News Direct

Category: Moneywise

  • Owner of 175-year-old farm left in ‘shock’ as New Jersey town tries to seize the land for affordable housing — and now the USDA chief is involved. Who do you side with?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    Andy Henry and his brother Christopher own a 21-acre farm in Cranbury, New Jersey — land their maternal great-grandfather purchased in 1850. But after 175 years of family ownership, their legacy is now under threat as the local government tries to seize the property for an affordable housing project.

    "We got a letter on April 24 informing us of this unfortunate decision that [Cranbury officials] wanted to take the entire 21 acres," Henry told Fox & Friends.

    Henry described the notice as “a shock.” The family pushed back, but the town hasn’t backed down.

    Don’t miss

    “Now they’re saying, ‘Well, actually, we’ll just take half of it and leave you the house.’ That would leave us with a non-viable farm for at least 40 cows and many sheep,” he said.

    Cranbury Township is seeking to seize the Henry family farm through eminent domain to make way for a developer to build state-mandated affordable housing, NJ.com reported. Eminent domain refers to the government’s power to take private property for public use — with compensation but without the owner’s consent.

    The situation has drawn the attention of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

    In a post on X, Rollins said she had spoken with Henry and pledged to support the family in their legal battle.

    “Whether the Maudes, the Henrys or others whom we will soon announce, the Biden-style government takeover of our family farms is over,” Rollins wrote.

    “While this particular case is a city eminent domain issue, we @usda are exploring every legal option to help.”

    Affordability vs. opportunity

    As home prices and rents continue to climb — and local governments scramble to meet state housing mandates — tensions are mounting between development goals and property rights. The Henry family’s fight in New Jersey is just one example of a broader issue playing out nationwide: America’s deepening affordable housing crisis.

    Many experts point to a fundamental lack of supply.

    Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized this at a press conference last year, stating, “The real issue with housing is that we have had and are on track to continue to have, not enough housing.” He highlighted the difficulty of finding and zoning land in desirable areas, asking, “Where are we going to get the supply?”

    A recent Realtor.com analysis indicates a shortfall of 3.8 million homes in America’s housing supply.

    Yet despite elevated prices, real estate remains one of the most sought-after assets — and for good reason. It’s a tangible, income-generating investment that has historically performed well during periods of inflation.

    When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

    And while owning a home may feel increasingly out of reach, investing in real estate doesn’t have to be. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier than ever for everyday investors to access the market.

    Backed by world class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

    The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving positive rental income distributions from your investment.

    Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

    With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

    Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

    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

    A vanishing asset

    Henry said his farm is now surrounded by warehouses, and that his family has been “turning down developers for years.”

    That’s no coincidence. Farmland in the U.S. has been steadily disappearing as urban sprawl swallows up agricultural land for commercial, residential and industrial use. In 1997, there were 955 million acres of agricultural land in America. By 2024, that number had dropped to 876 million — a loss of 79 million acres.

    Savvy investors have taken note. After all, no matter what happens in the economy, people still need to eat.

    According to the USDA, U.S. farmland values have steadily climbed over the past few decades, driven by increasing demand for food and limited supply of arable land.

    These days, you don’t need to buy an entire farm — or know how to grow crops — to get in on the opportunity.

    FarmTogether is an all-in-one investment platform that lets qualified investors buy stakes in U.S. farmland. The platform identifies high-potential agricultural properties and then partners with experienced local operators to manage the land effectively.

    Depending on the type of stake you want, you can get a cut from both the leasing fees and crop sales, providing you with cash income. Then, years down the line after the farm rises in value, you can benefit from the land appreciating and profit from its sale.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • Seattle woman charged with robbing 8 banks in a year-long spree took ‘great pride’ in her exploits, authorities say — and it may have been her undoing

    Seattle woman charged with robbing 8 banks in a year-long spree took ‘great pride’ in her exploits, authorities say — and it may have been her undoing

    In our modern era of advanced technology and sophisticated security systems, one might think that successfully robbing a bank — let alone multiple banks — would be virtually impossible. Yet remarkably, a Seattle woman managed to evade authorities while committing eight bank robberies during a yearlong crime spree before law enforcement finally apprehended her.

