1 in 10 young Americans are NEET: Here’s why
When many people picture someone aged 16 to 24, they imagine a student buried in books or a young adult starting their first job. But for more than 4.3 million Gen Zers, neither is true — they're not in school, not working, and increasingly unsure where they fit in. That’s according to the latest report by Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council. The study estimates that roughly 10.9% of young U.S. adults are NEET, or "not in Education, Employment, or Training." The report suggests that even a temporary withdrawal from society can have lasting consequences on a young person’s life. “It’s associated with lower earnings, less education, worse health, and even less happiness in later adulthood,” the study says. With nearly one in ten young people facing this grim future, some are now calling for a redesign of the education system to address the issue.
When many people picture someone aged 16 to 24, they imagine a student buried in books or a young adult starting their first job. But for more than 4.3 million Gen Zers, neither is true — they're not in school, not working, and increasingly unsure where they fit in. That’s according to the latest report by Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council. The study estimates that roughly 10.9% of young U.S. adults are NEET, or "not in Education, Employment, or Training." The report suggests that even a temporary withdrawal from society can have lasting consequences on a young person’s life. “It’s associated with lower earnings, less education, worse health, and even less happiness in later adulthood,” the study says. With nearly one in ten young people facing this grim future, some are now calling for a redesign of the education system to address the issue.
Steve Young still drives a 2011 minivan?!
Legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young earned nearly $49 million playing football, according to Spotrac, but you’d never guess it from the beaten-up 2011 Toyota Sienna he drives. In a recent interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, the two-time NFL MVP admitted he could easily afford a replacement for the car, which has 132,000 miles on it. However, he’s reluctant to let it go because of advice from his father, who always told him to “get the most out of it.” And he’s not the only Young family member who’s emotionally attached to the vehicle. “This is a car that the kids all grew up in,” he told Bensinger. “My youngest Laila — that seat over there with the camera is the seat that she won't give up. That's her seat for life … she's like, ‘No, I love this car [and] how it smells.’” Surprisingly, multimillionaires driving modest cars isn't as unusual as some might think.
Legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young earned nearly $49 million playing football, according to Spotrac, but you’d never guess it from the beaten-up 2011 Toyota Sienna he drives. In a recent interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, the two-time NFL MVP admitted he could easily afford a replacement for the car, which has 132,000 miles on it. However, he’s reluctant to let it go because of advice from his father, who always told him to “get the most out of it.” And he’s not the only Young family member who’s emotionally attached to the vehicle. “This is a car that the kids all grew up in,” he told Bensinger. “My youngest Laila — that seat over there with the camera is the seat that she won't give up. That's her seat for life … she's like, ‘No, I love this car [and] how it smells.’” Surprisingly, multimillionaires driving modest cars isn't as unusual as some might think.
Student loan borrowers face rising costs
Student loan borrowers face steep increases in their monthly payments as court rulings and Department of Education staff cuts disrupt the repayment system. A February ruling from a federal appeals court expanded an existing injunction, blocking the Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which was one of four income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Its goal was to calculate monthly payment amounts based on income and family size. As a result, millions of borrowers who rely on these repayment options are unsure if they will be able to manage their monthly payments, and their chances of achieving loan forgiveness are in jeopardy. To make matters worse, the Department of Education recently announced it would cut its workforce by nearly 50%, leaving many borrowers in the dark about their repayment options and unable to get support during this critical time.
Student loan borrowers face steep increases in their monthly payments as court rulings and Department of Education staff cuts disrupt the repayment system. A February ruling from a federal appeals court expanded an existing injunction, blocking the Biden administration’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, which was one of four income-driven repayment (IDR) plans. Its goal was to calculate monthly payment amounts based on income and family size. As a result, millions of borrowers who rely on these repayment options are unsure if they will be able to manage their monthly payments, and their chances of achieving loan forgiveness are in jeopardy. To make matters worse, the Department of Education recently announced it would cut its workforce by nearly 50%, leaving many borrowers in the dark about their repayment options and unable to get support during this critical time.
