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Category: Moneywise

  • Houston woman endured ‘severe’ tooth pain for years — said teeth would ‘break in half’ while chewing food. Why millions of Americans share her struggle (and what to do about it)

    For more than a decade, Nikita Goffney lived with intense pain every time she tried to eat, all because her teeth were severely damaged.

    As she shared with KPRC 2 Helps You, her teeth would “break in half, literally, while I’m chewing food.”

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    The Houston resident had suffered silently for years, forced to avoid solid foods and compelled to hide her smile — and herself — out of embarrassment.

    "I don’t want (people) to judge me or, you know, judge my kids based off of me not having teeth in my mouth,” she said. “So it has affected my whole life."

    A life shaped by hardship

    Goffney’s dental problems began early. Raised in foster care, she had minimal access to dental exams and treatments during childhood. As an adult, she never had health or dental insurance, and the financial burden of dental care had put treatment out of reach. As a result, her oral health slowly deteriorated.

    "I’m basically gnawing like a baby to try to get food down," Goffney explained. Due to her dental challenges, most of her meals have been limited to fresh fruits blended with protein powder and juice.

    But some days, her gums would swell to the point that she simply couldn’t eat. “It (her gums) used to swell so bad that I would have to put ice packs on it,” she recalled. As the years went by, her teeth began to crack, fall apart and eventually fall out entirely.

    Goffney’s story, however, took a turn when she reached out to KPRC 2 Helps You. Reporter Bill Spencer connected her with Dr. Terri Alani — a Houston-based dentist specializing in implant, cosmetic and general dentistry — and Dr. Alani didn’t hesitate to help.

    “(I) realize how lucky I am to be able to give back to people," Dr. Alani expressed. "It’s not on purpose that their teeth are in such bad shape and that they can’t smile. Everybody should have the chance to be able to smile and feel good about themselves.”

    With Dr. Alani’s assistance, Goffney will receive a full smile makeover — free of charge. And while Goffney is thankful for Dr. Alani’s help, millions of Americans struggling with similar dental issues are unable to afford a trip to the dentist.

    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

    The hidden cost of dental neglect

    Goffney’s situation, while heartbreaking, is not uncommon. Dental care in the United States is often siloed from general health care and remains a financial burden for millions.

    According to recent statistics from the American Dental Association, only about 39% of adults ages 19-64 visit the dentist regularly. This is often due to cost barriers, which 13% of the population reported for dental care, versus 4–5% that reported cost barriers for other health care services.

    Here’s why dental issues can quickly become expensive:

    • Cleanings can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 without coverage, and untreated problems can often snowball into severe issues.
    • Root canals can exceed $1,200, and a dental bridge can cost you $2,500 or more.
    • Even those with insurance often find limited help, as many plans cap coverage anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000 annually, far short of what’s needed for major dental procedures.

    How to protect your smile and your wallet

    Whether you’re uninsured or underinsured, there are a few things Americans can do help to manage the costs of dental care:

    Find dental discount plans. Unlike insurance, these memberships offer reduced rates from participating dentists, often up to 50% off.

    Use HSAs or FSAs. With a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can set aside pre-tax dollars for future dental expenses.

    Get cost estimates in advance and budget. Ask for a written treatment plan so you can prepare yourself with a budget and even shop around to compare different dentists’ fees.

    Start a dental fund. Setting aside just $30–$50 per month in a high-yield savings account can cushion the blow if an emergency dental procedure arises.

    You may not have to pay 100% upfront. Many dentists offer payment plans or third-party financing, and some even offer sliding-scale fees.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘All of the bets were grayed out’: Chicago dad’s $389,000 March Madness win vanished when BetMGM canceled his payout over ‘obvious error’. Here’s how to protect your winnings

    ‘All of the bets were grayed out’: Chicago dad’s $389,000 March Madness win vanished when BetMGM canceled his payout over ‘obvious error’. Here’s how to protect your winnings

    Chicago-area resident Mark Aiello hit the jackpot with a $389,000 March Madness win on BetMGM, only to have his dreams dashed when the payout vanished.

