Category: Moneywise

The U.S. fertility rate may not be as weak as in other developed nations around the world, but nevertheless in 2023 it reached a historic low, according to Pew Research Center data.

It figures: the economic case for having kids has maybe never been harder to muster, as inflation — housing and child-care costs, especially — has pushed parents to their financial limits.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

But not having children carries its own risks. The Pew data finds that 26% of child-free Americans aged 50 and up frequently worry about who will care for them as they age. And 19% worry extremely about being lonely.

If you’re nervous about aging alone, here are some steps to take now.

1. Ramp up your savings

Being child-free has a major benefit — you don’t have to take on the expense of raising a child. The USDA puts the cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 at $233,610 for children born in 2015. Given recent inflation trends, it’s more than fair to say that that figure has grown exponentially since it was last calculated. The money you aren’t spending on child-related costs is money you can save and invest in a retirement account.

And remember, even older parents continue to provide financial support to their children. A 2024 Savings.com survey found that 47% of parents with grown children provide them with some form of financial support. And almost shockingly, the average amount comes to $1,384 per month.

If you’re 50 or older, you’re eligible to make catch-up contributions in an IRA or 401(k). Not having to worry about helping grown children pay their bills could make those catch-ups far more feasible.

2. Establish a social network

Aging without a support system isn’t easy. But one thing that may help is surrounding yourself with people of a similar age who can provide you with the company you need.

Put some focus into creating a network, whether through volunteer work, writing clubs or community events. You’ll want to be well established with relationships and a social routine long before you retire.

If you’re looking for convenience as well as community, you may consider a 55-and-over community. Many of these facilities are loaded with amenities that include fitness centers, tennis courts, swimming pools, and more that are instrumental to helping retirees keep busy.

Of course, one drawback to these communities is the cost, which can range from a more reasonable $1,500 a month all the way up to $4,000, according to AssistedLiving.org. But it could pay to prioritize this expense in your budget if you know you’ll be entering retirement without grown children to lean on.

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

3. Reduce the hassle of home maintenance

Aging alone could mean facing mobility and health challenges. One big source of stress for seniors is maintaining their homes. You may not have the physical ability to mow the lawn, remove snow, and do other types of upkeep once you’re well into retirement. So to that end, it pays to eliminate as much home maintenance as possible.

Again, a 55-and-over community could be an attractive option to avoid this expense. Often, these communities feature condo-style living so that you’re only responsible for maintaining the interior of your home, while your monthly HOA fee goes toward exterior maintenance.

If one of these communities isn’t what you want, consider downsizing out of a larger home and into a smaller space that requires less work. It could also be a good idea to buy a one-story home in case climbing stairs becomes an issue down the line.

4. Buy a long-term care insurance policy

One of the scariest things about aging alone is reaching the point when you simply can’t perform daily tasks without assistance. In the absence of having grown children to step in and help, it’s important to be prepared for long-term care. One way to do that is by putting insurance in place to help defray the often-astronomical cost.

Genworth reports that the average annual cost of an assisted living facility is $64,200, while a home health aide costs $75,504 per year. A semi-private nursing home room, meanwhile, has an average yearly price tag of $104,025.

Meanwhile, the median retirement savings account balance among Americans 65 to 74 is $200,000, according to the Federal Reserve. Costs like these have the potential to bankrupt a retiree with just the typical savings, so it’s important to have insurance as a backup plan.

The ideal time to apply for long-term care coverage is in your mid-50s. This makes it more likely that you’ll qualify for a policy with premiums you can afford. It’s possible to secure coverage beyond your mid-50s, but the older you get, the harder and more expensive it might become.

In addition to these specific tips, consider sitting down with a financial adviser and talking through your retirement concerns. They may be able to make the process of aging alone easier from a money-related perspective.

What to read next

• 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 are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

There’s missing a flight, and then there’s missing every flight because your airline just went bankrupt.

That’s what happened to hundreds of travelers this week when Silver Airways, a Florida-based regional carrier, abruptly announced it was ceasing operations effective immediately.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Passengers flying between Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean were left at airports with no warning, no alternative flight plans and no customer service reps in sight.

“We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11, 2025,” the airline posted on Instagram. "Please do not go to the airport."

The bankruptcy came with zero notice and even fewer answers, raising questions for customers who already paid for tickets. Here’s what led to the airline’s sudden nosedive — and what to do if your summer vacation just hit major turbulence.

What went wrong?

Silver Airways has officially flown its last mile. Roughly five months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Florida-based airline grounded all flights — and not because of stormy weather.

