Rebecca Payne

Contributor

Rebecca Payne has more than a decade of experience editing and producing both local and national daily newspapers. She's worked on the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Metro, Canada's National Observer, the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press.

Rebecca Payne's Expertise

Auto • Sep 13

'Hypermilers' say you can save 30% on gas with basic tweaks — or you can go deeper and start driving on painted lines

By Rebecca Payne

Auto • Jul 26

Dave Ramsey says this 'really, extremely' stupid purchase is the No. 1 thing new college graduates get wrong

By Rebecca Payne

Auto • Apr 04

A Florida car dealer tried to ship a stolen $460,000 Rolls-Royce overseas. It did not go well for him

By Rebecca Payne

Credit Cards • Dec 08

A settlement between Visa and Mastercard means businesses could charge different fees for different cards. What to know

By Rebecca Payne

Employment • Jan 25

Former engineer still jobless 2 years after layoff now resells antiques for income. Prepare for a 'prolonged' job loss

By Rebecca Payne

Employment • Feb 11

More bosses want to help staff with their finances, report says, but are they doing enough? How to advocate for yourself

By Rebecca Payne

Employment • Feb 04

Employers set to give 'peanut butter' raises in place of merit-based pay bumps in 2026. What it means for your paycheck

By Rebecca Payne

Loans • Mar 24

Debt-free Missouri woman worth $3M says family keeps asking for handouts — and she wants to set boundaries

By Rebecca Payne

Loans • Jan 30

'That's insanity': Ramsey blows his top over $80K car debt cosigned by grandma, and issues warning about predatory loans

By Rebecca Payne

Loans • Jan 10

Mortgage rates projected to drop, but not enough to justify refinancing. How homeowners can tap equity for added cash

By Rebecca Payne

Real Estate • Mar 22

Massive Massachusetts YMCA complex to be built around residents who refuse to sell. Why they rejected a $2.5M offer

By Rebecca Payne

Real Estate • Mar 09

Colorado man plans to borrow $100K from his dad and buy a $900K rental. Why Ramsey Show hosts are 'not super excited'

By Rebecca Payne

Real Estate • Feb 14

My brother wants to buy my parents $3M home and deduct $150K for renos. Why keeping it in the family isn't always best

By Rebecca Payne

Retirement • Aug 04

Millions of seniors live on less than $1,000 a month as Social Security's 2.8% COLA fails to keep up with inflation

By Rebecca Payne

Retirement • Aug 03

5 hard truths about retirement you need to face before clocking out on your career — are you as ready as you think?

By Rebecca Payne

Retirement • Aug 01

Counting on your home's value for retirement? Here’s why that strategy could backfire

By Rebecca Payne

Taxes • Aug 16

50 AI-generated YouTube videos falsely tell seniors they can stop paying property taxes — here's what actually exists

By Rebecca Payne

Taxes • Jul 27

IRS threatens to seize a farmer's land over a $20,000 refund it sent by accident — money he tried to return

By Rebecca Payne

Taxes • Feb 18

Your pets may feel like family, but can you claim them as dependents on your tax return?

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 12

Most of the $17.2T in inherited wealth will flow through just 10 states by 2045 — with California leading the pack

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 02

Oklahoma daycares are so broke they've stopped providing baby wipes — and dinner. What happened?

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 01

Arizona town's residents saw their water bills double in two years — but experts say high prices are a critical tool

By Rebecca Payne

Mortgages • Jun 07

A couple owes $220K at 2.75% — and a TikToker wants them to swap it for an 8% variable HELOC

By Rebecca Payne

Mortgages • Nov 23

President Trump’s portable mortgage push could let you keep your 3% rate, but experts warn it may backfire

By Rebecca Payne

Mortgages • Jan 12

Nearly 70% of US homebuyers don't shop around for the best mortgage rate, and it could be costing them thousands

By Rebecca Payne

Investing • Jul 16

Michael Burry's $39 a month Substack hits 300,000 subscribers, fueling speculation of a $113M-a-year newsletter empire

By Rebecca Payne

Investing • Jul 13

Americans tend to underestimate their true retirement wealth — but that could leave you working longer than needed

