Builder left FL homeowners digging holes of debt
Retired veteran David Alvarado thought he’d found the perfect place to build a new family home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. In 2023, he hired a builder to do just that. But all he got from Mark Montalto of Port St. Lucie Properties was an empty lot and a $19,000 lien from a landscaping company that said Montalto never paid them. “It’s been traumatic, to say the least,” Alvarado told WPTV. Alvarado not only had to pay off the lien but hire a new builder — all while suing Montalto. Between the lien, legal fees, rental housing and the new contractor, he says he spent $150,000 extra. “It’s just gut-wrenching,” he said. “I know people know what I’m referring to when you feel that pit in your stomach. It’s just hollow.” WPTV reports that Alvarado is one of at least 19 people who have filed suits against Montalto in St. Lucie Court. In April, the builder was arrested for construction fraud, including 17 charges of grand theft and four counts of theft from people 65 and older. If convicted, Montalto, 61, could be sentenced to over 100 years in jail. But Alvarado fears the builder’s victims will never get their money back; Montalto filed for bankruptcy last month.
Retired veteran David Alvarado thought he’d found the perfect place to build a new family home in Port St. Lucie, Florida. In 2023, he hired a builder to do just that. But all he got from Mark Montalto of Port St. Lucie Properties was an empty lot and a $19,000 lien from a landscaping company that said Montalto never paid them. “It’s been traumatic, to say the least,” Alvarado told WPTV. Alvarado not only had to pay off the lien but hire a new builder — all while suing Montalto. Between the lien, legal fees, rental housing and the new contractor, he says he spent $150,000 extra. “It’s just gut-wrenching,” he said. “I know people know what I’m referring to when you feel that pit in your stomach. It’s just hollow.” WPTV reports that Alvarado is one of at least 19 people who have filed suits against Montalto in St. Lucie Court. In April, the builder was arrested for construction fraud, including 17 charges of grand theft and four counts of theft from people 65 and older. If convicted, Montalto, 61, could be sentenced to over 100 years in jail. But Alvarado fears the builder’s victims will never get their money back; Montalto filed for bankruptcy last month.
Texas lotto scheme threatens woman’s $83M win
A group of international gamblers legally purchased nearly every number combination in a Texas state lottery drawing — a scheme designed to guarantee a win. It worked — and it may be why another woman is now being denied her own $83.5 million prize. “I’m being treated as the bad guy,” the anonymous winner said. The group’s $95 million win, which the New York Post described as “something out of a heist movie,” was spearheaded by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli and bankrolled by Zeljko Ranogajec, an Australian professional gambler known as “the Joker.” Together, they exploited a simple math trick: when the jackpot is large enough, you can make a profit by buying almost every possible ticket. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group teamed up with Lottery.com and used warehouses packed with printing terminals to produce 99.3% of those combinations in just three days. The team won a lump-sum prize of $57.8 million, but lottery officials are closing loopholes so that they may keep other winners from collecting.
A group of international gamblers legally purchased nearly every number combination in a Texas state lottery drawing — a scheme designed to guarantee a win. It worked — and it may be why another woman is now being denied her own $83.5 million prize. “I’m being treated as the bad guy,” the anonymous winner said. The group’s $95 million win, which the New York Post described as “something out of a heist movie,” was spearheaded by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli and bankrolled by Zeljko Ranogajec, an Australian professional gambler known as “the Joker.” Together, they exploited a simple math trick: when the jackpot is large enough, you can make a profit by buying almost every possible ticket. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group teamed up with Lottery.com and used warehouses packed with printing terminals to produce 99.3% of those combinations in just three days. The team won a lump-sum prize of $57.8 million, but lottery officials are closing loopholes so that they may keep other winners from collecting.
