Category: Moneywise

When you visit the doctor, you trust their expertise — and their intentions. But sometimes, a simple checkup can turn into a financial nightmare, with unexpected tests and sky-high bills that leave you drowning in debt.

Medical debt is a crisis in the U.S., with Americans owing a staggering $220 billion as of 2024, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

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Even with insurance, routine visits can spiral into thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs. Roughly 14 million people owe more than $1,000 in medical bills. So, knowing your rights and taking proactive steps can protect both your health and your wallet.

What to do if you’ve been overcharged

Being proactive is the best way to avoid overly expensive medical bills. However, if you’re already with a medical bill you can’t afford, there are steps you can take.

1. Know your rights

The No Surprises Act, which took effect in early 2022, protects you from surprise bills for emergency services and some non-emergency services. Generally, you are not responsible for out-of-network costs when receiving emergency treatment or certain other services.

If you believe the No Surprises Act has been violated, file a complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059.

2. Request an itemized bill

If your bill isn’t covered under the No Surprises Act, ask for an itemized statement before paying. A 2022 KFF study found that 43% of adults reported receiving a medical or dental bill they believed had errors.

Compare the bill with the explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance provider. EOBs outline what your insurer has covered and any remaining balance you owe. You can often access your EOB online through your insurer’s website or app. If discrepancies exist, contact the provider and your insurer to resolve them.

3. Negotiate or set up a payment plan

If you do end up having to pay a large medical bill, you still have options. A 2024 JAMA study found that nearly 62% of people who requested reductions on unaffordable medical bills succeeded, while 74% of those disputing an incorrect bill got it corrected.

It’s also a good idea to seek out a patient advocate to negotiate a medical bill on your behalf. Some employers provide this benefit to employees.

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 avoid costly medical bills

Your best way to handle medical bills is to avoid unnecessary expenses. Even when care is necessary, you have the right to know what they cost.

Ask questions before receiving care

For routine visits, ask your doctor or hospital staff about the cost of recommended tests or treatments. Since January 2021, hospitals have been required to provide clear pricing online for the services they provide.

Understand your insurance coverage

Review your insurance policy to know what’s covered, as some procedures or tests may require prior authorization. Failing to secure this approval can leave you responsible for the full bill. Also, familiarize yourself with your deductible — the amount you must pay before insurance starts covering costs. For example, if your deductible is $3,500 and your doctor orders a $3,100 test, you’ll likely have to pay the entire amount.

Evaluate necessity and alternatives

There’s also nothing wrong with questioning your provider as to how necessary a given service is and whether there’s a cheaper alternative. For instance, an ultrasound may provide adequate results at a lower cost compared to an MRI.

Know that you can say no to a given medical service. It’s called an informed refusal. Your provider may ask you to sign a document confirming your refusal, but this is within your rights. For high-cost treatments, consider seeking a second opinion before proceeding.

By staying informed and advocating for yourself, you can minimize the financial burden of medical care and avoid unexpected expenses.

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

The familiar refrain from Semisonic’s hit “Closing Time” has long been a last-call anthem for bars, but in South Carolina, many establishments fear they’ll be closing for good.

Skyrocketing liquor liability insurance premiums, driven by a 2017 requiring businesses serving alcohol after 5 p.m. to carry $1 million in liability coverage are forcing some bars and restaurants to shut their doors permanently.

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The Brew Cellar, a beloved establishment in Charleston, announced its closure after 11 years in business, citing rising insurance costs as the primary reason.

"We made it through COVID, and we’re getting taken down by laws 11 years after being open. It’s like a death in the family, honestly," owner Ryan Hendrick told ABC 4 News.

State lawmakers are pushing for legislative changes to help restaurants and bars keep their doors open. State Senator Ed Sutton said he believes a solution can be found.

“We got insurance companies on one side fighting, and we got trial attorneys on the other side fighting with each other," he said. "In the middle, the person getting the short of the stick is that small business owner," he told ABC 4 News.