    Aiello, a military vet and dad from Roselle, Illinois, placed $2,000 in bets that turned into a life-changing amount of almost $400,000.

    But when he checked the app after the game, Aiello was devastated to see his bets were gone.

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    "I looked at my BetMGM app, and I noticed that it looked weird," Aiello told CBS News Chicago, "like all of the bets were grayed out."

    Aiello’s huge win turned into an even bigger headache for the suburban dad, and now he’s warning others to be careful when it comes to sports betting apps.

    This has happened to other people

    The American Gaming Association has predicted a jaw-dropping $3.1 billion in bets this year on men’s and women’s college basketball, so it’s safe to say there was a lot of money on the line.

    In Aiello’s case, he thought he was about to score big during a March 2 Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers game.

    He placed four $500 bets on specific player rebounds and assists, hoping that a mix of six outcomes would land in his favor.

    "350 to 1 is definitely like hard odds to hit, so it’s unlikely," Aiello said. "Once the game was over, I was just, my heart was racing. I was incredibly excited."

    But Aiello’s bets were canceled right before tipoff as if he had never gambled at all, leaving him with no winnings.

    "It’s discouraging," he said. "It’s confusing and it makes you angry."

    Aiello’s situation isn’t an isolated one.

    Kris Benton from Virginia experienced something eerily similar in 2023.

    Benton had placed a massive $214,000 bet through BetMGM, only to see his payout voided hours later.

    "They just kept, you know, spamming me with their terms and conditions about the ‘obvious errors’ clause," Benton told CBS News.

    In both cases, BetMGM sent the same message: “These wagers were voided due to an obvious error.” The reason? “Obvious error of incorrect or inflated odds per the house rules.”

    But Aiello was baffled, since he says at least one of his bets had been reviewed by a BetMGM trader before being approved.

    "They took a look and said, yes, this is good to go, and then they didn’t cancel them for seven hours," Aiello said. "So I’m wondering where the obvious error was."

    Both Aiello and Benton say they never got a clear answer on what the correct odds should have been.

    Benton went public with his story, speaking to Washington, D.C. CBS affiliate WUSA-TV, and just weeks later, a BetMGM lawyer reached out to him with an unexpected offer: the company would pay out his bets in full.

    BetMGM didn’t provide a clear response when CBS News Chicago reached out, but they did confirm they submitted a report to regulators about Aiello’s complaint.

    So, how do you ensure you’re not caught in the same unfortunate situation as Aiello?

    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 protect your winnings

    Since sports betting and online gambling are regulated state-by-state, it’s critical that you navigate the rules and pick the right platform to protect your bets. Here are some best practices to follow:

    Always use a licensed betting platform

    Licensed sports betting apps are regulated by state authorities and must adhere to strict rules around fairness, transparency and accountability. States like New Jersey, with the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board, have their own agencies that oversee gambling to make sure the platforms are legitimate.

    Keep records of everything

    This includes screenshots of your bets, transaction logs and confirmation emails for deposits or withdrawals. Most reputable platforms let you access your transaction history anytime. If things go sideways, this history is crucial for sorting things out. And, don’t forget to document any conversations with customer support.

    Prioritize security

    Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account, use strong passwords and consider a password manager to keep your information secure. Stick to trusted payment methods like PayPal, bank transfers or credit cards, which typically offer fraud protection.

    Understand the legal landscape

    Sports betting is legal in almost 40 states, but the rules can vary. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan have embraced it, but be sure to check the regulations in your state, such as age limits or tax implications, before you bet.

    Always gamble responsibly

    Many betting platforms offer self-exclusion or deposit limit features. If you feel like you’re losing control, these can help you manage your activity. For anyone struggling, there are resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling to lend a hand.

    The excitement of a big win can quickly turn into frustration, and in some cases, like for Aiello, disappointment. So, it’s best to be careful where you put your money.