By Rebecca Payne

Investing • Jun 15

Landlords swear by the 1% rule for rental properties: How a simple math trick saves bad investments

By Rebecca Payne

Banking • Aug 06

SunTrust's $240 million overdraft fee settlement could pay you up to $1,000

By Rebecca Payne

Banking • Jul 12

Banks collected $12 billion in overdraft fees in 2025 after Congress reversed the $5 cap — here's how to avoid them

By Rebecca Payne

Insurance • Aug 23

Wall Street firms are waiting for people to die so they can get their life insurance money. And yes, it’s legal

By Rebecca Payne

Insurance • Jul 11

Florida man paid off his house 2 months before Hurricane Milton tore off his roof — and he had no home insurance

By Rebecca Payne

Insurance • Mar 03

I was billed for dental work I never got and my insurance says it’s fraud. But the dentist is threatening collections

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 31

3 super simple hacks that can save you thousands effortlessly — but you need to do them before September ends

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 23

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel share the spending 'clues' that reveal if you're broke, average or wealthy

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 07

3 Colorado kids netted a surprise $400K windfall. Dave Ramsey reveals what the parents should do when they turn 18

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 11

Florida couple got scammed trying to buy a second puppy online. The red flag that saved them from losing hundreds more

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 03

NYC deli manager who gives cash prizes to local kids with good grades gets $500K in funding on GoFundMe

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Aug 08

Italy lottery player tossed a $1.1 million winning ticket in the trash — waste workers spent 2 days digging it out

By Rebecca Payne

LATEST

Auto • Sep 13

'Hypermilers' say you can save 30% on gas with basic tweaks — or you can go deeper and start driving on painted lines

With gas prices above $4 a gallon, these mileage enthusiasts share tips on how to get the most out of a full tank.

By Rebecca Payne

Auto • Sep 13

'Hypermilers' say you can save 30% on gas with basic tweaks — or you can go deeper and start driving on painted lines

With gas prices above $4 a gallon, these mileage enthusiasts share tips on how to get the most out of a full tank.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 12

Most of the $17.2T in inherited wealth will flow through just 10 states by 2045 — with California leading the pack

As trillions of dollars are inherited over the next 20 years, the impact on the housing market could mirror the pandemic remote-work boom.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 12

Most of the $17.2T in inherited wealth will flow through just 10 states by 2045 — with California leading the pack

As trillions of dollars are inherited over the next 20 years, the impact on the housing market could mirror the pandemic remote-work boom.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 11

Florida couple got scammed trying to buy a second puppy online. The red flag that saved them from losing hundreds more

Buying pets on online marketplaces comes with its own set of risks.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 11

Florida couple got scammed trying to buy a second puppy online. The red flag that saved them from losing hundreds more

Buying pets on online marketplaces comes with its own set of risks.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 03

NYC deli manager who gives cash prizes to local kids with good grades gets $500K in funding on GoFundMe

Staten Island "Grades for Grabs" program has gone viral and helped kids improve their grades, and it started with a promise to just one student.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Sep 03

NYC deli manager who gives cash prizes to local kids with good grades gets $500K in funding on GoFundMe

Staten Island "Grades for Grabs" program has gone viral and helped kids improve their grades, and it started with a promise to just one student.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 02

Oklahoma daycares are so broke they've stopped providing baby wipes — and dinner. What happened?

A recent report found the average cost of child care nationally has climbed more than 20% since 2022.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 02

Oklahoma daycares are so broke they've stopped providing baby wipes — and dinner. What happened?

A recent report found the average cost of child care nationally has climbed more than 20% since 2022.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 01

Arizona town's residents saw their water bills double in two years — but experts say high prices are a critical tool

A historic 26-year drought gripping the Colorado River Basin has left runoff and reservoir levels at historic lows.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Sep 01

Arizona town's residents saw their water bills double in two years — but experts say high prices are a critical tool

A historic 26-year drought gripping the Colorado River Basin has left runoff and reservoir levels at historic lows.

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 31

3 super simple hacks that can save you thousands effortlessly — but you need to do them before September ends

September is a great time of the year to take stock of where your finances are at.

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 31

3 super simple hacks that can save you thousands effortlessly — but you need to do them before September ends

September is a great time of the year to take stock of where your finances are at.