Laws and effect

Why are the rates soaring now? The issue stems from the 2017 law requiring all businesses that serve alcohol after 5:00 p.m. to carry at least $1 million in liquor liability coverage.

The legislation was intended to ensure that victims of alcohol-related incidents could receive compensation. However, it has also driven up insurance costs for business owners. Many insurance companies have either exited the South Carolina market or raised their rates, making it challenging for small establishments to afford the required coverage.

Why is the impact hitting businesses now? Most insurance policies renew annually, meaning rate hikes happen gradually, not all at once. As insurers reassessed risk and adjusted pricing over time, premiums steadily climbed — until they became unsustainable for many bars and restaurants.

Zach Dennis, owner of the bar Peacock and an insurance agent, has seen both sides of the issue.

"I have clients right now whose renewals are coming through that, for the first time, have to answer the question: Do I renew my insurance, or do I close my doors? Because I cannot continue to make money or operate in this economy." Dennis shared.

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Lawmakers and the fix

In response to this crisis, Sutton has introduced a bill to amend the current liquor liability laws. The proposed changes would refine liability standards and shift the burden of proof to focus on clear, observable signs of intoxication rather than imposing blanket liability. This could reduce financial risks for responsible establishments while still allowing victims to seek damages. Sutton said he hopes this will lead to lower insurance rates for businesses.

"We need to land in a spot where rates aren’t $100,000 for a liquor liability premium, but also allow for victims of operators that overserved, don’t check IDs, or don’t do the proper thing for those victims to be compensated,” Sutton said, emphasizing the need for balance. “And I absolutely believe we can get there."

Another proposal seeks to reduce the mandatory insurance coverage from $1 million to $250,000 for establishments that implement specific risk mitigation measures, such as comprehensive server training programs.

Sutton’s bill has gained support from the hospitality industry and business community, who see it as essential to preventing closures and preserving South Carolina’s vibrant culinary scene. He plans to have the legislation on the governor’s desk by May.

However, for some businesses, the changes may come too late. The Brew Cellar plans to close its doors on February 17, just two days after its 11th anniversary.

Hendrick urged patrons to support their local establishments before it’s too late, "We’re not going to beg for people to come through to keep our doors open, but go support your favorite places; they need it."

On March 5, the South Carolina House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would reform the state’s liquor liability law. However, the Senate is still addressing the liability problem along with auto insurance, medical malpractice and how fault is divvied up in civil lawsuits in a tort reform.

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

Retail theft is on the rise, leaving retailers grappling with how to protect their inventory without alienating customers. The problem has reached a tipping point.

According to the National Retail Federation, shoplifting incidents increased by 93% between 2019 and 2023, leading to more than $100 billion in losses.

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In response, many stores — including Walgreens, Target, and Dollar Tree — have introduced drastic measures by locking up frequently stolen items like toothpaste, shampoo and baby formula.

This tactic, once reserved for the most expensive items, now extends to essential items, frustrating shoppers who find entire aisles of goods behind clear security glass.

But the strategy is backfiring. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth admitted in a recent earnings call, "When you lock things up … you don’t sell as many of them. We’ve kind of proven that pretty conclusively."

The result? Walgreens reported a $245 million operating loss for the quarter — a steep increase from the previous quarter — and announced plans to close hundreds of stores nationwide.

Theft is rising — but is locking up merchandise the answer?

While theft remains a growing issue, locking up merchandise creates new problems for consumers. Shoppers accustomed to same-day delivery and instant convenience often balk at waiting for an employee to unlock cases, leading to frustration and lost sales.

A Numerator survey found that one in three consumers will either switch retailers or abandon the purchase altogether rather than wait for assistance to unlock merchandise.

The impact is evident in consumer stories. CBS8 News visited a Walgreens in La Mesa, where shoppers expressed irritation at long wait times for accessing basic items.

"They need to be more responsive to get there — you could wait 10 to 20 minutes," one shopper told CBS8 News San Diego reporter Jenny Day.

