Category: Moneywise

What started as a routine wildlife check turned into a multimillion-dollar legal bombshell.

A trail camera set up in Issaquah’s Grand Ridge Park to catch glimpses of local wildlife like bobcats and jaguars ended up catching something entirely unexpected: a tree hurtling down a hillside.

“To see a tree just flying down the hill like a javelin was pretty alarming,” Alex Brown, the homeowner who installed the motion-triggered camera, told KING 5. “Pretty much every day we see a bear coming by that camera, bobcats, cougars, the occasional mountain lions.”

Instead, what pinged Brown’s phone was a sliding tree and what he discovered when he hiked up to investigate would soon ignite a legal firestorm involving more than 140 felled trees.

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‘Serious and generational harm’

Brown said that he “found that quite a few trees had been cut up there within the park boundary,” adding, “A lot of them are still lying on that slope, which is alarming to those of us living down here.”

Many of the scattered stumps and fallen branches were inside a protected area of Grand Ridge Park.

King County has now filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $7 million in damages, accusing several homeowners of illegally cutting down 142 trees, many classified as “significant,” allegedly for the purpose of scoring a better view of West Tiger Mountain.

"This unlawful act caused serious and generational harm to a protected natural area," said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez in a statement. He added that the cuts violated county codes, disrupted the wildlife habitat and damaged decades of public investment in conservation.

Jimenez said the county is going after civil penalties, treble damages and the contractors involved in what they call an environmental breach of trust.

Local resident Caitlin McNulty walks the trails daily with her young son Julian and said one of the falling trees landed just a few hundred feet from their home.

“It was just pretty scary because this is part of our regular little Julian loop that we come and walk most days,” McNulty said.

She suspects those responsible assumed they could get away with it.

“I imagine they thought there was a really low probability of anyone finding out. It would have been really hard for someone to have known this happened and I think the only reason we did is we had that wildlife camera there,” she said.

KING 5 spoke with one of the named homeowners in the lawsuit, who claimed the tree-cutting was done legally and for his family’s safety. But county officials aren’t convinced.

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Dos and don’ts as a homeowner

You have freedoms as a homeowner in the U.S., but those freedoms stop when they infringe on public safety, environmental integrity, neighbor rights, or zoning laws. Make sure you do your homework before swinging that sledgehammer or aiming that chainsaw.

What you can do

While you’ll want to research the specific laws pertaining to the project you want to carry out, these are general guidelines about what you’re typically allowed to do.

• Home improvements: You can remodel, add rooms, or build a deck, but “any project that goes beyond a simple repair or aesthetic upgrade” usually requires a permit from your local building department. If you skip this step, you can expect delays, fines, or even forced demolition.
• Rent your property: There’s no federal law stopping you from turning your home into a cash-flow machine but be sure to check local bylaws based on where you live, because every city, county and zoning board writes its own rules, so check before you list that spare room on Airbnb, or other rental services.
• Landscape paradise: Want a backyard oasis? Go for it, but watch water‐use laws in drought zones and be careful not to disturb wildlife habitats (especially in conservation landscapes).
• Install solar and eco‑upgrades: “Solar rights” laws in many states protect your right to go green. But you’ll still need permits, interconnection inspections and sometimes an HOA notice.

What you can’t do

Here are some things you shouldn’t do if you don’t want to get in trouble:

• Cut down trees without permission: Even if they are in your own yard, many cities and states require permits before removing trees. Fines and requirements often depend on tree size, species, or location.
• DIY without necessary permits: Building a fence, shed, or even a pool without pulling proper permits? Local authorities can issue a stop-work order, force you to tear it all down and slap you with a fine. It’s not just a slap on the wrist; it could be demolition day.
• Be a noisy neighbor: Constant noise, bright lights, or strong odors from your property? You could end up paying $20,000 to $50,000 in damages under local nuisance laws.
• Breaking HOA rules: Break HOA rules, like say, paint your house neon green or build an unapproved deck and you could face monthly fines, legal fees, or even foreclosure proceedings.

Some tips on being a good neighbor, in general

• Always consult your municipality before changing property and check for permits for everything from remodeling to major landscaping.
• Check HOA rules, submit plans for approval and keep documented records and communications of every step along the way.
• Hire arborists before removing trees, especially large, habitat-important or protected species.
• Be a considerate neighbor by limiting noisy tools, bright lights and strong odors.

