FBI leads San Diego task force to stop elder scams
San Diego residents in their golden years should be enjoying the balmy weather and beaches, but instead, many are worrying about how to recover lost funds or survive financially after being scammed. Victims include retired professionals, says Michael Rod, an FBI supervisory agent in San Diego Count. Two such victims whom reported over $2 million stolen in the past two weeks. “Doctors, lawyers, judges, pilots, engineers, all have fallen victim to this stuff, like very smart, intelligent people,” Rod told ABC 10 News San Diego. That's why scams are often underreported. The FBI reports that last year, at least 1,300 San Diego residents aged 60 and older lost an average $80,000 each to fraudsters — a total $108 million, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many victims are embarrassed and don't report when they've been targeted. Rod now leads a new initiative dedicated to helping protect older residents in San Diego County from such scams: the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force. The task force is made up of local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and Adult Protective Services. "It's a first-of-the-kind model,” explained Rod, who is currently serving as task force commander. It’s urgent work as elder fraud is on the rise nationwide — $4.8 billion in losses last year, according to the FBI. Residents of California, Florida, and Texas lost the most money, according to the FBI. Not only is more money being stolen, but criminals are getting more brazen.
San Diego residents in their golden years should be enjoying the balmy weather and beaches, but instead, many are worrying about how to recover lost funds or survive financially after being scammed. Victims include retired professionals, says Michael Rod, an FBI supervisory agent in San Diego Count. Two such victims whom reported over $2 million stolen in the past two weeks. “Doctors, lawyers, judges, pilots, engineers, all have fallen victim to this stuff, like very smart, intelligent people,” Rod told ABC 10 News San Diego. That's why scams are often underreported. The FBI reports that last year, at least 1,300 San Diego residents aged 60 and older lost an average $80,000 each to fraudsters — a total $108 million, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many victims are embarrassed and don't report when they've been targeted. Rod now leads a new initiative dedicated to helping protect older residents in San Diego County from such scams: the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force. The task force is made up of local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and Adult Protective Services. "It's a first-of-the-kind model,” explained Rod, who is currently serving as task force commander. It’s urgent work as elder fraud is on the rise nationwide — $4.8 billion in losses last year, according to the FBI. Residents of California, Florida, and Texas lost the most money, according to the FBI. Not only is more money being stolen, but criminals are getting more brazen.
California homeowners face rising insurance costs
Before the world watched on as wildfires engulfed large swathes of California early in 2025, an insurance crisis was already starting to heat up. In the months and years before the disastrous 2025 fires, insurance companies began backing away from the California market. As they pulled away from the market, by dropping policies and choosing not to insure certain homes, insurers generally cited the rising risks of extreme weather and growing rebuilding costs. For many California homeowners, the changing insurance market left them scrambling to get the coverage they needed.
Before the world watched on as wildfires engulfed large swathes of California early in 2025, an insurance crisis was already starting to heat up. In the months and years before the disastrous 2025 fires, insurance companies began backing away from the California market. As they pulled away from the market, by dropping policies and choosing not to insure certain homes, insurers generally cited the rising risks of extreme weather and growing rebuilding costs. For many California homeowners, the changing insurance market left them scrambling to get the coverage they needed.
The surprising upsides of upsizing in retirement
Janelle and her husband, both 68, recently retired and are ready to make the most of their golden years. They own a condo, which originally they thought would be ideal for retirement. But now, with an active lifestyle — and more time spent babysitting their grandkids — they’re wondering if it actually makes sense to upsize during retirement. Janelle spent most of her career commuting to an office, while her husband spent long stretches on the road for work. Now that they’re retired, they want to enjoy their home. Janelle, who recently took up watercolors, wants a space to herself where she can paint — preferably a sunroom overlooking a garden. Her husband wants a ‘man cave’ where he can watch football and Formula One. Three out of four Americans aged 50-plus want to age in place, according to AARP’s national 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey. For many, that means downsizing. “Nearly half (44%) of adults aged 50-plus expect to relocate, with housing costs being a primary motivator, including rising costs of rent or mortgage (71%), property maintenance (60%) and taxes (55%),” according to the survey. But could it make sense for some retired couples? Here’s what Janelle and her husband might want to consider before making a move.