    What to read next

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

  • Joe Biden blasts Trump for taking ‘hatchet’ to Social Security — says it’s not just a government program, but a ‘sacred promise’ to Americans. 3 ways to protect your income no matter what

    Joe Biden blasts Trump for taking ‘hatchet’ to Social Security — says it’s not just a government program, but a ‘sacred promise’ to Americans. 3 ways to protect your income no matter what

    Social Security is widely considered a ‘third rail’ in American politics, meaning it’s so controversial that most politicians simply avoid touching it.

    But 100 days into his second administration, President Donald Trump hasn’t just touched the system but taken a “hatchet” to it, according to former president Joe Biden.

    "This new administration has done so much damage and done so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking," said Biden at a conference in Chicago.

    He also took aim at billionaire Elon Musk, whose team has pushed spending and staffing cuts at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and has called the system "the ultimate Ponzi scheme of all time."

    "What the hell are they talking about?" Biden said. "Social Security is more than a government program. It’s a sacred promise we made as a nation."

    Democrats and the former president are not the only ones alarmed by Trump and Musk’s recent moves on the nation’s retirement safety net. Public concerns about the system’s future reached a 15-year high, according to a recent Gallup poll.

    If you share these concerns, here are three ways you can bolster your retirement income regardless of what happens to Social Security in the future.

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    Maximize retirement accounts

    With the social safety net at risk, it might be a good time to consider weaving an independent safety net by maximizing your tax-sheltered retirement accounts.

    Ramp up contributions to your 401(k) or Roth IRA plans to start creating a self-sufficient retirement fund.

    Take the time to learn about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and start saving for any medical bills you may have to deal with in your senior years.

    This is also a great time to reach out to a professional tax planner or investment advisor to understand how you can bolster your long-term savings and investment plans.

    Look for alternative streams of passive income

    Most retirees rely on a combination of dividends from stocks, interest payments from savings accounts and Social Security benefits to fund their retirement. But with the last one in jeopardy, it might be a good idea to consider alternative sources of passive income.

    A rental property is a good example and is widely considered a reliable source of passive income.

    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

    According to Zillow, the median age of a landlord is 59 years old. If you start your real estate journey early, you could create a property portfolio that supplements any other sources of retirement income you may have.

    Consider moving and downsizing in retirement

    If you don’t have the time or money to create your own retirement plan and insulate yourself from any potential disruptions to Social Security, it might be time to get creative.

    If you don’t already live in a state that doesn’t tax your Social Security benefits, consider moving to one with a lower cost of living in general, or perhaps even out of the country. This could reduce the amount of money you need to live comfortably in retirement.

    Kathleen Peddicord, founder and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas, told CNN Travel that American seniors account for 80% of the site’s traffic and that visits surged 250% above average in the days after the U.S. election. Many retirees see the appeal of moving to Panama, Portugal or Malaysia insteading of financially struggling in America.

    Downsizing your home is another lifestyle adjustment that could make your retirement more comfortable. This isn’t a popular option, as 84% of American seniors consider aging in place a priority, according to a recent survey by Point, a home equity investment company.

    However, for those who are struggling to make ends meet in their senior years, unlocking some of the equity built up in their home could be a good way to meet essential expenses.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Trump lit the match and burned the house down’: Market chaos has fueled the rise of ‘finfluencers’ — here’s what you must keep in mind to avoid seeing your wealth go up in flames too

    Influencers are no longer just shaping Americans’ shopping habits and fashion choices — they’re also playing a role in how people manage their money. And one type of influencer has become particularly popular: the “finfluencer.”

    Short for "financial influencer," these creators break down complicated topics like investing, budgeting and wealth-building in everyday language — offering advice that feels a lot more like a chat with a friend than a seminar you have to sit through with a stale coffee in hand. They don’t just share textbook tips; they share their mistakes, their wins and their full financial roller coasters.

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    “Trump lit the match and burned the house down, then handed you the fire extinguisher,” Tori Dunlap, a 30-year-old financial influencer, shared with her 2.4 million TikTok followers, capturing the sense of chaos many feel as they navigate today’s markets.

