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Author: Victoria Vesovski

  • ‘A warning to Americans’: This Yale professor is moving to Canada over ‘political pressure’ put on US schools by Trump. But getting into Canada isn’t easy. Here’s the 1 thing Americans forget

    ‘A warning to Americans’: This Yale professor is moving to Canada over ‘political pressure’ put on US schools by Trump. But getting into Canada isn’t easy. Here’s the 1 thing Americans forget

    Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, is leaving the United States to take up a teaching position at the University of Toronto — a decision he says is driven entirely by the political climate under the Trump administration.

    The federal government has threatened to withhold funding from elite institutions like Yale and Columbia as part of its so-called security reforms.

    Don’t miss

    While Stanley remains critical of Yale’s handling of his academic freedom, he claims Columbia has gone a step further — capitulating to political pressure from the White House by forcing out faculty, tightening protest rules, increasing campus policing and reorganizing departments such as Middle East studies.

    “It has nothing to do with me.” Stanley told MSNBC. “It has everything to do with my children, and my desire to send a warning to Americans.”

    Stanley may be uprooting his life with a new job waiting across the border — but for many Americans, the move is far more complicated than booking a one-way ticket.

    Moving up north

    Back in 2016, when Donald Trump was first elected, countless Americans — celebrities Amy Schumer and Snoop Dogg included — threatened to head north. But few actually did. Despite the shared border, Canadian immigration lawyer Ryan Rosenberg says the move isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.

    “‘What do you mean I can’t move to Canada next week?’” is the reaction clients typically have about Canadian immigration requirements, he told CBC News.

    Rosenberg, managing partner at Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver, launched a cheeky website last year called Trumpugees.ca, with the slogan: "Tired of Trump? Thinking about Canada? We can help."

    But according to him, fewer than 5% of inquiries ever turn into a formal application — mostly because one key requirement stops Americans in their tracks: without a job offer, they can’t just pack up and go.

    And now, Americans looking to flee a volatile political climate are facing another hurdle: a federal government in Ottawa that’s actively trying to curb immigration. Ottawa-based immigration lawyer Betsy Kane says that unless applicants speak French or have in-demand skills, their options are slim.

    “For somebody living in the States who wants to look at opportunities in Canada, it’s pretty difficult right now and you really need to have a job offer in a specific field," Kane told CBC News.

    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

    Friendly neighbors

    Even if you manage to cross the border, settling into life in Canada isn’t all smooth sailing — especially when it comes to retirement planning.

    According to a BMO survey, Canadians believe they’ll need around $1.7 million to retire comfortably. That figure is similar to American expectations — but the weaker Canadian dollar complicates things.

    With the exchange rate sitting at 1.42 CAD to 1 USD at time of writing, saving and spending in Canada could shrink the value of your nest egg over time.

    And if you decide to return to the U.S. down the line, your Canadian savings might not go as far as you’d hoped. Currency fluctuations also affect day-to-day spending. From groceries to gas, price tags can feel unexpectedly steep if you’re not accounting for the exchange rate.

    Health care is another major consideration. While Canada’s universal system is often praised, newcomers don’t get access right away. Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before public coverage kicks in — and during that time, you’ll need private insurance. Even with coverage, services like dental, vision and prescriptions often come with extra out-of-pocket costs.

    So, while Canada may seem like a safe haven, the reality is far more complex — and costly — than many Americans expect.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘You’re running out of time’: More than a million Americans may be missing a $1,400 stimulus check — here’s how to find out if you’re one of them before it’s too late

    ‘You’re running out of time’: More than a million Americans may be missing a $1,400 stimulus check — here’s how to find out if you’re one of them before it’s too late

    Get ready to circle your calendars and dig out your tax documents — April 15 is more than just Tax Day this year.

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2021 return and unlock a potential refund — including up to $1,400 in unclaimed stimulus payments from the third round of COVID-19 economic relief.

    Don’t miss

    The Recovery Rebate Credit — part of the pandemic-era economic impact checks — remains available to those who never received one and have yet to submit a 2021 return.

    Under IRS rules, taxpayers have a three-year window to file and claim any refund they’re owed. Once that window closes, the opportunity — and the money — vanishes into federal coffers.

    “If you didn’t get the stimulus, you’re running out of time,” Syracuse University law professor Robert Nassau told CNBC in an interview.

    If you’re one of those people, here’s what you need to know and what you can do before April 15.

    What is the relief?