Corey Potter, a shopper from Echo Park, described a similar experience at her local Target, where she found entire shelves covered in security glass. “It’s all locked up. “I hate it,” she told the LA Times.

Potter once waited 15 minutes for an employee to unlock a case at another Target location. Now, when faced with long lines and understaffed stores, the 30-year-old often skips buying essential items in person. Instead, she resorts to a last-ditch solution she doesn’t particularly enjoy: turning to Amazon.

“Rather than go to Target and wait,” she said, “I’ll just give Daddy Bezos my hard-earned cash.”

Retailers, however, can’t afford to dismiss this frustration. As business attorney and analyst Parag Amin explained to CBS News, "You’ve gotta make it more convenient. You’ve gotta make people want to go there — when they can usually buy things for easier and cheaper off the internet.”

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What’s the solution?

As theft eats into billions of revenue, retailers now also risk losing millions more from frustrated shoppers taking their business elsewhere. Walgreens and others must find ways to address theft while keeping customer experience a priority.

During the earnings call, Wentworth admitted that locking items behind security glass hasn’t curbed losses effectively. He shared that the company’s asset protection team is now working on “creative” solutions to fight theft, as reported by Day.

For retailers like Walgreens, balancing security with shopper convenience is necessary. As theft continues to rise, the numbers suggest it’s time to rethink lock-and-key policies before customers turn away forever.

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

Legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young earned nearly $49 million playing football, according to Spotrac, but you’d never guess it from the beaten-up 2011 Toyota Sienna he drives.

In a recent interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, the two-time NFL MVP admitted he could easily afford a replacement for the car, which has 132,000 miles on it. However, he’s reluctant to let it go because of advice from his father, who always told him to “get the most out of it.” And he’s not the only Young family member who’s emotionally attached to the vehicle.

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“This is a car that the kids all grew up in,” he told Bensinger. “My youngest Laila — that seat over there with the camera is the seat that she won’t give up. That’s her seat for life … she’s like, ‘No, I love this car [and] how it smells.’”

Surprisingly, multimillionaires driving modest cars isn’t as unusual as some might think.

The modest cars of millionaires

Contrary to the common stereotype, most wealthy people aren’t driving around in flashy Ferraris and bright orange Lamborghinis. A 2022 study by Experian Automotive, found that the top car brands for households earning over $250,000 were Toyota, Ford and Honda.

Even billionaires opt for relatively inconspicuous cars. Warren Buffett reportedly drives a Cadillac XTS — no Bugatti for the Oracle of Omaha.

In other words, most affluent people who could splurge on luxury vehicles simply choose not to. Meanwhile, many ordinary consumers are stretching their budgets to the limit. A recent survey by CDK Global found that 57% of car buyers said they hit the top end of their budget, while 7% exceeded it.

The strain on consumers is also reflected in auto loan data. As of mid-2024, one in every 24 drivers with a car loan was paying more than $1,000 in monthly payments per vehicle, according to Experian — a ratio that has nearly quadrupled since 2020.

For many, the family car is becoming a significant financial burden. Here’s how you can avoid the growing auto loan crisis.

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Drive smart

For most consumers, cutting transportation costs is one of the most effective ways to improve their finances. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, transportation is the second-largest annual expense for the average household.

One way to reduce this expense is by purchasing a car that’s within — or even below — your means. Buying a used car, for example, helps you avoid significant depreciation and can lower transportation costs substantially. As of 2024, the average used car costs roughly $20,000 less than a new one, according to Edmunds.

To figure out whether a vehicle fits your budget, consider the 20/4/10 rule:

• Put at least 20% down.
• Choose a loan term of no more than four years.
• Keep all car related expenses below 10% of your gross income.

By setting up firm financial guardrails, you can avoid the auto loan debt trap many consumers are driving into.

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

Student loan borrowers face steep increases in their monthly payments as court rulings and Department of Education staff cuts disrupt the repayment system.

A February ruling from a federal appeals court expanded an existing injunction, blocking the Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which was one of four income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Its goal was to calculate monthly payment amounts based on income and family size.

