News Direct

Author: Victoria Vesovski

  • ‘It doesn’t make any sense’: This Georgia homeowner’s HOA has been dinging her for years with fees of up to $2,700 — with no explanation. As foreclosure looms, legal help may be on the way

    Homeowners in Channing Cove, a subdivision in Conyers, Georgia, are pushing back — demanding answers about where their mandatory HOA fees are going.

    Michelle Bernard has lived in the neighborhood for nearly two decades, but says she still feels like she’s fighting to own her home. The business owner, wife and mother is one of five residents facing liens over unpaid fines, with charges ranging from $878 to $2,755.

    Don’t miss

    “It doesn’t make any sense for any hardworking individual to go through these things that I have been going through and my neighbors also,” Bernard told Atlanta News First.

    The HOA has reportedly required homeowners to pay thousands of dollars in fines and fees, yet hasn’t provided any proof of where that money is going, Bernard alleges. Frustrated and out of pocket, some homeowners are fighting to keep their homes safe and accounted for.

    Small neighborhood, big fallout

    Channing Cove is a small neighborhood — around 40 homes — but the financial pressure residents are feeling is anything but small.

    Bernard told Atlanta News First that while homeowners continue to get hit with fees, the community itself doesn’t show signs of upkeep. The neighborhood has three common areas and retention ponds and for years, homeowners paid a $100 annual HOA fee — a rate Bernard called reasonable. Today, that fee has doubled to $200. But the dollar amount isn’t the issue.

    “They have forced people to pay thousands and thousands of dollars and have never provided proof they owe it,” she explained.

    Fines have reportedly been tied to things like pond maintenance or replacing garage doors without HOA permission. Homeowners allege they’ve repeatedly asked for receipts or bank statements showing where the money is going — but they’ve come up empty-handed.

    Former HOA president Orton Reynolds claims he wasn’t aware of any financial issues within the community and denies any wrongdoing or financial mismanagement.

    But the controversy isn’t going unnoticed. On May 7, 2024, Georgia state representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex), and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) announced plans to refile House Bill 1032 — the “Property Owner Rights and Accountability Act.” The bill would eliminate the ability for property associations to foreclose on homes over unpaid assessments, signaling growing political pressure to rein in unchecked HOA power.

    “The bill aims to protect property owners from losing their homes over association fees. This move seeks to address concerns about the potential abuse of assessment fees, which have, at times, been used to unfairly target homeowners,” according to a press release from last year.

    But for now, HOAs in Georgia still have the power to file liens — and if a lien exceeds $2,000, they can pursue foreclosure in court.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    High fees, low trust

    Buying into a community with a homeowners association (HOA) or condominium owners association (COA) usually comes with a string attached: recurring fees meant to cover neighborhood essentials like landscaping, snow removal, security, and upkeep of shared amenities.

    In 2021, more than 2.3 million Georgians lived in communities governed by homeowners associations, collectively paying over $3.2 billion in fees, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. But despite the massive sums involved, the state provides little oversight into how these associations operate. If a homeowner falls behind, HOAs and condo associations can place a lien on the property — and once that lien tops $2,000, foreclosure becomes a real possibility.

    Still, Georgia homeowners aren’t entirely powerless. HOAs must provide financial transparency — including access to itemized receipts. Fines and fees must be “reasonable,” and late charges can’t exceed 10% of the original amount. Major changes to community rules or covenants require a member vote, and any amendments must be filed in court.

    At Channing Cove, those rules have allegedly been bent — or ignored altogether. Bernard has filed a lawsuit against the HOA, accusing it of issuing fraudulent charges and quietly altering bylaws without holding proper meetings or votes since 2011.

    She claims the HOA is now pressuring her to drop the case. Though her lien was for less than $3,000, Bernard says the association offered her a $40,000 settlement — a move she believes is less about fairness and more about making her lawsuit “go away.”

    “I told them bring the lien,” she said. “I’m bringing a lawsuit.”

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • California homeowner blames PG&E worker for sparking a fire that he says could have cost him everything — and it’s not the first time the utility giant has been at the center of a firestorm

    California homeowner blames PG&E worker for sparking a fire that he says could have cost him everything — and it’s not the first time the utility giant has been at the center of a firestorm

    Andres Montoya built a peaceful life on his five-acre property in San Martin, complete with horses, chickens, goats and the kind of rural calm you can’t put a price on.

    But that peace nearly went up in smoke after a fire broke out on his family’s property.