While the case in King County is currently civil, the King County Prosecutor’s Office says criminal charges are still on the table.

As for Brown, he is still shocked by what he saw, “The fact that so much damage was done and consequently their view was improved raises a lot of questions,” he said.

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

A special multi-agency operation took place in parts of Tennessee and Mississippi to fight a growing and costly form of fraud — one that can directly impact families in need who rely on electronic benefit transfers (EBT) to get by.

From July 8-9, the Secret Service, along with local law enforcement officers, launched a coordinated effort. They visited hundreds of businesses to search for illegal card skimmers that could potentially lead to the siphoning of government benefits before recipients use them.

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“This is an operation that is primarily based around education and outreach,” Memphis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Mark Switzer shared during a morning brief, as captured by WREG News Channel 3 cameras in a story published July 8.

In total, more than 2,200 point-of-sale (POS) terminals, 857 gas pumps and 234 ATMs were inspected across more than 486 businesses, according to the Secret Service. Four skimming devices were recovered, which the agency estimates prevented potential losses of $4.2 million.

The broadcaster accompanied agents and was present when one skimming device laid on top of a card reader’s keypad at a Memphis grocery store was retrieved and bagged as evidence.

How card skimming works

Card skimming is a type of fraud that involves installing hidden devices on ATMs, gas pumps or POS devices to steal information from card users. These devices can include keypad overlays that record a PIN and card readers that copy card data. In some cases, a small camera is used to record the transaction.

“There’s a number of [criminals] that are out there that are getting ahold of this information and then using it for their own purposes,” Switzer told WREG News Channel 3.

With this data in hand, fraudsters can clone your card and quickly drain your account. The Secret Service estimates skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion each year.

But the stakes are often higher for EBT cardholders, who are vulnerable and rely on benefits to survive, and states may not have programs in place to replace stolen funds.

“They are literally stealing food from the mouths of children,” the Secret Service described in a news release.

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EBT cards in Tennessee are especially vulnerable because they don’t have a chip like many bank-issued cards. Magnetic stripe cards are easier to copy, making them prime targets for skimmers.

Agents of the task force are working to uncover who installed the device found in the Memphis grocery store, per the broadcaster, and they educated employees on how to better detect these devices.

Avoid falling victim to card skimming

Card skimming has become a major issue for both EBT and credit card users. The hidden devices can be hard to spot, and after the information is gathered money can be removed from an account quickly.

Here are a few tips to reduce your risk:

Check the scanner before you swipe: Before swiping or inserting your card, gently tug on the card reader and the keypad. If they feel loose or look off, don’t use that terminal.

Use visible POS machines: If you’re using a debit card, opt for bank ATMs. If you’re paying with a credit or EBT card, use the card inside or at well-lit terminals in visible locations.

Block your PIN: Use your hand to shield your PIN when you punch it in. While some scammers use keypad covers, others use pinhole cameras to record transactions.

Check your account regularly: Make sure to check your bank or EBT card account often and verify even small purchases. Keeping a record of where and when you use EBT funds can help identify suspicious transactions.

Change your PIN before benefits hit: If you have an EBT card, consider changing your PIN regularly or the day before benefits are scheduled to hit. This way, if someone has your PIN from last month, they may not have access to your new funds.

If you suspect your card has been compromised, call the customer service line immediately and have your card frozen. Report any fraud to your bank or EBT service provider. Above all, be alert. Staying vigilant is your best defense against card skimming.

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

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

Canada is a pretty big country, with plenty to see and do, to say the least. This should be news to exactly no one, but many Canadians have not traveled through much of their own country. A new survey from Go RVing Canada reveals almost eight in 10 Canadians say they’re interested in exploring more of Canada, however, nearly half (43%) haven’t ever ventured beyond their home province.

"It’s inspiring to see so much patriotism among Canadians this year, especially when it comes to supporting domestic travel and local businesses," Chris Mahony, president of Go RVing Canada said in a statement. "But it’s surprising how many of us haven’t truly experienced all that Canada has to offer."