In a recent statement, the company revealed it had sold its assets to another airline holding company as part of a restructuring effort. But instead of reviving the brand, the new owner decided to ground all operations.

“In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silver’s flight operations,” the airline wrote in a statement.

Silver had hoped the bankruptcy would help secure new capital and offer a path toward financial recovery. Instead, the collapse has left travelers stranded and staff without jobs — a costly detour for everyone involved.

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 about the travelers?

If you’re one of the many people left grounded by Silver’s sudden shutdown, don’t expect a refund from the airline itself. In its final Instagram post, the company made it clear that customers won’t be reimbursed directly.

But all hope isn’t lost.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you might be able to recover your money depending on how you paid. If you bought your ticket with a credit card, you can file a dispute with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Be sure to include a copy of your ticket and receipt, and clearly explain that the airline has ceased operations and failed to deliver the service you paid for.

Just don’t wait too long. You typically have 60 days from the date your statement was issued — the one that includes the airfare charge — to file the dispute.

If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, it’s worth reaching out to see if they can help secure a refund or offer any alternatives. Some agencies have extra protections or recourse built into their services.

What to read next

• 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 are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

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.

For many people, the only way to afford a home is to finance it with a mortgage and pay off that loan over time.

During the first quarter of 2025, the median U.S. home sale price was $503,800, according to Federal Reserve Economic Data. Given that median annual wages were just $61,984 during the last quarter of 2024, it’s easy to see why the typical working American can barely afford a down payment on a home today, let alone the entire cost in one fell swoop.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

But uber-wealthy folks are in a different position. Those with billions of dollars to their name can buy a home outright rather than take out a loan.

Yet celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Jay-Z have all made headlines for taking out multimillion-dollar mortgages — not out of necessity but to reap a couple of key benefits.

It allows for better cash flow

Someone with billions to their name might not worry about cash flow, but taking out a mortgage can be a strategic move to maintain liquidity and keep cash available for other investments, rather than tying it up in a relatively illiquid asset like real estate.

Take Hollywood power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé, for example. Despite their estimated combined net worth of $1.6 billion in 2017, they secured a $52.8 million mortgage to purchase an $88 million hillside estate in Los Angeles, according to the L.A. Times.

There could be major benefits for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, depending on how their portfolio is allocated,” Robert Cohan, managing director at Carlyle Financial, told Business Insider. “A mortgage gives them financial flexibility, and they have the ability to pay it off whenever they choose.

You can still land an affordable mortgage rate even if you don’t fall in the category of America’s elite 1%. The key is to not accept the first offer on the table — and to shop around and get quotes from at least two-three lenders.

According to a study conducted by LendingTree, 45% of homebuyers who received more than one quote got a lower rate than their initial one .

Mortgage Research Center can help you shop around for rates from vetted lenders near you.

All you need to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as property type and zip code in which it is located, total cost, desired down payment, and your annual income and credit score.

Mortgage Research Center then matches you with lenders best suited to your needs. You can then set up a free, no-obligation consultation to further assess whether they’re the right fit for you.

Free up more money to invest

If you purchased a house in the last couple of years at a fixed rate, chances are you might be able to refinance it at a lower rate right now.

Mark Zuckerberg, the world’s second richest man (according to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires list) did the same.

Back in 2012, when Zuckerberg was #40 on the list with an estimated $15.6 billion net worth, he refinanced his home in Palo Alto, California, with a 30-year adjustable rate mortgage at 1.05%.

While rates probably won’t go down to that level any time soon, the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts over the past few months have already had a noticeable impact. Median mortgage rates are currently hovering around 6.95% — down from 8% in October last year.

With the Fed slated to lower the benchmark rates further in the upcoming months, it might be a good idea to start looking at your options.

Ideally, you can land a lower rate by shopping around. According to a study from LendingTree, 56% of homebuyers shopped around when they refinanced their mortgage. What’s more, 81% of those who chose to refinance, came away with a lower rate than what they started with.

Mortgage Research Center is also a beneficial tool if you are looking to refinance your current mortgage.

The process is the same — you need to enter some information about yourself and your current mortgage, and Mortgage Research Center will match you with vetted lenders offering competitive rates.

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

More ways to invest in real estate

Even for accredited investors, purchasing additional properties for rental or investment income can be a hassle. Beyond ongoing maintenance and property taxes, there’s also the added burden of managing tenants and the responsibilities that come with being a landlord.