    Don’t miss

    Montoya claims the blaze was started by a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) worker who arrived unannounced.

    "You know, to lose everything in a moment, in a second for somebody else’s mistake," he told ABC 7 On Your Side Investigates."Out of nowhere, we just heard the loud bam, bam, like somebody was shooting a gun, and my daughter came running, and she said there was a fire."

    After days without water and little response from PG&E, Montoya is now left to deal with the aftermath. Here’s what happened and what homeowners should keep in mind.

    A routine check

    According to Montoya, it all started with a surprise visit. PG&E workers showed up without giving any prior notice. In an email to ABC 7 On Your Side Investigates, the utility confirmed it was on site.

    “Under California law and CPUC regulations, PG&E is authorized to access properties where our facilities are located to safely inspect, maintain, and operate them — even without prior permission — though we always aim to provide notice when possible," the company wrote.

    Each year, electrical issues cause about 51,000 home fires in the U.S., resulting in up to $1.3 billion in property damage, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

    In Montoya’s case, the fire was eventually put out, and no one was hurt. But another issue sparked in its aftermath: the family’s water supply stopped working. Their well pump, powered by electricity, died and took a full week to repair.

    PG&E returned to the property earlier this week to investigate. But Montoya and his sister-in-law say the utility company wasn’t taking responsibility.

    In a video recorded by the family, an unidentified PG&E representative can be heard saying, "We’re not saying you did it, but we’re trying to figure out what happened.".

    Yoania Castro, Montoya’s sister-in-law, said the timeline speaks for itself. Before PG&E arrived, she said, they had water and electricity. Since then, they’ve been relying on neighbors to supply water for their family and animals.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Caught in the crossfire

    This isn’t the first time PG&E has been at the center of a firestorm. Since 2017, the utility has been linked to more than 30 wildfires across California, destroying over 23,000 homes and businesses. It has faced mounting scrutiny and billions in liabilities for its role in some of the state’s most devastating fires.

    So when Montoya’s family struggled to get answers, they turned to 7 On Your Side Investigates. After the news team reached out to the utility, a PG&E spokesperson confirmed they’re now working with the family to provide updates and support during the investigation.

    Still, the situation remains frustrating. A major source of confusion is the electrical post that caught fire. PG&E initially said it wasn’t theirs, even though a plaque on the pole read, “Pacific Gas and Electric tested.” The utility later clarified that the post is customer-owned, but PG&E equipment is attached to it.

    If a utility worker causes damage to your property, start documenting everything right away. Take photos and video, write down what happened and when, and file reports with the utility, your insurance provider and local authorities. You may also want to consult a property damage lawyer to help sort out liability. And if the situation escalates, don’t hesitate to contact local media. As Montoya’s family learned, public pressure can help move things forward.

    For now, the family is left holding the bill.

    "We have this $10,000 bill, and we’re going to be responsible for it if they don’t help us," Montoya said.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • ‘Why us?’: This NYC homeowner found a phone wrapped in duct tape buried in her lawn — and police say it’s part of a new tactic burglars are using to spy on potential victims

    ‘Why us?’: This NYC homeowner found a phone wrapped in duct tape buried in her lawn — and police say it’s part of a new tactic burglars are using to spy on potential victims

    A Queens woman found what looked like a phone buried in her front lawn — but it wasn’t just lost property.

    Mary Kehoe, who’s lived in her Forest Hills home for 35 years, spotted the strange device outside. It looked like an Android phone wrapped in black tape, with only the camera exposed — like it was made to watch, not call.

    Don’t miss

    “Why us? I had lots of things going through my head as to why they chose our lawn but realized we are in the middle of the block,” Kehoe told KTVZ 21.

    Experts warn that these kinds of planted devices may be part of a growing tactic used by burglars to spy on homeowners, tracking their daily routines or scouting for valuables. And it’s not just an isolated case — similar incidents have popped up across the Tri-State Area.

    Here’s how to identify these devices and what to do if one shows up in your yard.

    Not just paranoia

    Discovering a hidden device on your lawn isn’t just unsettling — it’s a serious breach of privacy. And unfortunately, it’s happening more often.

    Police say covert surveillance cases like this are turning up across the country, including in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and even quiet neighborhoods like Scarsdale. And the tools being used aren’t high-tech spy gadgets.