Canadian travellers visiting their own backyard for the first time

Despite the vast beauty right in their own backyards, many Canadians haven’t yet taken the plunge to explore beyond their home province. Nearly half admit they just don’t know where to start, while a surprising 64% say life has simply gotten in the way of planning their next adventure. But there’s good news. This year, most Canadians ready to hit the road are choosing to discover their own country.

Ontario leads the pack as the top destination, drawing more than a third of domestic travellers. Quebec follows closely, captivating over a quarter of explorers, with British Columbia rounding out the top three, attracting about a quarter of those planning Canadian getaways.

Interestingly, Quebecers seem to be embracing the comfort of home this year, with nearly eight in 10 planning to stay within their province. But for those venturing further, Ontario and New Brunswick are popular choices.

Meanwhile, folks in B.C. and Ontario are largely sticking close to home — about 70% are opting for staycations this year. But roughly one in five from these provinces are shaking things up with cross-country trips, with B.C. residents setting their sights on Ontario, and vice versa.

Alberta stands out with the lowest rate of staycations, as only 55% plan to stay put. Almost half of Albertans are eager to venture beyond their borders, with British Columbia and Ontario topping their wish lists for Canadian travel.

Embracing the beauty and adventure right at home

While some Canadians may be choosing to explore their own country partly due what is happening south of the border, Canada is far from a fallback option. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and diverse cultural experiences, Canada stands as a remarkable destination in its own right.

This year, as more Canadians venture out to discover all that their backyard has to offer, they’re seeing, many for the first time, how much there is to experience and enjoy right here at home.

Survey methodology

The results are based on a national survey in English and French of 1,001 adults conducted by Fuse Insights in May 2025, with respondents drawn from an online research panel.

With files from Nicholas Sokic

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

Many people in Michigan’s Midland area remain underwater financially after a catastrophic dam failure in 2020 forced the evacuation of 11,000 residents and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

"So many of us are still not just back to where we were, but not even a level of financial stability, of not having a home that is permanent and is sustainable," resident Darla Ball told ABC 12.

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She is among nearly 800 area residents to send a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, demanding the governor keep a promise she made at the time of the disaster.

Whitmer’s exact words: “Little by little, we are going to help the Midland-area residents and businesses get back on their feet."

Residents believe that “back on their feet” means financial compensation from the state, and residents are tired of waiting for it.

"We feel we have been ignored and left behind," Ball said.

Here’s why 2,000 of them have launched a lawsuit.

Residents argue that the state had a role in disaster

On May 19, 2020, a dam on the Tittabawassee River failed.

Owned by Boyce Hydro Power, the original dam was showing its age before it collapsed, according to a report by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

Sadly, its failure led to a second dam to collapse — resulting in catastrophic flooding.

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Local business owners Denny and Kathy Sian had to take out a mortgage to rebuild their destroyed hardware store.

"Other people, their retirements were destroyed, mine included,” Denny Sian said. “My retirement was having a store that was paid off.”

Many residents successfully sued the private company Boyce Hydro Power, which was forced to liquidate its assets to pay for damages.

But as Mid Michigan Now reports, residents believe the state is also financially responsible.

A group of 2,000 of them have joined forces to sue Michigan for damages. Attorney Ven Johnson, who is representing the plaintiffs, argues that the state actually increased the risk of dam failure “by demanding that water levels be raised.”

But state officials deny responsibility, arguing that the original lawsuit against Boyce Hydro Power demonstrated that county officials were not to blame.

"The failure of the Edenville Dam was tragic,” As Michigan Attorney General told 12News in a statement, “and the Attorney General sympathizes with the thousands affected by the dam failure who undeniably suffered tremendous losses.

“The State, however, was not responsible for the dam failure."

The Attorney General also noted that the plaintiffs initially lost their suit against the county. But the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled the plaintiffs’ case can continue and return to the trial court.

Johnson is motivated. He said for the state to deny responsibility is “just crazy,” and that officials clearly want to keep “delaying, delaying, delaying and destroying people’s dreams.”

The trial is expected to begin in January if there are no further delays.

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

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

We 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.

There’s passionate debate about how to solve America’s ongoing housing crisis, much of which revolves around mortgage rates, zoning issues, immigration and construction. However, billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban believes the biggest issue of all is being overlooked by the public.

