Category: Moneywise

U.S. shipyards built thousands of cargo ships during World Wars I and II. In the 1970s, they built about 5-25 new ships per year. In the 1980s, this number fell to around 5 ships a year, and it has stayed there ever since, according to a 2023 Congressional Research Service report.

Meanwhile, China has rapidly grown its industry with government subsidies and state planning. It replaced South Korea to become the world’s leading shipbuilder in 2010, and currently builds hundreds of ships a year. Its market share went from less than 5% in 1999 to more than 50% in 2023, according to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), which said it was attained by unfair means and hurt American interests.

China’s largest state-owned shipbuilder built more commercial vessels by tonnage in 2024 than the entire U.S. shipbuilding industry has built since the end of World War II, according to a recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The authors also highlighted the fact that this market dominance has been boosting the country’s navy. "Foreign companies are inadvertently helping to propel China’s naval buildup by buying Chinese-made ships and sharing dual-use technologies with Chinese shipyards," they wrote.

But President Donald Trump says it’s finally time to "resurrect" America’s shipbuilding sector – and investors are already placing their bets on one company poised to benefit significantly.

Trump’s promise

In a recent address, Trump signed a bold executive order aimed squarely at reviving American shipbuilding. Central to this strategy is the establishment of an Office of Shipbuilding in the White House, tasked with streamlining policy, cutting red tape, and revitalizing domestic maritime production. Special tax incentives will also be offered.

"We are also going to resurrect the American shipbuilding industry, including commercial shipbuilding and military shipbuilding," Trump said during his recent address to Congress. “We used to make so many ships. We don’t make them anymore very much, but we’re going to make them very fast, very soon, it will have a huge impact.”

Adding teeth to this ambitious strategy, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has proposed steep penalties – up to $1.5 million per vessel – on Chinese-built ships docking at American ports. Any shipping firm with at least one order on the books for a vessel made in China would also have to pay a fee. These fees would apply to 90% of the world’s vessels, according to the World Shipping Council.

The message is clear: Trump intends to challenge China’s maritime dominance head-on, part of a larger conflict centered on trade.

Various carriers, industries and trade associations are currently opposing this proposal, according to CNBC. Skeptics of Trump’s plan suggest the available labor pool can’t address today’s demand – nevermind a new wave of building meant to counter China’s dominance. “We’re trying to get blood from a turnip,” Government Accountability Office analyst Shelby Oakley told ProPublica. “The domestic workforce is just not there.”

Investors eye a key stock

Investors, sensing the shift in tides, are eyeing one company in particular as a way to seize on the renewed focus on shipbuilding: Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).

The Virginia-based shipbuilder is America’s largest military shipbuilding firm, renowned for constructing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines, and amphibious assault ships. HII is uniquely positioned to capitalize on Trump’s new maritime initiative.

Following Trump’s announcement, Huntington Ingalls Industries, which reported $11.5 billion in revenue in 2024, saw its stock surge significantly.

Investors have poured into HII, betting the company stands to gain tremendously from Trump’s shipbuilding push. HII stock is up almost 20% in the last month, reflecting growing investor enthusiasm and confidence in the company’s prospects.

But challenges still loom large on the horizon.

Analysts caution that while Trump’s tariffs on Chinese vessels might seem like a decisive strike against foreign competition, they could inadvertently drive up shipping costs, impacting consumers through higher prices and potentially escalating trade tensions.

Meanwhile, rebuilding America’s shipyards and skilled workforce will require substantial, sustained investment beyond short-term policy shifts.

Despite these concerns, Trump remains bullish, and investors appear convinced that a revival is possible. Huntington Ingalls Industries stands ready to ride this wave of optimism and strategic backing.

Whether or not Trump’s ambitious vision for American shipbuilding ultimately succeeds remains uncertain. Yet, there’s renewed enthusiasm for the U.S. maritime industry – enough to spark investor enthusiasm and potentially shift the balance of maritime power back toward American shores.

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.

It’s not always easy to save for retirement. After all, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck per LendingClub, which means little extra is available for building a nest egg. But any extra you can set aside will pay off in retirement — and could possibly change your life before you retire.

Even more surprising, an extra $1,000 a month in savings may be right in front of you. Here are five ways you can save more money:

1. It all starts with a budget

The first step in saving an extra $1,000 a month is to examine your spending and then make a budget. By itemizing all your expenses, you can get a better idea of where you can comfortably cut back. Setting up a sustainable budget can keep you on track and help reduce unnecessary or impulse purchases.