    “It could be any type of camera that is digital and wireless. It could be cheap; it could be expensive,” Sergeant Vahe Abramyan of the Glendale Police Department told the Los Angeles Times. “You can go on Amazon or go to Best Buy to get one.”

    That’s exactly what happened in Garden Grove, where a resident discovered a camera hidden in a neighbor’s bush — aimed directly at her home. According to KTLA, the neighbor initially thought it was trash, but inside the bag was a camera and battery pack.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Staying safe

    With these surveillance tactics on the rise, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your neighborhood.

    “Put your alarms on, put lights on, and be aware. And we’re a nice little block here that we look out for one another, so when people do go away, they let us know so we can take a walk down their driveway and make sure everything is safe,” Kehoe said.“We are now watching.”

    In Kehoe’s Forest Hills community, neighbors are banding together — keeping a closer eye on their lawns, shrubs and anything that seems out of place.

    Police recommend trimming hedges to eliminate hiding spots, installing motion-detecting lights and staying alert for camouflaged devices that could be stashed in your yard. Burglars may also drive through a neighborhood or pose as salespeople to scout homes and monitor routines.

    If something seems off — even a strange light or an out-of-place item in your yard — don’t ignore it. Report it to your local authorities right away.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • A Texas woman sold her BMW on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500 — but then saw blowback from strangers online after it was used in a shooting. How to protect yourself in a private vehicle sale

    A Texas woman sold her BMW on Facebook Marketplace for $3,500 — but then saw blowback from strangers online after it was used in a shooting. How to protect yourself in a private vehicle sale

    Selling a car through online marketplaces isn’t new. It’s a go-to way for people to squeeze a little extra cash out of their used ride. But what most sellers don’t think twice about is who’s driving off with their keys — and maybe they should.

    On May 31, Tania Leija sold her black 2013 BMW on Facebook Marketplace. Not long after, dashcam footage captured a man stepping out of that same BMW and firing multiple rounds outside Houston’s Galleria.

    Don’t miss

    Police told ABC 13 Eyewitness News that Leija isn’t a suspect — she no longer owns the car — but that didn’t stop strangers from tracking her down through the license plate. Worse, she started receiving threatening calls from a blocked number about the incident.

    Here’s how it all spiraled out of control — and what Leija could have done to protect herself before handing over the keys.

    A quick sale but costly oversight

    When Leija finally found a buyer, she says he wasted no time. The man showed up almost immediately with another person and a backpack stuffed with $3,500 in cash.

    "As soon as I told him that he could come, he was on his way," she said.

    Leija admitted she skipped some key paperwork. Instead of drafting a formal bill of sale, she signed over the title and trusted the buyer to handle the rest.

    "I had my title, I filled out my part, put my name, signed it, and then gave it over to him, and he said he would fill out his part," she said.

    But Leija had no way of knowing whether the buyer ever completed the transfer with the Texas DMV — leaving her name still tied to the car when things went south. According to the DMV, both buyers and sellers should complete Form 130-U to officially transfer ownership and ensure the paperwork is filed.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How to make your next sale safer

    Although this deal took a dangerous turn, Leija said it was her first time selling a car and she skipped some steps that could’ve kept things safer. If you’re planning to sell a car online, here’s how to make sure your sale doesn’t go off the rails:

    • Vet buyers first: Before agreeing to meet, screen potential buyers by phone. It helps you figure out if they’re serious, whether they’ve got financing in place and gives you a chance to answer questions. If someone pushes for a fast sale and skips this step, take it as a red flag.

    • Be smart about the test drive: Once you’re comfortable, meet in a busy public place and bring a friend or family member. Always check the buyer’s driver’s license before letting them get behind the wheel.

    • Keep the transaction safe: Talk about payment methods ahead of time. Avoid unusual requests like driving someone to a bank or loan office. Don’t meet at your home — choose a safe, public location. Keep the title out of sight until you’re ready to sign, and use secure payment options. Apps like Zelle or Venmo can work for smaller amounts, but be aware of transfer limits.

    • Nail the paperwork: Fully complete the title with the sale price, date and odometer reading — and keep a copy. Most states also require a bill of sale and a release of liability form to protect you if the new owner racks up tickets. Don’t forget to file that release with your DMV. Alan Helfman, who owns multiple car dealerships, strongly recommends that sellers go the extra mile and accompany the buyer to the DMV to make sure the paperwork gets filed properly.