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As a result, millions of borrowers who rely on these repayment options are unsure if they will be able to manage their monthly payments, and their chances of achieving loan forgiveness are in jeopardy.

To make matters worse, the Department of Education recently announced it would cut its workforce by nearly 50%, leaving many borrowers in the dark about their repayment options and unable to get support during this critical time.

Looming deadlines, higher payments

The court’s ruling specifically blocked the SAVE plan, one of four IDR plans designed to help borrowers manage their monthly payments based on income. This decision halted access to the program.

Borrowers enrolled in SAVE are now stuck in forbearance, which pauses payments and sets interest rates to zero. However, time stuck in forbearance does not count toward loan forgiveness, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which many borrowers in nonprofit or government jobs rely on.

The ruling also casts doubt on the legality of student loan forgiveness after 20 or 25 years for borrowers enrolled in Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans. However, these two older plans remain accessible. The ruling did not block the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, another IDR option created in 2007, or PSLF, which remains available for some borrowers.

Despite this, the Department of Education has stopped all IDR applications, including for the unaffected plans. As a result, borrowers cannot update their income or switch to alternative repayment plans, leading to delays and payment spikes. The inability to recertify income has become a major issue for those enrolled in ICR, IBR, and PAYE.

Each year, borrowers must update their income with their loan service providers, which recalculates monthly payments. But since the Department of Education halted the application process, recertification is impossible. This has resulted in higher payments and, in some cases, triggered interest capitalization — meaning borrowers could owe even more in the long term.

Some borrowers have been shocked by the increases in their monthly payments. According to Forbes, one PAYE borrower whose income recertification was delayed saw her payments jump from $600 per month to $3,400 under a Standard Repayment Plan. Others are being pushed into Graduated or Extended repayment plans, which are often unaffordable and usually don’t count toward forgiveness.

“I’m supposed to recertify by the 10th, and my payments are going up by $1,000 in May,” one borrower shared on Reddit. “I wasn’t asked to recertify, and now my account shows I owe $2,411.11, due today.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Education’s recent layoffs have left its borrower services division stretched thin, making it difficult to dispute issues or receive guidance on their repayment options. The Department of Education has also failed to update its guidance to reflect recent changes, forcing borrowers to navigate an increasingly complex and inaccessible system.

As the Department of Education struggles to get its systems back on track, borrowers are left grappling with an uncertain future, rising payments and delays in forgiveness programs.

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How to tackle rising student loan payments

With the student loan landscape in flux, managing repayments can feel like navigating a maze. However, there are steps borrowers can take to stay on track and protect their finances during these uncertain times.

If you’ve been relying on an IDR plan like the Biden-era SAVE plan, you may have already noticed disruptions.

First, if your loan repayment schedule changes, contact your loan servicer immediately to understand your options.

While the future of these plans is in limbo, it’s important to explore alternative repayment options. Standard, Graduated and Extended repayment plans may offer some relief if your income-driven plan is no longer available. Stay informed by regularly checking official Department of Education updates and trusted financial news sources.

Prepare for potential increases by adjusting your budget. With a larger portion of your income going toward loan payments, you may need to cut back on discretionary spending to prioritize essentials like housing, utilities and transportation.

Although financial experts typically recommend setting aside at least 15% of your annual income for retirement, higher student loan payments may make that seem out of reach. If saving for retirement or an emergency fund feels out of reach, consider starting with small contributions to maintain financial stability.

Some borrowers may consider loan consolidation or refinancing or private student loans to secure a lower interest rate or more manageable payments. However, refinancing federal loans may result in the loss of key benefits, such as IDR options or student loan forgiveness, which could prove costly down the line.

If you’re struggling to make payments, explore available loan forgiveness programs, but be sure to review their strict eligibility requirements. Meanwhile, a group of Democratic attorneys general has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing the sudden firing of half the Department of Education’s workforce is unlawful.

As legal battles and administrative uncertainty continue, millions of borrowers remain in limbo.

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

In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers.

A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially.

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The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs.

Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions.

“Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.”

Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?