Houston senior hit with $98K solar debt
Isable Aguirre, a 72-year-old Houston resident, can’t read or write and speaks only Spanish. The senior also struggles with memory loss. His stepson thinks these factors made Aguirre the perfect target for unscrupulous solar panel salespeople who left him in massive debt, according to a report from KPRC 2. The senior said he doesn’t remember signing consenting or signing to buy solar panels that have been installed on his house since 2023. But his stepson, Oscar Garcia, believes that’s exactly how the trouble started. “Even if you come to his house and tell him, ‘Hey, sign this and sign that,’ he will sign it,” Garcia told KPRC 2. “And then next time he’s like, ‘What did I sign?’” Aguirre recalled, “I clearly told them I didn’t want that, and they ran away.” But now, he has solar panels sitting on his roof, locked and inactive. No payments have been made on them, but he is staring down nearly $98,000 in debt. Garcia said a lien has been placed on his stepfather’s home.
Isable Aguirre, a 72-year-old Houston resident, can’t read or write and speaks only Spanish. The senior also struggles with memory loss. His stepson thinks these factors made Aguirre the perfect target for unscrupulous solar panel salespeople who left him in massive debt, according to a report from KPRC 2. The senior said he doesn’t remember signing consenting or signing to buy solar panels that have been installed on his house since 2023. But his stepson, Oscar Garcia, believes that’s exactly how the trouble started. “Even if you come to his house and tell him, ‘Hey, sign this and sign that,’ he will sign it,” Garcia told KPRC 2. “And then next time he’s like, ‘What did I sign?’” Aguirre recalled, “I clearly told them I didn’t want that, and they ran away.” But now, he has solar panels sitting on his roof, locked and inactive. No payments have been made on them, but he is staring down nearly $98,000 in debt. Garcia said a lien has been placed on his stepfather’s home.
Drugs, fires and abandoned home wreak havoc
Drug use and multiple fires at an abandoned home in Los Angeles have created the “perfect scenario for disaster,” residents say. “What we've been dealing with here is so difficult, because we’re always on the phone calling 911, calling our representatives, not getting a lot of answers,” a neighbor named Jeanne told CBS Los Angeles in a story published May 1. “We are a group of neighbors whose lives have been severely affected.” It’s a problem that’s been brewing for five years, according to the local broadcaster, after one Hollywood building was turned into short-term housing. Jeanne says things got worse after a nearby property was vacated. Here’s what neighbors say has been going on, and how distressed properties can hurt home values.
Drug use and multiple fires at an abandoned home in Los Angeles have created the “perfect scenario for disaster,” residents say. “What we've been dealing with here is so difficult, because we’re always on the phone calling 911, calling our representatives, not getting a lot of answers,” a neighbor named Jeanne told CBS Los Angeles in a story published May 1. “We are a group of neighbors whose lives have been severely affected.” It’s a problem that’s been brewing for five years, according to the local broadcaster, after one Hollywood building was turned into short-term housing. Jeanne says things got worse after a nearby property was vacated. Here’s what neighbors say has been going on, and how distressed properties can hurt home values.
Are health insurance companies overstepping more?
When Dr. Elisabeth Potter posted a TikTok video describing an experience she had in the ER, she never expected it to go viral. But her message — about health insurance companies overstepping their bounds — resonated deeply with viewers. The video started with Potter saying, "It's 2025 and insurance just keeps getting worse." She then explained that during a surgical procedure, UnitedHealthcare called demanding information about a patient who was already under anesthesia. To comply, Potter had to scrub out mid-surgery and return the call. To make matters worse, the representative she spoke with didn’t even have the correct information — despite the procedure being pre-approved. "Insurance is out of control. I have no other words," she concluded. UnitedHealthcare got wind of the video, posted just weeks after CEO Brian Thompson was killed, and demanded that Potter remove it, claiming her story wasn’t true. The company also insisted that no one had expected her to return a call mid-surgery. However, in an interview with CNN, Potter explained that she called the insurer back immediately to prevent the patient from being denied coverage and stuck with a financially devastating bill. "The environment I am practicing medicine in — when an insurance company says jump, I say 'How high?’” UnitedHealthcare claims that it had approved the procedure and overnight stay, but the hospital submitted a separate stay request that required review. The insurer called that request an error and confirmed that the patient ultimately received all necessary care. But Potter insists that insurance companies are telling doctors what to do and, in some cases, interfering with patient care. "Insurance shouldn't practice medicine,” she said. “But they are.”