    • Complete the title transfer: Check your state’s rules before closing the deal. Typically, the seller signs over the title and the buyer registers the car and pays state taxes or transfer fees at the DMV or tag office. Some states also require a recent smog check or inspection certificate, so be sure to have that ready.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This Las Vegas mom says she feels like she was ‘deceived’ after buying what she thought were legal fireworks to celebrate the Fourth — sparking a $500 fine and leaving her smouldering

    This Las Vegas mom says she feels like she was ‘deceived’ after buying what she thought were legal fireworks to celebrate the Fourth — sparking a $500 fine and leaving her smouldering

    Nothing says Fourth of July prep like a last-minute dash for burgers, chips and a few fireworks to light up the night. But as Denise Huntsman and her kids stocked up for the holiday, they were hoping to keep the celebration budget-friendly.

    Huntsman and her two kids, Jace and Deegan, made a pit stop in Moapa, Nevada, to snag some celebratory fireworks. They spent under $150 on what they were repeatedly told were “safe and sane” fireworks and, more importantly, thought they were legal in Clark County.

    Don’t miss

    “I said I only want to buy legal fireworks,” Huntsman told KTNV Las Vegas. “We also talked to the lady at the register when I was purchasing the fireworks, and she said, ‘Oh yeah, they’re totally legal.’ Three separate people told me that safe and sane are legal in Clark County."

    But barely a minute after driving off, sirens filled her rearview mirror. She was pulled over and cited for purchasing illegal explosives and slapped with a $500 fine due within 15 days.

    Fireworks are sparking confusion and fines

    Huntsman said she felt targeted, as if she was being watched and set up to fail. When officers pulled her over, she pleaded to return the fireworks, not realizing the purchase was illegal.

    “’Ma’am, you’re not going anywhere with these fireworks — these illegal explosive devices,’” she recalled one officer saying. “So I just gave them the fireworks."

    Under Clark County rules, the only consumer fireworks residents are allowed to purchase are those labeled “safe and sane,” and only during the designated sales period from June 28 to July 4. But Huntsman isn’t the only Las Vegas resident who says they were misled.

    Errol Aiken, a second-grade teacher, was cited after buying fireworks from a store in Pahrump — a store that had even sent him a promotional coupon. Minutes after leaving, Metro officers pulled him over, confiscated his fireworks and handed him the same $500 citation.

    “I was asking employees, ‘Is it legal? Is it legal? Is it legal?’" said Errol. "No comment to the police officer, but then I thought, why would they let me out of the store if I was clearly asking, ‘Is it legal?’"

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Here’s how to stay safe

    Following the complaints, Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill told KTNV he asked Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill to stop sending undercover officers into fireworks stores in Pahrump.

    While families like the Huntsmans and the Aikens say they followed the rules and still got hit with steep fines, Clark County officials aren’t backing down. During a Thursday press conference, law enforcement and city leaders made it clear: if your fireworks cross into the county and aren’t explicitly legal, expect consequences.

    "The stuff that’s sold in other counties is not legal. Don’t bring it back," LVMPD Undersheriff Andrew Walsh.

    According to Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data, there were an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries in 2022, and nearly three-quarters happened within just one month of the Fourth of July. While it’s reasonable that fireworks need to be regulated, everyday Americans shouldn’t be misled when trying to purchase what they believe are safe, legal options to celebrate.

    When planning a light show for the next holiday, make sure you don’t come to an explosive end. Before buying anything, check the exact rules in your jurisdiction.

    If you’re unsure or if the rules are as hazy as the air after a finale show, skip the DIY display and head to your nearest public fireworks event. Cities often host free shows at local parks or fairgrounds, and they’re usually safer, stress-free and budget-friendly.

    For now, both Huntsman and Aiken plan to contest their citations, and Metro has agreed to review what happened.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This 28-year-old from Miami started selling this 1 very basic clothing item 2 years ago — and it’s already achieved cult status, bringing in over $16,000,000/year. But can she keep it up?

    This 28-year-old from Miami started selling this 1 very basic clothing item 2 years ago — and it’s already achieved cult status, bringing in over $16,000,000/year. But can she keep it up?

    If you’ve noticed your daughter wearing an oversized sweatshirt with “PARKE” stamped across the chest, you’re not alone. Launched in 2022 by 28-year-old Chelsea Kramer, the brand has quickly become a Gen Z wardrobe staple.

    Kramer started out focusing on upcycled vintage denim, but it was the simple, cozy and limited-edition sweatshirts that created a viral following.