The economic squeeze

First, let’s talk inflation. It’s relentless and unforgiving, with prices for groceries and other everyday items remaining high. For many younger workers, student loan debt is a significant burden on their cash flow. As of March 202, about 4 million borrowers were behind on their student loan payments, making a substantial increase in delinquency rates since the resumption of payments after the pandemic pause.

But economics isn’t the only factor behind the trend.

A cultural shift in how Americans perceive work also plays a significant role. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are more accepting of multiple income streams as a strategy for achieving financial independence and career flexibility.

For them, holding several jobs can be as much about autonomy, skills diversification and creating financial resilience as much as simple survival.

The pandemic accelerated this shift dramatically, normalizing remote and hybrid work arrangements. Digital platforms like Fiverr, Uber, and Upwork have made securing supplemental income opportunities easier than ever.

Now, educated professionals effortlessly toggle between primary jobs and side hustles, exploiting digital tools and remote work to maximize their earning potential.

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 dark side of moonlighting

Despite the benefits, working multiple comes at a cost. The harsh reality? Chronic stress, burnout and diminished work-life balance. Constantly juggling competing priorities, deadlines and employer expectations is an exhausting endeavor, placing workers at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Financially, the juggling act can also get messy. Multiple income streams complicate tax filing and financial planning, requiring careful tracking and strategic management. Without proper oversight, extra earnings could be swallowed by taxes and financial inefficiencies.

Then there’s the lack of labor protections. Many side gigs don’t offer essential worker benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions or paid leave, leaving educated workers exposed and vulnerable. If economic conditions worsen or personal crises arise, these workers could face rough financial setbacks.

Will the trend become permanent?

Experts increasingly believe that multi-job holding, especially among educated workers, is shifting from a temporary trend to the new norm. With ongoing economic volatility, student debt, inflation and changing workforce expectations, this pattern seems likely to stick around.

So, what does this mean for the future?

Employers may have to adapt quickly. To retain top talent, they’ll need to offer more flexibility, competitive compensation and incentives that acknowledge their employees’ changing economic realities.

“Lifetime employment at a single job is largely a thing of the past,” entrepreneurship expert Caroline Castrillon recently wrote in a recent Forbes article examining the rise of non-linear career paths. “While some employers may frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes are quickly changing.”

The bottom line is clear: Even a college degree no longer guarantees financial security. As educated Americans hustle harder than ever, the very structure of the workforce is transforming. Multi-job holding isn’t just about extra pocket money anymore — it’s rapidly becoming essential for survival in today’s unpredictable economy.

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One Ohio couple was nearly tricked out of $17,000 — before a Chase Bank manager in Westlake stepped in and foiled the scammer’s plan.

The bank manager became suspicious and alerted police when the couple tried to withdraw the cash to pay for what they thought was a warrant from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.

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“The customers did figure out they were going to be scammed if they took this money out and bought gift cards or put it into a crypto ATM,” Captain Jerry Vogel of the Westlake Police Department told News 5 Cleveland in a story published March 28.

It seems this type of scam isn’t a rare occurrence. The local broadcaster reports two more instances of fraud involving cryptocurrency machines have occurred recently in Westlake. Victims in those cases lost more than $25,000.

Here’s what happened, along with steps to protect yourself from being victimized.

How local residents are getting scammed

In one incident, the scammer posed as a Microsoft customer support representative after the victim called a phone number she found while doing a Google search. This is referred to as “search engine poisoning,” where cybercriminals manipulate search engine results so a malicious website (which looks legitimate) appears at the top of the page.

Vogel says the victim was tricked into giving the fake employee access to her computer and was scared into thinking she had visited illegal websites that were trying to steal her money. She was instructed to withdraw $40,000 from her bank and deposit it into a gas station Bitcoin ATM to protect her funds. An attendant took notice and warned her it was a scam, according to News 5, but not before she lost $20,000.

In another incident, police say the victim got a call from what he thought was the Social Security Administration directing him to deposit $5,500 in a Bitcoin ATM at a convenience store. The owner of the shop told News 5 they planned to remove the machine.