When Dr. Elisabeth Potter posted a TikTok video describing an experience she had in the ER, she never expected it to go viral. But her message — about health insurance companies overstepping their bounds — resonated deeply with viewers. The video started with Potter saying, "It's 2025 and insurance just keeps getting worse." She then explained that during a surgical procedure, UnitedHealthcare called demanding information about a patient who was already under anesthesia. To comply, Potter had to scrub out mid-surgery and return the call. To make matters worse, the representative she spoke with didn’t even have the correct information — despite the procedure being pre-approved. "Insurance is out of control. I have no other words," she concluded. UnitedHealthcare got wind of the video, posted just weeks after CEO Brian Thompson was killed, and demanded that Potter remove it, claiming her story wasn’t true. The company also insisted that no one had expected her to return a call mid-surgery. However, in an interview with CNN, Potter explained that she called the insurer back immediately to prevent the patient from being denied coverage and stuck with a financially devastating bill. "The environment I am practicing medicine in — when an insurance company says jump, I say 'How high?’” UnitedHealthcare claims that it had approved the procedure and overnight stay, but the hospital submitted a separate stay request that required review. The insurer called that request an error and confirmed that the patient ultimately received all necessary care. But Potter insists that insurance companies are telling doctors what to do and, in some cases, interfering with patient care. "Insurance shouldn't practice medicine,” she said. “But they are.”
Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression'
Many experts are warning that America may be headed for a recession as a result of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, something far worse is looming. “In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. U.S. debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401(k)’s are losing,” he wrote in an X post on April 18. “U.S.A. may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION.” According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans now owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards. The U.S. National debt has climbed to $36.22 trillion. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in March, and retirees are watching their 401(k)s shrink amid ongoing market volatility. “For those who take action today, when the crash crashes, those who invest in just one Bitcoin, or some gold, or silver … You may come through this crisis a very rich person,” Kiyosaki wrote. That advice should come as no surprise — Kiyosaki has long been a vocal proponent of these alternative assets, which he backed by making a bold prediction. “I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $1 million. Gold will be $30K and silver $3,000 a coin,” he wrote. Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.
Many experts are warning that America may be headed for a recession as a result of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. But according to Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki, something far worse is looming. “In 2025 credit card debt is at all time highs. U.S. debt is at all time highs. Unemployment is rising. 401(k)’s are losing,” he wrote in an X post on April 18. “U.S.A. may be heading for a GREATER DEPRESSION.” According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans now owe a record $1.21 trillion on their credit cards. The U.S. National debt has climbed to $36.22 trillion. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in March, and retirees are watching their 401(k)s shrink amid ongoing market volatility. “For those who take action today, when the crash crashes, those who invest in just one Bitcoin, or some gold, or silver … You may come through this crisis a very rich person,” Kiyosaki wrote. That advice should come as no surprise — Kiyosaki has long been a vocal proponent of these alternative assets, which he backed by making a bold prediction. “I strongly believe, by 2035, that one Bitcoin will be over $1 million. Gold will be $30K and silver $3,000 a coin,” he wrote. Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.
FL homeowners shocked by sky-high deductibles
As dozens of home insurance companies flee Florida, even homeowners with coverage feel abandoned. Chad Zalva, a single dad in Riverview, Florida, has coverage but recently discovered that the damage to his home from Hurricane Milton won't be covered. His insurance company estimated the damage at around $2,500. However, a contractor quoted him $4,500 to repair. Either way, he doesn't have the cash to cover the repairs, which include damage to a screen door, soffit and a downed fence. "Do you have that kind of money laying around?" asked ABC Action News anchor Nadeen Yanes. "No, not at all," Zalva laughed.
As dozens of home insurance companies flee Florida, even homeowners with coverage feel abandoned. Chad Zalva, a single dad in Riverview, Florida, has coverage but recently discovered that the damage to his home from Hurricane Milton won't be covered. His insurance company estimated the damage at around $2,500. However, a contractor quoted him $4,500 to repair. Either way, he doesn't have the cash to cover the repairs, which include damage to a screen door, soffit and a downed fence. "Do you have that kind of money laying around?" asked ABC Action News anchor Nadeen Yanes. "No, not at all," Zalva laughed.
