Waves of tariffs from President Donald Trump — despite a temporary pause on many — has unleashed chaos across global markets, reigniting trade tensions and rattling investors. But billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio says the real storm is still to come.

On April 7, in a lengthy social media post, Dalio argued that the recent tariff drama is merely a symptom of deeper, structural problems.

“We are seeing a classic breakdown of the major monetary, political, and geopolitical orders,” he wrote.

Dalio outlined five forces he described as reshaping the global landscape.

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1. The global monetary order

Dalio said the global economic order is breaking down due to unsustainable debt and deep imbalances between debtor nations like the U.S. and creditor nations like China. As these imbalances unwind, Dalio warned the current monetary order will be forced to change in “big disruptive ways”, with major consequences for capital markets and the broader economy.

2. The political order

Dalio sees the political order of democracies breaking down under the weight of what he calls “huge gaps” in people’s education, income and opportunity levels, as well as values. He said history shows this kind of environment often gives rise to “strong autocratic leaders” — especially when paired with economic and market turmoil.

3. The global power structure

Dalio was blunt on this point: “The international geopolitical world order is breaking down because the era of one dominant power (the U.S.) that dictates the order that other countries follow is over.” He argued it’s being replaced by a “unilateral, power-rules” approach. While the U.S. remains the most powerful nation, Dalio said it is now operating under a more self-interested, “America First” framework.

4, 5. Nature and technology

Dalio added that “acts of nature” — such as floods and pandemics — are becoming more disruptive, while rapid advances in technology — such as artificial intelligence — are impacting “all aspects of life, including the money/debt/economic order, the political order, the international order, and the costs of acts of nature.”

Beyond the tariffs

Dalio didn’t offer specific investment advice in his post. But in a February interview with CNBC, he noted the importance of diversification — and pointed to the role of one time-tested asset.

“People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” he said. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

Gold is considered a go-to safe haven. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and because it’s not tied to any single currency or economy, investors flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by around 35%.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

A tangible hedge with passive income

Many experts — including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon — have warned that Trump’s tariffs could trigger a significant rise in inflation.

While gold remains a classic hedge, real estate offers a time-tested alternative — with the added benefit of generating passive income.

When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher cost of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rising living expenses tend to push rents higher, helping landlords offset the erosion of purchasing power.

Traditionally, investing in real estate meant buying property outright and becoming a landlord. New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties without taking on the responsibilities of being a landlord.

With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger and Walmart, which provide essential goods to their communities. Thanks to Triple Net (NNN) leases, accredited investors are able to invest in these properties without worrying about tenant costs cutting into their potential returns.

Simply answer a few questions — including how much you would like to invest — to start browsing their full list of available properties.

Consult a professional

Navigating today’s financial landscape can feel overwhelming. With markets swinging wildly and expert opinions often clashing, it’s difficult to know where to put your money. If you’re finding it difficult to make sense of the noise, now could be the right time to get in touch with a financial advisor.

FinancialAdvisor.net is a free online service that helps you find a financial advisor who can help you create a plan to reach your financial goals. Just answer a few questions and their extensive online database will match you with a few vetted advisors based on your answers.

You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The momentum that fueled pricing spikes during the pandemic has taken a sharp turn. For the first time in years, buyers are regaining leverage.

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Sellers, squeezed by skyrocketing insurance premiums, softening demand and growing inventory, are cutting prices, covering closing costs and easing up on contingencies just to seal the deal.

But is this shift a buyer’s paradise? According to real estate experts, the Florida housing story is more complicated than simply buyer-friendly.

Pandemic housing frenzy hits pause

During the COVID-19 era, a wave of remote workers, sun-seeking transplants and looser restrictions turned Florida into ground zero for red-hot real estate. Builders raced to meet demand. Now that demand has cooled.

Then came two hurricanes, a spiraling insurance crisis and record-breaking homeownership costs. Panic-inducing headlines are drawing comparisons to the 2008 crash, but experts urge caution before sounding the alarm.

“It’s nowhere near that,” real estate expert Vincent Arcuri said recently on Full Circle Florida. “Interest rates are at 6.5 %, if you saw interest rates go anywhere in the 5s, you would see the market shift overnight, properties would start to skyrocket again, so it does have a lot to do with how much I’m putting down and how much is my payment? And that’s what really drives the economics of people buying homes.”

Some homeowners who bought at the peak may be feeling the pinch.

