This Single Thing Is The Biggest Warning You're Being Scammed, And It's Information We All Need

This Single Thing Is The Biggest Warning You're Being Scammed, And It's Information We All Need

Noah Michelson  Tue, September 16, 2025 BuzzFeed

Financial scams have exploded in recent years, and it’s not just banks and corporations getting screwed out of big bucks. U.S. consumers lost more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023 — more than any previous year, and a 14% increase from 2022 — and all signs point to even larger losses in 2024.

So how do we protect ourselves from bad actors who want to steal our money and our identities?

That’s what we — Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, the hosts of HuffPost’s Am I Doing It Wrong? podcast ― asked Jeremiah Baker, a cybersecurity specialist who has spent the last 17 years growing a firm that hacks into its clients’ networks and web applications to identify the weaknesses in their online defenses and fortify them against future attacks.

Baker told us the biggest red flag that we might be getting scammed is someone asking for personal information, especially if they’re doing so with a heightened level of emotion or urgency.

“Your bank’s never going to call you and...  ask you for your username and password, or any kind of identifiable information,” he said. “It’s usually a tee-up of someone asking you for something... an impersonation scam — pretending to be an institution when they’re not, [or pretending to be] a friend, a colleague, a relative.”

There’s also usually what Baker referred to as a “sob story” involved in the ask.

It’s “highly emotional, highly urgent — ‘You have to hurry!’ And those are the things that really should raise a red flag to say, ‘Hey, wait a minute, I need to hang up this phone and reach back out to the institution and make sure that it’s really them,’” Baker told us.

That can be difficult to do in the heat of the moment — especially if someone is claiming to be a representative from an institution we work with, and they’re warning us that we might lose everything if we don’t act quickly. However, trusting our guts and taking a step back to analyze the situation can save us a lot of agony — and money.

“Most everyone I speak to said, ‘Yeah, I didn’t really feel like I should be doing it, but I did it because they had all this other information on me ― like, they knew my address, they knew my name, birth date, they knew my Social Security number,’” Baker said. “All that information — with all these huge data breaches that we’ve seen over the last several years, bad guys get ahold of that information. So they use it to set trust and context, and then they get us to do something.”

Baker tells clients to “trust [their] intuition,” and to keep in mind that banks and other institutions are never going to ask for that kind of information over the phone or via email

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/single-thing-biggest-warning-youre-003104659.html

Are You Smart Enough To Beat Inflation? Solve These Money Puzzles To Find Out

Are You Smart Enough To Beat Inflation? Solve These Money Puzzles To Find Out

T. Woods  Sun, September 14, 2025   

 “Inflation” is a word any money-conscious adult hears or reads almost daily, but that doesn’t mean everyone totally understands how it can impact their finances. Truly comprehending the complexities of inflation, and how it can sway your financial stability, is a requirement for any financially responsible adult.

With that in mind, do you understand inflation? Further, are you smart enough to beat it? Take this GOBankingRates quiz to find out.

What Is Inflation?

The first step to beating inflation is understanding it. True or false: Inflation is the increase in prices of goods and services within an economy over a certain period of time, often caused by a destabilization between supply and demand.

A) True

B) False

Answer: What Is Inflation?

If you answered (A) True, you’re 100% correct. Inflation is, essentially, a higher cost of living. Goods and services increase in price due to such factors as crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic or a housing crisis), general supply chain problems, consumer demand and more.

Understanding Inflation Rates

Assume your weekly groceries cost $100 in 2024. Further assume that in 2025, the exact shame shopping list now costs you $108.

A) What is the inflation rate between 2024 and 2025 shopping trips?

B) If your salary went from $100,000 to $105,000 over the course of the same year, did your real income increase or decrease, and by how much?

The Answers: Understanding Inflation Rates

A) The inflation rate that impacted your groceries is 8%. Didn’t come up with the same answer? Here’s how you calculate it: Subtract the previous price from the current one ($108 – $100 = $8), divide that sum by 100 ($8/100 = 0.08) and then multiply the final result by 100 (0.08 x 100 =  8%).