With Monarch Money, you can track all your accounts in one place. This way, you can view a snapshot of your spending and finances — helping you stick to your budget.

You can set up notifications for recurring bills and subscription renewals, ensuring you never miss a payment. What’s more, you can link your investment and real estate portfolios on Monarch Money as well, which can help you track your net worth easily.

Monarch Money also lets you set up custom financial goals — such as buying a house or saving for retirement — and then tracks your progress towards them.

Sign up now and get a seven-day free trial and 50% off your subscription for the first year.

2. Take a bite out of your food expenses

Food is the third-largest expense for U.S. households, after housing and transportation, according to the latest consumer expenditure data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s also an area where you may be able to find some big savings.

The average amount American households spend on “food away from home" is more than $3,500 a year. Most of us know the cost of that morning coffee we grab on the way to work adds up, but it’s also likely a small luxury we’d like to keep. One way to save is to grab the coffee, but skip the pastry you’re grabbing with it ― and try to pack a lunch for work.

Plan and prep your meals for the week if you can. Make it a habit to go grocery shopping ahead of time so you’re less tempted to grab takeout on the way home. Don’t neglect to check flyers for your local grocery store to take advantage of what’s on sale, and consider adhering to the old-fashioned but effective practice of using coupons whenever you can.

You can also turn this everyday spending into an investment opportunity with Acorns.

When you make a purchase with your debit or credit card, Acorns automatically rounds it up to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio of ETFs.

For instance, when you purchase a latte for $4.25, Acorns will round up the transaction to $5, and invest the 75-cent difference into a smart investment portfolio. Just $3 worth of daily round ups can add up to over $1,000 in a year — and that’s before it compounds and makes money in the market.

You can get a $20 bonus investment when you sign up with Acorns today.

3. Put the brakes on your transportation expenses

While food is a major cost, transportation takes second place as the largest expense for American households. Some people might be paying too much for a vehicle — or paying for a fancier vehicle than they really need.

While it may not be realistic to get rid of your car at this point, you can cut back on costs by walking more, taking public transportation when possible, or even carpooling to work more often.

This can save on gas and parking, and may help to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. It may even reduce your insurance costs, as they’re often affected by the number of miles you drive.

It’s also a smart idea to shop around for car insurance.

OfficialCarInsurance lets you compare auto insurance rates from leading providers near you for free, including trusted brands such as GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, and more.

All you need to do is enter some basic information about yourself, the vehicle you drive, and your driving history, and OfficialCarInsurance will comb through its database and display the lowest available quotes.

Get started and find auto insurance rates starting at just $29 per month.

4. Get big gains by cutting small expenses

When you look at your expenses, look for small things that add up. If you’re spending a lot on books, consider getting a library card. If you buy a lot of bottled water, start using a refillable water bottle instead. Can you get by with fewer manicures? Cutting back on regular small expenses that won’t change your quality of life much can really add up.

You can save about $482 per year on average by comparing home insurance rates from leading insurers near you, and selecting the lowest available rate through OfficialHomeInsurance.

Using OfficialHomeInsurance is 100% free. All you have to do is enter some information yourself and about the home you’d like to insure. Within two minutes, the platform will sort through its database of over 200 insurers and display the lowest rates offered.

From there, you can compare the coverage offered by providers near you and read reviews before making a decision.

Getting pet insurance if you have a furry friend can also save you thousands down the road. According to Rover, pet owners spend approximately $34,550 on average over the lifetime of a dog with a 10-year life expectancy. The average lifetime care for a 16-year-old cat costs roughly $32,170.

Getting comprehensive pet insurance can help you significantly reduce your bill at the vet.

BestMoney — an online marketplace — lets you compare different pet insurance policies and their rates from leading providers like Embrace Pet Insurance, ASPCA, Spot Pet Insurance and Pet Best.

A side-by-side comparison of the policies as well as reviews of the various providers can help you make the best decision for both your pet and your wallet.

Get started with BestMoney and find pet insurance offers starting at just $10 per month here.

5. How saving $1,000 extra a month can change your life

If you’re able to start saving an extra $1,000 a month, you could start making big changes in your nest egg. For starters, you’re likely to have more peace of mind. Having more savings means you’re more likely to be able to pay for unexpected emergencies without incurring more debt.