Why college grads are hustling harder than ever
In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers. A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially. The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs. Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions. “Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.” Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?
In February 2025, nearly 9 million Americans held multiple jobs. What’s more surprising? Many of these moonlighters aren’t just scraping by — they have college degrees and stable careers. A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis highlights this striking shift, revealing that even educated professionals now juggle multiple gigs just to keep pace financially. The Fed also notes an interesting dilemma in the data: Moonlighting workers contribute to the tight labor market by working more total hours across different jobs. Because these over-employed individuals are already the gaps in the workforce, their extra hours may reduce opportunities for unemployed people seeking traditional full-time positions. “Overemployed workers demonstrate a clear willingness to trade higher hourly wages for increased total earnings,” the report states. ”By working significantly more hours, they effectively increase their annual compensation. This behavior might be attributed to a desire to keep pace with recent inflation, as individuals actively seek ways to supplement their income and counteract the erosion of purchasing power.” Gone are the days when multiple-job holders were primarily low-wage earners trying to make ends meet. Today, even those with diplomas proudly hanging on their walls are pulling double duty. But what’s driving educated Americans to hustle harder than ever?
San Mateo tree injures boy. Who pays?
What started as a regular, hot afternoon turned into a nightmare for San Mateo handyman Humberto Montoya and his 4-year-old son, Ysander. They were relaxing in the shade when a massive valley oak tree suddenly crashed down on their pickup truck, trapping the child inside and leaving both injured. The valley oak is the largest oak tree variety in North America, and these trees can reach over 100 feet in height. Montoya recalled the terrifying moment speaking with KTUV FOX 2 San Francisco, saying, “I heard the tree snapping, and I looked up … I heard my son screaming for help, ‘Papa, help!’” Montoya, who was standing outside the truck, says he pushed heavy branches off himself after falling to the ground. His son was pinned inside with the steering wheel pushing down on his legs as the boy cried out in pain. A nearby construction crew sprang into action to get the boy out. The superintendent of the crew, Andrew McManus, described their quick rescue, “I just heard a little child crying and it got to me … It was smashed. I think If that truck was a little forward by a foot, it would’ve been a completely different story.”
What started as a regular, hot afternoon turned into a nightmare for San Mateo handyman Humberto Montoya and his 4-year-old son, Ysander. They were relaxing in the shade when a massive valley oak tree suddenly crashed down on their pickup truck, trapping the child inside and leaving both injured. The valley oak is the largest oak tree variety in North America, and these trees can reach over 100 feet in height. Montoya recalled the terrifying moment speaking with KTUV FOX 2 San Francisco, saying, “I heard the tree snapping, and I looked up … I heard my son screaming for help, ‘Papa, help!’” Montoya, who was standing outside the truck, says he pushed heavy branches off himself after falling to the ground. His son was pinned inside with the steering wheel pushing down on his legs as the boy cried out in pain. A nearby construction crew sprang into action to get the boy out. The superintendent of the crew, Andrew McManus, described their quick rescue, “I just heard a little child crying and it got to me … It was smashed. I think If that truck was a little forward by a foot, it would’ve been a completely different story.”
Short-term financial thinking can cost you
Have you ever been strapped for cash? Perhaps you took a payday loan, sold a long-term asset or even made an early withdrawal from your 401(k). And chances are, you’ve later regretted it. This is the situation the City of Chicago finds itself in — and the cost may have been billions. Privatizing public infrastructure is a growing trend among cash-strapped cities that need fast revenue. Back during the 2008 financial crisis, Chicago was broke and needed to raise money. Rather than make the unpopular move of raising property taxes, then-mayor Richard M. Daley chose to privatize public assets. “If we didn’t have money for a long-term debt, you’re talking about a serious economic crisis then for Chicago,” Daley said at the time, according to NBC 5 Chicago. So, Chicago City Council struck a deal to lease the city’s 36,000 parking meters to investment consortium Chicago Parking Meters LLC, a group of global investors led by Morgan Stanley. The investors paid nearly $1.157 billion to receive the revenue from the meters for 75 years — and the city must reimburse them whenever the parking meters are taken offline, such as for festivals or construction.