Your groceries have increased by 8% due to inflation.

B) Regarding a real income change, similarly subtract your previous salary from the current one ($105,000 – $100,000 =  $5,000), divide that sum by 100,000 (5,000/100,000 = 0.5, or 5%) and subtract the inflation rate from that sum (5% – 8% = -3%).

Your real income change is -3%, meaning it fell by 3%.

Investing vs. Inflation

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/smart-enough-beat-inflation-solve-131146285.html

3 Key Signs That You’re Losing Money to ‘Lifestyle Inflation’ — and How To Get Out of It

3 Key Signs That You’re Losing Money to ‘Lifestyle Inflation’ — and How To Get Out of It

Laura Bogart    Mon, September 15, 2025 GOBankingRates

“Treat yourself.” This iconic line from “Parks and Recreation” has become a cultural mantra and, let’s face it, maybe even a personal motto at times. After all, you’ve just landed a raise. Not only are you bringing home a bigger paycheck, but you’re also working harder than ever to earn it. You’ve got every reason to, well, treat yourself.

But after a few splurges — maybe it’s bottomless brunches, a new bag, or just a couple of nights of takeout — you’re not feeling as flush as you expected. In fact, your bank account might still look a little too familiar.

If your expenses have quickly risen to match your new income, you may be experiencing lifestyle inflation. Whether it’s driven by your own aspirations or a desire to keep up with friends or coworkers, lifestyle inflation can leave you feeling just as broke as before, if not more so.

Allison Baggerly understands your pain.

As a budgeting expert, author, podcaster, and founder of Inspired Budget, Baggerly has helped thousands of people bust out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. She spoke to GOBankingRates as part of our Top 100 Money Experts series to share how to recognize lifestyle inflation and reclaim control of your money — without completely giving up the fun stuff.

Key Signs You’re Slipping Into Lifestyle Inflation

Baggerly says lifestyle inflation can sneak up fast. Here are some common red flags:

• Upgrades become routine. Maybe you trade in your car early, replace furniture that’s still in great shape, or jump on every “limited-time” sale.

• Dining out more than before. Ordering DoorDash or grabbing brunch several times a week starts to feel normal instead of special.

• Savings goals stall. Despite higher income, contributions to retirement, debt payments or an emergency fund don’t budge.

Spotting these patterns is the first step to stopping them.

Understanding Lifestyle Inflation Helps You Avoid It

“It’s easy to fall into because it feels like you’re just doing what you’re ‘supposed’ to do,” Baggerly said. “You’re working hard and earning more, so you deserve the nicer couch or the spontaneous weekend trip, right? The problem is that those small upgrades pile up fast, and suddenly that raise is gone. You’re making more, but you still feel broke. That’s lifestyle inflation in action.”

This could look like ordering DoorDash three nights in a row instead of cooking, upgrading your car before it’s really necessary, or jumping on a sale ‘just because.’ Meanwhile, financial goals like paying down debt, saving for retirement, or building an emergency fund get left behind.

But here’s the good news: Being able to spot the pattern is the first step to changing it.

Planning for a Win Helps You Avoid Splurges

TO READ MORE:   https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-key-signs-losing-money-185646127.html

Billionaire Ray Dalio Warns Debt-Laden US Economy Faces 'Heart Attack,' Advises Investors To Hold 10–15% Gold

Billionaire Ray Dalio Warns Debt-Laden US Economy Faces 'Heart Attack,' Advises Investors To Hold 10–15% Gold

Kaustubh Bagalkote  Fri, September 12, 2025

Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio issued stark warnings about the U.S. economy’s mounting debt burden, comparing the fiscal strain to arterial blockage that could trigger a financial “heart attack.”

Debt Crisis Threatens Economic Stability

Speaking at an Abu Dhabi Finance Week launch event, Dalio warned that escalating debt service costs are “squeezing out other spending” and building up like plaque in a clogged circulatory system, reported Reuters. “A doctor would warn of a heart attack,” the billionaire investor cautioned.