You’ll also go a long way toward building your retirement fund by taking advantage of compound interest. If you start by contributing $1,000 a month to a retirement account at age 30 or younger, your savings could be worth more than $1 million by the time you retire.

If you save $1,000 at the end of every month and put it in a high-yield savings account that pays 5% interest (compounded daily), you’ll have nearly $70,000 in savings in five years. Do this for 10 years and you’ll have over $157,000.

Finding an extra $1,000 a month might also mean you can worry less about your prescriptions or medical expenses, treat yourself to a vacation every few years, or cut out that second job that’s taking you away from spending time with your family.

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

After almost three years of owning a Tesla Model Y, Joe Romer is looking to trade it in because he’s no longer a fan of Elon Musk.

“I’m tired of Elon Musk and all of his garbage,” Romer told CNN, sharing his reason for wanting to trade in his car. “I’m getting rid of [my Model Y] because I’m embarrassed to drive it.”

Even though Romer admits that his Tesla was nice to drive, his frustration with Musk pushed him to test drive a different EV, which he fell in love with.

Romer is not alone in breaking up with Tesla because of Musk. Reuters reports that, according to Edmunds, Tesla trade-ins are on pace to hit a record high in March 2025 compared to the year before.

Why this Tesla owner is switching to another EV brand

Romer, who spoke to CNN as he was driving past the picket line at a Tesla protest in California, says after putting over 80,000 miles on the Model Y, he was in the process of getting it repaired so he could sell it.

“I [test drove] one of the Lucid cars, and they’re very nice,” he shared with CNN reporter Julia Vargas Jones. “They are like driving a Mercedes compared to this [Model Y].”

The mid-March protest Romer found himself in was part of the “Tesla Takedown” movement, which has seen protestors gather around the world at Tesla showrooms — including 90 in the state of California the same weekend CNN caught up with Romer — to protest Musk and his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency.

About a week later, Jones followed up with Romer to see if he’d sold his vehicle. He told her he did, and it felt like someone had lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders. Although he only got about a third of what he originally paid for his car four years ago, he told Jones it made him feel like he was “doing something.”

How to manage a dispute with a car dealership

Romer’s dispute wasn’t necessarily with his Tesla dealership specifically. But U.S. drivers often experience issues with their cars, ranging from falling victim to deceptive ads or dealers to issues with car warranties or safety features.

It’s important to know what actions are available to you should you ever have a dispute with a car dealer.

Reviewing your loan agreement is the first step if you have a problem with the loan terms. While reading your agreement, pay special attention to the loan’s APR, term and loan amount. Understanding the ins and outs of your agreement could help you dispute any billing discrepancies.

If you find an error, like an inaccurate APR on an auto loan statement, or have an issue, contact the dealer first to see if it can offer a solution. Make sure to provide paperwork to support your claim.

Most experts recommend trying to resolve any disputes with your dealer directly, or through the dealership’s official complaint process. Before taking that step, ensure you have all the relevant documentation, like contracts, ads or emails in question and photos, if possible.

While working something out with the dealer is ideal, it’s not always possible. You may have to escalate it to the appropriate government service. Depending on the type of issue you’re facing, you may want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov. In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends filing a report with your state’s attorney general office.

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

Long-term investing can test even the most disciplined investors. With markets swinging on everything from AI breakthroughs to political headwinds, the temptation to act emotionally — especially during big wins or downturns — is real.

Amos Nadler, a behavioural finance expert and former professor at Western University’s Ivey Business School, knows this first-hand. Years ago, he bought shares of Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) for just US$0.48 each. But before the chipmaker exploded into a US$3 trillion AI juggernaut, he sold most of his holdings — missing out on one of the biggest stock runs in tech history. As of March 2025, Nvidia trades around US$108 a share, after its value surged on AI chip demand and record-breaking earnings.

Nadler’s story is more than a missed opportunity — it’s a case study in cognitive bias, and it holds critical lessons for investors trying to navigate 2025’s volatile but opportunity-rich market.

The biggest reason for investor mistakes

When Nadler was starting his teaching career, he wanted to gain some hands-on investment experience to share with his students. As a result, one of his earliest investments was stock in technology company Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)— about US$800 to US$1,000 worth of stock. He paid approximately US$0.48 per share.

After holding them for a period of time, Nadler noticed that the shares had earned a decent profit so he decided to sell a large chunk of his holdings. This was before 2014 and before Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) would become a household name.

