Heather Moore+FollowHow a Dream Home Became a Squatter TrapImagine moving into your freshly renovated dream home, only to find strangers living there—and they think they have a right to stay! That’s what happened to one Baltimore family, thanks to a sneaky social media scam selling fake leases. The real kicker? Police called it a civil issue, not a crime, so the real owner had to pay the squatters to leave. Lesson: Always double-check who you’re renting or buying from, and if you’re selling, keep eyes on your property until the deal is done! #HomeBuying #RealEstateScams #MoneyTips #RealEstate30Share
Brian Sanchez+FollowHomeowner Sticker Shock: The $21K SurpriseThinking about buying a house? Here’s a money lifehack: budget for more than just your mortgage. A new study says the average homeowner shells out over $21,000 a year on sneaky extras like repairs, taxes, and even your WiFi bill. The biggest wallet-buster? Home maintenance—think leaky roofs and busted appliances. If you’re house-hunting, don’t let these hidden costs catch you off guard! #HomeownerLife #MoneyTips #BudgetSmart #RealEstate144Share
Michelle Richardson+FollowWhy Your Favorite Coffee Shop Feels Hopeful AgainSmall business owners are finally feeling a bit sunnier about the economy—think your local bakery breathing easier after months of stress. Thanks to a pause on new tariffs, these shops are holding onto more cash, even if they’re not splurging on upgrades or new hires just yet. The buzz? Owners are still worried about taxes and rising prices, but for now, there’s a little more pep in their step. Maybe that’s why your favorite barista is smiling today! #SmallBusiness #MoneyTips #EconChatter #Business #LocalBusiness00Share
peterfoster+FollowSouthwest’s Free Bags Are History?!Heads up, travelers: Southwest just ditched its famous free checked bags. Now, it’s $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second—ouch! The CEO says it’s no biggie since other airlines already charge, but longtime fans aren’t happy. If you loved Southwest for the free luggage, you might want to compare prices before booking. This move could mean more fees, but maybe more perks are coming too. Would you switch airlines over bag fees? #TravelHacks #SouthwestAirlines #MoneyTips #Business #Industry40Share
john72+FollowCostco’s New Perks: Worth the Upgrade?Heads up, Costco fans! Big changes are rolling out: Early birds with Executive memberships can now shop before the crowds, making those Saturday stock-ups way less stressful. Scan-and-go tech is in the works, so you’ll soon breeze through checkout like at Sam’s Club. Plus, online shoppers can split big buys into smaller payments with Affirm, and gas stations are opening earlier. Basically, Costco’s making it easier to save time and money—if you’re willing to pay for the perks! #CostcoHacks #MoneyTips #SmartShopping #Business #LocalBusiness00Share
Emily Rogers+FollowWhen Does Your Social Security Hit?Heads up: June’s Social Security checks are rolling out soon! If you’re retired, your payday depends on your birthday—early June babies get paid first. Here’s the hack: The longer you wait to retire (up to age 70), the bigger your monthly check—think $5K+! But, there’s a twist: Social Security funds might shrink in the future, so keep an eye on your benefits and plan ahead. Check your own estimate online to avoid surprises! #SocialSecurity #RetirementHacks #MoneyTips #Finance41Share
Brad Caldwell+FollowCan You Afford a Home in These Cities?Thinking about buying a house? In 10 U.S. cities, you’ll need deep pockets—home prices just hit record highs! Blame it on too few homes for sale and too many people wanting in. For example, in Santa Maria, CA, the average house now costs $1.8 million. Even renting isn’t cheap. If you’re house hunting, consider expanding your search or waiting for a better deal—sometimes patience pays off! #RealEstate #HomeBuying #MoneyTips00Share
nkent+FollowCan You Retire on $800K and Social Security?Thinking about retiring at 66 with $800K in your IRA and $2,900 a month from Social Security? Here’s the scoop: If your monthly bills fit under $5,500, you’re probably set. But if that’s cutting it close, working another year or two could boost your savings and help you keep up with rising prices. Pro tip: Consider high-yield savings or CDs for safer, steady income. And don’t be shy—chatting with a financial advisor can help you spot any blind spots before you take the plunge! #RetirementPlanning #MoneyTips #FinancialFreedom #Finance75Share
Willie Morales+FollowThinking of Retiring? Age Rules Just ChangedHeads up if you’re eyeing retirement soon: Social Security just tweaked the age rules for full benefits. If you were born in 1960 or later, you’ll need to wait until 67 for the full payout. You can still cash in as early as 62, but your monthly check will be smaller. It’s like choosing between an early slice of cake or waiting for the whole dessert—timing really matters! Take a sec to crunch your numbers before making the big call. #RetirementPlanning #SocialSecurity #MoneyTips #Finance73Share
Matthew Jackson+FollowCalgary Homeowners Hit by Hail & High BillsImagine your home insurance suddenly costing more than your mortgage—yikes! That’s what’s happening in Calgary’s hail-prone neighborhoods, where folks are seeing their premiums skyrocket or getting dropped altogether. Some are even forced to sell their homes because insurance is just too expensive. The big drama? Insurers are bailing on areas hit by repeated hailstorms, leaving families scrambling for options. If you live in a stormy spot, now’s the time to shop around and check your coverage before renewal season hits! #HomeInsurance #Calgary #MoneyTips #RealEstate40Share