Why is the 30% housing rule gross instead of net?: How to figure out the true cost of your housing and budget effectively without overextending yourself
It’s hardly a secret that home prices are soaring on a national scale. In February, the median existing-home sale price rose 3.8% to $398,400 on an annual basis, according to the National Association of REALTORS. Despite mortgage rates being elevated, consumers are continuing to purchase homes. And a limited inventory on a national scale is […]
‘We have a huge problem’: A Chicago man says squatters moved into his home right before a showing and refused to leave — here’s why police didn’t initially intervene
Steven Brill was excited to list his freshly renovated Tinley Park, Illinois home for sale. But shortly after posting the listing, his real estate agent called him to report a startling discovery — a family of four, complete with two dogs, had already moved into Brill’s home without permission. "I put the house on the […]
‘You can see the name, date and the balance’: Scammers are selling Social Security accounts on the dark web, researcher says — here’s what you can do to protect your benefit checks
Georgia State University professor David Maimon, head of the school’s evidence-based cybersecurity research group, says he’s found Social Security accounts for sale by scammers online. “You can see the name, date and the balance,” he told Channel 2 Action News in a story published March 24. “The whole point of the scam is to try […]
Are you willing to spend $20,000 or more on a dog? Here are 15 of the most expensive dog breeds in Canada
My dog lives like a king. And he’s grown accustomed to this lavish lifestyle. From the time I purchased him from a breeder ($1,000), to expected and unexpected vet bills, grooming costs and an extensive (and impressive) wardrobe, let’s just say that I’m glad that I started budgeting for him well before he came into […]
‘All of the bets were grayed out’: Chicago dad’s $389,000 March Madness win vanishes when BetMGM cancels 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 […]
17 of most expensive cat breeds in Canada
As a cat parent, you know there are certain costs associated with having a feline family member. From regular expenses, such as food, toys and veterinary care, to grooming supplies and litter, the financial commitment is part of responsible pet ownership. However, when it comes to specific cat breeds, some come with a notably higher […]
‘This is a tragedy’: Mark Carney warns the 80-year period of US economic leadership ‘is over’ — says America is no longer the anchor of global trade. Here’s how to survive the ‘new reality’
Trump’s “Liberation Day” may be the first step in America’s exit from its role as the world’s economic anchor and trusted trade ally. That’s according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who didn’t hold back in a press conference shortly after reciprocal tariffs on U.S. autos were announced. “The system of global trade anchored on […]
Trump brothers bet big on Bitcoin: Eric and Don Jr. launch major crypto mining venture — what that means for your investments
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are going all-in on the digital currency space with the launch of a new Bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin. The Trump brothers, already known for their ventures in real estate and investments, are merging their company, American Data Centers, with crypto giant Hut 8 Mining Corp. to form the […]
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 […]
‘I thought they’d take it back right away’: Social Security windfalls spark confusion — what you need to know
Recent changes to Social Security are leaving many recipients scratching their heads, as unexpected lump sum payments and overpayments are showing up in bank accounts — all without much explanation. Brooklyn resident Elizabeth Miller, 65, was shocked and confused when she noticed a large amount of money in her account. “I didn’t know what it […]