Nadler’s goal was to talk about his experience. Turns out the sale gave Nadler lots to talk about with his students — since it was a big mistake.

“I needed some war stories. I needed to talk about gains and losses,” he recently told CNBC Make it. “I need to put my own money to play and experience these things, and take it out of the lab, take it out of the textbooks.” Nadler’s lesson should be used by any investor tempted by bias or emotion.

According to his trading brokerage, Nadler paid about US$0.48 per share, factoring in the stock splits during the company’s history. As of March 31, 2025, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) stock closed to US$108 per share, reflecting recent market volatility influenced by factors such as underwhelming initial public offering (IPO) of CoreWeave and concerns over potential tariff implementations. The firm’s value increased by more than US$2 trillion just last year.

If Nadler had held onto the stock, his gain would have been over 28,000%. The value of his holdings would have been “enough to buy a nice house somewhere,” according to Nadler.

Here’s the thing: Nadler sold the stock because he succumbed to a cognitive bias known as loss aversion. A cognitive bias is a consistent, repeated error in the way we process information and perceive reality. Loss aversion is a common cognitive bias that leads us to perceive losses as more significant than gains.

In investing, loss aversion can cause us to fear losing the gains of a winning bet in our portfolio. It’s what happened to Nadler when he chose to sell his Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) stock. As he tells it, “What was going through my head was, ‘Hey, I’m new with this. I just made a significant profit in a very short amount of time. I want to lock it in because I’m feeling afraid it may drop again.’”

How loss aversion is driving your investment decisions

You can judge your own loss aversion by considering whether you’d rather have $100 or flip a coin to either gain $200 for heads or $0 for tails. Most people would prefer the certain $100 and value the potential “loss” of this as greater than the potential but uncertain gain of $200. Still not sure, consider the same coin toss scenario but with a payout of $500 or $1,000. The lower the sum you’re willing to accept, rather than risk for the 50/50 chance of getting more, illustrates how risk averse you are (both in coin tosses and investing).

So, how does loss aversion impact your investment decisions?

If you choose to cash-in on your gains, end up being too conservative in your portfolio construction, try to time your entry into the market or instinctively move to cash to avoid volatile markets than you’re operting from a loss aversion bias — and this can all hurt your overall portfolio performance.

Avoiding this cognitive bias means carefully evaluating any stock sale, especially if you plan to move to cash, and trying your best to remove emotion (such as fear) from the decision. For instance, if you’re planning to sell a stock because it’s had a strong run, but fundamentals suggest it’s still a solid investment, you may want to step back and evaluate whether you’re making a rational decision or your actions are being driven by fear.

Engaging with a financial adviser could potentially help you manage that fear by providing an arms-length assessment of your decisions. An adviser could also help you set realistic investment goals so you’re not relying on “bets,” while also helping you diversify your holdings to spread your risk and make individual risks within the portfolio feel less intimidating.

Increasingly, there are also technological tools available to help you remove emotion from investment decision-making. For instance, Nadler founded Prof of Wall Street, which provides software products that help investors use behavioural science to manage biases and improve investment decision-making.

Fear can be a powerful force. Identifying it and enlisting the help of a financial adviser or technological tool could help to take the cognitive bias out of investment decision-making and, hopefully, result in better returns.

Sources

1. CNBC Make It: I sold Nvidia — then it went up over 28,000%, says behavioral finance prof: I could’ve bought ‘a nice house somewhere’, by Ryan Ermey (Dec 12, 2024)

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

Just as recession whispers grow louder and market uncertainty sends investors scrambling, legendary investor Ray Dalio has dropped a potential solution for the fearful seeking safety: an exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on his renowned "All Weather" portfolio strategy.

Launched in collaboration with State Street Global Advisors, the SPDR Bridgewater All Weather ETF (ALLW) aims to shield investors from market volatility through Dalio’s approach that typically allows for only about 30% allocation to stocks.

With fears of an economic downturn mounting, is now the perfect moment to follow Dalio’s cautious footsteps?

Dalio isn’t just any Wall Street investor. He’s the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest and most successful hedge funds. Known for his bold insights, impressive track record and investing innovations, he has become a financial guru revered for anticipating crises with uncanny accuracy.

The ETF website says this offering "democratizes access to an innovative take on asset allocation." Bridgewater provides a daily model portfolio to the fund manager that then makes any trades required. From its inception on March 5 to March 31, the assets under management grew to almost $110 million.