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“Home insurance in areas hit by repetitive disasters is going to be the number one housing affordability issue over the next 4 years. And possibly going into the midterms. More so than interest rates,” he said in a post on Bluesky. “Florida, in particular, is going to have huge problems.”

Home insurance crisis

Home insurance rates have surged, driven primarily by two key factors: inflation and climate change.

The cost of labor and building materials for homes has risen rapidly since the pandemic. Although the price of lumber has recovered, the National Association of Home Builders says things like drywall, concrete and steel mill products are still selling at elevated prices.

For those with a replacement cost insurance policy, it can cost the insurer more to cover the cost of replacing your home without taking depreciation into account. The risk this presents will be reflected in your premium.

While homes are more expensive to replace, they’re also more prone to damage because of climate change.

Severe floods, wildfires and hurricanes have become more frequent, which must be factored into the underwriting of property insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “cumulative replacement costs related to homeowners insurance soared 55% between 2020 and 2022.”

In fact, major insurers like Farmers and Progressive have either left states like Florida or limited their exposure to these disaster-prone regions. Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute said, “We have estimated up to 15% of Florida homeowners may not have property insurance, based on input from insurance agents across the state.”

Homeowners and potential homebuyers should be aware of how risky it is to go without coverage and prepare for the cost of adequate protection.

Lowering the cost of home insurance may seem difficult with these facts at hand, but it is still possible to shop around for a better deal on your home insurance with MediaAlpha. Moreover, their easy-to-use platform makes finding a better deal possible in just minutes.

Find the best home insurance rates in your area when you answer a few quick questions about yourself and your home. You’ll see a list of offers tailored to your needs so you can easily comparison shop for a new rate on your mortgage.

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Ways to protect yourself

If you haven’t purchased a property yet, considering the climate risk of any location you seek to move to is worth your while. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers flood maps to help you assess risk.

If you already own a high-risk property, consider investing in resilience measures such as securing shutters and roofs, elevating structures in flood-prone areas and using fire-resistant materials in wildfire zones. Doing so can get you a discount on your premium in Florida.

Don’t forget that shopping around is the best way to find an affordable rate. Borrowers who received two rate quotes saved up to $600 annually, according to 2023 research from Freddie Mac. That number rose to $1,200 annually for borrowers who searched for at least four rate quotes from different lenders.

If you want a quick and efficient way to do this, the Mortgage Research Center (MRC) can help you quickly compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type and price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a mortgage with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

Finally, if you can’t afford insurance, look into your state-backed insurer of last resort. California’s FAIR Plan or Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation could be your ultimate safety net if you can’t find private insurance elsewhere.

Invest in property without owning it

Getting on the property ladder with the soaring price of mortgages and insurance may seem impossible, but you can still grow your wealth in real estate without the hassles of buying, maintaining and insuring a property.

The $36 trillion U.S. home equity market has historically been the exclusive playground of large institutions, but new investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

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

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

Lester, a 51-year-old from Pittsburgh, has no debt aside from his mortgage. The company he works for recently sent a letter to employees offering them a lump-sum payment when they leave in return for ending their participation in the company’s pension plan.

He can choose a one-time payout of $71,000, or he can opt to take a future stream of income and receive $455 per month for life starting at age 65. With only 30 days to decide, he finds the decision confusing and overwhelming.

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Some companies — looking to reduce their pension obligations and the costs of plan administration — may offer employees the option of a one-time payout instead of a life-long stream of pension benefits.

This is the situation Lester now finds himself in. He’s wondering if he should take the $71,000 lump sum or a guaranteed $455 per month in retirement?

Lump-sum payment or lifelong income?

Crunching the numbers will involve looking at different scenarios for investment returns and inflation. A financial advisor will have access to financial planning programs that can generate scenarios under different economic conditions to help clients decide which option might make the most financial sense for their situation.

For instance, the stream of pension payments could be eroded by inflation over time, while — given suitable investment returns — it may be possible to increase withdrawals from the lump-sum amount over time to account for inflation.

Lester’s decision may partly depend on his other resources in retirement. If he’s worried he won’t have enough savings to last a long time, then he may benefit from a lifelong guaranteed income stream.