Tony Robbins says don't rely on Social Security
Tony Robbins, the well-known motivational speaker, warns that the most popular approach to Social Security is also the most dangerous. On his blog, he says relying on the program as the foundation of your retirement plan is a “recipe for disaster." Here’s why Robbins encourages people to look beyond this safety net and why a growing number of working-age Americans are already leaning towards alternative strategies.
Tony Robbins, the well-known motivational speaker, warns that the most popular approach to Social Security is also the most dangerous. On his blog, he says relying on the program as the foundation of your retirement plan is a “recipe for disaster." Here’s why Robbins encourages people to look beyond this safety net and why a growing number of working-age Americans are already leaning towards alternative strategies.
Why you might be paying extra for gas
Credit cards have long been a popular and convenient way to pay for most things — including filling up at the gas station — and there are benefits to using one at the pump, such as bonus points or cash back on fuel purchases. However, if you’re not cautious, your tendency to pay for gas with a credit card could end up costing you more money. That’s something Pat Igo of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida recently learned the hard way. Igo, like many consumers, had noticed an uptick in gas stations charging more money per gallon for credit card purchases than cash purchases. Making matters worse, some area gas stations are even trying to hide the extra charge for credit cards.
Credit cards have long been a popular and convenient way to pay for most things — including filling up at the gas station — and there are benefits to using one at the pump, such as bonus points or cash back on fuel purchases. However, if you’re not cautious, your tendency to pay for gas with a credit card could end up costing you more money. That’s something Pat Igo of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida recently learned the hard way. Igo, like many consumers, had noticed an uptick in gas stations charging more money per gallon for credit card purchases than cash purchases. Making matters worse, some area gas stations are even trying to hide the extra charge for credit cards.
$25K fence fight disturbs locals in Queens
In a move that’s angering local businesses and neighbors, a longtime business owner in Astoria Heights has put up a massive steel fence that cuts off a public sidewalk and roughly 10 parking spaces. Anthony Della Vecchia, who runs Michael Della Vecchia & Son General Contractor on Hazen Street, paid about $25,000 to install the permanent fence in April along 19th Road. He says years of illegal dumping and a recent fall that landed him a lawsuit are justification enough, according to Fox 5. The fence spans 50 feet of sidewalk and stretches several feet into the street. Della Vecchia sees no issue with it, pointing to a city tax map that he says proves the sidewalk and part of the roadway fall within his property lines. “I’m within my rights,” he told Queens Post.
In a move that’s angering local businesses and neighbors, a longtime business owner in Astoria Heights has put up a massive steel fence that cuts off a public sidewalk and roughly 10 parking spaces. Anthony Della Vecchia, who runs Michael Della Vecchia & Son General Contractor on Hazen Street, paid about $25,000 to install the permanent fence in April along 19th Road. He says years of illegal dumping and a recent fall that landed him a lawsuit are justification enough, according to Fox 5. The fence spans 50 feet of sidewalk and stretches several feet into the street. Della Vecchia sees no issue with it, pointing to a city tax map that he says proves the sidewalk and part of the roadway fall within his property lines. “I’m within my rights,” he told Queens Post.
Renters paying $6K/month to chase NYC fantasy
To her million-plus followers, Miranda McKeon isn’t just living in the West Village — she’s selling the dream. At 23, her mix of polished fashion posts and raw honesty about her breast cancer journey has built a brand that feels both aspirational and relatable, with her West Side Village lifestyle front and center. Long before she touched down in New York, McKeon knew exactly where she wanted to live. A student at the University of Southern California, she spent her final semester glued to StreetEasy, scrolling through listings and plotting her perfect postgrad landing. But while the West Village has become a magnet for young adults chasing that fantasy, they aren’t the ones driving up the rents. The neighborhood’s luxury glow-up has been decades in the making — fueled by deep-pocketed buyers and commercial overhauls. Fantasies, after all, come with price tags — and, in this case, the occasional rodent roommate. The average one-bedroom in the West Village now rents for $6,182 a month, according to Zumper. For many recent grads, that’s a hard no. Even for those who can afford it, like McKeon, there’s a hidden cost to chasing the perfect zip code — and it’s not just the rent.