This is where First National Realty Partners (FNRP) comes in. Accredited investors can own a stake in grocery-anchored institutional-grade commercial real estate without having to do any of the legwork.

FNRP’s team of experts manages the entire life cycle of the investment — from due diligence of properties to acquisition and tenant management. The firm typically leases its properties to national brands selling essential goods, like Walmart, Whole Foods, CVS, and Kroger.

FNRP also pays out any positive cash flows as dividends quarterly, helping you generate passive income without worrying about property and tenant management.

Another option for investing in real estate is the U.S. home equity market, a vast $36 trillion industry that has long been reserved for large institutional players. Homeshares is transforming this space by giving accredited investors direct access to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in major U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning, or managing property.

The fund focuses on homes with substantial equity, utilizing Home Equity Agreements (HEAs) to help homeowners access liquidity without incurring debt or additional interest payments.

This approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in high-quality residential properties, plus the added benefit of diversification across various regional markets – with a minimum investment of $25,000.

With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, the U.S. Home Equity Fund could unlock lucrative real estate opportunities, offering accredited investors a low-maintenance alternative to traditional property ownership.

Another way to invest in real estate is by purchasing rental properties and becoming a landlord. But for the average American who wants to avoid the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived make it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie.

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 any positive rental income distributions from your investment.

What to read next

• 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 are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

At the airport, you close your phone’s second "low battery, charge now" prompt and finally give in. You grab your charging cable and plug into a public USB port in the departure lounge. According to the TSA, you may have just made a costly error.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a warning about a cyberattack technique known as “juice jacking” ahead of the peak summer travel season.

"Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we’ve been told that’s called ‘juice/port jacking’)," The TSA post says. "Juice jacking” is where hackers manipulate public charging stations with hidden devices to steal data or install malware on your device when you use a USB charging cable to plug directly in.

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• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

This can happen at airports, hotels, malls, or even public transit hubs — anywhere a USB port is available. And once your device is compromised, attackers may be able to:

• Access your banking and payment apps
• Install spyware or keyloggers
• Control or wipe your device remotely
• Steal photos, contacts, or two-factor authentication codes

Cybersecurity experts also warn against using public charging cables, which can be planted or altered to carry malware. It’s a low-effort, high-reward attack — especially in places where travelers are distracted, bored and desperate for juice.

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

How can you protect yourself against "juice jacking"?

The solution is pretty simple: the TSA says: "bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there." Outlets cannot be manipulated in the same way, keeping your device safe.

If you must juice up with a charging port, turning off your phone before plugging it in is another counter-measure. You can also get a USB data blocker (colloquially known as a USB Condom) to do the job. These devices block data transfer, allowing you to charge safely.

In general, remember to avoid doing any sensitive banking or online shopping in public areas using free unsecured Wi-Fi. Use a VPN in public spaces to remain completely secure if you must connect to Wi-Fi.

Your phone is more than just another device — it’s your wallet and, in many ways, an archive of your life all in one juicy spot for hackers. Protect it and protect yourself.

What to read next

• 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 are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

Making the decision to retire is a big deal, and signifies a major lifestyle change is coming. Let’s say you’re just four months away from your planned retirement, odds are you’ve been gearing up for this next stage and getting everything in order to enjoy your life of leisure for a while now.

You’ve got a decent nest egg and you’re ready to really hone your golf game. What happens, though, if a perfect job comes along in this situation?

Let’s say you’re offered a position that’s five minutes from your house, with good benefits, no workplace drama or stress and a good friend who works at the same company and says it’s great.

Oh, and let’s say that the job provides just half of your current pay — but the pay is pretty close to what your retirement income would be.

Should you stick with your plan for retiring in this situation or should you take the lower-paying job that allows you to get out of your current work environment sooner, keep insurance coverage for you and your spouse and delay collecting your retirement benefits to make your money last longer?

Here’s what you should consider as you make this decision.

How will taking the new job impact your retirement savings?

When you take a big pay cut, obviously you’re not going to be able to save as much for retirement as you would at your current job. However, with only four months left to go until you stop working, chances are good that you weren’t going to be adding much to your nest egg anyway.

In fact, by delaying when you start drawing from your retirement accounts, you can end up in a much better place financially.

Your money can stay invested and keep benefitting from compound growth instead of you beginning to make costly withdrawals. You can also delay claiming CPP and keep increasing your monthly benefit until as late as 70 years old, which could more than double. Instead of receiving $800 per month at 60, you will receive $1,775 at 70. That’s a big increase, on top of the fact you’ll also be growing your invested funds.