Have you ever been strapped for cash? Perhaps you took a payday loan, sold a long-term asset or even made an early withdrawal from your 401(k). And chances are, you’ve later regretted it. This is the situation the City of Chicago finds itself in — and the cost may have been billions. Privatizing public infrastructure is a growing trend among cash-strapped cities that need fast revenue. Back during the 2008 financial crisis, Chicago was broke and needed to raise money. Rather than make the unpopular move of raising property taxes, then-mayor Richard M. Daley chose to privatize public assets. “If we didn’t have money for a long-term debt, you’re talking about a serious economic crisis then for Chicago,” Daley said at the time, according to NBC 5 Chicago. So, Chicago City Council struck a deal to lease the city’s 36,000 parking meters to investment consortium Chicago Parking Meters LLC, a group of global investors led by Morgan Stanley. The investors paid nearly $1.157 billion to receive the revenue from the meters for 75 years — and the city must reimburse them whenever the parking meters are taken offline, such as for festivals or construction.
Man's tiny home installed in backyard in 8 minutes
Ready-made housing is not a new phenomenon, but a Bay Area resident caused excitement in his Samara neighborhood in May when his new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) arrived on a flatbed truck, and was installed via crane in only eight minutes. The proud new ADU owner, who identified himself as Owen, spoke to CBS affiliate KPIX about the process, as a crane lifted the ADU over his house to gently place it in his backyard. Delivered within six months of Owen’s ordering it, the house arrived fully finished on the back of a semi-trailer truck with nothing to do but place it on its foundation. Neighbors came out to watch, taking pictures and video as the crane swung the house over his existing home and onto its waiting foundation. Owen said they described it as "one of the most exciting things that's happened on the street." While a spectacle like this isn't something you see every day, ADUs are increasingly popular. Not everyone is happy about it.
Ready-made housing is not a new phenomenon, but a Bay Area resident caused excitement in his Samara neighborhood in May when his new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) arrived on a flatbed truck, and was installed via crane in only eight minutes. The proud new ADU owner, who identified himself as Owen, spoke to CBS affiliate KPIX about the process, as a crane lifted the ADU over his house to gently place it in his backyard. Delivered within six months of Owen’s ordering it, the house arrived fully finished on the back of a semi-trailer truck with nothing to do but place it on its foundation. Neighbors came out to watch, taking pictures and video as the crane swung the house over his existing home and onto its waiting foundation. Owen said they described it as "one of the most exciting things that's happened on the street." While a spectacle like this isn't something you see every day, ADUs are increasingly popular. Not everyone is happy about it.
Florida couple sues over vanished landscaper
Nick and Susan Perfido of Seminole County, Florida, were looking forward to transforming their backyard into an outdoor paradise. They hired Florida Landscape Living LLC, a company based in Maitland, to do the job. “We’re going to have a fire bowl here — actually a fire table,” Nick told WESH 2 News while showing reporters a pile of dirt where the project was supposed to take shape. But shortly after writing two checks totaling $27,654.25 in January and February, the couple says everything began to unravel.
Nick and Susan Perfido of Seminole County, Florida, were looking forward to transforming their backyard into an outdoor paradise. They hired Florida Landscape Living LLC, a company based in Maitland, to do the job. “We’re going to have a fire bowl here — actually a fire table,” Nick told WESH 2 News while showing reporters a pile of dirt where the project was supposed to take shape. But shortly after writing two checks totaling $27,654.25 in January and February, the couple says everything began to unravel.
