Category: Articles

Caring for Mom and Getting Paid? Without a Contract, It Could Cost Her Medicaid

Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2026

It feels like fair pay for hard work. To Medicaid, a handshake deal can look like Mom giving her money away.

AI Personal Agents Are Having a Moment. Are They Safe to Use?

Greta Reich and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026

One early tester says his agent gave away his home address, accepted a low offer and even pretended he was waiting outside.

Can We Still Use Pennies? Congress Plots a Penniless Future

Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026

About 114 billion pennies remain in circulation, and the new bill would let retailers round cash totals—though a few cents can still tilt the math.

Forget ‘Coffee Badging’: ‘Calendar Stalkers’ Game Return to Office

Jessica Guynn and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026

Owl Labs found 83% of managers play along, while only 11% of Boomers say they choose office days to get noticed.

Dry Skin and Achy Joints? It May Not Be an Omega-3 Deficiency

Daryl Austin and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026

True omega-3 deficiency is rare, and common symptoms often point to more likely causes; food sources may matter more than supplements.

Scammers Took $3.5 Billion by Posing As Someone You Trust. Social Media Let Them In

Stacy Johnson CPA on October 1, 2026

Much of the money vanished after a single scroll. Now the government wants to know why the platforms keep cashing the checks.

Don’t Let Go of an Old Smartphone Until You’ve Taken These 5 Steps

B.T. Ballenger on October 1, 2026

Forgetting crucial steps could get you locked out of accounts or lead to your identity being stolen.

Pennsylvania Reports Fifth Measles-Associated Death

Thao Nguyen and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026

The CDC counts two measles-associated deaths nationwide this year, while Pennsylvania reports five, exposing a dispute over how officials classify fatalities.

GM Recalls More Than 29K Cadillac Vehicles. See Affected Models

Anthony Thompson and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026

The free fix can arrive over the air, but some owners may need a dealership visit before letters arrive in November.

13 Reliable Side Jobs That Will Help You Boost Your Income

Matt Reinstetle (The Penny Hoarder) and Robert Bruce (The Penny Hoarder) on September 30, 2026

These side gig options can help boost your income without derailing your career.

5 High-Impact Retirement Planning Strategies Most People Never Use

Kathleen Coxwell on September 30, 2026

Having confidence in your retirement funds all comes down to just a handful of choices.

What You Should Know Before Investing in Real Estate Abroad

Kathleen Peddicord on September 30, 2026

How do you choose where to invest your money in foreign real estate markets? Start here.

Lilly’s Retatrutide GLP-1 Delivers Average Weight Loss of 50 Pounds

Ken Alltucker and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026

The experimental drug is not FDA-approved, and its biologic classification could shape when lower-cost competitors reach patients if regulators approve it.

Are You Getting a $500 ACA Refund Check From Trump? See Where They’re Going

Joey Garrison, Stephen J. Beard and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026

Nearly 950,000 people qualify, but eligibility depends on their state’s exchange—and the $500 checks are separate from a different $5,000 promise.

Miami Area among Least Affordable Metros, Receives ‘F’ from Realtors

USA TODAY on September 30, 2026

The Realtor.com report puts Miami at 29 out of 100, while nationally, homes affordable to $75,000 earners make up just 23% of listings.

New Car Ownership Now Tops $1,000 a Month. The Payment Isn’t the Worst Part.

Eric D. Lawrence and Detroit Free Press on September 30, 2026

AAA says depreciation alone drains $4,422 a year, while a new-car payment averages $821 monthly; registration and taxes add another $802 annually.

Treasury Bills Pay About 4%. Gold Pays No Interest, so Why Consider a Gold IRA?

Kendall Blythe on September 30, 2026

Gold slipped 8.5% in a month, pays no interest, and the Fed just raised rates. A gold IRA adds fees and IRS rules on top. The question is what gold can still do for a portfolio.