“You have people that came from the pandemic that overpaid, now it’s time to pay the fiddler,” Arcuri said. “I think those people that came in and paid $50,000, $100,000 over market, they’re seeing a reduction now in value, plus they overpaid when they bought, which is offsetting some of the equity in those homes.”

So are the issues local or regional? According to Arcuri, Florida’s housing market isn’t uniform.

Inventory is rising in parts of Florida like Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, but much of that is due to condos, not single-family homes. The surge is being driven by region-specific factors: new milestone inspection rules, skyrocketing HOA fees and soaring insurance premiums — all of which are dragging down condo sales.

While headline numbers may suggest a broad market slowdown, many statistics are skewed by the flood of condo listings. The situation is more regional than statewide.

Recent hurricanes have only added pressure, particularly on older and coastal condo communities, while inland areas and single-family markets remain more resilient.

So, when will the market bounce back? That largely depends on policy. And as Arcuri puts it, “Until we have significant insurance reform.”

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What does it mean for buyers and sellers?

As homes spend more time on the market — especially in places like Tampa Bay and South Florida — buyers are seeing the return of perks not seen since before the pandemic.

But that doesn’t mean today’s buyers have it easy. While home prices may be stabilizing, hidden costs loom:

Florida now has the highest average home insurance premiums in the U.S., with some regions seeing rates above $11,000.

Condo owners in coastal cities are facing 15% plus hikes in HOA fees due to mandatory inspections and storm upgrades.

Mortgage rates remain high, hovering around 6.5%, making monthly payments a real hurdle. Many first-time buyers are already stretched thin by student loans and rising living costs.

Sellers, meanwhile, must adjust to a slower market. Price cuts and concessions are increasingly common, especially for condos facing the brunt of the state’s insurance and structural safety challenges.

So, what should sellers be thinking about? First, price your home realistically. Overpricing means your listing will sit. Consider offering incentives, like covering closing costs, to stand out. Know your costs. High insurance and maintenance fees can make your home harder to sell, so be upfront and ready to discuss those with potential buyers. Most experts agree — this isn’t 2008. Homeowners today typically have equity and more responsible loans. Still, without insurance reform, expect a choppy market.

For now, buyers should do their homework and negotiate hard. Sellers should stay realistic and flexible. Arcuri suggests homeowners just stay put.

“If you’ve got a low interest rate, be patient,” he said. “These markets are cyclical. I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Florida’s fundamentals are still strong. Give it a couple of years, and we’ll be talking about the next housing boom.”

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

On May 22, the Trump administration announced plans to halt the university’s ability to enroll international students, cutting off a major revenue stream for one of the nation’s oldest and wealthiest institutions. The move follows weeks of rising tension, including an April 14 standoff when Harvard refused to comply with demands to overhaul its governance, hiring, admissions and research programs.

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But Shark Tank star and Trump supporter Kevin O’Leary isn’t buying it. In an appearance on Fox Business, the celebrity investor — who also teaches at Harvard Business School — was asked what he makes of the Trump administration’s “strong move against Harvard.” O’Leary pushed back on it, saying his students don’t hate America. In fact, they’re eager to build businesses here.

“We want them here. I want to invest in them. I’ve already invested in two of them,” O’Leary told Varney & Co. on Fox, as reported by the Daily Beast. “These are the brightest and the best from around the world, and they’re coming for the American dream.”

International students are a major part of Harvard’s identity. The university has nearly 7,000 students from around the world, accounting for about 27% of its student body.

While U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs has issued a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration’s measure, the legal battle — and Harvard’s future with international students — is far from over.

Stuck in limbo

The Trump administration’s latest attack on Harvard hinges on claims that the university is failing to uphold American values. Trump has pointed to student-held pro-Palestinian protests as evidence, but O’Leary isn’t convinced and says that’s not what he’s seeing.

O’Leary believes that targeting elite institutions such as Harvard could have unintended consequences — especially when it comes to attracting top global talent. He’s urging President Trump and Harvard’s president, Alan Garber, to come to an agreement.

“This has to get worked out,” O’Leary said. “When I go back there to teach in the fall, I want the best and brightest because I, along with millions of other investors, want them to stay in America.”

But for many students, the uncertainty is already settling in. The Trump administration’s order leaves international students at Harvard in a precarious position. Those on student visas could be forced to transfer to another institution in order to remain in the country — even if they’re just weeks away from graduation.

Marc Hvidkjaer, a doctoral student from Denmark, is among those students feeling the tension.