To her million-plus followers, Miranda McKeon isn’t just living in the West Village — she’s selling the dream. At 23, her mix of polished fashion posts and raw honesty about her breast cancer journey has built a brand that feels both aspirational and relatable, with her West Side Village lifestyle front and center. Long before she touched down in New York, McKeon knew exactly where she wanted to live. A student at the University of Southern California, she spent her final semester glued to StreetEasy, scrolling through listings and plotting her perfect postgrad landing. But while the West Village has become a magnet for young adults chasing that fantasy, they aren’t the ones driving up the rents. The neighborhood’s luxury glow-up has been decades in the making — fueled by deep-pocketed buyers and commercial overhauls. Fantasies, after all, come with price tags — and, in this case, the occasional rodent roommate. The average one-bedroom in the West Village now rents for $6,182 a month, according to Zumper. For many recent grads, that’s a hard no. Even for those who can afford it, like McKeon, there’s a hidden cost to chasing the perfect zip code — and it’s not just the rent.
Expat reduced stress with a move to Oman
For Detroit native Nicole Brewer, moving to Oman was never on her radar. She had been teaching English as a second language in South Korea for three years, but by 2012 was ready for a change. While looking for jobs in the Middle East, her first thought was Dubai. “Because, you know, obviously everybody knows the [United Arab Emirates],” she told CNBC Make It. But then she came across a posting for a teaching job in Nizwa — an ancient city in Oman — and was struck by its beauty. After doing some research, she decided to try it out, and she’s been there ever since. Now 43, she says she’s “very, very grateful to be in Oman” and doesn’t plan to ever move back to the U.S. “Being in Oman, I’m very relaxed. I don’t have as much stress when it comes to the everyday expenses of living in this region,” she tells CNBC.
For Detroit native Nicole Brewer, moving to Oman was never on her radar. She had been teaching English as a second language in South Korea for three years, but by 2012 was ready for a change. While looking for jobs in the Middle East, her first thought was Dubai. “Because, you know, obviously everybody knows the [United Arab Emirates],” she told CNBC Make It. But then she came across a posting for a teaching job in Nizwa — an ancient city in Oman — and was struck by its beauty. After doing some research, she decided to try it out, and she’s been there ever since. Now 43, she says she’s “very, very grateful to be in Oman” and doesn’t plan to ever move back to the U.S. “Being in Oman, I’m very relaxed. I don’t have as much stress when it comes to the everyday expenses of living in this region,” she tells CNBC.
New Ford F-150 sporadically brakes on highway
Houston driver Ryan Kattchee never imagined the problems he'd have after purchasing a new 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat in December. Unfortunately, the truck seems to have a mind of its own. It brakes when it shouldn't, including on the freeway, putting occupants at risk. Kattchee explained that the braking, which started just days after he’d purchased the truck, seems to happen without reason, although a warning shows up on the car's display as the vehicle brakes itself. “Suddenly, this whole thing turns red," Kattchee told NBC’s KPRC 2. "The whole display right here flashes red. It hits the brakes. And, it’s not soft. It’s enough to pull you out of your seat.” Unfortunately, he says the problem occurs often — and despite the vehicle being at the dealer for months, no one can seem to come up with a reason for the issue or a solution to the problem. Kattchee is waiting for the manufacturer to agree to buy the truck back, but in the meantime, he's in limbo, stuck with a car he cannot drive and hoping things will eventually be made right. Here’s the reason Kattchee is left in limbo without his Ford.