    “She took immense personal satisfaction from her ability to rob banks and outsmart law enforcement,” Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brynn Jacobson wrote in a bail request. “The fact that she was a focus of a significant law enforcement investigation appears to have been a source of great pride for her.”

    While she’s only been charged with robbing eight banks so far, Leena Chang actually robbed, or tried to rob, a total of nine banks before she was finally caught by law enforcement. She’s facing serious charges, and victims of the banks she robbed may be left wondering if their money is safe when a robbery occurs.

    Here’s what Chang did, and what you need to know about how your funds are protected if someone steals from your financial institution.

    Don’t miss

    Seattle woman is a "serial bank robber," but a tipster tipped off police

    According to KIRO 7, Chang’s bank robbery methods were fairly elaborate. She wore multiple disguises and handed tellers notes that said things such as: “I have a gun. Give me all the money from your register (except bait$). No tracking device. No silent alarm. Keep it discreet.”

    Chang reportedly displayed an airsoft pistol to some bank tellers, which appeared to be a real firearm. Following her arrest, police searched her apartment and discovered the weapon was merely a replica. According to authorities, while Chang became more brazen in 2025 by targeting additional financial institutions and making less effort to conceal her identity, she maintained her core approach. She continued to calmly present her demand notes to tellers with the same methodical demeanor.

    She was also good at making sure she didn’t get traceable funds. The police said the last two times she robbed a bank, she examined the money to look for things that could be traced, and she was able to find a currency tracking device that she gave back to the teller.

    Chang typically netted between $385 and $4,180 from each heist, and appeared to take pride in her criminal activities. During a search of her residence, authorities discovered several incriminating items, including a painting featuring FBI wanted posters with her image, the written demands she had presented to bank tellers and various disguises she had worn during the robberies.

    Police were ultimately able to catch her because a tipster told them that Chang was robbing banks. The person who called law enforcement gave police Chang’s address, said that Chang steered clear of phones due to the fact they were traceable, and called herself a "serial bank robber," who enjoyed reliving the thrill by listening to police reports.

    Armed with info from the tipster, the police began to watch Chang, and they found her movements matched with robberies that were occurring.

    Following her capture, the suspect faces an upcoming trial with authorities seeking $500,000 bail and electronic monitoring for home detention. Law enforcement has expressed concerns that she presents both a flight risk and a potential danger to public safety.

    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 happens if your bank is robbed?

    Bank robberies are more common than you might think. The FBI reports 1,362 violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute in 2023. This includes:

    • 753 cases where the perpetrator used a demand note
    • 230 cases where a firearm was used
    • 25 cases where another kind of weapon was used
    • 539 cases where the perpetrator threatened to use a weapon

    According to another FBI 2019 report, banks suffered the highest monetary losses from robberies among all institutions, with an average loss of $4,213 per incident.

    But, who bears the cost of these losses? Fortunately, it’s not consumers who bank with the institution that was robbed.  While FDIC insurance doesn’t cover you, even though you may think it does, the FDIC explains that banks will bear the cost of losses in a robbery and not individuals with accounts at the bank.

    The FDIC also says that many financial institutions have a banker’s blanket bond, or multi-purpose insurance policy, that protects against loss.

    While you won’t lose money, though, it’s possible that your bank could be temporarily closed for a short period of time in the robbery’s aftermath as the situation is investigated.

    Normal business operations typically resume quickly after a bank robbery, so you shouldn’t be concerned about any permanent effects on your finances if your financial institution becomes a target. Banking systems are designed to continue functioning with minimal disruption in such situations.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • Here are the top 5 signs you should retire earlier than you think — no matter where you live in Canada

    Here are the top 5 signs you should retire earlier than you think — no matter where you live in Canada

    For many Canada, the magic number for retirement is $1.54 million according to a BMO survey, and the standard retirement age in Canada is 65.

    In other words, most people are trying to get into the seven-figure club by the time they reach their 60s. But you could be on track to retire earlier than that, perhaps with less money than you initially anticipated.

    Here are the top five signs that you’re on track to afford to retire earlier than you think.