California grapples with 'self-created' gas crisis
As of June 23, the average gas price in California for regular fuel was $4.66 per gallon, according to AAA, making it the most expensive place to fuel up in the country. However, Golden State drivers could be in for even more pain in the near future when it comes to paying for fuel. That’s because some experts believe gas prices in the state could rise significantly following the impending wind-down of two major refineries if lawmakers don’t intervene soon.
As of June 23, the average gas price in California for regular fuel was $4.66 per gallon, according to AAA, making it the most expensive place to fuel up in the country. However, Golden State drivers could be in for even more pain in the near future when it comes to paying for fuel. That’s because some experts believe gas prices in the state could rise significantly following the impending wind-down of two major refineries if lawmakers don’t intervene soon.
Couple’s debt-free plan hits unexpected roadblock
After paying off a staggering $350,000 in debt in just 2.5 years, Dustin and his wife are within striking distance of financial freedom. They have a plan to quickly eliminate their last remaining loan, but there’s one major hurdle. The Palm Springs, California-based couple wants to sell their primary home and use the proceeds to pay off their vacation home, which would then become their main residence. However, the vacation home was financed with a $500,000 seller-financing note from Dustin’s friend, who refuses to accept early repayment. “What we want to do is sell our primary home and move into the vacation home, which we like better anyways,” Dustin explained on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show. “The net proceeds from selling our main house will pay off our vacation home, which will become our primary residence.” This move would make them debt-free, but their friend’s unwillingness to accept early repayment complicates the situation. The unusual situation highlights how borrowing money from friends and family can make even the most straightforward financial decisions unexpectedly tricky.
After paying off a staggering $350,000 in debt in just 2.5 years, Dustin and his wife are within striking distance of financial freedom. They have a plan to quickly eliminate their last remaining loan, but there’s one major hurdle. The Palm Springs, California-based couple wants to sell their primary home and use the proceeds to pay off their vacation home, which would then become their main residence. However, the vacation home was financed with a $500,000 seller-financing note from Dustin’s friend, who refuses to accept early repayment. “What we want to do is sell our primary home and move into the vacation home, which we like better anyways,” Dustin explained on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show. “The net proceeds from selling our main house will pay off our vacation home, which will become our primary residence.” This move would make them debt-free, but their friend’s unwillingness to accept early repayment complicates the situation. The unusual situation highlights how borrowing money from friends and family can make even the most straightforward financial decisions unexpectedly tricky.
Florida man loses $38,000 to crypto thieves
John Klingel lost $38,000, and it all started when he saw a pop-up on his computer. He told WPTV 5 in West Palm Beach that because the message appeared to be from a cybersecurity company he normally does business with, he was more apt to believe that it was real. The thieves then called him and said that someone had taken out a loan in his name to use for gambling and that he could get his name back in good standing by depositing at a Bitcoin Teller Machine (BTM). “It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” Klingel told reporters. Here’s how the scam unfolded and how you can spot the signs of fraud.
John Klingel lost $38,000, and it all started when he saw a pop-up on his computer. He told WPTV 5 in West Palm Beach that because the message appeared to be from a cybersecurity company he normally does business with, he was more apt to believe that it was real. The thieves then called him and said that someone had taken out a loan in his name to use for gambling and that he could get his name back in good standing by depositing at a Bitcoin Teller Machine (BTM). “It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” Klingel told reporters. Here’s how the scam unfolded and how you can spot the signs of fraud.
Woman claims police won’t return her robbed $20K
Tamia Sims-Irby says she was pistol-whipped and stabbed while being robbed in Atlanta back in 2022. She was 18 years old at the time. Today, at 21, she says the physical wounds have mostly healed — but she’s still fighting to get back the $20,000 that was stolen from her. “It’s definitely a nightmare,” she told Fox Carolina in a story published May 20. “I’ve been dealing with this for three years.” According to the local broadcaster, that money is sitting in a police evidence locker — not in Georgia, where the crime happened, but in Greenville, South Carolina, where the suspects were later arrested. Despite a guilty plea from one of the men, Sims-Irby says the Greenville Police Department still hasn’t returned her money. Now, she’s filed a civil lawsuit to get it back.