By Rebecca Payne

Man looks out window at top of Gateway Arch over St. Louis.

News • Aug 29

This Midwest city has been one of the most affordable US metros for more than 100 years

A massive undertaking by Fed researchers has assembled data on housing prices in 30 U.S. cities from the years 1890 to 2024.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 29

This Midwest city has been one of the most affordable US metros for more than 100 years

A massive undertaking by Fed researchers has assembled data on housing prices in 30 U.S. cities from the years 1890 to 2024.

By Rebecca Payne

Nikita Bier, left, and Dave Schatz work from Bier's living room in Los Angeles.

News • Aug 27

Elon Musk’s former exec will give you 30 minutes of business advice — if you’re willing to part with $15,000

Founder Nikita Bier offers live, one-on-one video calls in time blocks of 15, 30 and 45 minutes at prices that work out to $500 per minute.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 27

Elon Musk’s former exec will give you 30 minutes of business advice — if you’re willing to part with $15,000

Founder Nikita Bier offers live, one-on-one video calls in time blocks of 15, 30 and 45 minutes at prices that work out to $500 per minute.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 25

Gavin Newsom slams $20B of tariffs on Canadian goods, calls Canada 'our closest ally'

Reactions to the new tariffs have been fiery on both sides of the border, with California’s governor going so far as to use an expletive in a social media post.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 25

Gavin Newsom slams $20B of tariffs on Canadian goods, calls Canada 'our closest ally'

Reactions to the new tariffs have been fiery on both sides of the border, with California’s governor going so far as to use an expletive in a social media post.

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 23

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel share the spending 'clues' that reveal if you're broke, average or wealthy

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel say these habits will land you in one of three categories: “broke, average and wealthy.”

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 23

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel share the spending 'clues' that reveal if you're broke, average or wealthy

Rachel Cruze and George Kamel say these habits will land you in one of three categories: “broke, average and wealthy.”

By Rebecca Payne

Insurance • Aug 23

Wall Street firms are waiting for people to die so they can get their life insurance money. And yes, it’s legal

Life settlements can provide a cash infusion when people really need it, but selling your policy isn’t something to take lightly.

By Rebecca Payne

Insurance • Aug 23

Wall Street firms are waiting for people to die so they can get their life insurance money. And yes, it’s legal

Life settlements can provide a cash infusion when people really need it, but selling your policy isn’t something to take lightly.

By Rebecca Payne

Jennifer Garner attends Once Upon A Farm - The Goodness Of Summer Event at Wölffer Estate Stables on July 11, 2026 in Sagaponack, New York.

News • Aug 20

Jennifer Garner's Once Upon a Farm went public at a $724-million valuation — and she refuses to check the stock price

Garner said that she sees being over 50 as an advantage in all aspects of her professional life — in her charity work, her acting work, and with her company.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 20

Jennifer Garner's Once Upon a Farm went public at a $724-million valuation — and she refuses to check the stock price

Garner said that she sees being over 50 as an advantage in all aspects of her professional life — in her charity work, her acting work, and with her company.

By Rebecca Payne

An ice cream shop in Panama City, Florida.

News • Aug 18

Two Florida cities top the list of US regions where home sellers are most likely to lose money on their listings

In one Florida metro, more than 18% of listings are priced below what the sellers paid.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 18

Two Florida cities top the list of US regions where home sellers are most likely to lose money on their listings

In one Florida metro, more than 18% of listings are priced below what the sellers paid.

By Rebecca Payne

Taxes • Aug 16

50 AI-generated YouTube videos falsely tell seniors they can stop paying property taxes — here's what actually exists

AI-generated videos that make false claims that Congress has passed laws around property taxes for older homeowners are circulating online.

By Rebecca Payne

Taxes • Aug 16

50 AI-generated YouTube videos falsely tell seniors they can stop paying property taxes — here's what actually exists

AI-generated videos that make false claims that Congress has passed laws around property taxes for older homeowners are circulating online.

By Rebecca Payne

A photo of a woman stressed at her laptop

News • Aug 14

MIT researchers find AI chatbots give women more conservative financial advice, costing them $60,000 by age 60

Researchers found that following an AI chatbot’s advice would mean most individuals would see better financial results, but that men would earn more than women.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 14

MIT researchers find AI chatbots give women more conservative financial advice, costing them $60,000 by age 60

Researchers found that following an AI chatbot’s advice would mean most individuals would see better financial results, but that men would earn more than women.