Houston driver Ryan Kattchee never imagined the problems he'd have after purchasing a new 2024 Ford F-150 Lariat in December. Unfortunately, the truck seems to have a mind of its own. It brakes when it shouldn't, including on the freeway, putting occupants at risk. Kattchee explained that the braking, which started just days after he’d purchased the truck, seems to happen without reason, although a warning shows up on the car's display as the vehicle brakes itself. “Suddenly, this whole thing turns red," Kattchee told NBC’s KPRC 2. "The whole display right here flashes red. It hits the brakes. And, it’s not soft. It’s enough to pull you out of your seat.” Unfortunately, he says the problem occurs often — and despite the vehicle being at the dealer for months, no one can seem to come up with a reason for the issue or a solution to the problem. Kattchee is waiting for the manufacturer to agree to buy the truck back, but in the meantime, he's in limbo, stuck with a car he cannot drive and hoping things will eventually be made right. Here’s the reason Kattchee is left in limbo without his Ford.
Panicked Americans claiming Social Security early
There’s been a spike in claims for Social Security — and fear may be one of the reasons why. Pending claims for retirement, survivor and health insurance benefits jumped 16% in March to 580,887 from 500,527 a year earlier, according to an operational report from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Agency officials said that “fear mongering has driven people to claim benefits earlier” at a March 28 meeting that can be viewed on YouTube. Many Americans were already anxious about the long-term stability of Social Security. But leadership changes, staff cuts, office closures, debate and theories about privatization and alarming disinformation about widespread fraud are possibly creating a perfect storm of anxiety for many Americans. The Trump administration changes and claims of fraud are "leading people to make decisions based on fear,” Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told The Wall Street Journal.
There’s been a spike in claims for Social Security — and fear may be one of the reasons why. Pending claims for retirement, survivor and health insurance benefits jumped 16% in March to 580,887 from 500,527 a year earlier, according to an operational report from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Agency officials said that “fear mongering has driven people to claim benefits earlier” at a March 28 meeting that can be viewed on YouTube. Many Americans were already anxious about the long-term stability of Social Security. But leadership changes, staff cuts, office closures, debate and theories about privatization and alarming disinformation about widespread fraud are possibly creating a perfect storm of anxiety for many Americans. The Trump administration changes and claims of fraud are "leading people to make decisions based on fear,” Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told The Wall Street Journal.
Single mom turns setback into $1M salary
Going through a divorce is never easy, and financial uncertainty only adds to the stress. In 2021, Venus Wang found herself in exactly that situation — newly divorced, unemployed and with less than $10,000 in savings. “I took a really hard look at my personal finances,” Wang told CNBC Make It. “I started to realize that up until that point, I had managed my personal finances really terribly.” At 37, Wang described her divorce as a major wake-up call. She had prioritized raising her daughter over building a career, but she suddenly realized that securing a stable future for both of them meant making a change. Wang reentered the workforce in 2021 with a role at Google, overseeing software quality and operations. But stability wasn’t her end goal — she was focused on growth. That mindset led her to pivot into AI, where she nearly tripled her income, reaching close to $1 million in just a few years. But, it wasn’t easy for Wang to turn what had seemed impossible into reality.
Going through a divorce is never easy, and financial uncertainty only adds to the stress. In 2021, Venus Wang found herself in exactly that situation — newly divorced, unemployed and with less than $10,000 in savings. “I took a really hard look at my personal finances,” Wang told CNBC Make It. “I started to realize that up until that point, I had managed my personal finances really terribly.” At 37, Wang described her divorce as a major wake-up call. She had prioritized raising her daughter over building a career, but she suddenly realized that securing a stable future for both of them meant making a change. Wang reentered the workforce in 2021 with a role at Google, overseeing software quality and operations. But stability wasn’t her end goal — she was focused on growth. That mindset led her to pivot into AI, where she nearly tripled her income, reaching close to $1 million in just a few years. But, it wasn’t easy for Wang to turn what had seemed impossible into reality.
Should you wait until 70 to claim spousal benefits
If you and your spouse are planning to claim Social Security at 70, this means you are waiting until the oldest age to claim benefits. Since you become eligible to start getting checks at 62, you are also giving up a good amount of income due to the delay. Waiting can often make sense for the person claiming their own retirement benefits — especially if they are the higher earner. However, if you are planning to claim spousal benefits on your husband's work history, there's a very good chance waiting until 70 to do so is a big mistake. Here's why.