If Lester takes the lump sum, he’ll need to have the investment know-how and discipline to make the most of that one-time payout.

With a monthly income of $455, it would take about 13 years to rack up $71,000. If Lester invested the lump sum in an S&P 500 index fund — the index has had an average annual return of around 10% over the last 20 years — at a 10% return rate he could earn $245,000 in the same time frame.

But he must be warned: investing the money means it’s subject to market risks, and past returns don’t guarantee future earnings. Meanwhile, those monthly payments would be a sure thing.

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Non-financial considerations

Lester’s decision may largely depend on his risk tolerance. If he’s comfortable taking on risk, he may be able to earn a decent return by investing his lump-sum payment. If he’s risk-averse, he may be more comfortable with guaranteed life-long payments.

But there are other considerations. If Lester is in poor health and doesn’t believe he’ll live another 30 to 40 years, he may want to take a one-time payout because he’ll get more value out of it than a short period of payments.

However, if he doesn’t roll the one-time payout directly into an IRA or have it transferred from trustee to trustee, then the money will be treated as ordinary income for tax purposes and 20% tax will be withheld at the time of the distribution.

Also, if Lester withdraws the money from the IRA before he’s 59.5 years old, the money will be treated as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% additional tax.

Another consideration is how disciplined Lester is with his money. One third (34%) of retirees who took a lump sum from their defined contribution (DC) plan at retirement depleted it within five years, according to MetLife’s 2022 Paycheck or Pot of Gold Study. On average, two out of five (41%) of those who still had assets past five years said they were worried their money would run out.

On the other hand, 96% of those who chose the lifetime payment stream said they were happy they chose to do so and “nearly all annuity-only retirees (97%) use their DC plan money for some type of ongoing expense, such as day-to-day living expenses or housing expenses,” according to the MetLife study.

Regardless of study results, it’s a potentially life-altering decision, one that is personal and requires weighing financial and non-financial considerations.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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

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

As home prices and mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, finding an affordable place to buy a home has become a nearly impossible dream for many Americans.

The national median home price hit $419,000 in early 2025, pricing out potential buyers across the country. And with mortgage rates hovering near 7%, even modest homes now come with hefty monthly payments.

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A new WalletHub study is naming the most and least affordable cities for homebuyers, based on more than just listing prices.

The ranking of 300 cities is based on 10 key affordability metrics, including home-price-to-income ratios, rent-to-buy comparisons, property taxes, insurance costs, vacancy rates and housing availability.

Here’s a closer look at the three cities that topped the list for overall affordability, and why they stand out despite today’s tough housing market.

Top 3 most affordable cities in the US

The cities at the top of the list aren’t solely based on the lowest home prices, but they offer the best balance of income, housing inventory and ownership value, according to WalletHub.

3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Homes in Pittsburgh may cost more than the No. 1 and 2 spots on the list, but WalletHub ranks it third thanks to strong fundamentals.

It has one of the best rent-to-buy ratios in the country, meaning purchasing a home often makes better financial sense than renting. The median home price is also only 3.8 times the city’s average household income, which is considered a sustainable and healthy affordability benchmark.

On top of that, Pittsburgh ranks 14th in housing availability in WalletHub’s study, offering buyers more options than most metros. Combine that with a stable economy, robust job market and high livability, and Pittsburgh becomes the most balanced city in the top three.

2. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit ranks second in affordability according to WalletHub, largely due to its extremely low home prices relative to local income — the second-lowest price-to-income ratio in the country. The median price per square foot is just $87, and many homes are still listed well under six figures. That makes Detroit one of the few large U.S. cities where homeownership remains financially accessible.

The city also has a vacancy rate of 22.1%, one of the highest in the nation. While that reflects lingering effects of population loss and economic decline, it also gives buyers considerable leverage and a wide range of options. WalletHub notes that Detroit, like Flint, has a favorable rent-to-buy ratio, meaning it often costs less to buy than rent — a key driver of its high ranking.

Like Flint, Detroit’s low housing costs are driven by long-term economic decline and urban flight — though some neighborhoods are seeing investment and renewal.