By Rebecca Payne

Kevin O'Leary attends the 2016 Interbrand Breakthrough Brands Summit.

News • Aug 13

Kevin O'Leary says he botched the messaging on his Utah data center: 'No interest in causing an environmental disaster'

“We really screwed this up. We have not communicated what we do.”

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 13

Kevin O'Leary says he botched the messaging on his Utah data center: 'No interest in causing an environmental disaster'

“We really screwed this up. We have not communicated what we do.”

By Rebecca Payne

A student works on projects using artificial intelligence.

News • Aug 13

‘Learn to code’ is so 2010 — now AI boot camps are where it’s at for the future of work

Amid an uncertain job market, some workers are looking to get a leg up by learning how to use AI.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 13

‘Learn to code’ is so 2010 — now AI boot camps are where it’s at for the future of work

Amid an uncertain job market, some workers are looking to get a leg up by learning how to use AI.

By Rebecca Payne

A close-up of painted stones left at a memorial in tribute to Dobby.

News • Aug 11

Furious Harry Potter fans forced a $580 million power cable to swerve around Dobby the elf's fake 'grave'

The memorial was created at the filming location where Dobby was killed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

By Rebecca Payne

News • Aug 11

Furious Harry Potter fans forced a $580 million power cable to swerve around Dobby the elf's fake 'grave'

The memorial was created at the filming location where Dobby was killed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Aug 08

Italy lottery player tossed a $1.1 million winning ticket in the trash — waste workers spent 2 days digging it out

Sanitation workers plucked a lucky lottery ticket out of a “mountain” of trash, and then won their own.

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Aug 08

Italy lottery player tossed a $1.1 million winning ticket in the trash — waste workers spent 2 days digging it out

Sanitation workers plucked a lucky lottery ticket out of a “mountain” of trash, and then won their own.

By Rebecca Payne

Gen Xers are “now expected to care for these aging parents who never provided the same emotional care to us,” TikToker Leelo Ryan says.

Life • Aug 07

Gen X mom calls out ‘impossible position’ of having to care for ‘present but absent’ aging boomer parents

What if you don’t have a good relationship with the parent you’re expected to provide care for?

By Rebecca Payne

Life • Aug 07

Gen X mom calls out ‘impossible position’ of having to care for ‘present but absent’ aging boomer parents

What if you don’t have a good relationship with the parent you’re expected to provide care for?

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 07

3 Colorado kids netted a surprise $400K windfall. Dave Ramsey reveals what the parents should do when they turn 18

A windfall can feel like it solves all of life’s problems, except that it can also create problems of its own — especially for a teenager.

By Rebecca Payne

Managing Money • Aug 07

3 Colorado kids netted a surprise $400K windfall. Dave Ramsey reveals what the parents should do when they turn 18

A windfall can feel like it solves all of life’s problems, except that it can also create problems of its own — especially for a teenager.

By Rebecca Payne

Banking • Aug 06

SunTrust's $240 million overdraft fee settlement could pay you up to $1,000

Class-action suit alleged that SunTrust’s overdraft fees for certain transactions constituted interest, a violation of usury laws in Georgia.

By Rebecca Payne

Banking • Aug 06

SunTrust's $240 million overdraft fee settlement could pay you up to $1,000

Class-action suit alleged that SunTrust’s overdraft fees for certain transactions constituted interest, a violation of usury laws in Georgia.

By Rebecca Payne

Retirement • Aug 04

Millions of seniors live on less than $1,000 a month as Social Security's 2.8% COLA fails to keep up with inflation

A non-partisan advocacy group says that millions of older Americans are living off less than $2,000 per month. Many others are scrapping by with under $1,000.

By Rebecca Payne

Retirement • Aug 04

Millions of seniors live on less than $1,000 a month as Social Security's 2.8% COLA fails to keep up with inflation

A non-partisan advocacy group says that millions of older Americans are living off less than $2,000 per month. Many others are scrapping by with under $1,000.

By Rebecca Payne