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, with Moody’s projecting the debt-to-GDP ratio to climb from nearly 100% in 2025 to approximately 130% by 2035. Moody’s downgraded the U.S. long-term credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 in May, citing concerns about fiscal sustainability.

Gold as Portfolio Insurance

Dalio recommended investors allocate “somewhere between 10% and 15%” of their portfolios to gold as protection against market instability. Gold futures recently hit record highs near $3,600.

“Gold was uncorrelated with other assets, its value tending to rise during a crisis when other assets fall,” Dalio explained. He emphasized that with the world “abundant in debt” and geopolitical tensions rising, investors should question “whose money do you own?” when building neutral portfolios.

Fed Policy and Market Valuations

The S&P 500 tracked by SPDR S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY) and the Nasdaq Composite have gained over 12.25% and 14.33% year-to-date, respectively, closing at record highs as markets anticipate Federal Reserve rate cuts.

However, Dalio’s warnings align with concerns about elevated valuations amid underlying fiscal pressures.

Dalio previously sold his remaining Bridgewater stake in July, stepping away from the hedge fund he founded in 1975 after building it into one of the world’s largest investment firms.

Building Wealth Across More Than Just the Market

Building a resilient portfolio means thinking beyond a single asset or market trend. Economic cycles shift, sectors rise and fall, and no one investment performs well in every environment. That's why many investors look to diversify with platforms that provide access to real estate, fixed-income opportunities, professional financial guidance, precious metals, and even self-directed retirement accounts.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/billionaire-ray-dalio-warns-debt-233112283.html

How Do I Make The Most Of This Sudden Windfall?

How Do I Make The Most Of This Sudden Windfall?

I’m 40 and my mom just died — leaving me a $3.25M inheritance

Christy Bieber  Sat, September 13, 2025    Moneywise

According to Northwestern Mutual, $90 trillion will transfer to younger generations in the coming years [1].  Rebecca, 40, says she has inherited $3 million in stocks and $250,000 in cash, and has a $100,000 mortgage and $25,000 in other debt. What should she do with such a large windfall to make sure she’s using it wisely?

Think Before Acting

When you receive a large inheritance, the first thing to consider is the tax implications. Federal estate taxes don't kick in until you inherit at least eight figures (the threshold in 2025 is $13.99 million), so you shouldn't have to worry about that. Some states also impose an inheritance or estate tax (Maryland imposes both).

If you inherit assets you plan to sell, there’s good news. The step-up basis at death resets the cost basis for the inherited assets to the fair market value at the time of death. This usually helps reduce the amount of capital gains taxes you will owe.

Beyond the tax implications, you need to make a smart plan for how to make the money last. An often cited statistic from a 20-year study by The Williams Group of 3,200 families says that 70% of the time family wealth is lost by the second generation, and this number jumps to 90% for the third generation.

If you don't want to become one of the majority who waste the funds, you should avoid jumping into spending the money or upgrading your lifestyle dramatically.

While it is probably a good idea to pay off your mortgage and other debt so you can avoid interest costs, you should refrain from doing things like immediately buying a bigger house or making other large purchases that eat away a big chunk of the money and require you to commit to higher ongoing expenses.

You should also avoid telling anyone other than your immediate family about the inheritance. If word gets out, you may find yourself targeted by people trying to get you to "invest" in their business venture, help them cope with "emergency" spending needs or any other excuse to access your funds.

What Should You Do With The Money?

The first thing you should do is pay off your debt and make sure you’ve built a sizable emergency fund, then invest every dollar, ideally in a mix of simple and safe investments.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-40-mom-just-died-103000408.html

7 of the Top Financial Conflicts Couples Face (and How To Overcome Them)

7 of the Top Financial Conflicts Couples Face (and How To Overcome Them)

January 11, 2025

Money matters are a significant source of stress in relationships. According to a 2024 Fidelity study, 45% of partners argue about money at least occasionally, and 27% admit to being frustrated by their partner’s money habits.

