Shapiro slams politicians for alleged job creation
It’s fairly common for politicians — on both sides of the aisle — to take credit for creating jobs. However, political commentator and podcaster Ben Shapiro vehemently denounces their employment of spin doctor tactics. “It drives me up a wall when I hear a politician say, ‘I created this number of jobs,’” he said on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show. “No, you didn’t! By what standard? What business did you start?” Dave Ramsey agreed with his sentiment but added that the role of government in creating or sustaining employment might be more nuanced than two pundits posit. Here’s why.
It’s fairly common for politicians — on both sides of the aisle — to take credit for creating jobs. However, political commentator and podcaster Ben Shapiro vehemently denounces their employment of spin doctor tactics. “It drives me up a wall when I hear a politician say, ‘I created this number of jobs,’” he said on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show. “No, you didn’t! By what standard? What business did you start?” Dave Ramsey agreed with his sentiment but added that the role of government in creating or sustaining employment might be more nuanced than two pundits posit. Here’s why.
Mortgage rate trends this week
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates dropped again this week, down from 6.69% last week, to an average of 6.60%. “The combination of mortgage rate declines, firm consumer income growth and a bullish stock market have increased homebuyer demand in recent weeks," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "While the outlook for the housing market is improving, the improvement is limited given that homebuyers continue to face stiff affordability headwinds.”
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates dropped again this week, down from 6.69% last week, to an average of 6.60%. “The combination of mortgage rate declines, firm consumer income growth and a bullish stock market have increased homebuyer demand in recent weeks," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "While the outlook for the housing market is improving, the improvement is limited given that homebuyers continue to face stiff affordability headwinds.”
Ron Paul warns of 'threat' to retirement funds
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul is stepping back into the spotlight. Earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, “Would be great to have Ron Paul as part of the Department of Government Efficiency!” Musk, along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. Paul, a longtime advocate for smaller government, appears eager to contribute. He recently announced on X, “Elon Musk asked me to advise the new Dept. of Government Efficiency. I’d love to help bring sanity back!” Musk has set ambitious goals for reducing the federal budget with this new entity. Speaking at a Trump campaign event, Musk claimed he could cut “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget, though he did not specify which areas he would target for these reductions. Paul, who has spent decades championing limited government and fiscal responsibility, seems like a natural fit for the initiative. But the 89-year-old isn’t just focused on this new venture. He’s also sounding the alarm about what he sees as an urgent risk. “However, I still think Americans need to shield their retirement funds ASAP from this much bigger threat,” Paul warned in a post that linked to a letter addressed to his audience.
Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul is stepping back into the spotlight. Earlier this month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote on X, “Would be great to have Ron Paul as part of the Department of Government Efficiency!” Musk, along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency. Paul, a longtime advocate for smaller government, appears eager to contribute. He recently announced on X, “Elon Musk asked me to advise the new Dept. of Government Efficiency. I’d love to help bring sanity back!” Musk has set ambitious goals for reducing the federal budget with this new entity. Speaking at a Trump campaign event, Musk claimed he could cut “at least $2 trillion” from the federal budget, though he did not specify which areas he would target for these reductions. Paul, who has spent decades championing limited government and fiscal responsibility, seems like a natural fit for the initiative. But the 89-year-old isn’t just focused on this new venture. He’s also sounding the alarm about what he sees as an urgent risk. “However, I still think Americans need to shield their retirement funds ASAP from this much bigger threat,” Paul warned in a post that linked to a letter addressed to his audience.
NY man says $97K Social Security check stolen
When Todd Kahler was finally approved for Social Security disability benefits after being denied twice and appealing the decision, he was surprised and delighted. He'd have the money he needed to support himself since he can't work as a result of being severely immunocompromised. Expecting $97,000 in back pay from the Social Security Administration, Kahler withdrew from state benefits to preserve future eligibility and waited. The check didn’t show up, and when he called the national Social Security office, he got some very troubling news. "The guy I spoke to was very nice, and he told me it had been cashed by somebody," Kahler told MarketWatch. "He told me who cashed it; at what bank it was cashed at. We talked for 40 minutes." It's unclear exactly how his check ended up being stolen, but Kahler said he struggled to afford food and rent in the aftermath. After several months of advocating for himself in different ways, including calling government offices, filing complaints, speaking with the media and working with legal aid attorneys, the Social Security Administration eventually stepped in to return the funds. Here's how common mail-theft related check fraud is and how you can protect yourself so this doesn't happen to you.
