.

    It sounds simple, but it’s a step many people skip — often out of fear, uncertainty or discomfort. And while confidence plays a big part, broader pay gaps still persist.

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women who worked full-time in 2023 earned 83.6% of what men earned in the same professions, highlighting a pay gap that negotiation alone can’t always close.

    If you’re ready to boost your confidence and your paycheck, preparation is key. Start by making a solid case for yourself: gather salary data, list your accomplishments and be clear on exactly what you’re asking for. Then practice saying it out loud — whether to a friend, your mirror or even your dog — so it feels second nature when the time comes.

    Finally, don’t wait for your annual review to make your value known. Set up regular check-ins with your manager to keep the conversation going and make sure your contributions stay top of mind.

    At the end of the day, financial confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s built, one bold step at a time.

    What to read next

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