    No mortgage or consumer debt

    Retiring or approaching retirement with a debt burden is surprisingly common. According to Statistics Canada, Canadians ages 55 to 64 have an average of $80,600 in debt.

    As you can imagine, this isn’t a comfortable way to retire. You can’t enjoy your golden years in peace if you’re up at night thinking about interest rates and the global economy.

    This is why paying off all your debt — including your mortgage — puts you in a better position than the majority of seniors and could allow you to retire sooner than you expect.

    Diversified streams of cash flow

    Most retirement plans hinge on typical sources of income such as interest, dividends or pension benefits.

    However, if you have a plan that incorporates more sources, perhaps rental income from properties or passive income from a side venture, your finances are much more robust than the average retiree.

    If you’re trying to retire before you turn 65, finding new sources of passive income could be essential.

    Relatively high savings rate

    As of the first quarter of 2025, the average personal savings rate in Canada is 5.7%.If you and your family are saving more than that, it could be a green signal that you’re approaching retirement faster than most of your peers.

    Firstly, a higher savings rate can get you to your goal quicker. For example, someone who only saves 4.5% of their $100,000 income and invests it in an asset that delivers 10% annual growth can reach $1.7 million within 46 years. If this person can double their savings rate to 9%, they can get to $1.7 million in less than 34 years.

    Not only does a higher-than-average savings rate help you achieve your goals faster, it also indicates a more stable retirement. It’s a sign that you have the willpower and discipline to live below your means and stick to a budget, which are essential skills for retirees on a fixed income.

    Empty nest with no financial assistance

    Having dependents reshapes your financial situation and could be the deciding factor for whether or not you can retire. This is why many parents have to wait until their children are adults and have their own sources of income to consider retiring.

    Unfortunately, the housing and cost-of-living crisis has pushed many adults to rely on their parents for support.

    According to a TD survey from 2024, 57% of Canadian parents expect to financially support their children after they become adults.

    If you’re part of the remaining 43% — with independent children or none at all — you’re in a better position to retire earlier.

    Good health

    Healthcare costs, especially ones not covered by the country’s universal healthcare system, can make or break your retirement, especially once you are no longer eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. A serious medical issue or the need long-term care can ultimately derail your financial plan.

    However, if you have managed to take better care of yourself, perhaps by quitting smoking, limiting alcohol or regularly exercising, you could qualify for lower health insurance premiums while also being less exposed to risk.

    Simply put, good health is a key ingredient for a cheaper, earlier and more enjoyable retirement.

    Sources

    1. BMO: BMO Retirement Survey: Over Three Quarters of Canadians Worry They Will Not Have Enough Retirement Savings Amid Inflation (Feb 12, 2025)

    2. Statistics Canada: Assets and debts held by economic family type, by age group, Canada, provinces and selected census metropolitan areas, Survey of Financial Security

    3. Statistics Canada: Current and capital accounts – Households, Canada, quarterly

    4. TD Stories: Nearly 3 in 5 Canadian parents expect to financially support their children after they become adults, but most aren’t confident in their ability to do so, new TD survey

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

  • Nashville man, 22, making between $30,000 and $90,000 per month day trading — and with time and money abound, he’s keen to dive into real estate investing too. The Ramsey Show weighs in

    After leaving college with a finance degree, Zack, from Nashville, Tennessee, started day trading professionally.

    He’s excellent at his chosen profession, netting between $30,000 and $90,000 every month. But day trading doesn’t take up all of his time and he wants to branch out into the world of real estate investing.

    Don’t miss

    “I am trying to figure out when to make the jump into real estate because, that’s kind of where I want to take my end goal,” Zack told Ramsey Show hosts, George Kamel and Rachel Cruze.

    But both Kamel and Cruze think there’s a step in between that Zack should take before diving straight in.

    Day trading to real estate — when to make the move

    Although Zack wants to jump into real estate, the Ramsey hosts needed to gather more information about his current income.

    Zach explained that he had practiced for over three years before deciding to make an initial investment of $3,000 of his own money to start day trading. After doing well, he shared his results with several proprietary (prop) trading firms, which offered him a chance to work for them.

    Essentially, a prop trading firm allows him to trade using “other people’s money.” When he makes a profit, he can keep between 70% to 90% of the profits. But if he makes too many bad trades, the prop firm will boot him out of their system.