    While it’s never been easier to swipe through financial advice, relying solely on social media for money decisions can come with real risks. Unlike certified financial planners, finfluencers aren’t held to a fiduciary standard — and their advice, however relatable, isn’t always backed by professional expertise.

    The comfort and the catch

    For Americans who feel overwhelmed by traditional financial institutions — especially as budgets get tighter — following relatable voices online can be an easy first step toward building better money habits.

    One finfluencer of note is Jeremy Schneider, known as @personalfinanceclub on Instagram. In early April, he posted about losing a quarter-million dollars in just two days after Trump’s tariff policies rattled the markets. Instead of pretending everything was fine, he got candid — showing his followers that volatility isn’t a reason to panic, it’s a reason to stay the course.

    “I wanted to put my face on my page so that people knew I’m still here, the sky’s not falling,” he told the Wall Street Journal.

    Hearing about these lived experiences online doesn’t just feel more authentic — it’s also cheaper. Traditional financial advisors often come with hefty hourly rates or ongoing retainer fees. In a time when cutting back is the norm, paying for professional advice can feel like a luxury that some can’t afford.

    Nearly one in three U.S. adults (30%) sought financial advice online in 2023, according to a recent financial survey. Younger Americans were even more likely to look to social platforms, but relying on these informal channels also comes with significant risks.

    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

    Avoiding costly mistakes

    Finfluencers have made money talk feel less intimidating, but when it comes to big financial decisions, sometimes you need more than a viral post. Certified financial planners are trained to create strategies that actually fit your goals, your risk tolerance and where you are in life — not just whatever’s trending on your For You page.

    Trusting a finfluencer is more common — and riskier — than you might think. According to a Credit Karma survey, 40% of Gen Z and 30% of millennials say they’ve made questionable money moves after acting on advice they found online. In fact, 37% of Gen Z and 25% of millennials ended up in real trouble — like getting hit with an IRS audit — after taking that advice.

    A professional financial advisor can help you build a comprehensive plan that considers factors like taxes, insurance, retirement savings and investment diversification. They’re also legally bound by a fiduciary duty, meaning they’re required to act in your best financial interest instead of just suggesting what worked for them personally.

    Instead of reacting emotionally to short-term swings, a good advisor can help you stay focused on the bigger picture and avoid mistakes that could cost you in the long run. While professional advice often comes with a fee, it can end up saving — or making — you more money over time.

    What to read next

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

  • Canadians rethink U.S. travel plans amid rising tensions: survey

    Canadians rethink U.S. travel plans amid rising tensions: survey

    Mounting political tensions, a sinking loonie and growing personal unease are prompting a significant shift in Canadian travel habits — with many saying they’re actively steering clear of the United States in 2025.

    Exclusive data compiled by Money.ca shows a strong majority of Canadians are changing their plans to avoid visiting the U.S. this year. In response to the question, “Have you changed your travel plans this year to avoid going to the U.S.?”, nearly two-thirds of respondents said yes, with 35.7% cancelling their trip outright and 29.5% choosing a different country altogether.

    Only 9% said they still intend to visit the U.S., while 21.4% said they had no plans to go in the first place. The rest remain undecided.

    infographic
    Money.ca

    Combined, these findings indicate that over 65% of respondents have made a conscious decision to avoid travel to the United States in 2025.

    This aligns with wider industry data that points to a steep drop in U.S.-bound travel from Canada. According to a report cited by CityNews Calgary, "bookings by Canadian travellers for U.S. Airbnb accommodations were down 12.1% in March 2025 compared with the same month last year."

    A mix of politics, prices and priorities behind the trend

    The downturn in U.S. travel isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s being driven by a mix of political and economic factors.

    “We are seeing this as a widespread movement,” Beth Potter, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, told CityNews. “Canadians are making travel decisions based on personal beliefs and political developments.”

    The weakening Canadian dollar, which currently sits around 70 cents U.S., is also playing a major role. As Potter noted, the cost of American travel is rising for Canadians, pushing many to choose other destinations or stay closer to home.