Understanding and addressing money conflicts is essential for maintaining a healthy and harmonious partnership. Here are some of the top financial conflicts couples face and effective strategies to overcome them.

Different Spending Habits

One partner may thrive on the excitement of spontaneous purchases and enjoy spending freely, while the other prefers saving and meticulously managing the budget. This difference can quickly lead to frustration and resentment.

In order to overcome this, foster open communication about financial behaviors, ensuring each partner understands the other’s perspectives without judgment. According to MyWellbeing, establishing common financial goals, such as saving for a vacation or purchasing a house, can align spending priorities.

Additionally, try to create a balanced budget that allocates funds for both saving and discretionary spending to satisfy both partners’ needs.

Saving vs. Spending Priorities

Couples often clash over financial priorities, with one partner emphasizing the importance of saving for the future and the other preferring to enjoy the present moment. This fundamental difference can create tension and disagreements about money management, leading to frustration and misunderstanding.

To address this, try allocating a portion of the income to savings and another portion for spending on shared interests and activities. Additionally, commit to regular check-ins to reassess and adjust financial priorities as needed, ensuring both partners remain aligned.

To have a productive conversation, Desert Financial Credit Union recommends creating a safe and comfortable environment, having a set cadence, and practicing active listening and empathy.

Debt and Financial Obligations

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/relationships/top-financial-conflicts-couples-face-how-overcome/

50 Habits That Will Prepare You for a Comfortable Retirement

50 Habits That Will Prepare You for a Comfortable Retirement

Lydia Kibet   Wed, September 10, 2025   GOBankingRates

A comfortable retirement isn’t built overnight and it doesn’t require a six-figure salary. What makes the difference are the small habits you build over time. Whether you’re in your 20s or 50s the right habits will help you build the kind of retirement you want.

The 50 habits below will set you up for a comfortable retirement.

Saving and Investing

1. Start saving and investing early. Time is your greatest asset. The earlier you start, the more time your savings and investments have to grow.

2. Automate your finances. Set up automatic transfers to your savings, investing and retirement accounts.

3. Build an emergency fund. Save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses to avoid tapping into your retirement accounts during emergencies.

4. Take advantage of employer 401(k) match. This is free money. Always contribute enough to your 401(k) to get the full employer match.

5. Contribute to an IRA. Use a traditional IRA or Roth IRA to grow your retirement savings tax-efficiently.

6. Diversify your investments. Don’t invest in one asset class. Spread your money across stocks, index funds, ETFs and bonds to reduce risk.

7. Invest consistently. Use dollar cost averaging to invest consistently regardless of where the market goes.

8. Rebalance your portfolio regularly. Review your portfolio year and adjust asset classes based on your risk tolerance and goals.

9. Understand your risk tolerance. Pick investments that align with your risk appetite.

10. Avoid emotional investing. Stick to your plan despite the market swings.

11. Increase your retirement contributions annually.

12. Don’t panic during market downturns. Don’t panic sell your investments when the market is going down.

13. Stay invested long-term. Time in the market beats timing the market.

4. Shop for insurance annually. Compare rates for auto, home and health insurance to ensure that you’re getting the best rates.

15. Use catch-up contributions. Contribute more to your retirement accounts once you hit the age of 50.

16. Avoid early withdrawals. Don’t tap into your retirement accounts unless it’s an emergency that deserves the withdrawal penalty.

17. Harvest tax losses. Strategically realize losses to offset gains and reduce current tax liability

Spending and Budgeting

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/50-habits-prepare-comfortable-retirement-185504786.html

How Happy Couples Handle Money — Even When They Disagree

How Happy Couples Handle Money — Even When They Disagree

September 4, 2025  Top 100 Money Experts

What’s the best way to manage money with a partner? 

You’re sitting at the breakfast table with your partner. Gazing into their eyes, you think about how much you love them, how much they — to quote “Jerry Maguire” — “complete you,” and how fortunate you are to have them.

Just as you’re about to fall even deeper in love, they open their mouth to tell you they might have, ahem, put a little more on the credit card than they planned. Or perhaps to chide you for not taking your employer match on your 401(k).  