Markets are trembling – the S&P 500 recently entered correction territory, part of a broader selloff that cut $5 trillion in U.S. stock market value over a three-week period – and Dalio’s timing couldn’t be more provocative.

Decoding the All Weather strategy

Created in 1996, Dalio’s All Weather portfolio isn’t flashy; it’s methodical and built for resilience. The approach hinges on risk management through asset diversification designed to perform well in any economic environment – boom, bust, inflation, or deflation. Specifically, Dalio suggests an allocation that looks something like this:

• 30% stocks: Primarily for growth, but deliberately kept low to limit volatility.
• 40% long-term bonds and 15% intermediate bonds: Providing stability and cushioning against deflation or economic downturns.
• 7.5% gold: An inflation hedge and safe haven during crises.
• 7.5% commodities: Diversification to guard against inflationary spikes.

A peek inside ALLW

The newly launched ALLW ETF appears to follow Dalio’s allocation strategy.

As of the end of March 2025, less than 30% its assets are in equities, namely the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG), the SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) and the SPDR S&P China ETF (GXC).

The remainder splits among treasury bonds of varying maturities, gold exposure, and diversified commodity positions – echoing Dalio’s classic defensive stance.

In essence, the ALLW ETF is a turnkey version of Dalio’s approach, accessible with just a few clicks rather than requiring individual investors to manage complex allocations manually.

Is it right for you?

The portfolio has delivered average annual returns of 4.88% in the last decade, compared to around 10% for the S&P 500, according to PortfoliosLab, proving that playing it safe is costly during periods that see stock market exuberance.

Dalio’s approach does have an impressive track record during crises. In his Of Dollars and Data blog, Nick Maggiulli noted the All Weather Portfolio "has more dependable real returns and less severe drawdowns than other traditional portfolios." He found it declined less than the balanced 60/40 (U.S. Stock/Bond) portfolio during the Great Financial Crisis and COVID crash. It also outperformed the S&P 500 and the 60/40 portfolio in a high inflation environment (1970s) and a low growth environment (2000s).

It’s not a universal panacea. Investors should carefully weigh the pros and cons and speak to a financial adviser to decide whether it’s right for them. Let’s consider the advantages first:

Risk management

Maggiulli emphasizes the strategy’s strength, noting it provides peace of mind during market crashes. Its steady returns and lower volatility make it particularly attractive for investors nearing retirement or those with low risk tolerance.

Stress-free investing

The ETF simplifies investing, offering a "set-it-and-forget-it" strategy ideal for investors overwhelmed by managing multiple investments.

Now the risks.

Returns during bull markets

With only around 30% or lower of equity exposure, the All Weather portfolio inevitably lags during strong market rallies. Younger investors with longer investment horizons might find this conservative approach limiting.

Bond and inflation risk

Given current interest rate volatility and inflation uncertainties, heavy exposure to long-term bonds could pose risks if rates rise faster or higher than anticipated.

Lack of personalization

Investing in an ETF removes flexibility for tailored investment decisions. Investors with specific financial goals or ethical investing preferences might find this limiting.

Cost

Investors should consider that the All Weather ETF has an expense ratio of 0.85%, which is much higher than the average fee for funds. The three equity index funds it contains all have much lower expense ratios.

Should you follow Dalio’s lead?

Dalio’s timing certainly raises eyebrows. With an uncertain economy and recession fears intensifying, his conservative, defensive stance might appeal broadly. Maggiulli captures this sentiment succinctly: “This was the key idea for Dalio and Bridgewater – find something that works no matter what the future holds."

For cautious investors, especially those nearing retirement, embracing Dalio’s strategy through ALLW could be an intelligent move, offering stability when markets seem unpredictable. However, younger, more aggressive investors may prefer strategies emphasizing growth, even at higher risk.

Ultimately, the decision to follow Dalio now hinges on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and faith in the market’s immediate future. But one thing’s undeniable: as storm clouds gather over the economic landscape, Dalio’s All Weather ETF may provide a safe harbor in a storm, proving once again why investors worldwide listen closely when he speaks.

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

Thinking of selling your home? Mark your calendar: Your window of opportunity is right around the corner.

Property listing site Realtor.com’s latest data points squarely at this narrow timeframe as the ideal moment to list your home in 2025. But what’s so special about that particular week, and more importantly, why should you care?