If you and your spouse are planning to claim Social Security at 70, this means you are waiting until the oldest age to claim benefits. Since you become eligible to start getting checks at 62, you are also giving up a good amount of income due to the delay. Waiting can often make sense for the person claiming their own retirement benefits — especially if they are the higher earner. However, if you are planning to claim spousal benefits on your husband's work history, there's a very good chance waiting until 70 to do so is a big mistake. Here's why.
Houston families evicted from mobile home park
Taking up residence in a mobile home park can be an economical means of putting a roof over one's head. But more than 50 families at County Road Mobile Home Park in Houston, Texas, were displaced after the land they were living on was sold, according to KHOU 11 News. Residents had until April 8 to move out, and some were forced to spend thousands of dollars to relocate. Marta De La Garza, who lived in the park with her family for five years, says she had to shell out $9,000 — $3,000 for transportation and $6,000 to set up utilities — to move to a new location. "We had to pay for the people who moved the mobile home. We had to pay a plumber again. We had to pay for electricity again," she told the local broadcaster in a story published April 9. "It was a nightmare." Moving costs may also not have been the only financial challenges some residents had to face. Here's the story behind the challenging evictions, plus ways you can protect yourself as a tenant.
Taking up residence in a mobile home park can be an economical means of putting a roof over one's head. But more than 50 families at County Road Mobile Home Park in Houston, Texas, were displaced after the land they were living on was sold, according to KHOU 11 News. Residents had until April 8 to move out, and some were forced to spend thousands of dollars to relocate. Marta De La Garza, who lived in the park with her family for five years, says she had to shell out $9,000 — $3,000 for transportation and $6,000 to set up utilities — to move to a new location. "We had to pay for the people who moved the mobile home. We had to pay a plumber again. We had to pay for electricity again," she told the local broadcaster in a story published April 9. "It was a nightmare." Moving costs may also not have been the only financial challenges some residents had to face. Here's the story behind the challenging evictions, plus ways you can protect yourself as a tenant.
Pattern of racism in the home appraisal industry
A Bay Area family has won a victory in court after their home was significantly undervalued in a reappraisal. Ron and Dominique Curtis were hoping to refinance their mortgage to take advantage of the historically low interest rate in 2020. It was appraised a year earlier at well over a million, but upon reappraisal was valued at $900,000, or $254,000 less than the previous estimate. With no major changes to their home and many homes in the neighborhood in ill repair being valued similarly, the Curtises were forced to conclude that their appraiser was acting with racial bias. The low appraisal caused the couple to lose out on refinancing their mortgage. As part of the settlement, the appraiser has been ordered to pay the couple $75,000, and the appraiser ordered to watch Our America: Lowballed, a documentary produced by KGO ABC7 News, which spotlights the couple and the ongoing problem of Black and Latinx homeowners in the area facing similar treatment.
A Bay Area family has won a victory in court after their home was significantly undervalued in a reappraisal. Ron and Dominique Curtis were hoping to refinance their mortgage to take advantage of the historically low interest rate in 2020. It was appraised a year earlier at well over a million, but upon reappraisal was valued at $900,000, or $254,000 less than the previous estimate. With no major changes to their home and many homes in the neighborhood in ill repair being valued similarly, the Curtises were forced to conclude that their appraiser was acting with racial bias. The low appraisal caused the couple to lose out on refinancing their mortgage. As part of the settlement, the appraiser has been ordered to pay the couple $75,000, and the appraiser ordered to watch Our America: Lowballed, a documentary produced by KGO ABC7 News, which spotlights the couple and the ongoing problem of Black and Latinx homeowners in the area facing similar treatment.