1. Flint, Michigan

Flint tops WalletHub’s affordability list as the most affordable city in the U.S. to buy a home, thanks to a rare combination of factors. It has the lowest price per square foot in the study at just $61, and homes in the city are also the most affordable relative to local incomes. WalletHub also notes Flint’s high rent-to-price ratio, which means it’s often cheaper to buy a home than rent one — a rare dynamic in today’s housing market.

On top of that, Flint has a 21% vacancy rate, giving buyers more choices and leverage when shopping for homes. This high inventory contributes to the city’s affordability, even though it also signals a weaker housing demand.

However, affordability doesn’t always mean livability. Flint has long struggled with economic hardship and infrastructure issues, most notably its ongoing water crisis. High vacancy rates reflect a still-recovering housing market and weak demand in some areas.

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The 3 least affordable cities for homebuyers

While some cities offer a financial foothold for buyers, others have reached sky-high prices and offer limited inventory.

• Irvine, CA
• Santa Monica, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA

These cities rank at the very bottom of WalletHub’s affordability list. Each city’s affordability metrics make it nearly impossible for median-income households to purchase a home. Buyers in these markets face high prices, low inventory and often intense competition.

What this data means for you

Median home prices have jumped from $313,000 in 2019 to $419,000 today, while the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 6.81%, a sharp climb from the historic low of 2.65% in 2021.

With prices rising, homebuyers might consider other factors when determining whether they can afford a home, and the WalletHub study shows that affordability also depends on factors like how local home prices compare to income, property taxes, vacancy rates and cost of living.

Cities like Flint and Detroit top the list thanks to bargain home prices, but buyers have to weigh those savings against real challenges, like aging infrastructure, limited job opportunities and long-term investment potential.

A city like Pittsburgh, while more expensive up front, offers a more balanced equation: strong rent-to-buy value, healthy inventory and better access to amenities.

Thinking of relocating?

Before packing your bags for a more affordable city, ask yourself these questions to ensure you’re making the right long-term move.

• Does this city have the jobs, schools and health care I need?
• Are home prices low because of short-term issues, or long-term disinvestment?
• Can I afford the full cost of homeownership — including taxes, insurance and repairs — at current interest rates?
• Will I be happy living here, not just paying less?

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• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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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.

What should have been a straightforward home upgrade has turned into an ongoing nightmare for one family in Jacksonville, Florida.

The problem started when Bradley Byrd purchased a $3,500 fridge from Costco. The fridge came with a free appliance installation service, but he’s now facing an estimated $700,000 in damages due to a faulty water line installation.

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“They dropped the ball and are hoping that I foot the bill with my life savings for their bottom line,” Byrd told News4JAX.

His family is now living in a partially habitable home, without a fully functioning kitchen or bathroom. Many of their possessions were ruined, including furniture, electronics and musical instruments. The rest is in storage, which he’s also covering out of pocket.

A fridge installation gone wrong

Byrd’s new fridge was delivered on Dec. 2 and the installation appeared to go smoothly. But soon after, he discovered Costco’s third-party installer had incorrectly installed the water supply line — causing it to crack and eventually burst.

“When my daughter got home from school that day, she FaceTimes me and says, ‘Dad, the house is underwater,’” Byrd said .

The flooding caused damage to the home’s structure, and an air quality inspection revealed an abundance of mold, according to the News4JAX report. The best settlement offer he received from Costco and the third-party installer was for $175,000.

“I have spent about $300,000 on repairs, mitigation, third-party charges for reports and testing and to get our belongings moved out and into storage,” Byrd told News4JAX.

At the time of writing, Byrd was still seeking a resolution from Costco and the third-party installer — all while paying out of pocket to repair his home.

“Crickets from Costco and RXO,” Byrd wrote on his website, costcowaterdamage.com, on June 6.

Public adjusters say the repairs will cost upwards of $700,000.

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The risks of ‘free’ appliance installation

In some cases, “free” might cost more than you think. Many retailers offer free installation services as an incentive. But they can be outsourced to third-party contractors, so you should ask a few questions to ensure there are no hidden fees before going ahead.

And, like the Byrds, a botched installation could result in a broken appliance, property damage and limited accountability.

Before scheduling an appointment, ask the third-party installer whether they’re licensed and insured. In some states, third-party installers are required to be licensed if they’re performing certain types of work, such as plumbing.