“I just advise you to be very wary of anything that directs you to buy gift cards or put cash into an ATM,” Vogel said. “Especially the cryptocurrency ATMs.”

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 yourself from financial scams

Fraud losses involving Bitcoin ATMs topped $65 million in the first half of 2024, according to a report from the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers over the age of 60 were “three times as likely as younger adults to report losing money to Bitcoin ATM scams.” The median loss across all age groups was $10,000.

When it comes to financial scams, there are usually some red flags. They often start with an unsolicited call, email, text or social media message asking for money or personal information (such as bank account details or passwords).

Scammers also use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency designed to make you panic — such as impersonating the authorities or claiming you have a virus on your computer. This is followed by a request for money, commonly through unconventional methods like gift cards, prepaid credit cards, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency. If you’re panicked enough, you may not stop to consider the validity of this request.

“If someone’s calling you out of the blue demanding money, threatening you, and it has to do with Bitcoin, it’s going to be a scam,” cybersecurity expert Alex Hamerstone told News 5.

For example, “the police don’t generally call you and tell you they want to arrest you, right? They come to the door,” he said. As for the IRS, “they’ll never take your tax payment using gift cards.”

If you get a call or email from someone claiming to work for an institution, such as your bank or the police department, and they ask for personal information or a sum of money, don’t take action. Instead, call them up yourself to confirm their story and verify a real employee tried to contact you.

You can learn more about common scams on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website or report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission.

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

Jason Stanley, a Yale philosophy professor and author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them, is leaving the United States to take up a teaching position at the University of Toronto — a decision he says is driven entirely by the political climate under the Trump administration.

The federal government has threatened to withhold funding from elite institutions like Yale and Columbia as part of its so-called security reforms.

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While Stanley remains critical of Yale’s handling of his academic freedom, he claims Columbia has gone a step further — capitulating to political pressure from the White House by forcing out faculty, tightening protest rules, increasing campus policing and reorganizing departments such as Middle East studies.

“It has nothing to do with me.” Stanley told MSNBC. “It has everything to do with my children, and my desire to send a warning to Americans.”

Stanley may be uprooting his life with a new job waiting across the border — but for many Americans, the move is far more complicated than booking a one-way ticket.

Moving up north

Back in 2016, when Donald Trump was first elected, countless Americans — celebrities Amy Schumer and Snoop Dogg included — threatened to head north. But few actually did. Despite the shared border, Canadian immigration lawyer Ryan Rosenberg says the move isn’t nearly as simple as it sounds.

“‘What do you mean I can’t move to Canada next week?’” is the reaction clients typically have about Canadian immigration requirements, he told CBC News.

Rosenberg, managing partner at Larlee Rosenberg in Vancouver, launched a cheeky website last year called Trumpugees.ca, with the slogan: "Tired of Trump? Thinking about Canada? We can help."

But according to him, fewer than 5% of inquiries ever turn into a formal application — mostly because one key requirement stops Americans in their tracks: without a job offer, they can’t just pack up and go.

And now, Americans looking to flee a volatile political climate are facing another hurdle: a federal government in Ottawa that’s actively trying to curb immigration. Ottawa-based immigration lawyer Betsy Kane says that unless applicants speak French or have in-demand skills, their options are slim.

“For somebody living in the States who wants to look at opportunities in Canada, it’s pretty difficult right now and you really need to have a job offer in a specific field," Kane told CBC News.

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Friendly neighbors

Even if you manage to cross the border, settling into life in Canada isn’t all smooth sailing — especially when it comes to retirement planning.

According to a BMO survey, Canadians believe they’ll need around $1.7 million to retire comfortably. That figure is similar to American expectations — but the weaker Canadian dollar complicates things.

With the exchange rate sitting at 1.42 CAD to 1 USD at time of writing, saving and spending in Canada could shrink the value of your nest egg over time.