    “I was able to pay my student loans off by doing it,” said Zack.

    “If you’re so good at this, why not use your own money?” asked Kamel.

    Although Zack is good at trading, he doesn’t always have the large lump sums required to make it worthwhile. With that, he prefers to lean on the funds provided by prop trading firms and split part of the profits.

    “I was raised a Ramsey kid, so the less risk and the more success, then that’s kind of where I was going with it,” Zack told the hosts.

    As he’s earned this money, he’s put the Ramsey principles to work. He started by paying off his student loans, building up a substantial emergency fund and setting aside a large portion to cover his income taxes. Currently, he is debt-free and has around $50,000 in liquid cash.

    His end goal is to use the funds to invest in real estate.

    “I’ve always wanted to get into real estate. And so, I’m trying to figure out when the best time would be to make that move and start investing in real estate as well,” said Zack.

    The Ramsey hosts urge caution, especially against taking out loans to purchase rental properties or flipping projects. Instead, they suggested he first get into real estate by purchasing his own home to live in. After that, he could consider purchasing rentals as he has the cash available.

    “With real estate, we say, if you’re going to go beyond your primary residence, you want to do it with cash,” Cruze told him.

    Since he just signed a year-long lease, the Ramsey hosts suggest he save up for a home during this upcoming year. From there, the time to branch into rental real estate is whenever he has the cash available, according to the Ramsey principles.

    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

    Pros and cons of day trading

    So far, day trading is working out well for Zack. But he’s only been doing this for a couple of months. The appeal of the type of day trading he’s doing is undeniable. After all, who wouldn’t like the possibility of quick profits without any major overnight market risks.

    “A bad day would be me breaking even or only losing about a thousand or two,” Zack said.

    Plus, day traders enjoy a more flexible schedule with increased independence to do other things throughout the day. For example, Zack mentioned he only spends about three to four hours a day trading, leaving plenty of space in the day for other activities.

    Although enticing, day trading comes with some serious risks.

    For starters, there is a steep learning curve. It can take years of practice to become proficient in trading. Zack mentioned that he practiced for several years before trading with real dollars. Even with experience, traders can face a high risk of financial loss and must account for the high fees tied to every trade.

    Many think they can beat the odds. But the vast majority of day traders lose money. According to recent research by Tradeciety, only 1% of traders earn a profit after the fees are taken into account.

    If you’re serious about day trading, consider learning with play money. You can find online simulators to practice day trading without running the risk of losing real money.

    Depending on how that goes, you may or may not want to jump into the market with your hard-earned savings.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • ‘This is not biblical’: Oklahoma man turns to Dave Ramsey after saying he was instructed to invest in the church over saving for retirement — and Ramsey’s answer may surprise you

    ‘This is not biblical’: Oklahoma man turns to Dave Ramsey after saying he was instructed to invest in the church over saving for retirement — and Ramsey’s answer may surprise you

    It’s natural for some people to want to be as charitable as they can afford. But at what point do we stop helping ourselves and invest in others?

    Daniel from Oklahoma wrote to The Ramsey Show to explain a dilemma he was having. He claimed his church told its members not to focus on investing in retirement but on investments toward the church instead, and was wondering if it was a good idea.

    Don’t miss

    "If they said this, this is not biblical," co-host Ken Coleman responded in a clip posted April 13.

    "Change churches if someone’s doing this," Dave Ramsey added.

    Both of them, however, emphasized the "if" in their responses. Here’s what Ramsey, an evangelical Christian himself, had to say about tithing to the church.

    When the concept of charity goes too far

    Ramsey stated he supports tithing to the church — the practice of donating one-tenth of a person’s income to a religious organization.

    However, he also says you can’t tithe more than 10%, because the word itself means "tenth."

    "Anything above that is called an ‘offering’ to support … the community work that the church is doing," he said. "There’s nothing wrong with that."

    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

    Ramsey also pointed out that it’s perfectly fine to save for our own needs, including retirement.

    "Wise people save money," he insisted was a biblical lesson.

    Ramsey cautioned that Daniel may have misinterpreted his church’s message. However, if his description was accurate, Ramsey says it sounded like a money grab.