Next, find out who is liable if things go wrong. Does the installer have liability insurance that covers damage caused by their negligence? How much liability coverage do they have? What is their process for handling claims? Who is responsible for repairs if damage occurs?

It’s best to get this in writing. If they’re uninsured, they may not be willing or able to pay for damages.

It’s also important to understand your homeowner’s policy before having any work done on your home, even if it seems as minor as a fridge installation.

Your policy may cover certain damages, but not others. And, even if your insurer pays for damages, they may not pay for subsequent repairs.

Insurance is an especially thorny issue in the face of more and more extreme weather — from flooding in Texas to wildfires in California and hurricanes in Florida. With insurance premiums on the rise, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, taking the time to find the perfect policy for you could be more important than ever.

If you’re not satisfied with your current policy, you can shop around for better terms with reputable insurers near you through OfficialHomeInsurance.com.

Here’s how it works: Just answer some questions about yourself and the property you’d like to insure, and OfficialHomeInsurance.com will comb through its database of over 200 providers and display the best deals for you.

Even better, this process is entirely free and takes under two minutes — all without impacting your credit score.

Finally, note that you don’t have to always wait for your current plan to expire if you’re planning on switching – just make sure to watch out for any cancellation fees.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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

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

Thousands of drivers across the country are discovering their car paint jobs are literally peeling away — and fixing it could cost them thousands out of pocket.

For Ed Rinkowitz, a Florida Hyundai owner, the flaky paint job is a familiar and frustrating sight.

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“My daughter’s hood basically just flaked completely off, probably maybe 10% of the paint was left on it,” Rinkowitz told 10 Tampa Bay. “Then my wife’s car started and that was probably 30 to 40% that was coming off.”

Rinkowitz says it’s the third Hyundai in his family with paint issues — and he’s far from alone. A Facebook group called “Hyundai Paint Peel / Peeling” has grown to over 6,000 members, all sharing stories of paint jobs seemingly disintegrating.

So what’s causing the problem, and what can drivers do to protect their cars and wallets?

Paint problems, pricey fixes

While the issue spans several Hyundai models and paint colors, Rinkowitz says two of his affected vehicles were white — a trend echoed by dozens of other drivers. News station 10 Investigates also spoke with owners of Kia, Toyota and Chevrolet vehicles reporting similar issues.

Rinkowitz brought his concerns to the dealership, but hit a wall.

“I’ve got two white 2015 Elantras, very similar models, and they said, ‘Well, it’s not under warranty,’” he told 10 Investigates.

Instead, he was told to go to a body shop — a fix he didn’t feel should fall on him. And it isn’t cheap. According to Bankrate, repainting a car can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $20,000, depending on the vehicle size, paint type and finish. A typical paint job costs around $3,000.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Hyundai customers who say their paint peeled off prematurely. In response, some automakers have extended warranties and issued recalls.

Hyundai announced a paint warranty extension for eight models, including 2017 and 2018 Elantras, Sonatas and Santa Fes. The coverage applies to peeling or bubbling white paint, especially around the hood, fenders and roof.

Other drivers haven’t been as lucky. One Toyota Corolla owner told 10 Investigates that her dealership said the paint recall expired last year — even though her paint is now peeling off her car with just a spray from a garden hose.

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What can consumers do

Whether the issue is a manufacturer defect or not, there are steps car owners can take to help prevent paint damage before it gets worse.

Parking in a garage or shaded area helps. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap and hail can speed up peeling and cracking. UV rays, in particular, cause paint to fade and break down over time.

If your car’s paint starts to peel, don’t assume you’re out of options. Attorney Charles Gallagher says a denied warranty claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. He recommends asking the manufacturer for a warranty extension, especially if the issue stems from a known defect in the paint or its application.

Automakers have their own processes for addressing paint complaints. Hyundai advises drivers to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the company’s website to see if they qualify for a paint warranty extension. Kia recommends starting with your local dealership, but if that doesn’t work, the company encourages contacting its customer care team directly.

For now, many drivers are still trying to figure out what to do.

“I’m 70 years old. I’ve owned cars since I was like 16 years old,” Rinkowitz said. “I’ve never had a car where the paint flaked off like that.”

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

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

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