How much income do you need to live on?

You’ll also need to consider how much income you need to live the lifestyle you’d like to live in retirement. While your new job may provide an income similar to what you’ll earn in retirement, continuing to work rather than being at home can come with added costs.

You may have more commuting expenses, for example, although that should be negligible with the office just five minutes from your house. However, you may also be more likely to buy lunch at work or need costlier work clothing, which can mean you need a little more money.

At the same time, keep in mind that working longer will likely increase the income you eventually have as a retiree. If you have more of a cushion to live on in your later years because you take this new job, you may be better off — especially given uncertainty around the nation’s economic prospects in the near future.

Would retirement make you happier than working?

Your happiness matters when it comes to retirement decisions. If you have been looking forward to retirement and don’t want to spend more years working, then you should likely not put off quitting even if the perfect job comes along. Especially if you already have enough money to retire.

And with 30% of retirees being at risk of becoming socially isolated, it may be prudent to take a new job if it will help you maintain social connections. You can always work on your golf game on the weekends.

You should carefully consider all of these issues as you decide what’s right for you. An unexpected change in circumstances can be shocking when you had plans in place, but it may just end up being a blessing that makes your future retirement a much more enjoyable one.

Sources

1. Government of Canada: Deciding when to start your public pensions

This article I’m 63 years old, have $800K in savings and I was all set to retire in four months — but now I’ve just got a fantastic new job offer. Should I take it or stick to my plan? originally appeared on Money.ca

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

Thinking about buying or selling a used car?

You may want to proceed with caution so you don’t fall victim to a fake overpayment scam that uses fraudulent checks.

“I could see how so many people could easily fall for this,” Matt Neff, who was recently trying to sell his 1948 Packard online, told KHOU 11 Houston.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Neff learned firsthand how a scam like this can happen. Here’s what you need to know so it doesn’t happen to you.

How the fake ‘overpayment’ scam works

This type of scam typically takes place via online marketplaces (rather than in person) where the buyer overpays for the product you’re selling.

“The buyer may claim to have seen the listing on Craigslist or on Facebook Marketplace, and declare that they want to buy it for more than you are asking just to ensure no one else buys the listing before they do,” according to Chargebacks911.

Or, they might say they overpaid to cover shipping and handling or other fees. Whatever the excuse, they follow up by asking you to refund the overpayment to a third party.

In the meantime, they’ve sent you a check and you’ve sold them your car. When, several days later, the bank processes the check, you’re informed that the check was fraudulent — but the fraudster is already in the wind and you’re on the hook for the money.

This is what happened to Neff, when a potential buyer sent him a check for more than his asking price and then asked him to refund the overage to a shipping company.

“And sure enough, 10 days later it came back as a counterfeit check,” he told KHOU 11.

It can also happen to buyers. Dayja Wallace nearly lost $1,200 when she tried buying a used car online. In her case, the seller used a sense of urgency to push the sale forward, saying that their son had passed away and they wanted to “hurry up and sell the car,” she told KHOU 11.

The seller suggested that Wallace pay a shipping company up front to speed up the transaction and the seller would then send a check to Wallace.

A fake check can look remarkably like a real one — and in some cases it may actually be real, but it belongs to someone whose identity has been stolen.

“It can take weeks for a bank to figure out that the check is a fake,” according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “Even if you see the funds in your account, that doesn’t mean it’s a good check. Fake checks can take weeks to be discovered and untangled. By that time, the scammer has any money you sent, and you’re stuck paying the money back to the bank.”

Even if you were unaware that you were being scammed, you could still be responsible for replacing the funds.

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

Red flags every used car seller or buyer should know

Summer is often the peak car buying season, according to Premier Auto Group. “Families often seek to purchase vehicles before the school year starts. While you can find deals, prices may be higher due to demand.”

Even if prices are higher, beware of customers who offer to overpay or ‘accidentally’ send you more money than the asking price.

“This is a huge red flag, and you should respond by rejecting any transaction with this customer. This is doubly true of any customer who offers to pay your transaction fees,” warns Chargebacks911.

Indeed, you may want to avoid accepting checks altogether. Instead, use a credit card, which can help protect you from fraudulent transactions (most major credit card companies have zero-liability protection). And don’t forward funds to a third party for any reason.

“Customers that ask you to transfer any amount of money for any reason should be flagged as potential fraudsters and their transactions immediately canceled,” advises Chargebacks911.