Ah, love. Ain’t it grand? It still can be — even if your money habits clash — when you learn how to balance different financial styles. That process might sound complex and uncomfortable, but according to Emma Johnson, founder of Wealthy Single Mommy and author of “The 50/50 Solution” and “The Kickass Single Mom,” it starts with something simple: listening to each other.  

GOBankingRates caught up with Johnson to get her take on how happy couples can stay happy couples when it comes to managing money together.

YOU TUBE VIDEO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqyl46S4HvM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gobankingrates.com%2F&source_ve_path=OTY3MTQ 

Respect Each Other’s Financial Independence  

One of Johnson’s first pieces of advice is to recognize that you and your partner are, well, your own people. You each had fully formed identities and managed your own money before you got together. Acting like a parent or boss with your partner’s finances can only breed resentment.

Each partner needs some financial autonomy – money you can spend without checking in first,” Johnson said. “You’re both adults.” 

Therapists back this up. Given how often couples argue over money, it’s not surprising that services like Ascencion Counseling include financial advice right on their websites. To keep your financial independence while managing joint responsibilities, you and your partner need to communicate and plan together.

One common approach is to open a joint account for major shared expenses like rent, utilities and groceries, while keeping separate accounts for personal spending. Once you agree on how much each of you will contribute — ideally based on income rather than splitting everything 50/50 — you can still maintain individual control over your own separate accounts.  

This kind of setup gives each partner more confidence in their financial abilities while also minimizing potential resentment. That’s a win-win.

Love Each Other Through Your Differences  

TO READ MORE: https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/one-saves-other-spends-financial-pro-manage-money-couple/?hyperlink_type=manual

How To Protect Your Financial Windfall

How To Protect Your Financial Windfall

Mike Crisolago Updated Sep 6, 2025 Money Wise

The (PCH) Publisher’s Clearing House saga is a cautionary tale for anyone who comes into a large sum of money — whether it’s a sweepstakes giveaway, a lottery win or an inheritance. Without a plan, that money can dry up faster than you think.

Oregon man won ‘$5K a week forever’ in 2012, spent cash like he was set for life — but Publishers Clearing House went bankrupt. Now he might lose home

An old sweepstakes TV commercial once promised, “Only Publishers Clearing House can make you so rich, so fast!”

But, as some unlucky winners discovered this year, the opposite is also true: Publishers Clearing House (PCH) can make your fortune disappear just as quickly.

That’s what happened to John Wyllie, a 61-year-old Oregon man who won $5,000 a week for life from the PCH Prize Patrol in 2012.

According to NBC affiliate KGW8 [1], Wyllie received an annual check for $260,000 every January. The money let him retire and buy a house on six acres in scenic Bellingham, Washington. But this year, the checks suddenly stopped. A few months later, Wyllie learned why: PCH had filed for bankruptcy without warning him or other winners.

Wyllie told KGW8 the turn of events “feels like a nightmare,” made worse by the fact that he hasn’t worked in more than a decade and can’t find a job now. With bills piling up, he’s sold off big-ticket items like a jet ski and trailer, but still expects to lose his home.

For anyone who’s ever daydreamed about a life-changing win, Wyllie’s story is a harsh reminder that easy money isn’t always forever. It’s a reality check that could strike anyone who finds themselves scrambling to offset the loss.

From bankable to bankruptcy

KGW8 reported that Wyllie is one of at least 10 winners still owed money they’ll likely never receive.

That’s because ARB Interactive, which paid $7.1 million to buy PCH, announced it would only honor prizes won after it took over in July. For past winners still waiting on payments, The Wall Street Journal [2] noted they’ll “have to seek payment from the bankruptcy estate.”

To Read More: LINK 

Here’s Why You Always Want to Know Your Net Worth

Here’s Why You Always Want to Know Your Net Worth, According to a Financial Expert

August 25, 2025   By  Jordan Rosenfeld

How do I calculate my net worth, and why does it matter?