    The American Rescue Plan Act, introduced by former President Joe Biden, delivered widespread financial relief during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a significant portion of its benefits remains unclaimed. Despite efforts to distribute stimulus payments, expand unemployment benefits and support small businesses and local governments, many eligible individuals were inadvertently left out.

    According to the IRS, approximately one million taxpayers missed out on claiming certain credits — largely due to filing errors, confusion over eligibility requirements or simply not realizing they qualified. In total, an estimated $2.4 billion in relief remains unclaimed.

    “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a recent statement. The combination of the credit’s complexity and a general lack of awareness has left substantial aid on the table — money that could still be recovered by those who take the necessary steps.

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

    What can you do now?

    Eligible taxpayers don’t need to lift a finger to receive the latest stimulus check — the IRS began issuing payments automatically in December, via direct deposit or paper check, and continued through late January. Notification letters were sent by mail.

    However, if you didn’t file your 2021 tax return, you may not have received the payment. The IRS uses 2021 returns to determine eligibility. So if yours is missing, your stimulus payment might be too. Fortunately, free filing options are available, including those accessible through the IRS website.

    Even individuals with little or no income in 2021 are encouraged to file. All that’s required is a valid Social Security number and that you weren’t claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

    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.

    Don’t miss

    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.

  • 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.

    Don’t miss

    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 April showed 228,000 positions added in March, beating expectations. However, the unemployment rate inched up to 4.2% from 4.1%, a reminder that the picture remains nuanced.

    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.

  • ‘You’re running out of time’: More than a million Americans may be missing a $1,400 stimulus check — here’s how to find out if you’re one of them before it’s too late

    ‘You’re running out of time’: More than a million Americans may be missing a $1,400 stimulus check — here’s how to find out if you’re one of them before it’s too late

    Get ready to circle your calendars and dig out your tax documents — April 15 is more than just Tax Day this year.

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the deadline for taxpayers to file their 2021 return and unlock a potential refund — including up to $1,400 in unclaimed stimulus payments from the third round of COVID-19 economic relief.

    Don’t miss

    The Recovery Rebate Credit — part of the pandemic-era economic impact checks — remains available to those who never received one and have yet to submit a 2021 return.

    Under IRS rules, taxpayers have a three-year window to file and claim any refund they’re owed. Once that window closes, the opportunity — and the money — vanishes into federal coffers.

    “If you didn’t get the stimulus, you’re running out of time,” Syracuse University law professor Robert Nassau told CNBC in an interview.

    If you’re one of those people, here’s what you need to know and what you can do before April 15.

    What is the relief?

    The American Rescue Plan Act, introduced by former President Joe Biden, delivered widespread financial relief during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a significant portion of its benefits remains unclaimed. Despite efforts to distribute stimulus payments, expand unemployment benefits and support small businesses and local governments, many eligible individuals were inadvertently left out.

    According to the IRS, approximately one million taxpayers missed out on claiming certain credits — largely due to filing errors, confusion over eligibility requirements or simply not realizing they qualified. In total, an estimated $2.4 billion in relief remains unclaimed.

    “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a recent statement. The combination of the credit’s complexity and a general lack of awareness has left substantial aid on the table — money that could still be recovered by those who take the necessary steps.

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

    What can you do now?

    Eligible taxpayers don’t need to lift a finger to receive the latest stimulus check — the IRS began issuing payments automatically in December, via direct deposit or paper check, and continued through late January. Notification letters were sent by mail.

    However, if you didn’t file your 2021 tax return, you may not have received the payment. The IRS uses 2021 returns to determine eligibility. So if yours is missing, your stimulus payment might be too. Fortunately, free filing options are available, including those accessible through the IRS website.

    Even individuals with little or no income in 2021 are encouraged to file. All that’s required is a valid Social Security number and that you weren’t claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Something didn’t seem right to me’: Job scams are surging as federal layoffs rise — here’s how to avoid getting duped when you’re desperate for work

    ‘Something didn’t seem right to me’: Job scams are surging as federal layoffs rise — here’s how to avoid getting duped when you’re desperate for work

    Employment scams are nothing new — but they’re becoming more common, especially in the wake of mass layoffs from the Department of Government Efficiency.

    With thousands of federal workers suddenly out of a job, scammers are seizing the opportunity. They often create fake job listings by mimicking legitimate employer websites, hoping to trick desperate job seekers into handing over sensitive personal and financial information.

    According to the Federal Trade Commission, job and fake employment agency scams have nearly tripled since 2020. Americans lost $501 million to these schemes in 2024 — up from $90 million four years ago. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reports that victims of job scams lose nearly $3,000 on average.