Tamia Sims-Irby says she was pistol-whipped and stabbed while being robbed in Atlanta back in 2022. She was 18 years old at the time. Today, at 21, she says the physical wounds have mostly healed — but she’s still fighting to get back the $20,000 that was stolen from her. “It’s definitely a nightmare,” she told Fox Carolina in a story published May 20. “I’ve been dealing with this for three years.” According to the local broadcaster, that money is sitting in a police evidence locker — not in Georgia, where the crime happened, but in Greenville, South Carolina, where the suspects were later arrested. Despite a guilty plea from one of the men, Sims-Irby says the Greenville Police Department still hasn’t returned her money. Now, she’s filed a civil lawsuit to get it back.
How to avoid financial resentment among siblings
You love your children. After all, each of them is wonderful in their own way. You enjoy visiting each of them and watching as their lives unfold. But let’s say you and your spouse, both 68 and retired, have started offering financial assistance to your adult daughter and her growing family. Only now, you’re wondering if that show of support could sow resentment in your son, who is single and lives on his own. It’s a common scenario for many parents. In terms of gifts, you spend about three times more on your daughter and grandchild than on your son. Although he doesn’t need any financial support, as parents, you may feel the itch to make things fair.
You love your children. After all, each of them is wonderful in their own way. You enjoy visiting each of them and watching as their lives unfold. But let’s say you and your spouse, both 68 and retired, have started offering financial assistance to your adult daughter and her growing family. Only now, you’re wondering if that show of support could sow resentment in your son, who is single and lives on his own. It’s a common scenario for many parents. In terms of gifts, you spend about three times more on your daughter and grandchild than on your son. Although he doesn’t need any financial support, as parents, you may feel the itch to make things fair.
Bronx $4 mystery boxes raise privacy concerns
A dollar store in the Bronx has gone viral after a TikTok video showcased its $4 “mystery packages.” The boxes, which contain returned merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and others, can hold anything from brand-new sandals to toilet plungers. The thrill of the unknown is part of the appeal — and business is booming. “Just hope and pray, let’s see what happens,” said one shopper outside Dollar Universe. Store manager Luis Almonte sources the boxes from liquidators in Brooklyn and New Jersey, paying around $600 for pallets of roughly 400 items. The goods are customer returns from across the country, many originally sold by Amazon or Walmart, and resold in bulk through liquidation channels. But as the store’s popularity grows, so do the questions.
A dollar store in the Bronx has gone viral after a TikTok video showcased its $4 “mystery packages.” The boxes, which contain returned merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and others, can hold anything from brand-new sandals to toilet plungers. The thrill of the unknown is part of the appeal — and business is booming. “Just hope and pray, let’s see what happens,” said one shopper outside Dollar Universe. Store manager Luis Almonte sources the boxes from liquidators in Brooklyn and New Jersey, paying around $600 for pallets of roughly 400 items. The goods are customer returns from across the country, many originally sold by Amazon or Walmart, and resold in bulk through liquidation channels. But as the store’s popularity grows, so do the questions.