And if you decide to return to the U.S. down the line, your Canadian savings might not go as far as you’d hoped. Currency fluctuations also affect day-to-day spending. From groceries to gas, price tags can feel unexpectedly steep if you’re not accounting for the exchange rate.

Health care is another major consideration. While Canada’s universal system is often praised, newcomers don’t get access right away. Some provinces have a waiting period of up to three months before public coverage kicks in — and during that time, you’ll need private insurance. Even with coverage, services like dental, vision and prescriptions often come with extra out-of-pocket costs.

So, while Canada may seem like a safe haven, the reality is far more complex — and costly — than many Americans expect.

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

Imagine authorities declared your home unlivable — and gave you just days to vacate.

That’s the reality for residents of an apartment building in Southwest Cedar Rapids, Iowa — and now, according to KCRG-TV9, they’re struggling to find new places to stay.

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On March 25, Cedar Rapids Building Services posted “do not occupy” notices on the building after it was declared “unfit for human habitation” due to sewer problems. But that wasn’t the only reason: the building lacks fire safety equipment, several units are missing plumbing fixtures and some units don’t even have electricity.

“There’s been problems here ever since I first moved here,” tenant Darius Franklin told KCRG-TV9. “There would be times where we would pay the rent, on like a Monday on the first [of the month] and then the water would be cut off on like Thursday. Or the gas would be cut off.”

Another displaced tenant expressed concern for her daughter and infant grandson who live in another building owned by the same landlord.

“They came in and they were shown a hole that was ate through the floor from mold on it,” she said. “He’s so tiny he would fall straight through the floor and they still haven’t fixed it, nothing’s been done.”

When is a building deemed uninhabitable?

The rules vary by state, but generally, a property is considered legally uninhabitable if it violates the building code or if it’s not safe to live in — for example, if it’s structurally unsound or lacks reliable heat, plumbing or electricity.

Other factors that may render a building uninhabitable include mold, a leaky roof or pipes, no hot water in winter, unsafe elevators or a pest infestation.

In most jurisdictions, when you sign a residential lease, you have an implied warranty of habitability, meaning your landlord is legally required to keep the property in compliance with local housing codes — even if this isn’t explicitly stated in the lease.

If your landlord doesn’t comply, you may be able to withhold rent to pressure them to make repairs. And in most cases, they’re not allowed to evict you for reporting code violations.

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What to do if your home becomes unlivable

If you find yourself in this situation, start by reviewing your lease to determine who’s responsible for the repairs. (Tenants are typically responsible for minor fixes, such as replacing light bulbs). If the issue affects habitability — or if the lease explicitly states that it’s the landlord’s responsibility — report it to them immediately.

Many buildings have a formal maintenance report process, such as an online requisition form. Always keep a copy of your request. Also, take date-stamped photos or videos of the issue to support your claim.

Document everything: if you make a verbal request, record the date and time, and follow up with a written letter confirming that the request was made. Keep a copy of that letter too. There are plenty of templates available online to help you draft one. For added proof, consider sending the letter via certified or registered mail.

Continue to track all correspondence and monitor any changes to the issue — for example, if a ceiling leak worsens or mold spreads.

Consider holding back rent, getting legal help or leaving

Most jurisdictions give landlords a set period to complete necessary repairs. Be sure to ask how and when the issue will be resolved. While you wait, you may be able to negotiate a temporary rent reduction.

If your landlord doesn’t respond or fix the issue, contact your local housing authority. Depending on the local laws, you may be allowed to withhold rent or make the repair yourself and deduct the cost from your rent.

If nothing changes, you might need legal assistance — or even consider moving out. If the situation poses a risk to your health, you may be able to leave without giving notice. Just be sure to confirm your rights with your local housing authority before doing so.

Legal action or relocating can be costly, so having an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses can make a big difference. Renters insurance might also help — while it usually doesn’t cover landlord negligence, it may cover temporary living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to fire or natural disaster.

What to read next

• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
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• Trump warns his tariffs will spark a ‘disturbance’ in America — use this 1 dead-simple move to help shockproof your retirement plans ASAP

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