Why Buffet prefers stocks over real estate
Real estate has long been a go-to asset for building wealth in America, offering income through rent and potential gains through appreciation. But according to investing legend Warren Buffett, there’s one asset class he — and his late business partner Charlie Munger — would take over property any day. “There's just so much more opportunity — at least in the United States — that presents itself in the security market than it does in real estate,” Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway’s latest annual shareholders meeting, when asked why he isn’t buying more real estate. Buffett pointed to the complexity and sluggishness of real estate deals compared to the ease and speed of stock transactions. “In respect to real estate, it's so much harder than stocks in terms of negotiation of deals, time spent, the involvement of multiple parties in the ownership,” he said. “Usually when real estate gets in trouble, you find out you're dealing with more than an equity holder.” While Munger, who served as Berkshire’s vice chairman until his death in 2023, “enjoyed” real estate and did “a fair number” of deals in his final years, Buffett believes Munger’s true allegiance was always clear. “I think if you'd asked him to make a choice when he was 21, that he'd either be in stocks exclusively the rest of his life or real estate the rest of his life, he would have chosen stocks in a second,” Buffett said. For Buffett, the simplicity of stock investing is hard to beat. He noted that you can walk down to the New York Stock Exchange and “do billions of dollars worth of business totally anonymously,” all within five minutes. Real estate, by contrast, is a slow grind. “[The negotiation] just begins when you agree on deals — and then they take forever,” he said. At his age, Buffett’s takeaway is clear: “For a guy at 94, it’s not the most interesting thing to get involved in something where the negotiations could take years.”
Real estate has long been a go-to asset for building wealth in America, offering income through rent and potential gains through appreciation. But according to investing legend Warren Buffett, there’s one asset class he — and his late business partner Charlie Munger — would take over property any day. “There's just so much more opportunity — at least in the United States — that presents itself in the security market than it does in real estate,” Buffett said at Berkshire Hathaway’s latest annual shareholders meeting, when asked why he isn’t buying more real estate. Buffett pointed to the complexity and sluggishness of real estate deals compared to the ease and speed of stock transactions. “In respect to real estate, it's so much harder than stocks in terms of negotiation of deals, time spent, the involvement of multiple parties in the ownership,” he said. “Usually when real estate gets in trouble, you find out you're dealing with more than an equity holder.” While Munger, who served as Berkshire’s vice chairman until his death in 2023, “enjoyed” real estate and did “a fair number” of deals in his final years, Buffett believes Munger’s true allegiance was always clear. “I think if you'd asked him to make a choice when he was 21, that he'd either be in stocks exclusively the rest of his life or real estate the rest of his life, he would have chosen stocks in a second,” Buffett said. For Buffett, the simplicity of stock investing is hard to beat. He noted that you can walk down to the New York Stock Exchange and “do billions of dollars worth of business totally anonymously,” all within five minutes. Real estate, by contrast, is a slow grind. “[The negotiation] just begins when you agree on deals — and then they take forever,” he said. At his age, Buffett’s takeaway is clear: “For a guy at 94, it’s not the most interesting thing to get involved in something where the negotiations could take years.”
Time to prepare as odds of a U.S. recession rise
The U.S. is not in a recession — yet. But with uncertainty around tariffs, mass deportations and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, some economic observers believe the odds are rising. “We’ve got a real uncertainty problem, it’s going to be hard to fix that,” former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s Wall Street Week with David Westin. “We’re looking at a slowdown relative to what was forecast, almost for sure, and a serious, near 50% prospect of recession.” J.P Morgan’s chief economist Bruce Kasman predicts a 40% chance of a U.S. recession this year. “If we would continue down this road of what would be more disruptive, business-unfriendly policies, I think the risks on that recession front would go up,” he told reporters. Of CFOs polled in the latest CNBC CFO Council Survey, the majority (95%) said government policy is impacting their ability to make business decisions. Three-quarters expected the economy to enter a recession in the latter half of this year or in 2026.
The U.S. is not in a recession — yet. But with uncertainty around tariffs, mass deportations and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, some economic observers believe the odds are rising. “We’ve got a real uncertainty problem, it’s going to be hard to fix that,” former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s Wall Street Week with David Westin. “We’re looking at a slowdown relative to what was forecast, almost for sure, and a serious, near 50% prospect of recession.” J.P Morgan’s chief economist Bruce Kasman predicts a 40% chance of a U.S. recession this year. “If we would continue down this road of what would be more disruptive, business-unfriendly policies, I think the risks on that recession front would go up,” he told reporters. Of CFOs polled in the latest CNBC CFO Council Survey, the majority (95%) said government policy is impacting their ability to make business decisions. Three-quarters expected the economy to enter a recession in the latter half of this year or in 2026.
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