    Meanwhile, Statistics Canada data showed a 23% year-over-year drop in the number of Canadians driving across the border in February, and airline bookings between Canada and the U.S. are reportedly down more than 70% for the spring and summer.

    Domestic tourism could benefit as Americans head north

    While fewer Canadians are heading south, the domestic tourism sector may get a boost from travellers deciding to vacation at home, and from American tourists taking advantage of the exchange rate.

    “Because of the drop in the Canadian dollar, we are going to see more American visitation to Canada,” Potter told CityNews.

    With inflation and global instability influencing how people spend, the travel decisions Canadians are making in 2025 appear to reflect deeper economic caution and a growing awareness of geopolitical dynamics. The sharp pullback from U.S. destinations may be part of a longer-term shift in where and why Canadians choose to travel.

    Sources

    1. CityNews Calgary: Fewer people are travelling to Canada: StatCan (April 23, 2025)

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

  • ‘Daunting task’: Americans are more scared of going broke than dying — with ‘forgotten’ generation most spooked as they face high inflation and shrinking Social Security support

    ‘Daunting task’: Americans are more scared of going broke than dying — with ‘forgotten’ generation most spooked as they face high inflation and shrinking Social Security support

    More Americans are afraid of going broke than they are of dying.

    A new study by Allianz Life lays it bare: 64% of Americans say they fear running out of money ahead of death itself. Furthermore, 62% say they’re not saving as much for retirement as they’d like.

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    High inflation, shrinking Social Security support and rising taxes are driving this fear. Inflation was the top concern, cited by 54% overall and 61% of baby boomers, more than millennials (56%) or Gen X (55%).

    “With Americans living longer in retirement and facing risks like market volatility, creating a financial strategy so that your money lasts your lifetime is a daunting task,” Kelly LaVigne, Allianz Life’s Vice President of Consumer Insights, said in a press release. “A strong retirement strategy will go beyond a dollar amount in the bank — it will also address how you will create a reliable income stream from your assets.”

    Why anxiety is so high right now

    The fear of going broke is most prominent among Gen X (70%) — the “forgotten” generation — who are in their 40s and 50s and fast approaching retirement. Millennials aren’t far behind at 66%, while fear among boomers, many of whom are already retired, sits at 61%.

    An April 2025 report from Northwest Mutual found the average American believes they’ll need about $1.26 million to retire comfortably. That figure is down from $1.46 million in 2024.

    But many Americans are well short of this target. For those aged 55 to 64 and on retirement’s doorstep, the median retirement account balance is $185,000, according to Federal Reserve data. For those aged 45 to 54, the figure drops to $115,000.

    Several forces are at work. Inflation has shredded the real value of savings, making everything from groceries to health care more expensive. And Social Security — a major factor in American retirement — is looking increasingly shaky. The program’s trust funds could be depleted by 2035 — a time when many Gen X may be entering retirement — forcing possible benefit cuts, unless the government takes action.

    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 build a strong future

    The good news? You don’t have to be a millionaire today to retire comfortably tomorrow. But it’s wise to start taking smart, focused action, and soon.

    Start saving now, no matter how small the amount: The magic of compounding interest works wonders over time. The more you’re able to save over a longer period of time, the more compounding works in your favor. Delaying by even a few years could cost you big time down the road.

    Boost your retirement account contributions: Max out your employer’s 401(k) match if you have one — that’s free money. If possible, take advantage of catch-up contributions if you’re over 50.

    Prepare yourself emotionally: Many retirees aren’t undone by running out of money — they simply lose a sense of purpose. Start planning now for how you’ll stay mentally active, socially connected and personally fulfilled once the 9-to-5 grind ends, and you can be mentally prepared to make the most of your golden years.

    What to read next

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

  • Super-rich Americans like Mark Zuckerberg and Jay-Z have taken out mortgages for homes they can easily afford — here’s why

    Super-rich Americans like Mark Zuckerberg and Jay-Z have taken out mortgages for homes they can easily afford — here’s why

    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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    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 who’s a billionaire a couple or several times over may not have to worry so much about cash flow. But borrowing for a home allows them to hang onto their cash for other purposes, rather than tying their money up in an illiquid investment.