Selling your home at the right time involves combining convenience, maximizing profit and minimizing hassle. According to Realtor.com’s annual analysis, homes listed during the sweet spot of April 13–19 will see market conditions that favor sellers and may sell quicker and at premium prices. Let’s explore why.

Why this week could mean more cash in your pocket

Mid-April is traditionally the heart of the spring home-buying season. Buyers are shaking off the winter doldrums, tax refunds are hitting bank accounts, and the weather is finally cooperating. According to the report, the benefits of listing during this week may include above-average prices, above-average buyer demand, quicker market pace, lower competition from other sellers and below-average price reductions.

Historically during Realtor’s best week to sell, views per listing spike by nearly 18% versus the average week, dramatically increasing your home’s visibility and the likelihood of competitive bidding. Homes during this week have historically reached prices 1.1% higher than the average week throughout the year, and are typically 6.7% higher than the start of the year. Homes actively for sale during this week sold 17%, or roughly 9 days, faster than the average week.

“After two years of high rates … it is likely that buyers will trickle into the market this spring, enticed by improved inventory and slowing price growth across much of the country,” Realtor.com senior economic research analyst Hannah Jones wrote in the site’s report. “If mortgage rates also fall this spring, it is possible that demand will surge sooner and with more vigor.”

Market dynamics

Nobody enjoys weeks of open houses and price reductions. Homes listed during this targeted week spend fewer days on the market compared to those listed at other times, Realtor.com says, reducing the inconvenience and stress of keeping your home perpetually showroom-ready.

But here’s the catch: 2025’s housing market isn’t what it used to be.

After years of sellers having nearly all the power, the market dynamics are shifting noticeably.

CNN reports that sellers are gradually losing the upper hand they enjoyed throughout the post-pandemic boom. Buyers now have more negotiating leverage, and competition among sellers is heating up.

Additionally, economic indicators suggest that home price growth is slowing. Zillow says home values are projected to increase by just 0.6% this year, a marked slowdown compared to increases of previous years. For homeowners aiming to capitalize on maximum equity, this could signal that the peak window for securing top-dollar sales is narrowing.

Buyer confidence and interest rates

Another major factor shaping the 2025 market is interest rates. While mortgage rates have stabilized somewhat after dramatic hikes in previous years, they remain elevated enough to impact buyer affordability. Currently the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.6%, far above the pandemic lows of 2-3%.

With those higher rates, buyers will scrutinize home values and look for the best deals. Listing your home at the ideal time, when buyer confidence is peaking, can dramatically increase your odds of sealing a quick and profitable sale.

To fully harness the benefits of this prime selling window, preparation is key. Real estate experts strongly advise completing all home repairs, staging your property attractively, and ensuring your pricing strategy aligns with current market trends.

Remember, the most successful sales occur when homes are priced competitively from the outset, leveraging initial buyer enthusiasm to drive bidding wars rather than relying on price cuts.

As market dynamics shift further away from a pure seller’s advantage, timing your home sale strategically will become increasingly critical. The once-automatic assumption that homes always appreciate rapidly may no longer hold true. Sellers who previously waited casually for better offers may now find that patience doesn’t always equal profit.

Realtor.com’s message for homeowners considering a sale in 2025 is clear: Strike while the iron is hot. The week of April 13–19 may be a golden opportunity in a rapidly shifting market. With peak buyer demand, limited competition, and signs of cooling price appreciation, missing this ideal window could mean leaving serious cash on the table.

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

Through back surgery, a stroke and heart attack, one San Jose couple has been making due without a home in which to recover. Now, thanks to interim housing built by the city, they’re able to move indoors, grateful for comforts they’ve not had in a decade.

“I’m glad we have a bathroom. It’s rough out there,” resident Charlotte told CBS News as she and partner Robert toured their unit.

The city just opened this largest of seven interim housing communities, and plans to open more. The building is the most significant step the city has taken yet — able to house more than 200 people — and is located at the site of an old encampment.

“This was a site of frustration, of anger, of fear … of hopelessness, frankly,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said on move-in day.

“I can’t believe this transformation.”

Community reactions to the initiative

The city of San Jose is working hard to help unhoused people and limit where they encamp.

“I spoke to a lot of the folks in the tents who said ‘I don’t know where to go. You can abate me, but where am I going to go?’ Just down the railroad tracks, right?” Mayor Mahan said. “And, that’s what’s so powerful about this model.”