    In just under three years, the Miami-based entrepreneur (whose middle name is Parke) has amassed 150,000 followers on TikTok and 80,000 on Instagram.

    Don’t miss

    Last year alone, the business net $16 million in revenue, as Kramer told The Cut.

    Earlier this spring, close to 1,000 shoppers lined up for a three-day pop-up in New York City’s SoHo. One 27-year-old grad student drove in from New Jersey and waited nearly six hours to buy her eighth sweatshirt.

    Still, not everyone is walking away with the goods.

    “Stuff should not be selling out in a minute,” one frustrated fan posted on TikTok. “I get it gives you clout … but make your customers happy.”

    The real question is can Parke keep delivering or will the hype wear thin?

    “We went through a shift where we were like, ‘Okay, we shouldn’t be so conservative,’” her sister-in-law and co-founder Kira Kramer said. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the success, and we’ve always been mindful about trying not to get ahead of ourselves.”

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Viral growth meets trade war reality

    They’re increasing inventory to keep up with demand, but reducing the number of Parke collections they release this year, a cautious move in an unpredictable economy.

    Like many U.S. brands that manufacture overseas, Parke got caught in the crossfire of President Trump’s imposition of 145% tariffs on imports from China.

    While the Trump administration has since [paused]https://www.reuters.com/world/us-china-tariff-live-updates-bessent-greer-announce-details-constructive-geneva-2025-05-12/) that penalty and reduced the tariff on Chinese imports to 30%, many small business owners say the damage is done.

    For one thing, as Beth Fynko Beniko, owner of Busy Baby observes, 30% is still a steep duty, and she started paying it in May.

    “That sucks for any small business owner,” Beniko said on TikTok. “It’s still going to cost me $48,000 more than this shipment would’ve cost me two months ago.”

    As rising tariffs drive up production costs for companies like Busy Baby and Parke, small business owners are raising their prices, or considering doing so in the coming months.

    That means consumers are becoming more cautious.

    “Recent events have people confused about how they can effectively budget because they do not know how the prices of things are going to change in the coming months,” Lawrence Sprung, a certified financial planner based in Long Island, New York told CNBC.

    Now’s the time to be proactive with your finances.

    Press pause on impulse buys like viral sweaters

    While you can’t control what tariffs will do to prices, you can control how and where you spend your money. If you’ve been eyeing a purchase — like a viral sweater — it might be worth hitting pause.

    Prices could rise, and even if they don’t, it’s worth asking: Do you really need another sweater? Consider looking for alternatives with similar quality at a more affordable price.

    It’s not just fashion. Things that have always been big-ticket items like refrigerators, dishwashers and car parts have even bigger price tags now. Even “Made in America” products may rely on imported materials.

    Tariffs on steel and aluminum are expected to increase the cost of appliances by 20%. That could turn a $2,500 range into a $3,000 expense.

    Protect your wallet by prioritizing on your needs over wants. That doesn’t mean cutting out every treat — just make sure essentials like rent, food and bills are covered before splurging on impulse buys.

    At the same time, build or replenish your emergency fund with regular savings.

    Experts recommend setting aside three to six months’ worth of expenses, but even small, consistent contributions can go a long way.

    A solid cushion can help you manage unexpected costs without racking up credit-card debt or pulling from long-term savings.

    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.

    Don’t miss

    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: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    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

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • ‘We call it the stealthy wealthy’: These millionaires didn’t work on Wall Street — they built fortunes filling everyday needs. Here’s what you can learn from them

    ‘We call it the stealthy wealthy’: These millionaires didn’t work on Wall Street — they built fortunes filling everyday needs. Here’s what you can learn from them

    Some of the country’s top earners are building quiet empires — not on Wall Street or in Silicon Valley, but in ordinary places.

    “We call it the stealthy wealthy,” Owen Zidar, a Princeton economist who has studied the group with University of Chicago economist Eric Zwick, told The Wall Street Journal.

    Don’t miss

    Forget IPO parties — these fortunes were built on floor mats and carpet strippers, not stock tickers.

    And it’s not just the founders who benefit. These unassuming companies are increasingly shaping America’s wealth landscape. Business ownership made up 34.9% of income for the top 1% in 2022 — up from 30.3% in 2014, according to Zidar and Zwick.

    Big money from ‘boring’ businesses

    You don’t need an MBA to make millions — just a knack for spotting a gap and filling it. Take Derek Olson, who found success by making machines that tear up flooring, such as the carpet in old elementary schools. With schools across the U.S. averaging seven miles of carpet each, Olson’s company stays busy, especially in the summer.