    Take Hollywood’s it couple, Jay-Z and Beyonce, with an estimated combined net worth of roughly $3.2 billion, for instance. But back in 2017, when their net worth was $1.6 billion, the power couple took out a $52 million loan to buy a hillside estate in Los Angeles., worth $88 million, according to a report published by the L.A. Times.

    "Depending on how their portfolio looks — what they’ve invested in — I think there could be a huge benefit to Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It gives them flexibility, and they could pay the mortgage off anytime," Robert Cohan, managing director at Carlyle Financial, said in an interview with Business Insider.

    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.

    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

    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.

    More ways to invest in real estate

    Buying additional properties to yield rental or investment income can be inconvenient, even for accredited investors. Not only do you have to worry about timely maintenance and property taxes, but you also have to deal with the hassles of being a landlord if you are thinking about renting it out.

    This is where First National Realty Partners (FNRP) comes in. With a minimum investment of $50,000, 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, 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.

    For those looking for affordable investment options, 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 12% to 18%, 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.

    What to read next

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

  • This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

    This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

    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.

    Car dealers aren’t always known for prioritizing your budget — and the lengths some will go to to separate you from your hard-earned money are greater than you might think.

    Most car shoppers have never heard of the four-square method, although it’s often used to convince you to make a big financial commitment without the full picture.

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    Here’s how it works, along with some tips on how to avoid falling into a car dealer’s trap.

    How the four-square method works

    The four-square method refers to the dealer making four squares on a piece of paper. The squares contain the following figures:

    • The value of your trade-in
    • Your down payment
    • The price of the vehicle you’re buying
    • The monthly payment for your new car

    Writing this info down might seem innocent, but dealers often cross numbers out and write them all over the sheet, causing you to lose track of what’s happening.

    Dealers sometimes try to obscure the car’s total costs when using this method. Instead, their goal is to get you focused on the amount of your monthly payment. They want to convince you the vehicle is in your budget if you can manage the monthly costs — no matter how many months it takes.

    Unfortunately, dealers aim to lock you into long-term car loans to make that price appear lower. But what it does is increase the total cost of the car, leaving you in debt for longer. You also pay more in interest over time, which is never good considering you also have to account for the ongoing cost of car insurance.

    Of course, the total cost is nowhere to be found on the squares.

    Insurance costs are an important factor to consider. Due to new tariffs on imported cars and auto parts from Canada and Mexico, your premium could increase by an average of 8% by the end of 2025, according to a study by Insurify — going from $2,313 a year up to $2,502.

    Whether you’re in the market for a car or not, you can always benefit from doing a little comparison shopping on your policy. This used to take hours of research, but not anymore with free services like OfficialCarInsurance.

    OfficialCarInsurance helps you instantly sort through the best policies from car insurance providers in your area, including trusted names like Progressive, GEICO, and Allstate. With rates as low as $29 per month, you can find coverage that suits your needs and potentially saves you hundreds of dollars per year.

    To get started, fill in some basic information and OfficialCarInsurance will provide a list of the top insurers in your area.

    The more you find savings for other car costs, the more money you can put toward your monthly car payments to pay off your loan faster.

    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

    Avoid falling for a car dealer’s strategy

    Fortunately, you can avoid being fooled by the 4-square method — or any other methods dealers use to squeeze every dollar out of you. Here’s what you can do to ensure you pay a fair price.

    Do your research before you go

    An informed customer is less likely to be swindled, so doing your own research can help you stick to a budget that makes sense for you. The Kelley Blue Book and AutoTrader can be a good way to find out the going rate for a car so you’ll know how much you can expect to pay.

    Get preapproved for a car loan independently

    You don’t have to borrow from the dealer when buying a car. While they sometimes offer great incentives, the rates are often comparable to car loans from private lenders.

    If you pass up dealer financing, they have fewer chances to tack on hidden costs or trick you into a low payment over an extended loan term.