Janelle and her husband, both 68, recently retired and are ready to make the most of their golden years. They own a condo, which originally they thought would be ideal for retirement. But now, with an active lifestyle — and more time spent babysitting their grandkids — they’re wondering if it actually makes sense to upsize during retirement. Janelle spent most of her career commuting to an office, while her husband spent long stretches on the road for work. Now that they’re retired, they want to enjoy their home. Janelle, who recently took up watercolors, wants a space to herself where she can paint — preferably a sunroom overlooking a garden. Her husband wants a ‘man cave’ where he can watch football and Formula One. Three out of four Americans aged 50-plus want to age in place, according to AARP’s national 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey. For many, that means downsizing. “Nearly half (44%) of adults aged 50-plus expect to relocate, with housing costs being a primary motivator, including rising costs of rent or mortgage (71%), property maintenance (60%) and taxes (55%),” according to the survey. But could it make sense for some retired couples? Here’s what Janelle and her husband might want to consider before making a move.
Fraud-linked CEO tied to new detox center
Sovereign Health Group, once one of the country’s largest addiction treatment providers, shut down in disgrace in 2018 — but former CEO Tonmoy Sharma appears to be back in business. As NBC4 Los Angeles reports, a detox and mental health facility called Dana Shores Recovery has opened in a home Sharma owns in San Juan Capistrano, a city in Southern California. The facility pays $10,000 a month to a business registered in Sharma’s name. That leaves neighbors, addictions treatment advocates and at least one family whose son took his life at a Sovereign Health Group facility shocked. “I think all of the neighbors are really concerned,” one neighbor told NBC4 Los Angeles, noting that it is also of concern that a full-blown business is now operating 24/7 in a residential neighborhood. Laurie Girand, a driving force behind Advocates for Responsible Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, goes further. “This is completely despicable,” Girand said to NBC4. “How is it that the State of California, knowing everything it does know about Tonmoy Sharma, and about his history of Sovereign Health is allowing him to continue to profit off businesses that are related to addictions treatment or mental health?”
Sovereign Health Group, once one of the country’s largest addiction treatment providers, shut down in disgrace in 2018 — but former CEO Tonmoy Sharma appears to be back in business. As NBC4 Los Angeles reports, a detox and mental health facility called Dana Shores Recovery has opened in a home Sharma owns in San Juan Capistrano, a city in Southern California. The facility pays $10,000 a month to a business registered in Sharma’s name. That leaves neighbors, addictions treatment advocates and at least one family whose son took his life at a Sovereign Health Group facility shocked. “I think all of the neighbors are really concerned,” one neighbor told NBC4 Los Angeles, noting that it is also of concern that a full-blown business is now operating 24/7 in a residential neighborhood. Laurie Girand, a driving force behind Advocates for Responsible Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, goes further. “This is completely despicable,” Girand said to NBC4. “How is it that the State of California, knowing everything it does know about Tonmoy Sharma, and about his history of Sovereign Health is allowing him to continue to profit off businesses that are related to addictions treatment or mental health?”
Blue Diamond to shut down Sacramento plant
Blue Diamond Growers will permanently close its flagship Sacramento processing plant, which will result in the loss of approximately 600 jobs in the region. The 115-year-old company blamed maintenance costs and persistent inefficiencies for the shutdown. The company will consolidate manufacturing work into its existing facilities in Turlock and Salida, which are located in California’s Central Valley. “Our Sacramento team’s work ethic and incredible drive have enabled us to build Blue Diamond into what it is today,” CEO and president Kai Bockmann told ABC News. “However, the challenges of running a plant from these historical buildings has become too costly and inefficient. Streamlining our manufacturing plants is the right business move.”
Blue Diamond Growers will permanently close its flagship Sacramento processing plant, which will result in the loss of approximately 600 jobs in the region. The 115-year-old company blamed maintenance costs and persistent inefficiencies for the shutdown. The company will consolidate manufacturing work into its existing facilities in Turlock and Salida, which are located in California’s Central Valley. “Our Sacramento team’s work ethic and incredible drive have enabled us to build Blue Diamond into what it is today,” CEO and president Kai Bockmann told ABC News. “However, the challenges of running a plant from these historical buildings has become too costly and inefficient. Streamlining our manufacturing plants is the right business move.”