If net worth sounds like something only the uber-rich have to think about, it’s time to think again. Everyone has a net worth — though some are certainly higher than others — but you might be surprised to learn that you’re worth more than you think. More importantly, your net worth is one of the clearest snapshots of your overall financial health.

Dr. Preston D. Cherry, a financial planner who calls himself “a life designer in the world of wealth,” is the founder of Concurrent Wealth Management and author of “Wealth in the Key of Life.” He explains how to calculate your net worth, why it matters more than you might realize, and how tracking it over time can help you achieve your biggest financial goals.

Do This Simple Math

Calculating your net worth doesn’t require any complicated technology or sifting through boxes of paperwork; it’s a lot simpler than people think, Cherry said. “It’s just what you own minus what you owe.” To calculate your net worth:

• Add up your assets: This includes cash, retirement and brokerage accounts, investments, your home and even business equity if you have it.

• Then subtract your liabilities: These include credit card balances, student loans, auto loans, your mortgage or any other outstanding debts.

A Snapshot of Your Financial Story

Once you calculate that number, Cherry encouraged a mindset shift: don’t think of it as a static figure, but as “a snapshot of your financial story.” In his words, “It gives you a sense of where you are and a guide to where you’re going.”

Think of your net worth as your personal financial narrative. “It tells you where you stand, how far you’ve come, and your aspirational future,” Cherry said. In other words, don’t use it to compare yourself to others, but to measure your progress against your own goals.

Tracking your net worth regularly, such as quarterly or annually, can reveal whether you’re headed in the right direction. It can also highlight blind spots, like lingering debt or underutilized savings opportunities, and bring clarity to future decision-making.

A Reflection of Your Financial Choices

Another way to think of net worth, according to Cherry, is as “a reflection of how your financial choices support your well-being.” If your net worth is on the low side, that may show up as struggling to make ends meet or falling short of your goals.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.gobankingrates.com/net-worth/worth-more-than-you-think-wealth-expert-calculate-net-worth/?hyperlink_type=manual

4 Practical Yet Genius Money Tips From Tony Robbins

4 Practical Yet Genius Money Tips From Tony Robbins

Kristopher Kane  Wed, September 3, 2025   GOBankingRates

Managing your money isn’t always intuitive, and it can present significant challenges, especially if you’re just starting out. But no matter where you are in your financial journey, a few words of sound advice can never hurt. When it comes to financial wisdom, you could do a lot worse than listen to someone like Tony Robbins.

Over the years, the financial guru and motivational speaker has offered a lot of practical advice that can help just about anyone, regardless of their current situation, set and achieve their financial goals. Keep reading for four essential tips from Robbins that you can use to move toward your own financial success, one step at a time.

Harness the Power of Compound Interest

When it comes to long-term objectives like retirement savings or saving for a child’s college education, compound interest can be your most powerful financial ally — in fact, Robbins wrote in a blog post that it gives you an “unsurmountable edge” in making your investments grow.

The amount you need to set aside for these kinds of goals can sometimes seem too large to be realistic, but relying on the power of compound interest can make a huge difference.

If you know how to leverage compound interest, major goals become much less intimidating and a lot more doable. In a nutshell, by reinvesting the interest you earn on the initial amount of money you put in (the principal), you increase your total savings, as well as the amount you earn in additional interest over time.

This compounding effect isn’t linear, and it can exponentially increase the amount of money you’re able to save over long periods. Whether you have your money in a high-yield savings account, bonds or mutual funds, the key is to start early, stay consistent and be patient enough to let time and compound interest work their magic.

Know the Difference Between Pretax and Post-Tax Retirement Plans

Choosing the right retirement plan is especially important, and Robbins emphasizes the need to understand how pretax and post-tax retirement plans differ, and which might be best for you. He wrote on his blog, “While millions of Americans have a retirement account in place, the scary truth is, they have not considered the impact of taxes in retirement.”

With a pretax retirement plan — like a 401(k) or traditional IRA — you contribute a portion of your earnings before any taxes are taken out, which effectively lowers your taxable income for that year.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/4-genius-practical-money-tips-160039018.html