    How to balance savings and charity

    There’s a lot of pressure on Americans today to save for retirement. Ramsey Solutions suggests that workers aim to save and invest 15% of their gross income for their golden years.

    But it’s hard to do that and donate 10% of your income while also covering your needs at a time when living costs are so high.

    That’s why it’s important to strike a balance. After all, faith and finance don’t have to be at odds. Ensuring your needs are taken care of before being charitable with your money doesn’t make you selfish — it makes you practical. It can be a good idea to set up a budget that prioritizes your needs but also leaves room for charitable giving.

    Often, you can give to charity without hurting yourself financially or causing undue stress. If you’re compromising your financial security or well-being, then you may need to rethink your approach to charitable giving and scale back.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • This Cincinnati woman thought she’d bought a dream home — but it immediately turned into a ‘$20,000 problem’. How to protect yourself from house flippers

    This Cincinnati woman thought she’d bought a dream home — but it immediately turned into a ‘$20,000 problem’. How to protect yourself from house flippers

    When Kellen Mullen toured what was advertised as a move-in-ready flip, she was sold on the glossy new kitchen, sparkling bathrooms and fresh paint.

    “It had a new kitchen; it had new bathrooms; it was freshly painted,” Mullen told WCPO.

    But within days of moving in, her dream home began to unravel.

    Don’t miss

    A cascade of failures

    First, a brand-new vent cover collapsed onto the toilet mid-use. Then, when she turned on the stove’s exhaust fan, the kitchen side of the house lost power due to faulty wiring.

    A few days later, the kitchen sink backed up while she washed the dishes. A plumber spent 10 hours on site only to uncover tree roots clogging the main sewer line.

    By the time Mullen finally cleared the drains, she was out nearly $20,000 in emergency repairs.

    Mullen reached out to both her realtor and the flipping company’s agent, only to be told they were unaware of any issues and not legally obligated to cover post-sale fixes.

    Her realtor advised that legal counsel may be her only recourse. Once sale documents are signed, the sellers are not liable for any undisclosed defects.

    "We’re stuck with a $20,000 problem, and somebody knew,” Mullen said. “Somebody knew there was a problem and didn’t tell the next person, and we got stuck with it."

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

    Why house flips can be risky

    House flippers aim to maximize their profits by minimizing both the time and cost of renovations.

    They’re not homeowners, rarely live in the renovated property and often cut corners on critical systems — such as wiring, plumbing, and structural components — to shore up cosmetic appeal.

    As one home inspector blogger put it, “Most of the time, flippers buy these homes in poor condition with the plans of putting lipstick on a pig. They make it look great on the surface but not so great underneath.”

    Experts agree that a thorough, independent inspection is the most effective safeguard against potential issues.

    "Throughout the transaction, it’s all about trying to reduce costs,” said Nick Gromicko, founder of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). “And I think when you’re going to get to a home inspection where you’re spending only hundreds of dollars to look at something that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s time to stop thinking like that.”

    Consumer Reports recommends choosing a licensed, certified inspector who offers specialty add-ons, such as mold testing, sewer-line camera scopes and radon measurements — even if not mandated locally.

    Here are more tips to make sure you get the right property:

    • Get an inspector outside your area: Hire an inspector outside of your local area to avoid a conflict of interest between the inspector and your realtor.
    • Demand a master inspection report: Ask for detailed findings and repair estimates to use in negotiations — or as a basis to walk away.
    • Attend the inspection yourself: A quality inspector will point out telltale signs, such as poor drainage on the property, roof issues and plumbing problems, which are red flags.
    • Research the home’s history: Pull tax and deed records to see if the property was held long-term or flipped rapidly. Multiple quick turnovers can be a red flag.

    While a flip can deliver a turnkey property, Mullen’s experience underscores that buyers must look past the lipstick.

    By investing in a truly independent, comprehensive inspection and verifying work histories, you safeguard both your budget and peace of mind. You don’t end up paying twice for someone else’s shortcuts.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • ‘Does she feel like a winner to you?’: Salt Lake City man says his girlfriend, 26, doesn’t want to work — because her parents completely fund her life. What The Ramsey Show says about that

    It’s not all that uncommon to focus on full-time studies while attending college. After all, many college students are often fresh out of high school and are still teenagers when their college studies begin.