When Todd Kahler was finally approved for Social Security disability benefits after being denied twice and appealing the decision, he was surprised and delighted. He'd have the money he needed to support himself since he can't work as a result of being severely immunocompromised. Expecting $97,000 in back pay from the Social Security Administration, Kahler withdrew from state benefits to preserve future eligibility and waited. The check didn’t show up, and when he called the national Social Security office, he got some very troubling news. "The guy I spoke to was very nice, and he told me it had been cashed by somebody," Kahler told MarketWatch. "He told me who cashed it; at what bank it was cashed at. We talked for 40 minutes." It's unclear exactly how his check ended up being stolen, but Kahler said he struggled to afford food and rent in the aftermath. After several months of advocating for himself in different ways, including calling government offices, filing complaints, speaking with the media and working with legal aid attorneys, the Social Security Administration eventually stepped in to return the funds. Here's how common mail-theft related check fraud is and how you can protect yourself so this doesn't happen to you.
Is USAA experiencing a ‘fundamental breakdown’?
Although USAA has been a respected financial institution for decades, serving members of the military, veterans, and their families, it has landed in hot water with regulators and customers in recent times. A new joint investigation by American Banker and the San Antonio Current details the organization’s many problems and how the bank and insurer is currently “navigating a minefield of its own making.” For instance, it’s been punished for charging military members more interest than federal law allows. For this and other violations, regulators failed it twice in a row in the Community Reinvestment Act exam that measures how well banks serve communities. This is an exam most banks pass easily and these failures, in 2020 and 2023, point to "a fundamental breakdown" at USAA, said Adam Rust, the director of financial services at the Consumer Federation of America, in the article. "What's especially shameful about it is that they're serving service members who deserve better," he added. Even more alarmingly, this year customers reported losing thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money due to mysterious deposits and withdrawals, according to a report from News 4 San Antonio. Some say they were even asked to cover negative balances on their accounts after their money was stolen. Here’s what you should know about what’s happening at USAA and what you can do if you have issues with your bank.
Although USAA has been a respected financial institution for decades, serving members of the military, veterans, and their families, it has landed in hot water with regulators and customers in recent times. A new joint investigation by American Banker and the San Antonio Current details the organization’s many problems and how the bank and insurer is currently “navigating a minefield of its own making.” For instance, it’s been punished for charging military members more interest than federal law allows. For this and other violations, regulators failed it twice in a row in the Community Reinvestment Act exam that measures how well banks serve communities. This is an exam most banks pass easily and these failures, in 2020 and 2023, point to "a fundamental breakdown" at USAA, said Adam Rust, the director of financial services at the Consumer Federation of America, in the article. "What's especially shameful about it is that they're serving service members who deserve better," he added. Even more alarmingly, this year customers reported losing thousands of dollars of their hard-earned money due to mysterious deposits and withdrawals, according to a report from News 4 San Antonio. Some say they were even asked to cover negative balances on their accounts after their money was stolen. Here’s what you should know about what’s happening at USAA and what you can do if you have issues with your bank.
Alleged solar scam targets seniors
Patricia Khan, a 77-year-old from Queens, New York, takes great pride in the home she’s owned for four decades. When her aging roof needed repairs, she searched for an affordable provider. During that search, a representative from a company called Attyx and SUNco presented what seemed like a great deal: roof repairs and solar panels for just $167 a month. However, Khan says the reality was far from what she expected. The contract emailed to her listed payments of $400 per month, totaling over $100,000 — an amount she simply can’t afford on her fixed income. Worse, Khan claims her signature appears on pages she doesn’t recognize. Despite repeated attempts to cancel by calling, texting and emailing the company, her efforts were dismissed. Now, she fears losing what she holds most dear — her home. “The next thing they’re going to do, they’re going to put a lien on my house,” Khan told CBS News New York. “This is all I have.”
Patricia Khan, a 77-year-old from Queens, New York, takes great pride in the home she’s owned for four decades. When her aging roof needed repairs, she searched for an affordable provider. During that search, a representative from a company called Attyx and SUNco presented what seemed like a great deal: roof repairs and solar panels for just $167 a month. However, Khan says the reality was far from what she expected. The contract emailed to her listed payments of $400 per month, totaling over $100,000 — an amount she simply can’t afford on her fixed income. Worse, Khan claims her signature appears on pages she doesn’t recognize. Despite repeated attempts to cancel by calling, texting and emailing the company, her efforts were dismissed. Now, she fears losing what she holds most dear — her home. “The next thing they’re going to do, they’re going to put a lien on my house,” Khan told CBS News New York. “This is all I have.”
3 ways to give back without breaking the bank
Chef Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred chef based in northeast England, urged the thieves who stole his work van — along with approximately 2,500 pies worth $32,000 — to embrace the holiday spirit and at least deliver the pies to help feed those in need. According to CBS News, Banks' refrigerated van was loaded with pies, bound for a Christmas market and left to charge overnight. When a colleague arrived in the morning to deliver the pies, the van was gone. "I know you're a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it's Christmas and maybe we could feed a few thousand people with these pies that you stole," Banks said in an Instagram video. CBS News reported that the North Yorkshire Police said the stolen van was later found abandoned more than 30 miles away from where it was taken. Banks had hoped the thieves would deliver the pies to a community center, shelter or somewhere where they could feed people in need rather than going to waste. But he confirmed with the BBC they ended up being a write-off. With this sentiment in mind, here are a few ways to do your part over the holidays.