    If you’re currently job hunting, there are a few red flags worth knowing about — and avoiding them could save you serious money and a major headache.

    Don’t miss

    Keeping a look out

    Job hunting has never been easy — between constantly updating your resume and rewriting cover letters, the process can already feel like a full-time job. But now, employment scams are adding another stressful layer to the search.

    Even if you’re not actively hunting for a new job, sometimes a too-good-to-be-true offer lands right in your inbox. On the Job Scam Report podcast, Ashley Price-Horton, founder of CyberCareer Advancement, explained just how easy it is for scammers to zero in on vulnerable targets.

    “It’s really easy to identify who was a federal employee who got laid off because they’ll usually put their end date and it’s very easy to target them for scams,” she said.

    That’s exactly what happened to a Washington state woman, whose identity was kept anonymous by The Washington Post. While browsing LinkedIn, she was approached by someone claiming to be “Edward Mueller” from a nonprofit offering her a remote transcriptionist job.

    “Your skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this role,” the email read. It even included the promise of a $250 training bonus.

    But the woman was quick to feel suspicious when — before she could start — she’d need to purchase expensive equipment and provide her banking information for payroll.

    “Something didn’t seem right to me with the correspondence and hiring process,” she told The Washington Post.

    The offer seemed rushed. She couldn’t find Mueller’s profile online. That was the red flag.

    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

    Spot the scam

    Scammers have gotten alarmingly good at making fake job offers look legit — but there are still ways to outsmart them before you accidentally hand over your personal details.

    Start by verifying the job listing. Search for the company on your own and contact them directly using information from their official website — not the phone number or email the supposed recruiter sends you. If something feels off, it probably is.

    Another golden rule is you should never have to pay to get a job. If you’re asked to buy equipment or deposit a check upfront, that’s a major red flag. A common scam involves sending you a check for more than the equipment costs, then asking you to return the difference — either via gift card or bank transfer. The check might clear at first, but once it bounces, you’re on the hook for the full amount.

    The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center told The Washington Post that legitimate employers only ask for payroll information after you’re officially hired — never during the initial hiring process. If someone’s pushing for it early, it’s time to walk away.

    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 warning to Americans’: This Yale professor is moving to Canada over ‘political pressure’ put on US schools by Trump. But getting into Canada isn’t easy. Here’s the 1 thing Americans forget

    ‘A warning to Americans’: This Yale professor is moving to Canada over ‘political pressure’ put on US schools by Trump. But getting into Canada isn’t easy. Here’s the 1 thing Americans forget

    Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, is leaving the United States to take up a teaching position at the University of Toronto — a decision he says is driven entirely by the political climate under the Trump administration.

    The federal government has threatened to withhold funding from elite institutions like Yale and Columbia as part of its so-called security reforms.

    Don’t miss

    While Stanley remains critical of Yale’s handling of his academic freedom, he claims Columbia has gone a step further — capitulating to political pressure from the White House by forcing out faculty, tightening protest rules, increasing campus policing and reorganizing departments such as Middle East studies.

    “It has nothing to do with me.” Stanley told MSNBC. “It has everything to do with my children, and my desire to send a warning to Americans.”

    Stanley may be uprooting his life with a new job waiting across the border — but for many Americans, the move is far more complicated than booking a one-way ticket.

    Moving up north

    Back in 2016, when Donald Trump was first elected, countless Americans — celebrities Amy Schumer and Snoop Dogg included — threatened to head north. But few actually did. Despite the shared border, Canadian immigration lawyer Ryan Rosenberg says the move isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.

    “‘What do you mean I can’t move to Canada next week?’” is the reaction clients typically have about Canadian immigration requirements, he told CBC News.

    Rosenberg, managing partner at Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver, launched a cheeky website last year called Trumpugees.ca, with the slogan: "Tired of Trump? Thinking about Canada? We can help."

    But according to him, fewer than 5% of inquiries ever turn into a formal application — mostly because one key requirement stops Americans in their tracks: without a job offer, they can’t just pack up and go.

    And now, Americans looking to flee a volatile political climate are facing another hurdle: a federal government in Ottawa that’s actively trying to curb immigration. Ottawa-based immigration lawyer Betsy Kane says that unless applicants speak French or have in-demand skills, their options are slim.

    “For somebody living in the States who wants to look at opportunities in Canada, it’s pretty difficult right now and you really need to have a job offer in a specific field," Kane told CBC News.