5 million have defaulted on their student loans
Danielle Arnone, a Utah mother of two, has seen her credit score plunge 150 points this year because she and her husband were unable to keep up with the cost of living and pay back their federal student loans at the same time. “It was shocking — made us sick to our stomachs,” she told KUTV 2 News in a story published May 28. “The cost of everything — preschool, groceries, gas — it can be overwhelming. Now this? It’s just a gray cloud that’s always there.” Arnone and her husband took advantage of the pause on federal student loan payments that began in March 2020. The pause ended in September 2023, however, the previous administration allowed for a one-year grace period to resume payments. Starting in January, past-due accounts were once again being reported to credit bureaus. On May 5, the government resumed collecting defaulted student loan payments. As a result, on top of taking a hit to their credit scores, millions of borrowers could face wage garnishments, withheld tax refunds and reduced Social Security benefits if loans continue to go unpaid. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this boat.
Danielle Arnone, a Utah mother of two, has seen her credit score plunge 150 points this year because she and her husband were unable to keep up with the cost of living and pay back their federal student loans at the same time. “It was shocking — made us sick to our stomachs,” she told KUTV 2 News in a story published May 28. “The cost of everything — preschool, groceries, gas — it can be overwhelming. Now this? It’s just a gray cloud that’s always there.” Arnone and her husband took advantage of the pause on federal student loan payments that began in March 2020. The pause ended in September 2023, however, the previous administration allowed for a one-year grace period to resume payments. Starting in January, past-due accounts were once again being reported to credit bureaus. On May 5, the government resumed collecting defaulted student loan payments. As a result, on top of taking a hit to their credit scores, millions of borrowers could face wage garnishments, withheld tax refunds and reduced Social Security benefits if loans continue to go unpaid. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this boat.
Texas couple accused of massive real estate fraud
There’s nothing wrong with selling a property you own. There’s something very wrong with forging documents to transfer a property to your name, selling it, and pocketing the proceeds. The latter is exactly what Alba and Jarin Martinez are accused of doing. The Texas husband-and-wife duo are accused of falsely claiming ownership and selling properties they didn’t own, according to an April lawsuit filed by the Harris County Attorney’s Office. The couple is being sued for more than $1 million in damages and is said to have falsely claimed ownership of at least 35 properties in Harris County, reported ABC13. A judge signed a temporary injunction to prevent the Martinezes from filing documents related to these properties, according to KPRC 2. But Alba Martinez has been accused of violating the court order in two instances, including one reportedly caught on camera, and the county is asking that she be held in contempt of court.
There’s nothing wrong with selling a property you own. There’s something very wrong with forging documents to transfer a property to your name, selling it, and pocketing the proceeds. The latter is exactly what Alba and Jarin Martinez are accused of doing. The Texas husband-and-wife duo are accused of falsely claiming ownership and selling properties they didn’t own, according to an April lawsuit filed by the Harris County Attorney’s Office. The couple is being sued for more than $1 million in damages and is said to have falsely claimed ownership of at least 35 properties in Harris County, reported ABC13. A judge signed a temporary injunction to prevent the Martinezes from filing documents related to these properties, according to KPRC 2. But Alba Martinez has been accused of violating the court order in two instances, including one reportedly caught on camera, and the county is asking that she be held in contempt of court.
Minnesota mom struggling to get by on teacher pay
Michelle Boisjoli, a 37-year-old mom of three from St. Louis County, Minnesota, starts her days early and ends them late — not because she wants to, but because she has to. As a full-time teacher earning $37,000 a year, she’s become part of a growing demographic of working Americans who need a second job to get by. “It takes multiple incomes to survive in this economy,” Boisjoli told CBS News.
Michelle Boisjoli, a 37-year-old mom of three from St. Louis County, Minnesota, starts her days early and ends them late — not because she wants to, but because she has to. As a full-time teacher earning $37,000 a year, she’s become part of a growing demographic of working Americans who need a second job to get by. “It takes multiple incomes to survive in this economy,” Boisjoli told CBS News.