The city fast-tracked this latest site by using prefab, modular buildings that allowed the development to open in just under two years.

When asked during the groundbreaking in 2023, area resident Robyn Estrada said the development would likely benefit their community.

"It’s great they are using the exact land that the homeless were on anyways, in an official way. In a way that neighbors won’t think it’s an eyesore," Estrada told CBS News at the time.

Jaime Navarro spoke at the groundbreaking in 2023. He’d spent nine years living on the streets before moving into a similar temporary housing community.

"I’m able to hold down a job. I work at Chevron. That’s all I needed was a little bit of help,” Navarro said.

“To have a warm meal and to take a shower. That was a lot for me man, you know?"

As CBS News reports, San Jose is also developing tiny homes as part an interim housing initiative to provide housing for its more than 6,000 residents who are homeless.

How housing initiatives impact your property taxes

There are two ways housing initiatives like these could impact property taxes — by raising property values, which can increase taxes, and by funding for the projects. So, could your community’s good deeds hit your pocketbook? Probably not, say experts.

The Urban Institute, which performed a study in Alexandria, Virginia, found that affordable units are associated with "a small but statistically significant increase in property values of 0.09% within 1/16 of a mile of a development, on average — a distance comparable to a typical urban block."

A less than 1% increase in property values is unlikely to increase property taxes significantly.

Karen Nemsick, director of the Housing Justice Initiative for United Way Bay Area, calls the idea that affordable housing lowers a community’s value or raises taxes a "myth." In a recent post on the United Way Bay Area website, she shared the following:

• This housing shortage in major metropolitan areas costs the American economy about $2 trillion a year in lower wages and productivity. … Researchers estimate the growth in GDP between 1964 and 2009 would have been 13.5% higher if families had better access to affordable housing. This would have led to a $1.7 trillion increase in total income, or $8,775 in additional wages per worker.

But who is paying for these initiatives? ​Funding for these types of projects often comes from a mix of local tax revenue, state grants or bond measures, which can lead to shifts in tax rates.

According to the mayor, San Jose’s interim housing project at Branham Lane and Monterey Road is funded through a combination of state, local and philanthropic contributions that cover construction as well as a reported $6 million annual operating cost.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Homekey program awarded a $51.8 million grant to support the project. The City of San Jose invested $38.8 million, while Santa Clara County contributed $4 million. Additionally, John A. and Sue Sobrato Philanthropies donated $5 million toward the development.

While initiatives generally aim to reduce long-term costs by decreasing emergency services and health care expenses associated with homelessness, the immediate financial impact on residents varies depending on how the city funds the projects. Engaging at the local level can help residents minimize the effect on their local taxes.

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

With rent prices soaring and longtime residents being forced out, Rockville, Maryland tenants are demanding urgent action from city leaders to stabilize housing costs before their community becomes unrecognizable.

Renters, who make up 50% of Rockville’s population, have shared their frustration with 7News about how increasing rents are driving long-time residents out of the community.

“Rent stabilization is incredibly important at this moment,” said Grant Samms, head of the Reed Tenant Association. “The neighbors that I’m surrounded by are quite different than the neighbors that I had two years ago … watching people move out of my apartment, watching them get evicted in many cases.”

In July 2024, Montgomery County implemented a 6% ceiling on rent increases, providing relief to renters. However, Rockville has its own housing authority, making it exempt from this law. As a result, residents are now pushing for rent control measures to be extended to Rockville as well.

“When rents go up that high, people have to move out,” Samms added. “These are teachers. These are firefighters. These are EMS. That erodes the stability of our community.”

‘Outrageous rent increases’ hard on seniors

For many Rockville residents, these rent hikes have become unbearable.

Chris Madden, the leader of the Huntington Tenant Association, expressed concern for seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, who are struggling to keep up with the steep increases.

“I hate to see my neighbors have to leave this great community because of these outrageous rent increases,” Madden told ABC 7 News. “For seniors, especially, it’s very hard because they’re on a fixed income and moving is very difficult.

“This neighborhood, specifically, this apartment complex has seen up to a 30% increase.”

Renters like Madden say such steep hikes are forcing people to leave. As of March 14, 13,000 federal workers and contractors in the DMV area had filed for unemployment, adding to the financial strain for many Rockville residents.

“We have had renters here who are federal workers that are currently feeling a lot of uncertainty with the layoffs,” he said. “They need some semblance of certainty, at least about where they live.”