    Focusing on work and building a career isn’t exactly something these students need to prioritize, at least not for a few years. But unfortunately for Derek from Salt Lake City, his girlfriend is not one of these students.

    Don’t miss

    Derek recently called into The Ramsey Show to talk about his girlfriend, who’s 26 years old and has been in college for eight years completing her bachelor’s degree. Derek’s girlfriend has an interesting arrangement with her parents where they pay for her living expenses as long as she’s in school.

    This, as you might imagine, has Derek very concerned.

    When your partner refuses to grow up

    Ramsey Show co-hosts George Kamel and Rachel Cruze told Derek he has every right to be concerned about his relationship, given his girlfriend’s apparent reluctance to get out into the real world and hold down a job.

    Not only do the girlfriend’s parents pay all of her bills, they also have the same deal with her two older brothers, who are 29 and 31 years old and still in school. Derek recently learned that the brothers have never worked, which is what drove him to call in asking for help.

    Derek’s been with his girlfriend for about a year and they’re starting to talk about marriage and finances, but he doesn’t have high hopes given her attitude toward working. When Kamel heard about the girlfriend’s arrangement with her parents, he was shocked.

    "Hey parents, let this be your memo: don’t do this, ever," he said. Meanwhile, Cruze asked Derek point blank, "does she feel like a winner to you?"

    Derek had no choice but to admit to his worries — that his girlfriend will stay in school indefinitely so her parents can continue to cover her lifestyle, and that she won’t be willing to work once they’re married.

    Derek, meanwhile, works full-time, has a stable job and is debt-free, so he’s presumably in a good place financially. He did ask his girlfriend to get a part-time job to see if she was willing to put in some effort, but it didn’t seem like she was.

    "There’s no initiative at all in who she is," said Cruze in response. "It’s not a lot of attractive qualities."

    Kamel, on the other hand, was still shocked by what he was hearing from Derek. "I don’t even know how you drag out a bachelor’s degree for eight years," said Kamel.

    In the end, both Kamel and Cruze told Derek to consider ending the relationship if his girlfriend refuses to grow up. "There’s a level of resilience you want in a partner," said Cruze.

    Derek said he’s willing to give his girlfriend one final opportunity to get a job. If she’s willing, the relationship may be salvageable. Otherwise, he’ll likely seek to end the relationship.

    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

    Financial incompatibility

    A 2023 survey by Bread Financial found that 44% of coupled respondents wish they had more similar mindsets on financial matters as their partners. Meanwhile, a more recent Lending Tree survey found that 23% of people have ended a relationship due to being financially incompatible with their partners.

    At its core, financial incompatibility is when you and your partner see money differently. It could be that one of you is a spender and one is a saver. Or, it could mean that you’re both spenders but have different priorities. For example, it may be that one of you values spending money on things, like nice cars, while the other values spending money on experiences, like vacations.

    In Derek’s case, it’s clear that he believes in working for your money, whereas his girlfriend has no problem letting others pay for her lifestyle. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why this relationship likely won’t work out for Derek in the long run. He’s done a good job of covering his expenses and avoiding debt thus far. If he were to marry his girlfriend, who knows what sort of debt she might rack up.

    She clearly feels entitled to have someone pay for her lifestyle, and that person could easily be Derek. Even if she doesn’t land both of them in debt, chances are Derek will feel resentful of having to fund her lifestyle when she’s completely capable of working.

    All told, being in a relationship with someone you’re not financially compatible with could lead to disaster. Financial problems are the driver of 20-40% of all divorces, according to the Jimenez Law Firm. The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, meanwhile, cites money issues as the primary reason behind 22% of divorces.

    For Derek’s relationship to be saved, he needs to have an honest conversation with his girlfriend and set some ground rules. For example, he could suggest that she hold down a job unless there’s a reason not to, like caring for children. If those rules don’t work for her, the two may be better off splitting up.

    If you’re in a similar boat, it’s important to have an open discussion about how you view money, what your financial goals are, and what your expectations entail. It may be that your partner wants to work until you have children and then become a stay-at-home parent. That’s a very different thing from not wanting to work, period.