    “So elementary schools basically need their floors redone almost every summer. It’s this niche industry that no one knows about and everybody needs,” he told The Wall Street Journal. Olson now earns enough to land in the top 1% of U.S. income earners — that’s at least $550,000 a year, not including capital gains.

    Olson’s “boring” business has brought his family anything but a boring life. The family has two Range Rovers and month-long summer getaways in Europe — all funded by a midsize regional company most people would overlook.

    The Olson family isn’t the only case where “boring” turned into big bucks.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    David MacNeil built his fortune selling car floor mats. Before founding WeatherTech, he worked a string of blue-collar jobs, dropped out of college and even sold luxury cars. But it wasn’t until a 1989 trip to Scotland that inspiration struck: after renting a car with superior rubber mats that kept mud and water contained, MacNeil realized the U.S. market was missing out.

    Back home in Chicago, he cold-called the English manufacturer, struck a deal and took out a second mortgage to import a 20-foot shipping container of mats. He started selling them from his garage.

    Today, WeatherTech employs 1,800 people in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and manufactures nearly all of its products in the U.S. MacNeil expects the company to pull in about $800 million in revenue this year. Like Olson, MacNeil saw value where others saw something forgettable, and turned it into a manufacturing empire.

    The best business ideas are hiding in plain sight

    If you want to follow in the footsteps of some of these millionaires, start by looking around and asking yourself: What’s a small but persistent headache in your day-to-day life? What annoys your family, your friends or your coworkers? Maybe it’s the way your dog’s leash tangles, or how long it takes to clean grout.

    According to Smart Startups authors Catalina Daniels and James Sherman, those everyday gripes are ripe with potential.

    “You search for things that are interesting, trends, things you’re passionate about, whatever — but no lightbulb moment,” Daniels told CNBC Make It. In other words, great ideas rarely arrive with fireworks.

    And don’t overlook your own passions. If you’re a diehard sports fan, for example, zoom in on a specific sport you love. Is there a product, service or experience missing from the market? The sweet spot is where your interests and a real need intersect — that’s where niche ideas tend to thrive.

    And while oversaturated markets like fashion, tech or content creation might feel like the obvious place to start, they’re also the most competitive. Instead, consider carving out your own lane in an overlooked niche. The goal isn’t to go viral — it’s to be valuable.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This woman thought she was sending a teen $2 for a bottle of water on a hot day — until she realized he’d taken $1,100. And she’s not the only one who’s been scammed by Atlanta’s ‘water boys’

    This woman thought she was sending a teen $2 for a bottle of water on a hot day — until she realized he’d taken $1,100. And she’s not the only one who’s been scammed by Atlanta’s ‘water boys’

    As the summer heat kicks in, nothing’s more refreshing than grabbing a cold bottle of water while you’re stuck in traffic. But for some Atlanta drivers, that quick sip has turned into a costly scam draining wallets faster than you can say “Cash App."

    So-called water boys — teens who hustle bottled water to passing cars — have been accused of using Cash App to take much more than just a few bucks. Two victims report losing over $1,000 each after believing they were simply being generous.

    Don’t miss

    Tristen Richardson said her $2 water turned into an unexpected $1,100 charge after she handed her phone over so the seller could “type in the right username.”

    "My heart sank because I was like, oh my God, that’s like a big chunk of money," she told Fox 5 Atlanta.

    She’s not alone, but your thirst doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here’s how to avoid falling for the trick and keep your summer spending chill.

    A costly lesson for drivers

    It’s easy to hand over a few dollars to someone selling bottled water on a sweltering day, but Richardson isn’t the only kind-hearted driver who ended up paying far more than expected.

    Earlier this month, Fox 5 Atlanta reported a similar incident involving a QR code, showing scammers are getting more creative by the day. In that case, a woman who asked to remain anonymous said she lost $800 after a group of water boys off Interstate 20 and Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard offered her a QR code when she didn’t have cash on hand.

    She intended to tip them $5, but after scanning the code with her phone, $800 vanished from her account without her confirming the amount, entering a PIN or using a fingerprint verification.

    "Cash App usually has three methods of verification before any money is sent," she told FOX 5. "None of those three verification methods were utilized. They were all bypassed and $800 just taken out."