Other red flags include a sense of urgency and/or not wanting an in-person viewing (which is unusual for a major purchase like a car). You should also be wary if you’re feeling pressured to use an escrow service you’re not familiar with — fraudsters can set up a fake escrow company or even pose as a legitimate one.

“Be wary the moment a seller begins to stipulate the escrow site that must be used to complete a transaction. That is your time to run a thorough scrutiny on the website before settling for it,” says Escrow.com. You should also avoid any services that require payment through untraceable methods.

If you think you may have been targeted by an overpayment scam, report it to the FTC and your state consumer protection office.

What to read next

• 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 are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

If a mystery package shows up on your doorstep, don’t assume it’s a lucky break. It could mean your personal information has been exposed.

The U.S. Postal Service is warning Americans about a fast-growing scheme known as a “brushing” scam. It may look like a harmless delivery, like a keychain, some socks, a random kitchen gadget, but it’s often a red flag that cybercriminals have gotten hold of your name and address.

Worse, experts say these schemes can be just the beginning of a broader attempt to exploit your identity or financial accounts.

Here’s how the scam works, what it means for your data and what to do if you’ve been targeted.

Don’t miss

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

What is a brushing scam?

Brushing scams involve unsolicited deliveries from third-party online sellers looking to boost their product ratings and visibility. These sellers send cheap, low-value items to real names and addresses, then leave fake “verified” reviews, often posing as the recipient.

“These scams occur when a customer receives unsolicited packages containing low-cost items like household goods,” U.S. Postal Inspector Kelly McNulty told KOB 4 News in Albuquerque. “These packages are often sent by online retailers or third parties who use compromised personal information to create fake transactions.”

In other words: if you get a package you didn’t order, someone may already have your data, and they’re using it for profit.

Why you should care

At first glance, a free item might not raise alarms. But it should.

Brushing scams don’t just manipulate e-commerce platforms. They suggest that your personal details, including your full name, phone number, home address and possibly even payment info, have been scraped, sold or stolen. That’s information that can be used in identity theft, credit fraud, phishing scams or even attempts to bypass two-factor authentication.

“This is about more than just a package,” McNulty warned. “Treat your personal information like cash.”

Part of a larger problem

The brushing scam warning comes as part of a broader initiative by the USPS called “Project Safe Delivery,” launched in 2023 to combat mail-related crime. Since its rollout, the program has led to 2,800 arrests, including over 1,200 this year alone, tied to mail theft and attacks on postal workers.

Now, the USPS is working to raise awareness about fraud tactics targeting consumers directly, especially as scams become more personalized and harder to detect.

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 to do if a strange package shows up

If you receive a mystery box in the mail, don’t panic, but do take action. Here’s what the Postal Service and cybersecurity experts recommend:

• Report it: Go to USPIS.gov and file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Reporting these scams helps federal investigators trace the origin and stop future incidents.
• Audit your accounts: Check your online shopping, banking and credit card accounts for any unusual charges. It’s also smart to request a free credit report from Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to spot any suspicious activity.
• Update your passwords: Even if you don’t see fraud, it’s a good idea to change your passwords, especially for your email, Amazon, bank and any accounts where financial or personal data is stored.
• Use a password manager: Password managers generate and store complex, unique passwords for every account, making it harder for hackers to break in if your data has already been exposed.
• Don’t engage: You are not obligated to return or review the item. In fact, doing so may validate your address to scammers and lead to more unwanted deliveries.

Most importantly, don’t scan any QR codes on the package. These codes can lead to malicious websites that steal personal data, install malware or phish for sensitive information, postal workers say.

Don’t fall for fake stamps, either

While brushing scams are grabbing attention, USPS is also flagging another fraud risk: counterfeit postage.

“If you see large discounts on stamps, like 40 to 50% off, it’s probably too good to be true,” McNulty said. These fakes often pop up on social media or discount sites and can result in your mail being rejected or you facing penalties. To stay safe, always buy stamps directly from USPS or licensed retailers.

The bottom line

Scams like brushing or counterfeit postage don’t just waste your time, they can open the door to financial and identity theft.

So, if something feels off, a strange delivery, a fishy discount, or a request for personal info, don’t ignore it.

Protect yourself by treating your personal data the same way you’d treat your debit card or Social Security number: carefully, and with skepticism.

As McNulty puts it: “Think before you send it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broken up but still living together?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to move forward financially after a breakup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.

Jerry and Mindy Dunaway were looking forward to spending their retirement traveling, golfing and spending time with their grandkids. They believed they had planned well for their financial future.

However, those plans now lay in tatters. The Atlanta-area couple fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam that cost them $800,000 they had set aside for retirement.