    Talk to your partner and, if you think it’ll be helpful, consider getting a counselor involved who can serve as a neutral third party to get you two on the same page. But if you and your partner can’t find a way to see eye to eye on financial matters, you may be better off parting ways as amicably as possible before taking the plunge into marriage.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • This Arizona renter says he was fined a stunning $4,000 for leaving negative reviews about property — but is that even legal?

    This Arizona renter says he was fined a stunning $4,000 for leaving negative reviews about property — but is that even legal?

    When Adrian Paull and his wife moved into a Scottsdale, Arizona condo last year, they expected a short-term rental to serve as a comfortable landing pad while they searched for their next home. Instead, they say they found black mold and unfinished repairs. After posting honest online reviews, they were also served a surprise bill for $4,000.

    The reviews, it turns out, had violated a clause buried deep in the couple’s 21-page lease that fined tenants $2,000 per “negative” post, including online reviews rated less than three stars.

    Paull is now sounding the alarm about an issue many renters might not know is illegal: Companies penalizing customers for honest feedback.

    “Reviews are how we hold companies accountable,” Paull told Phoenix’s 12News. “So corrupting the review process is absolutely unlawful.”

    And he’s right. The Consumer Review Fairness Act (CRFA), passed in 2016, protects U.S. consumers from precisely this kind of retaliation.

    Here’s what happened and what you should do if a landlord or business tries to fine you for a negative review.

    Don’t miss

    A nightmare rental experience turns into a financial fight

    Paull and his wife sold their home in North Scottsdale in 2023 and signed a lease at a nearby condo managed by Denali Real Estate. They moved quickly, hoping to give themselves a comfortable cushion of time before their official move-out date.

    But things went south fast.

    “When we lifted a piece of furniture in the master bedroom, there was an enormous patch of black mold,” Paull said. The couple left immediately and asked Denali to fix the issue.

    When they returned, Paull claims the problems weren’t resolved: walls still had holes, sections of carpet were missing, and sharp carpet tacks were exposed on the floor. Fed up with what he described as unresponsiveness from the company, Paull turned to Google and Yelp to share his experience.

    Instead of a response, he says his $2,200 rental credit suddenly flipped to a $1,800 balance due. The reason? Two $2,000 “non-disparagement” penalties.

    Their lease prohibited “negative online reviews, negative ratings of 3 out of 5 stars or less and negative posts on all social media and review platforms.” Violating this clause, it warned, would trigger a $2,000 fine per occurrence.

    Why that clause is likely illegal

    The CRFA makes it illegal for companies to enforce contract clauses that punish consumers for honest reviews, whether online or offline. That means if you post a truthful review, a company cannot legally fine, threaten or retaliate against you for it, even if it’s negative.

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has brought enforcement actions against businesses that try to use “gag clauses” in contracts. Violators may face civil penalties and court orders. If you’re a renter or customer, that means:

    • You cannot be fined or penalized for a review just because it’s negative.
    • You can file complaints with the FTC, your state’s attorney general, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
    • You should save any documentation — contracts, emails or invoices — if you plan to dispute the charge.

    As of publication, Paull has filed complaints with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, BBB, and says he plans to contact the FTC.

    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

    Denali Real Estate backs down, but the damage may be done

    After 12News reached out for comment, Denali Real Estate issued a statement saying it takes “all feedback seriously” and submitted its lease agreement for legal review. A few hours later, the company said it would remove the non-disparagement clause from its contracts “immediately.”

    Still, it remains unclear whether Denali will drop the charges against Paull.

    The company claims it made multiple attempts to fix issues at the condo, but says Paull repeatedly denied access to contractors and repair teams. Paull disputes that version of events — and says the property remains uninhabitable, with storm damage and even animal feces present inside the unit.

    Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: what happened to Paull is part of a broader issue facing renters, and consumers in general.