One of the residents’ biggest concerns is the potential impact of rising rents on the area’s diversity.

“I am concerned about what this means for diversity in the area,” Adams said. “This is one of my biggest concerns as someone who has seen minority communities get pushed out because of high rent prices.”

7News spoke with Councilmember Zola Shaw, who has expressed support for the tenants’ push for rent control.

“I think that my constituents are doing a great job talking to them directly and coming to City Hall,” Shaw said. “We’ve had hundreds of renters, landlords — all types of residents — coming and sharing their story. It’s time for Rockville to have the same equal protections as the majority of our housing market.”

As the pressure grows on city leaders, Rockville residents continue to demand protections that will help maintain the stability of their community and ensure affordable housing options.

Pros and cons of rent control

Rent control policies, like those that the Rockville tenants are pushing for, can make housing more affordable and provide more stability for tenants.

The benefits of rent control include predictable rent increases and allowing tenants to budget effectively. It also helps increase affordability for low- and moderate-income earners by making keeping units accessible.

However, there are also potential impacts on rental prices and the broader housing market.

One challenge of rent caps is that they put a burden on landlords, potentially reducing their ability to provide upgrades or repairs. As a result, while tenants’ rental costs are protected, buildings may suffer from deferred maintenance.

Rent control could also shrink the rental market if landlords decide to convert units into non-rental properties or withdraw them from the market altogether.

Additionally, rent control policies can create a gap between capped and unregulated units, driving up rents in the non-capped segment when demand shifts to those properties.

When implementing rent control policies, policymakers must weigh the pros and cons to strike a balance between protecting tenants and maintaining a healthy housing market.

As for Rockville, the call for rent stabilization has gathered significant support, with many residents urging the City Council to act.

“The city council of Rockville desperately needs to consider and pass this legislation,” Samms said.

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

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Social Security has been in the headlines ever since Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) set their sights on the program.

Public concern has grown, fueled by Musk’s fiery claims of fraud within the system — some of which have been debunked by experts.

Tensions escalated further when Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently suggested that his 94-year-old mother-in-law “wouldn’t complain” if Social Security missed a payment — unlike fraudsters, who would “yell and scream.”

Amid mounting worries about the program’s future, Musk took the stage at a town hall in Wisconsin on March 30 to clarify his position.

“DOGE will absolutely ensure that people get their Social Security, make sure they get their Social Security, make sure they get their Medicaid and will not be cutting any legitimate payments whatsoever,” Musk said.

Approximately 69 million Americans receive a Social Security check every month, and many depend on it to make ends meet.

According to the Social Security Administration, 39% of men and 44% of women aged 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least half of their income. Perhaps more striking, 12% of men and 15% of women depend on it for 90% or more of their income.

Yet, despite Musk’s reassurances, the long-term outlook for Social Security remains uncertain. The program’s annual trustees report projects that its combined trust funds will be able to pay benefits in full until 2035. After that, the funds’ reserves will be depleted, and the program’s income will only be sufficient to cover 83% of scheduled benefits.

Given these challenges, securing additional sources of income can be crucial for financial stability in retirement. Here are two options to consider.

Collect passive income from real estate

Real estate has long been a popular option for retirement investors, since well-chosen properties can provide a steady stream of rental income. It is also considered a hedge against inflation, with property values and rental income often rising alongside the cost of living.

While the prospect of collecting monthly rent checks sounds appealing, being a landlord does come with its challenges. You need to find reliable tenants, collect rent and handle maintenance and repair requests (out of your own pocket) — and that’s if you can save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage to buy a property in the first place.

The good news? These days, you don’t need to buy a property outright to reap the benefits of real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived have made it easier for average Americans to invest in rental properties without the need for a hefty down payment or the burden of property management.

With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

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

If you’re interested in commercial real estate, there are plenty of opportunities as well.

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

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

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

High yield savings options

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already retired, high-yield savings options offer a low-risk way to generate income passively while keeping your funds accessible.

Some high-yield savings accounts offer much higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow without needing to lock it away in long-term investments.

There are also non-bank options like the Wealthfront Cash Account, offered by Wealthfront, a financial services company known for its robo-adviser platform.

The Cash Account currently offers a 4.00% APY, along with FDIC insurance coverage of up to $8 million through partner banks. The account comes with zero account fees and offers unlimited fee-free transfers and withdrawals, making it a flexible and secure option for growing your cash reserves.

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