Home asbestos job botched, leaves toxic mess
When Michael Flores paid $20,000 to remove asbestos from his attic, he didn’t expect to find the toxic material still there — or to learn that the crew had never obtained a license in the first place. Flores had bought the 100-year-old Ottawa, Illinois, home with plans to turn it into a vacation rental near Starved Rock State Park. Knowing the attic was filled with vermiculite insulation — a material often containing asbestos — he hired a local crew to remove it safely. But after the crew from Clean Air Asbestos and Mold Control LLC declared the job done, Flores went to check for himself — and was stunned. The dangerous insulation was still sitting in the attic. He sent photos of the leftover material to the company, expecting them to fix the issue. Instead, the owner insisted the work was complete. “I was like, ‘No, that’s impossible.’” Flores told CBS Chicago. Flores called in another contractor for a second cleaning. That expert confirmed the attic was still hazardous and “too dangerous for anyone to be here working.” Flores paid an additional $8,000 to finish what should have been done the first time. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, it’s the kind of nightmare scenario that makes you ill — pay out the money to eliminate a serious health threat, only to discover the danger is still present. And Flores couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
When Michael Flores paid $20,000 to remove asbestos from his attic, he didn’t expect to find the toxic material still there — or to learn that the crew had never obtained a license in the first place. Flores had bought the 100-year-old Ottawa, Illinois, home with plans to turn it into a vacation rental near Starved Rock State Park. Knowing the attic was filled with vermiculite insulation — a material often containing asbestos — he hired a local crew to remove it safely. But after the crew from Clean Air Asbestos and Mold Control LLC declared the job done, Flores went to check for himself — and was stunned. The dangerous insulation was still sitting in the attic. He sent photos of the leftover material to the company, expecting them to fix the issue. Instead, the owner insisted the work was complete. “I was like, ‘No, that’s impossible.’” Flores told CBS Chicago. Flores called in another contractor for a second cleaning. That expert confirmed the attic was still hazardous and “too dangerous for anyone to be here working.” Flores paid an additional $8,000 to finish what should have been done the first time. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, it’s the kind of nightmare scenario that makes you ill — pay out the money to eliminate a serious health threat, only to discover the danger is still present. And Flores couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Gold hits $3,000 — Schiff predicts more gains
Investors may be feeling uneasy as stocks struggle amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. But according to economist Peter Schiff, one asset is standing out amid the uncertainty: gold. “Today marks a monumental moment in gold history as the spot price closes above $3,000 an ounce. Despite the media's silence, this development is significant,” Schiff wrote on Instagram on March 17. Despite gold's 40% surge over the past year, Schiff believes the rally is just getting started. “While central banks stockpile gold, retail investors have a unique opportunity to capitalize. With gold expected to rise to $4,000 and beyond, now is the perfect time to invest,” he wrote. In 2024, central banks added 1,045 tonnes to global reserves, marking the third consecutive year of net purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council. For Schiff, central bank buying isn’t just about portfolio diversification — it’s a warning sign.
Investors may be feeling uneasy as stocks struggle amid ongoing trade tensions and tariffs. But according to economist Peter Schiff, one asset is standing out amid the uncertainty: gold. “Today marks a monumental moment in gold history as the spot price closes above $3,000 an ounce. Despite the media's silence, this development is significant,” Schiff wrote on Instagram on March 17. Despite gold's 40% surge over the past year, Schiff believes the rally is just getting started. “While central banks stockpile gold, retail investors have a unique opportunity to capitalize. With gold expected to rise to $4,000 and beyond, now is the perfect time to invest,” he wrote. In 2024, central banks added 1,045 tonnes to global reserves, marking the third consecutive year of net purchases exceeding 1,000 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council. For Schiff, central bank buying isn’t just about portfolio diversification — it’s a warning sign.
Robert Kiyosaki warns of hyperinflation in America
Since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022, headline inflation in the U.S. has eased. But according to “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki, the worst may be yet to come. “The end is here: what if you threw a party and no one showed up? That is what happened yesterday,” he wrote in a May 21 post on X. “The Fed held an auction for U.S. bonds and no one showed up. So the Fed quietly bought $50 billion of its own fake money with fake money.” He added, “The party is over. Hyperinflation is here. Millions, young and old to be wiped out financially.”
Since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022, headline inflation in the U.S. has eased. But according to “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki, the worst may be yet to come. “The end is here: what if you threw a party and no one showed up? That is what happened yesterday,” he wrote in a May 21 post on X. “The Fed held an auction for U.S. bonds and no one showed up. So the Fed quietly bought $50 billion of its own fake money with fake money.” He added, “The party is over. Hyperinflation is here. Millions, young and old to be wiped out financially.”