    What to do if a company tries to silence your review

    If you’re ever threatened with legal or financial consequences for leaving a review, here are the steps you can take:

    • Know your rights: The Consumer Review Fairness Act makes it illegal for businesses to enforce “gag clauses” in consumer contracts. If your lease or service agreement contains one, it’s unenforceable, even if you signed it.
    • File complaints with the right agencies: Start with your state’s attorney general. You can also contact the FTC and the Better Business Bureau:
      • FTC Complaint Assistant (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/)
      • Arizona AG Consumer Complaints (https://www.azag.gov/complaints/consumer)
      • BBB File a Complaint (https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint)
    • Save all documentation: Keep copies of the lease, emails, and any charges or correspondence tied to the dispute. You’ll need them if you decide to pursue legal action or dispute charges with a credit card company or bank.
    • Don’t be afraid to speak up: Reviews are protected speech. If a company uses intimidation tactics to bury honest feedback, they may be the ones violating the law, not you.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe 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: 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

    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

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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

  • ‘A thief and a liar’: Lawyer Tom Girardi sentenced to 7 years for stealing more than $25M from the victims he represented to fund the career of his estranged Real Housewives star wife

    ‘A thief and a liar’: Lawyer Tom Girardi sentenced to 7 years for stealing more than $25M from the victims he represented to fund the career of his estranged Real Housewives star wife

    Disbarred attorney Tom Girardi, 86, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for embezzling millions from former clients, according to NBC News.

    The former husband of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a high-profile lawyer was once celebrated for his role in the landmark 1993 lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co.—the case that inspired the Oscar-winning film Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts.

    Don’t miss

    "This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of millions of dollars," said U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli.

    In addition to prison time, Girardi was ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine. His lawyers argued he was mentally unfit to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s disease, but a federal court ruled he was competent.

    How his victims were impacted

    Girardi was convicted of four counts of wire fraud in August 2024. Prosecutors said he stole tens of millions of dollars in settlement funds from clients over a decade. Victims included people who suffered severe burns, widows of accident victims and families of those killed in high-profile disasters, like the 2018 Lion Air crash that killed 198 people.

    He often misled clients, telling them their settlement money was delayed due to tax issues, debt obligations or the need for a judge’s approval.

    "Girardi sent lulling communications to the defrauded clients that, among other things, falsely denied that the settlement proceeds had been paid and falsely claimed that Girardi Keese [lawfirm] could not pay the settlement proceeds to clients until certain purported requirements had been met," said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in a news release.

    According to Business Insider, one client was awarded $53 million in a settlement after a 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion in California caused severe burns. They ultimately received just $2.5 million.

    Prosecutors said Girardi diverted more than $25 million from his law firm’s operating account to EJ Global, a company created to fund the entertainment career of his now-estranged wife, Erika Jayne, a star on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

    Jayne, 53, has denied any involvement and was dismissed from a related lawsuit in 2022. She filed for divorce in 2020 after the allegations surfaced and has maintained she did not know about her husband’s crimes.

    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

    Hiring a lawyer? Here’s how to protect yourself

    Girardi wasn’t just any lawyer — he was one of the most prominent personal injury attorneys in the country. That’s what made his fraud so devastating. But there are still ways to protect yourself when hiring a lawyer, no matter how impressive their resume is.

    Red flags to watch out for:

    • Lack of transparency: If a lawyer avoids sharing documentation or gives vague answers about your case, that’s a warning sign.
    • Payment delays: Once cleared, settlement checks should be disbursed promptly. Unexplained delays are cause for concern.
    • No written agreements: Always get a written retainer agreement that outlines fees, responsibilities and expectations.
    • Pressure tactics: Be cautious if a lawyer pushes you to make decisions without giving you time to understand your rights.

    Even savvy clients can still be taken advantage of. If you suspect fraud or misconduct, here’s what to do:

    • Request documentation: Ask for a detailed breakdown of your settlement and where the money went.
    • Check the bar association: Make sure the lawyer is licensed and review any disciplinary actions through your state’s bar association.
    • File a complaint: Every state has a grievance or disciplinary board. In Ohio, for example, grievances are filed with the Ohio Bar.
    • Hire a second lawyer: If something doesn’t feel right, get a second opinion.

    Even a seasoned, high-profile attorney can betray their clients’ trust. Staying informed, asking questions and knowing your rights can help you avoid becoming the next victim.

    What to read next

    Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

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