    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

    Friendly neighbors

    Even if you manage to cross the border, settling into life in Canada isn’t all smooth sailing — especially when it comes to retirement planning.

    According to a BMO survey, Canadians believe they’ll need around $1.7 million to retire comfortably. That figure is similar to American expectations — but the weaker Canadian dollar complicates things.

    With the exchange rate sitting at 1.42 CAD to 1 USD at time of writing, saving and spending in Canada could shrink the value of your nest egg over time.

    And if you decide to return to the U.S. down the line, your Canadian savings might not go as far as you’d hoped. Currency fluctuations also affect day-to-day spending. From groceries to gas, price tags can feel unexpectedly steep if you’re not accounting for the exchange rate.

    Health care is another major consideration. While Canada’s universal system is often praised, newcomers don’t get access right away. Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before public coverage kicks in — and during that time, you’ll need private insurance. Even with coverage, services like dental, vision and prescriptions often come with extra out-of-pocket costs.

    So, while Canada may seem like a safe haven, the reality is far more complex — and costly — than many Americans expect.

    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 New Hampshire coffee shop embraces its ‘disgustingly pro-women’ stance — and business is booming. How this 1 bad review boosted the shop’s revenue and what it’s doing with the extra cash

    This New Hampshire coffee shop embraces its ‘disgustingly pro-women’ stance — and business is booming. How this 1 bad review boosted the shop’s revenue and what it’s doing with the extra cash

    There’s no shortage of coffee shops offering espresso shots and matcha lattes, but Flamingos Coffee Bar in New Hampshire has carved out a niche with more than just creative drinks.

    Known for its vibrant decor, playful branding and community-focused atmosphere, the café has built a loyal customer base at both its locations.

    Don’t miss

    With bright flamingo wallpaper and a neon sign that reads “Zero Flocks Given,” the shop positions itself as a welcoming space for all — from remote workers to first dates.

    But one online review — describing the café as “disgustingly pro-women” — sparked an unexpected branding opportunity.

    "Place was disgustingly pro women and just walking inside I immediately felt unwelcome as a male … probably wouldn’t return," it read, according to WMUR 9 ABC News.

    Instead of allowing the comment to damage the shop’s reputation, owner MacKenzie Logan turned it into a new business idea that ultimately led to a broader customer base.

    Zero flocks

    While no business owner enjoys reading negative reviews, Logan saw an opportunity where others might have taken offense.

    "It’s actually a really great motto," she told WMUR 9 News. "It’s a great slogan."

    Rather than ignoring the comment, Logan tested the waters online, asking her community whether they’d be interested in merchandise bearing the phrase “Disgustingly Pro-Women.” The response was very positive — so much so that she moved quickly to turn the idea into a new revenue stream.

    With her garage doubling as a shipping center, orders began pouring in from across the country.

    Logan’s entrepreneurial pivot reflects a growing trend. According to a Quicken survey, 43% of Americans with side hustles report earning more and working fewer hours than they would with a single job.

    In Logan’s case, the merchandise — and the message — resonated far beyond New Hampshire.

    "I’ve had people tell me they’ve driven from New Jersey," said Colleen Jenkins, who works at Flamingos. "I had a lady from Virginia, specifically just to get our coffee, and they planned their vacation around Flamingos."

    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

    Larger purpose

    This isn’t just a feel-good fashion statement — it’s a movement stitched together with purpose. With 20% of all proceeds going directly to Exeter Area Womenade, a local nonprofit that provides immediate financial assistance to those who need it, these T-shirts represent more than just a trendy slogan.

    "They will help people if they need new tires or if their car is broken down and it needs a fix for them to get to work," Logan said. "You won’t find pretty much any other nonprofit in the area that can help in that way."

    In a country where women in 2024 still earn just 85 cents for every dollar a man makes — according to Pew Research Center — being a strong woman isn’t just empowering, it’s essential.

    As one customer, Zan Lewis put it, "I think being pro-women does not mean not pro-anybody else."

    As inflation and the cost of living continue to climb, the need for financial aid is real. And so is the impact.

    “Giving back has been shown to boost happiness, reduce stress, enhance self-esteem and strengthen social connections,” Megan Hays, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, shared with UAB News.

    While a negative review called the coffee shop “disgustingly pro-women,” the business remains unapologetically aligned with its values — and that’s the point.

    Whether customers wear the shirt or simply support from a far while sipping on a latte, backing a company that champions equity and refuses to dilute its message isn’t just admirable — it allows for a larger cultural shift.

    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

    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.”

    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.

    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.

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