    Take the time to shop around, compare rates and find out what you can afford with a reasonable loan term. That way you can leverage your pre-approval at the dealership and see if they can offer a lower rate.

    Look at total costs

    Dealers use the four-square method to present so many numbers that you won’t notice they aren’t disclosing the total costs. The problem is that not understanding the actual price you’re paying can lead to bad choices.

    If you have already been taken in by the four-square method, it’s not too late to lower your costs so you can make your car payments more affordable, allowing you to pay-off high-interest debt faster.

    Credible makes it easy to streamline your debt payments so you aren’t juggling paying off multiple lenders at different rates. Its online marketplace of vetted lenders provides personal loan offers based on your needs, allowing you to pay off your car loan more efficiently at a fixed rate.

    Consolidating your debt with a personal loan from Credible can be the first step towards more financial freedom and getting out from under that damaging debt.

    When buying a car, don’t let the dealer drive your decision making — and don’t let them confuse you. Go in with a clear budget and an understanding of what the car should cost. If the dealer doesn’t align with your financing needs, find a lender that does.

    What to read next

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

  • Bernie Sanders calls White House allegations of Social Security fraud and waste ‘a prelude not only to cutting benefits, but to privatizing.’ How outsourced Social Security might work

    Bernie Sanders calls White House allegations of Social Security fraud and waste ‘a prelude not only to cutting benefits, but to privatizing.’ How outsourced Social Security might work

    Could misinformation about Social Security be paving the way for privatization? That’s how Bernie Sanders sees it.

    Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont told CNN that lying about Social Security “is a prelude not only to cutting benefits, but to privatizing Social Security itself.” By making the system appear dysfunctional, then “why would anybody want to support it?”

    Don’t miss

    DOGE aims to cut 12% of the Social Security Administration (SSA) workforce, reducing staff from 57,000 to 50,000. It’s also consolidating 10 regional offices down to four and closing 45 field offices across the country, according to Government Executive.

    A leaked email from SSA’s acting commissioner Leland Dudek, published by The Bulwark, sparked fresh fears about privatization.

    The March 1 email to staff stated they need to “revitalize SSA operations by streamlining activities” and “outsource nonessential functions to industry experts.”

    Why lawmakers are talking about privatizing Social Security

    This wouldn’t be the first time politicians have attempted to privatize Social Security. Back in 2005, former president George W. Bush floated the idea of creating privatization accounts, in which workers could divert a third of their payroll taxes into a private account. It did not go over well.

    What’s different this time? A false narrative that the current program is rife with waste and fraud.

    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

    Elon Musk, who spearheads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), told Fox News that Social Security was “a mechanism by which the Democrats attract and retain illegal immigrants by essentially paying them to come here and then turning them into voters.”

    In late February, Musk told podcaster Joe Rogan that Social Security is the “biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” and accused the program of fraud and abuse.

    President Donald Trump has reiterated Musk’s false assertion that millions of dead people are receiving Social Security checks.

    Under the Biden administration, the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General conducted Social Security audits of payments from 2015 and 2022 and found that most improper payments were overpayments — not payments to dead Americans.

    The office uncovered $72 billion in improper payments, but while that sounds like a lot, it’s less than 1% of the total benefits distributed over seven years.

    “So why do you lie so much about Social Security? Why do you make it look like it’s a broken, dysfunctional system?” Sanders asked in the CNN interview. “The reason is to get people to lose faith in the system, and then you can give it over to Wall Street.”

    Pros and cons of privatization

    Social Security has been under the microscope for years, thanks to a long-term funding shortfall. If nothing is done, it will run short of funds by 2034, with only enough to pay beneficiaries 79% of their scheduled benefits.

    The program is funded by employers and employees through payroll taxes (each paying 6.2% of the employee’s earnings, while self-employed workers pay the full amount).

    But with fewer working-age Americans and a record number of baby boomers retiring, those payroll taxes aren’t producing enough revenue to keep pace with demand.

    There are a number of options for making up this shortfall, such as raising the retirement age, eliminating the taxable income cap or raising payroll tax rates.