    It’s unclear how the verification steps were skipped, but experts say scam apps and spoofed links can trick devices into authorizing payments.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Trust your gut

    Most victims say they just wanted to help. They assumed the teens selling water were legit. But experts warn these incidents are part of a growing trend that’s catching unsuspecting Good Samaritans off guard.

    Rajiv Garg, a professor of information systems and operations management at Emory University, said phishing scams using QR codes are on the rise as more people rely on digital payments.

    "If you don’t see where this QR code is leading you to, it could be a scam," he told Fox 5, adding that the best way to avoid these scams is to learn and follow best practices for online transactions.

    If you want to stay safe, here are a few tips: never hand over your phone, no matter how trustworthy someone seems. If you prefer to pay digitally, open your payment app yourself and manually enter the amount and username. And skip scanning random QR codes on the spot.

    For peace of mind, keep a few small bills in your glove box. It’s old-school, but it keeps your account details out of the wrong hands. While you’re at it, check your app’s security settings. Enable PIN or fingerprint verification for every transaction. It only takes a few taps, but it can block scammers fast.

    Above all, trust your instincts. If someone seems pushy or tries to rush you into paying, roll up your window and drive on. That’s Richardson’s new rule.

    "If you’re in Atlanta and you pass by the water boys, I wouldn’t even press my finger on the roll-down window button," she said. "Don’t even bother."

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This finance personality freed herself from $300K in debt — by replacing her shame with strategy. Here’s how she helps others find purpose in their finances through ‘curiosity’

    You might recognize her as @TheBudgetnista on TikTok, sharing money wisdom with warmth and wit. But Tiffany Aliche’s impact goes far beyond viral videos. Before the books, the interviews and the online following, she was on the ground teaching women, particularly women of color, how to navigate financial systems not built with them in mind.

    “You have to own something,” she recently told Glamour magazine. That might mean owning a business, buying into an index fund or simply taking ownership of your financial boundaries. Her latest book, Get Good With Money Challenge, offers readers a step-by-step roadmap to building wealth with intention — not just adjusting your budget, but shifting your mindset.

    Don’t miss

    And Aliche isn’t handing out hypothetical advice. She lived it. Years ago, she found herself buried under more than $300,000 in debt. Her journey back to stability wasn’t just about paying down numbers on a spreadsheet. It started with a much harder task: creating boundaries.

    Boundaries before budgets

    Aliche’s financial transformation started with a boundary. After losing her husband in 2021, she found herself saying yes to everyone and everything. But as she began to rebuild her life, she learned the value of saying no — not just to others, but to financial patterns and mindsets that no longer served her.

    “When you’ve grown up in survival mode, especially in communities where poverty is generational, it is hard to emotionally accept that you are no longer broke,” Aliche said.

    At her lowest point, Aliche was grappling with student loans, credit card debt and a mortgage she couldn’t afford. Then came a recession, a layoff and a slow-motion collapse that left her bouncing between her childhood bedroom, her sister’s couch and eventually a rented room. Her finances weren’t just strained; her identity was in crisis.

    And while much of her people-pleasing was shaped by her upbringing, research suggests these behaviors may run even deeper. A University of Michigan study found that children as young as five show emotional reactions to spending and saving that influence their real-life financial choices — reactions that aren’t always modeled by their parents. In other words, your relationship with money might not just be inherited, it might be instinctual. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be reprogrammed.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Build your way up

    Aliche didn’t let rock bottom be her final chapter. Through financial therapy, she started unpacking the emotional baggage attached to her spending and saving habits. By identifying the patterns that no longer served her, she began replacing shame with strategy.

    One of the best pieces of advice she received was simple but powerful: “Keep your overhead low” and “live within your means.” That mindset became her launchpad — allowing her to save, invest and rebuild with purpose.

    She also emphasizes that you don’t need to have all the answers to make smart choices. “Financial literacy starts with curiosity, not perfection,” says Aliche. The biggest mistake you can make is not asking questions when the stakes are still small. Sometimes the most expensive thing isn’t what’s on your credit card — it’s the lesson you didn’t learn in time.

    If you’re feeling stuck on where to begin your financial journey, working with a financial advisor might be a smart first move. An advisor can help you set clear goals, steer you away from common money mistakes and spot areas in your spending that could use a tune-up. Think of financial literacy less like a one-and-done class and more like a lifelong playlist that evolves with market swings, investment trends and your own goals. Having a professional in your corner can not only save you from costly missteps but also boost your confidence when it’s time to make a big financial decision.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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