Minnesota halts Medicaid payments to housing firm
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has suspended Medicaid payments to Leo Human Services, a housing assistance company accused of fraudulently billing Medicaid for services that several clients say they never received. Leo Human Services, led by Asad Adow, reportedly billed Medicaid for $1.2 million in 2024 for Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) — a taxpayer-funded program designed to help vulnerable Minnesotans, including unhoused individuals and those with disabilities, find and keep housing. But according to a KARE 11 investigation, several people say they never got the help the company claimed to have provided. Steven Smith, for example, says he was stunned to find Medicaid had been billed for services he never received. When he requested records, the company sent a document bearing a signature he insists he never provided. Metadata showed the electronic signature was created a day after the document was allegedly signed — and by someone else. “I’ve never got an hour of help,” Smith told KARE 11. Now, that investigation has revealed an entire web of related companies — and new clients are coming forward with similar stories.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has suspended Medicaid payments to Leo Human Services, a housing assistance company accused of fraudulently billing Medicaid for services that several clients say they never received. Leo Human Services, led by Asad Adow, reportedly billed Medicaid for $1.2 million in 2024 for Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) — a taxpayer-funded program designed to help vulnerable Minnesotans, including unhoused individuals and those with disabilities, find and keep housing. But according to a KARE 11 investigation, several people say they never got the help the company claimed to have provided. Steven Smith, for example, says he was stunned to find Medicaid had been billed for services he never received. When he requested records, the company sent a document bearing a signature he insists he never provided. Metadata showed the electronic signature was created a day after the document was allegedly signed — and by someone else. “I’ve never got an hour of help,” Smith told KARE 11. Now, that investigation has revealed an entire web of related companies — and new clients are coming forward with similar stories.
Mobile homes save money but can cost health
Living in a mobile home park should provide affordable housing, not toxic mold and sewage backups — but for many Florida residents, that's exactly what they're getting. "The floor is coming up. Mold is terrible. My doctor told me to move," said one Jacksonville resident in an interview with News4Jax. But with a household income under $2,000 monthly and Florida's median rent hitting $1,555, this resident has nowhere to go. "I can't even begin to tell you what is wrong with this house, but there's no overhang on this trailer,” said the resident, who requested anonymity as she fears her landlord may raise her rent for speaking out. “When it rains, it rains in the doors. It comes through the windows. Mold is on the walls. You have to keep washing the walls and bleach inside." Now, a troubling new report reveals how corporate owners may be systematically neglecting these communities while hiking rents — and warns of what potential mobile home park residents need to know before considering this increasingly risky housing option.
Living in a mobile home park should provide affordable housing, not toxic mold and sewage backups — but for many Florida residents, that's exactly what they're getting. "The floor is coming up. Mold is terrible. My doctor told me to move," said one Jacksonville resident in an interview with News4Jax. But with a household income under $2,000 monthly and Florida's median rent hitting $1,555, this resident has nowhere to go. "I can't even begin to tell you what is wrong with this house, but there's no overhang on this trailer,” said the resident, who requested anonymity as she fears her landlord may raise her rent for speaking out. “When it rains, it rains in the doors. It comes through the windows. Mold is on the walls. You have to keep washing the walls and bleach inside." Now, a troubling new report reveals how corporate owners may be systematically neglecting these communities while hiking rents — and warns of what potential mobile home park residents need to know before considering this increasingly risky housing option.
Philadelphia man scammed out of $1 million
Joe Subach was just trying to send some money to a friend. But one phone call later, with a woman named ‘Daisy,’ and his financial situation was forever changed. Subach was the victim of two back-to-back scams — one that even involved him handing over his precious metals to money mules — that drained him of a whopping $1 million. “I worked 43 hard years for that,” he told NBC10 News Philadelphia. It started out with a simple online search for Apple’s customer support number to get help sending money to a friend via Apple Pay. When he called the number, a woman picked up and said her name was Daisy, from Apple. What he didn’t realize until later — when it was too late — is that he called a phony number and Daisy was a fraudster.
Joe Subach was just trying to send some money to a friend. But one phone call later, with a woman named ‘Daisy,’ and his financial situation was forever changed. Subach was the victim of two back-to-back scams — one that even involved him handing over his precious metals to money mules — that drained him of a whopping $1 million. “I worked 43 hard years for that,” he told NBC10 News Philadelphia. It started out with a simple online search for Apple’s customer support number to get help sending money to a friend via Apple Pay. When he called the number, a woman picked up and said her name was Daisy, from Apple. What he didn’t realize until later — when it was too late — is that he called a phony number and Daisy was a fraudster.