Chef Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred chef based in northeast England, urged the thieves who stole his work van — along with approximately 2,500 pies worth $32,000 — to embrace the holiday spirit and at least deliver the pies to help feed those in need. According to CBS News, Banks' refrigerated van was loaded with pies, bound for a Christmas market and left to charge overnight. When a colleague arrived in the morning to deliver the pies, the van was gone. "I know you're a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it's Christmas and maybe we could feed a few thousand people with these pies that you stole," Banks said in an Instagram video. CBS News reported that the North Yorkshire Police said the stolen van was later found abandoned more than 30 miles away from where it was taken. Banks had hoped the thieves would deliver the pies to a community center, shelter or somewhere where they could feed people in need rather than going to waste. But he confirmed with the BBC they ended up being a write-off. With this sentiment in mind, here are a few ways to do your part over the holidays.
Locals of historic Arizona town fight for its life
Lowell, Arizona, was once a prospering copper mining town located southeast of Bisbee. Today, it's famous for its historic charm and vintage cars that line the main thoroughfare. People from around the world visit Erie Street to take pictures next to the vintage vehicles and historic building facades, according to 12News. But that may soon change. Freeport-McMoRan, which owns the nearby mine and many of the buildings in Lowell, is refusing to renew the lease for Bisbee Breakfast Club, the only restaurant on Erie Street. "It's going to be really heartbreaking to me," Mitzi Satterfield, general manager of the Bisbee Breakfast Club, told the local broadcaster. "I have put everything into this restaurant, and it's my heart and soul." Locals have been rallying around the eatery in an attempt to protect the town.
Lowell, Arizona, was once a prospering copper mining town located southeast of Bisbee. Today, it's famous for its historic charm and vintage cars that line the main thoroughfare. People from around the world visit Erie Street to take pictures next to the vintage vehicles and historic building facades, according to 12News. But that may soon change. Freeport-McMoRan, which owns the nearby mine and many of the buildings in Lowell, is refusing to renew the lease for Bisbee Breakfast Club, the only restaurant on Erie Street. "It's going to be really heartbreaking to me," Mitzi Satterfield, general manager of the Bisbee Breakfast Club, told the local broadcaster. "I have put everything into this restaurant, and it's my heart and soul." Locals have been rallying around the eatery in an attempt to protect the town.
The Rock went from $40 a match to Hollywood star
Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in the world. He earned $270 million in 2022, according to Forbes, good enough for No. 4 on the publication’s entertainers list that year. The first leg of his career, however, was nowhere near as lucrative. “Those were the days where I was making $40 per match wrestling in flea markets and used-car dealerships in the parking lot,” the 52-year-old told GQ in an article published Nov. 11. These humble beginnings as a pro wrestler gave Johnson the keys he needed to build his profile, and therefore his fortune, as a world-class entertainer today. Here are three lessons you can apply to supercharge your wealth-building efforts.
Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in the world. He earned $270 million in 2022, according to Forbes, good enough for No. 4 on the publication’s entertainers list that year. The first leg of his career, however, was nowhere near as lucrative. “Those were the days where I was making $40 per match wrestling in flea markets and used-car dealerships in the parking lot,” the 52-year-old told GQ in an article published Nov. 11. These humble beginnings as a pro wrestler gave Johnson the keys he needed to build his profile, and therefore his fortune, as a world-class entertainer today. Here are three lessons you can apply to supercharge your wealth-building efforts.
Widow battles insurer over husband’s funds
The widow of a Pinellas Park, Florida, firefighter, who asked to go by Trudy, says she spent six months struggling to gain access to funds her husband of 56 years had left behind. Following his death in May, all accounts were settled except one with an insurance company. Trudy planned to use funds from the account to move into an independent living community. However, months after sending in the paperwork, she still hadn’t received any money. “It rips my heart because my husband wanted to make sure that I would have enough,” Trudy told ABC Action News in a story broadcast Nov. 25. Here’s what happened, including the conclusion of the dispute, and what could possibly have been done to prevent it.
The widow of a Pinellas Park, Florida, firefighter, who asked to go by Trudy, says she spent six months struggling to gain access to funds her husband of 56 years had left behind. Following his death in May, all accounts were settled except one with an insurance company. Trudy planned to use funds from the account to move into an independent living community. However, months after sending in the paperwork, she still hadn’t received any money. “It rips my heart because my husband wanted to make sure that I would have enough,” Trudy told ABC Action News in a story broadcast Nov. 25. Here’s what happened, including the conclusion of the dispute, and what could possibly have been done to prevent it.
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