Vegas tenants speak out over ‘predatory’ junk fees
Loretta Byers had no concerns with re-upping her lease at her Las Vegas apartment — that is until she was hit with an unexpected $900 annual surcharge by her property management company. Byers is just one of many residents at two Vegas apartment complexes where junk fees — or more specifically “tech package fees” — have been added to the cost of rent without consultation. Worse, management is forcing residents to sign addendums cementing the new fees — even though they weren't part of the original lease agreements. Local authorities are now hoping to clamp down on these junk fees, seeking to help vulnerable citizens with their fight against corporate greed. "More money. That's what I believe,” Byers shared with KTNV Las Vegas when discussing the motives behind the new fees. “I really think it's the greenbacks."
Loretta Byers had no concerns with re-upping her lease at her Las Vegas apartment — that is until she was hit with an unexpected $900 annual surcharge by her property management company. Byers is just one of many residents at two Vegas apartment complexes where junk fees — or more specifically “tech package fees” — have been added to the cost of rent without consultation. Worse, management is forcing residents to sign addendums cementing the new fees — even though they weren't part of the original lease agreements. Local authorities are now hoping to clamp down on these junk fees, seeking to help vulnerable citizens with their fight against corporate greed. "More money. That's what I believe,” Byers shared with KTNV Las Vegas when discussing the motives behind the new fees. “I really think it's the greenbacks."
Philly's transit authority targeting fare evaders
Dawn Cooper, a veteran bus driver with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), says she’s seen a lot in 25 years, but “just when you think that’s it, you see some more.” Fare evaders are face-to-face with drivers, so when they refuse to pay, Cooper just lets them ride. “I don’t want any situations, any confrontation,” she says. And Cooper believes evasion happens “every day” on board SEPTA’s buses and by her estimate, more than half of the riders do not pay. Her bosses at the transit authority agree — their latest report suggests fare evasion costs their system “millions of dollars each year.” Now they’re cracking down. Local CBS News in Philadelphia followed the new fare evasion task force. In the hour that the reporters rode alongside officers on the metro bus route, 10 people were turned away for not paying their fare. Many others were reminded by officers to pay as they boarded.
Dawn Cooper, a veteran bus driver with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), says she’s seen a lot in 25 years, but “just when you think that’s it, you see some more.” Fare evaders are face-to-face with drivers, so when they refuse to pay, Cooper just lets them ride. “I don’t want any situations, any confrontation,” she says. And Cooper believes evasion happens “every day” on board SEPTA’s buses and by her estimate, more than half of the riders do not pay. Her bosses at the transit authority agree — their latest report suggests fare evasion costs their system “millions of dollars each year.” Now they’re cracking down. Local CBS News in Philadelphia followed the new fare evasion task force. In the hour that the reporters rode alongside officers on the metro bus route, 10 people were turned away for not paying their fare. Many others were reminded by officers to pay as they boarded.
SWAT raid wrecks senior’s home, city pays $60K
A federal judge has ordered the city of McKinney to pay almost $60,000 plus interest to 81-year-old Vicki Baker. Why the big payday? Baker’s home was torn apart by a SWAT team during a 2020 police standoff. Baker took the city to court after her house became the battleground for a high-stakes manhunt, reported WFAA. McKinney police unleashed tear gas, explosives, and tactical vehicles on the property while chasing a fugitive who had barricaded himself inside. Insurance plans do not cover “acts of the government” and the city refused to pay for the damage, so Vicki joined forces with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to file a lawsuit in March 2021. “I’ve just learned that my battle with the city of McKinney is coming to an end,” Baker said in a statement on June 5. “Judge Mazzant has, once again, ruled that I am due just compensation under the Texas Constitution.”
A federal judge has ordered the city of McKinney to pay almost $60,000 plus interest to 81-year-old Vicki Baker. Why the big payday? Baker’s home was torn apart by a SWAT team during a 2020 police standoff. Baker took the city to court after her house became the battleground for a high-stakes manhunt, reported WFAA. McKinney police unleashed tear gas, explosives, and tactical vehicles on the property while chasing a fugitive who had barricaded himself inside. Insurance plans do not cover “acts of the government” and the city refused to pay for the damage, so Vicki joined forces with the Institute for Justice (IJ) to file a lawsuit in March 2021. “I’ve just learned that my battle with the city of McKinney is coming to an end,” Baker said in a statement on June 5. “Judge Mazzant has, once again, ruled that I am due just compensation under the Texas Constitution.”