Man hides millions from wife, seeks advice
When Damon from San Jose called into The Ramsey Show, he didn’t ask how to get out of debt — he asked whether he should tell his wife they’re secretly worth millions. His question of whether he should ever disclose his secret to his wife caught listeners — and hosts Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman — completely off guard. "You have deceived your wife," was Ramsey's initial reaction.
When Damon from San Jose called into The Ramsey Show, he didn’t ask how to get out of debt — he asked whether he should tell his wife they’re secretly worth millions. His question of whether he should ever disclose his secret to his wife caught listeners — and hosts Dave Ramsey and Ken Coleman — completely off guard. "You have deceived your wife," was Ramsey's initial reaction.
Worried about a recession? 10 money moves to make
The chance of a recession hitting the U.S. economy in 2025 has gone down — but only slightly. JP Morgan scaled back its recession forecast from 60% to 40% at the end of May. So if you’re thinking of tightening your wallet — and looking for ways to stretch every dollar — here are 10 money moves you can make to make sure you’re in great financial shape during this uncertain time.
The chance of a recession hitting the U.S. economy in 2025 has gone down — but only slightly. JP Morgan scaled back its recession forecast from 60% to 40% at the end of May. So if you’re thinking of tightening your wallet — and looking for ways to stretch every dollar — here are 10 money moves you can make to make sure you’re in great financial shape during this uncertain time.
Roofer is out $12K after insurer refused to pay
When Cumming, Georgia, homeowner Venkat Garikapati's roof sustained heavy wind damage in 2021, he filed a claim with his home insurance company, State Farm, to have it fixed. However, State Farm only approved the replacement of 38 shingles and estimated the cost at $1,422.15 — less than Garikapati's $2,500 deductible — and closed the claim without paying, according to Atlanta News First. But Garikapati's roofer, David Garner, disputed the insurance company's assessment. "It was torn all to pieces," Garner told the local broadcaster of the roof's condition. "More than 70 shingles were creased or missing." Garner, along with a public adjuster, spent years trying to prove to State Farm that Garikapati's roof needed a full replacement to avoid further damage and leaking, reports Atlanta News First. State Farm kept denying the claim before finally approving a full roof replacement on April 25, 2024 — more than three years after the original claim. "They are never shy on collecting the monthly premium at all, but to get this approved took quite a long time," Garikapati said. Garner went ahead and did the work. But after the initial "actual cash value" check cleared, State Farm refused to pay the replacement cost in full, citing a clause in Garikapati's insurance policy that stipulates a repair or replacement must be completed within two years of the date of loss to receive additional payments. As a result, Garner is out $12,000 — and he blames State Farm fully.
When Cumming, Georgia, homeowner Venkat Garikapati's roof sustained heavy wind damage in 2021, he filed a claim with his home insurance company, State Farm, to have it fixed. However, State Farm only approved the replacement of 38 shingles and estimated the cost at $1,422.15 — less than Garikapati's $2,500 deductible — and closed the claim without paying, according to Atlanta News First. But Garikapati's roofer, David Garner, disputed the insurance company's assessment. "It was torn all to pieces," Garner told the local broadcaster of the roof's condition. "More than 70 shingles were creased or missing." Garner, along with a public adjuster, spent years trying to prove to State Farm that Garikapati's roof needed a full replacement to avoid further damage and leaking, reports Atlanta News First. State Farm kept denying the claim before finally approving a full roof replacement on April 25, 2024 — more than three years after the original claim. "They are never shy on collecting the monthly premium at all, but to get this approved took quite a long time," Garikapati said. Garner went ahead and did the work. But after the initial "actual cash value" check cleared, State Farm refused to pay the replacement cost in full, citing a clause in Garikapati's insurance policy that stipulates a repair or replacement must be completed within two years of the date of loss to receive additional payments. As a result, Garner is out $12,000 — and he blames State Farm fully.
Moneywise Digest