    A vast majority (85%) of Americans polled in a National Academy of Social Insurance survey (NASI) want their Social Security benefits to remain intact — even if it means raising taxes.

    Advocates of privatization believe the private sector could do a better job managing the program. Privatization would involve diverting payroll tax contributions into self-directed private accounts.

    Proponents say this would give workers more options and allow them to make better investment decisions. For example, they could increase their contributions so they could build up their retirement funds faster.

    Advocates say it could result in better investment returns. Currently, Social Security funds are invested in low-risk government bonds, which are guaranteed by the U.S. government.

    Critics of privatization say it carries more risk. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn), pointed out in an interview with CNBC that people’s 401(k) plans dropped in value alongside the stock market crash of 2008 — but Social Security never missed a payment.

    Another consideration is the cost of the transition.

    “Social Security has accumulated trillions of dollars in liabilities to workers who are already retired or who will retire soon,” according to Brookings research. “To make room for a new private system, policymakers must find funds to pay for these liabilities while still leaving young workers enough money to deposit in new private accounts.”

    What to read next

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

  • This 21-year-old Illinois college grad has a girlfriend with $70,000 of debt — and it stops him from proposing. Calls her ‘unmotivated’ and unambitious. The Ramsey Show had some blunt advice

    Dave from Springfield, Illinois is only 21 years old, fresh out of college, debt-free, in a stable relationship and hustling through internships. He’s even considering proposing to his girlfriend to start a new family.

    There’s just one pressing concern: his girlfriend’s enormous pile of debt. He estimates that her total outstanding balance is roughly $70,000.

    Don’t miss

    “Everytime I try to bring it up, she’s dismissive about it,” said the recent grad on an episode of The Ramsey Show. “I don’t really want to pay off her debt.”

    Co-host John Delony’s response was as blunt as possible: “You should just break up with her, dude.”

    Here’s why the show’s mental health expert made a snap judgement that the relationship is doomed already.

    Not on the same page

    Dave’s hesitation to marry someone with debt isn’t unusual. A 2024 survey by the Achieve Center for Consumer Insights found that 64% of U.S. adults wouldn’t want to date someone with a lot of debt. Even an outstanding balance of $10,000 or less would be enough for 29% of people to consider ending their relationship.

    Put simply, debt is a deal-breaker for many adults. For Dave, his girlfriend’s attitude towards the enormous balance also represents how different their outlook on life and money is.

    “She’s a little unmotivated like she isn’t really that ambitious,” he said, explaining that she hasn’t really looked for much work out of college while he’s been busy doing internships and building a career.

    "I worked so hard to be debt-free and she just kind of took the short-cut and I don’t know, it just feels weird for me.”

    A lack of shared money values once you’re in a relationship isn’t so common. Roughly 84% of American couples said they were financially compatible with their partner, according to a 2024 Ipsos poll, while 87% said they were comfortable talking to their partner about personal finances.

    Delony suggests that Dave’s lack of shared money goals with his girlfriend foreshadows more disagreements in the future.

    “Down the road, you’re going to run into, ‘Oh, I want to raise kids like this but this is how my dad did it’ or ‘I don’t want to live in this neighborhood or this house,’” he said. “If that’s your first impulse is ‘what about me?’ then you’re not ready to get married yet.”

    Co-host Rachel Cruze agrees, calling his girlfriend’s perspective on debt a “red flag.” However, she encourages Dave to have a conversation to see if they can try to get on the same page before breaking up.

    If you and your partner are struggling to find common ground, there are ways to resolve these types of differences.

    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

    Resolving differences

    Money can be a tricky subject, but the majority of American adults (79%) think it’s best to talk about personal finances with their partner early in their relationship, according to the Ipsos poll. At the same time, the Achieve study found that 29% of adults said couples should discuss their debt honestly within the first six months of dating.

    With this in mind, having an open and honest conversation about your personal finances and debt can set the stage for a healthy relationship. You could also consider raising the subject periodically and creating a household budget together so that you and your partner can match expectations and create clear boundaries for individual finances.

    What to read next

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