Pennsylvania duo sentenced in $1M SNAP scheme
A convenience store owner and her former spouse, an employee, were handed prison sentences on May 21 for engaging in a “food stamp trafficking scheme” in which over $1 million in SNAP benefits were illegally exchanged for cash over a 10-year period. Mervat Gharib, 60, and Adam Rashwan, 63, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, had pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to 21 months behind bars, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The duo were also ordered to pay over $1 million back into SNAP. Here’s how authorities caught on to the scheme. Plus details on SNAP fraud across the U.S., and how it impacts the users of the program who rely on these benefits to put food on the table.
A convenience store owner and her former spouse, an employee, were handed prison sentences on May 21 for engaging in a “food stamp trafficking scheme” in which over $1 million in SNAP benefits were illegally exchanged for cash over a 10-year period. Mervat Gharib, 60, and Adam Rashwan, 63, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, had pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to 21 months behind bars, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The duo were also ordered to pay over $1 million back into SNAP. Here’s how authorities caught on to the scheme. Plus details on SNAP fraud across the U.S., and how it impacts the users of the program who rely on these benefits to put food on the table.
Fake license plate racks up real charges
Jason Sung thought it was all fun and games when he bought a custom license plate "5.0 GPA" for his white Ford Mustang. "I'm not a good student, or I don't have a good grade, but I just thought it's a funny plate," Sung told ABC13 News. "I really liked it." But what started as a lighthearted joke turned into a frustrating financial headache. Sung noticed his Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account auto-replenished unexpectedly, even though he rarely uses toll roads. Diving deeper into his account, Sung was shocked to find dozens of toll charges, many racked up during a period when he was out of the country and his white Ford Mustang was parked safely in his garage. Someone had a duplicate plate, down to the exact phrase, and had slapped it on a black Ford Mustang.
Jason Sung thought it was all fun and games when he bought a custom license plate "5.0 GPA" for his white Ford Mustang. "I'm not a good student, or I don't have a good grade, but I just thought it's a funny plate," Sung told ABC13 News. "I really liked it." But what started as a lighthearted joke turned into a frustrating financial headache. Sung noticed his Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account auto-replenished unexpectedly, even though he rarely uses toll roads. Diving deeper into his account, Sung was shocked to find dozens of toll charges, many racked up during a period when he was out of the country and his white Ford Mustang was parked safely in his garage. Someone had a duplicate plate, down to the exact phrase, and had slapped it on a black Ford Mustang.
Consider this before buying a second home
A 31-year-old homeowner has found herself in a common modern-day dilemma: Should she stay put in a home she owns (with a great mortgage rate) or take the next step with her partner and buy a second home together? Understandable if she didn’t want to sell — she’s owned her home for less than two years, the mortgage is locked in at 4.75% and her monthly payment, including taxes and escrow, is only $1,000. It’s a hard deal to walk away from. But her boyfriend is ready to buy and move forward with their relationship. Now, she’s left wondering: Would it make more financial sense to rent out her home, co-buy a new place or sell and start fresh? If you're in a similar situation — balancing homeownership with a new relationship (and the potential of increasing your real estate costs), here’s what to consider before making your next move.
A 31-year-old homeowner has found herself in a common modern-day dilemma: Should she stay put in a home she owns (with a great mortgage rate) or take the next step with her partner and buy a second home together? Understandable if she didn’t want to sell — she’s owned her home for less than two years, the mortgage is locked in at 4.75% and her monthly payment, including taxes and escrow, is only $1,000. It’s a hard deal to walk away from. But her boyfriend is ready to buy and move forward with their relationship. Now, she’s left wondering: Would it make more financial sense to rent out her home, co-buy a new place or sell and start fresh? If you're in a similar situation — balancing homeownership with a new relationship (and the potential of increasing your real estate costs), here’s what to consider before making your next move.
Ramsey says Realtor mom-in-law needs reality check
Wade called into The Ramsey Show in an emotional and financial quandary, hoping Dave Ramsey could give him some advice. The Florida man told the finance guru he doesn’t want to use his recently licensed mother-in-law as the listing agent when he and his wife sell their home. “I'm not comfortable with that because she's brand new with no experience selling homes, and I feel like this is too big of a transaction to mix family with business,” Wade said. “But my wife is afraid it will cause a rift with her mom if we don't use her.” Initially, the situation left Dave Ramsey stumped, saying, “Wow, you're screwed.”