It started with an innocent-sounding WhatsApp message from a stranger about an investment opportunity. Jerry was encouraged to make small investments using a trading app.

At first, the returns were good, so Jerry started investing larger amounts. But when he tried to access his money, he found that he couldn’t.

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“They show that you have money in, that you’ve made money,” he told WXIA 11Alive News. “This is a no-brainer. You invest more."

The couple eventually called 911 but were told that it was unlikely they would ever get their money back. Now, they are determined to move forward — and have made it their mission to warn others about the risks of investing in cryptocurrency.

Why is crypto so risky and who’s most vulnerable?

Speaking to 11Alive News, Emory University Goizueta Business School professor Rajiv Garg said cryptocurrencies are not covered by the same regulations and government oversight as cash. While that may have its advantages, it also comes with risks.

“The scams are very easy, because there’s no oversight,” Garg said. “You cannot go to a bank and say, ‘Look, my money is stolen. Can you give it back?’ Because the bank wasn’t even involved in those scenarios.”

He says scammers use artificial intelligence to help build trust, communicating with and answering questions from many potential investors at once. What’s more, cryptocurrency transactions typically aren’t reversible unless the recipient agrees to send it back.

According to the FBI, losses related to cryptocurrency fraud totaled more than $5.6 billion in 2023, a 45% increase from 2022. There were 69,000 complaints from the American public about cryptocurrency fraud in 2023.

Those over the age of 60 reported the highest losses, at more than $1.2 billion. Scammers groom older adults using a technique known as pig butchering. They can pretend to be the victim’s friend and then entice them with can’t-miss investment opportunities.

When older people are targeted in such schemes, the results can be devastating. Often the missing money was intended to fund a retirement plan, as was the case with the Dunaway’s.

“You swear to God you’re talking to a real person. It’s that sophisticated now,” said Jerry. “And that’s dangerous.”

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

How to spot red flags and protect yourself

According to the FBI and other experts in the field, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from cryptocurrency scams:

• If you receive an unsolicited call or message from a stranger about an investment opportunity, your best bet is to disengage immediately. Schemes that promise massive returns should be a red flag.

• If you’ve never met someone in real life, even if you’ve texted or chatted on the phone, be extremely cautious about accepting investment opportunities from them.

• Never give out personally identifying information without first verifying the identity of the person asking for it.

• Limit your financial advice to that which comes from a certified financial advisor who works for an institution you know and trust.

• If you think someone is trying to scam you or someone you know, report the incident to the authorities. This could be local law enforcement or an agency like the Federal Trade Commission.

Remember, if a stranger contacts you randomly with a fantastic investment opportunity, ask yourself whether it seems too good to be true — if so, it likely is.

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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.

In San Mateo, California, a runaway train of embezzlement and theft found its way back into the station.

Former Caltrain employees Seth Andrew Worden and Joseph Vincent Navarro were sentenced to 60 days and 120 days in county jail, respectively, for embezzlement of public funds.

Navarro, previously Caltrain deputy director, used $42,000 of public funds to build an apartment for himself at Burlingame Station into a secret apartment. He directed Worden to hire contractors to remodel office space and keep the invoices under $3,000 to avoid detection, as going over that amount would require higher approval.

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Worden, a Caltrain station manager, used the same methods to embezzle $8,000 — remodeling a part of Millbrae station in 2019. He was caught just a year later in 2020 and fired when station employees found the living space.

Navarro maintained his secret apartment — with its brand new kitchen, shower, heating, plumbing and security cameras — up until 2022. Caltrain received an anonymous tip exposing his living situation.

Together, they embezzled over $40,000 of public funds.

"When it’s public money that is being stolen by a public employee, that’s egregious. That takes it up a level," San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told ABC7 News.

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

Worden was also sentenced to pay $8,000 in restitution and to receive substance abuse treatment and counseling — while Navarro has been ordered to surrender to surrender to authorities for his jail sentence on Aug. 2. A restitution hearing in his case has been scheduled for Aug. 15 according to CBS News.

The case also reflects the extreme cost pressures facing Bay Area residents. With median home prices hovering near $1.25 million according to Re/MAX and rents among the highest in the nation, housing insecurity can push individuals toward unconventional — and sometimes unlawful — solutions. While the Caltrain scheme was deliberate fraud, as framed by the prosecution, it also highlights how a lack of affordable housing and oversight can create openings for opportunistic behavior in public systems.

What to read next

• 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
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• Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here’s how
• Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead

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.