Wade called into The Ramsey Show in an emotional and financial quandary, hoping Dave Ramsey could give him some advice. The Florida man told the finance guru he doesn’t want to use his recently licensed mother-in-law as the listing agent when he and his wife sell their home. “I'm not comfortable with that because she's brand new with no experience selling homes, and I feel like this is too big of a transaction to mix family with business,” Wade said. “But my wife is afraid it will cause a rift with her mom if we don't use her.” Initially, the situation left Dave Ramsey stumped, saying, “Wow, you're screwed.”
How to save thousands when buying a car
The U.S. car market faces a perfect storm that is rapidly engulfing ordinary car owners across the country. The clearest sign of this is the rising rate of auto loan borrowers who are falling behind on their monthly payments. As of January this year, 6.6% of subprime auto borrowers were at least 60 days past due on their loans, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. This is the highest rate since Fitch started collecting this data in the early 1990s. And things are not expected to get better. The report says the subprime segment of the auto loan market faces a “deteriorating outlook” for the rest of 2025. This is alarming given the size of the auto loan market. As of the first quarter of 2025, households collectively held $1.64 trillion in auto loan debt, according to the New York Federal Reserve. Not only is that larger than the outstanding student loan balance but it’s also the largest source of non-housing debt for all households in aggregate. Here’s how our cars transformed from symbols of freedom to symbols of unsustainable toxic debt.
The U.S. car market faces a perfect storm that is rapidly engulfing ordinary car owners across the country. The clearest sign of this is the rising rate of auto loan borrowers who are falling behind on their monthly payments. As of January this year, 6.6% of subprime auto borrowers were at least 60 days past due on their loans, according to a report by Fitch Ratings. This is the highest rate since Fitch started collecting this data in the early 1990s. And things are not expected to get better. The report says the subprime segment of the auto loan market faces a “deteriorating outlook” for the rest of 2025. This is alarming given the size of the auto loan market. As of the first quarter of 2025, households collectively held $1.64 trillion in auto loan debt, according to the New York Federal Reserve. Not only is that larger than the outstanding student loan balance but it’s also the largest source of non-housing debt for all households in aggregate. Here’s how our cars transformed from symbols of freedom to symbols of unsustainable toxic debt.
The rise of the gold digger dating test
First dates already come with unspoken tests, but one new trend — the so-called “gold digger test” — is turning dinner into a financial trap, leaving some singles blindsided and offended. Imagine this: You’re on a date set up by a mutual friend. You’re financially independent, settled in your career, own your home and you aren’t looking for someone to complete your life — just someone to add joy to it. The date starts strong. Conversation flows easily, you bond over your shared love of hiking and weirdly niche documentaries, and for a moment, you think: This might go somewhere. Then the $200 bill arrives, and your date slides it across the table to you. There’s no offer to split it, no wallet shuffle — just silence. Confused but not wanting to kill the vibe, you pick up the tab. That’s when your date grins and says, “Congrats, you passed! You’re not a gold digger.” Welcome to the latest viral (and dubious) way some singles are trying to weed out dates they think are only in it for the free meal. But is it a smart check for sincerity or just a manipulative money move?
First dates already come with unspoken tests, but one new trend — the so-called “gold digger test” — is turning dinner into a financial trap, leaving some singles blindsided and offended. Imagine this: You’re on a date set up by a mutual friend. You’re financially independent, settled in your career, own your home and you aren’t looking for someone to complete your life — just someone to add joy to it. The date starts strong. Conversation flows easily, you bond over your shared love of hiking and weirdly niche documentaries, and for a moment, you think: This might go somewhere. Then the $200 bill arrives, and your date slides it across the table to you. There’s no offer to split it, no wallet shuffle — just silence. Confused but not wanting to kill the vibe, you pick up the tab. That’s when your date grins and says, “Congrats, you passed! You’re not a gold digger.” Welcome to the latest viral (and dubious) way some singles are trying to weed out dates they think are only in it for the free meal. But is it a smart check for sincerity or just a manipulative money move?
Moneywise Digest