“I’m in limbo and the government has shown its hand here. And it’s showed to what lengths it is willing to go,” he told City News.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Harvard pushes back

Harvard’s standoff with the Trump administration isn’t just about one university — it could set the tone for the future of higher education across the country.

In April, the university formally rejected a series of demands from the administration, arguing that compliance would effectively hand over control of its curriculum and operations to a conservative-led government. In its legal complaint, Harvard called the move a “blatant violation of the First Amendment."

Legal experts say the standoff carries implications far beyond Harvard’s campus.

“Perhaps this was not necessarily just about Harvard,” Charles Kuck, an Immigration Lawyer and Emory University Professor, told City News. “This was a message to all of higher education that you have to come into line with the thinking of what this administration thinks higher education should be.”

Lee C. Bollinger, former president of Columbia University, echoed that sentiment, telling the New York Times that Harvard’s refusal to back down is “precisely what has been needed.” He praised the university for defending not just academic freedom, but the democratic values embedded in America’s most vital institutions.

In the face of growing political pressure, President Garber said Harvard would continue to stand its ground.

“As we pursue legal remedies, we will do everything in our power to support our students and scholars,” he said in a statement.

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Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

According to Lisa Hoang of Moore, Oklahoma, she allegedly fell victim to an attempted extortion by a rogue paving crew. The confrontation happened when workers from Done Right Paving, based in Kalispell, Montana, allegedly dumped their extra asphalt across the OK Stop parking lot.

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No formal contract between Done Right and OK Stop was drafted, so the work wasn’t approved, Hoang told News 4 KFOR.

“We need to know in advance how much [the cost] is, and he says [s] he just [has] a little left over asphalt and it wouldn’t cost much to us,” Hoang explained.

Hoang and her family refused to pay the $12,000 bill. As a result, the Done Right Paving crew scraped up the asphalt and piled it against the OK Stop entrance, trapping the family inside.

The scam is not uncommon in Oklahoma, and typically happens when northern paving companies travel south for work. But here’s how to avoid being caught in a similar sticky situation.

‘We were so scared’

Unfortunately, similar asphalt scams have been reported across Oklahoma in recent years.

Larry Patrick, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Asphalt Paving Association, which represents 95% of the legitimate paving companies in the state, says it happens every few years. “These individuals will come in, go to an asphalt plant, and they’ll buy a dump truck load of asphalt and they’ll pay cash,” Patrick said. “Then they just go out roaming around trying to find an individual or somebody.”

The perpetrators are often out-of-state companies, many from northern states where paving work is limited by colder weather during spring.

What seemed like a casual offer for the Hoangs quickly escalated into a high-pressure situation, as the workers began laying asphalt before any price or contract was discussed.

“When he realized we won’t pay, he rushed out the door, used the equipment to scrape the whole parking lot back and forth, a big chunk,” she said. “They pushed it up against the front door, trapping our family inside the business.”

“It happened so fast, we couldn’t do anything,” Hoang added. “We were so scared.”

News 4 made multiple attempts to contact Done Right Paving for comment, to little avail.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What to do if you’re targeted by a fraudulent contractor

Consumer protection experts urge residents to know their rights and take action when facing fraudulent or threatening service providers. Incidents like the one that Hoang experienced are scary, and they may also violate federal and state consumer protection laws.

The Oklahoma Attorney General has a Consumer Protection Unit that investigates cases involving unauthorized services, deceptive business practices and aggressive or threatening behavior by contractors.

To protect yourself, here’s what you need to do if you find yourself in a similar situation:

• Document everything: Take photos and video of the damage, the workers, their vehicles and any obstructions or results of threatening behavior. Save all communication, including texts, voicemails, emails, invoices or handwritten notes from the business.
• Refuse unsolicited work: Refusing any work would be legally supported in many cases. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) makes it clear under its Unordered Merchandise Rule that consumers are not required to pay for unwanted goods or services.
• Call the police: If you’re being harassed for payment after any unauthorized work, contact your local police department and file a report.

In Oklahoma, victims can file a complaint directly with the Consumer Protection Unit. Nationally, consumers can report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or through the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker tool. The National Association of Attorneys General also provides an online resource to find and contact your state’s consumer protection office.

How can you avoid these scams in the first place?

Common warning signs include unsolicited visits, unwillingness to provide a written estimate, out-of-state license plates, cash-only demands and intimidation tactics.

Experts recommend that consumers never allow work to begin without a written contract. The agreement should include the business name, physical address, the contractor’s license number (if applicable), an itemized invoice and payment terms. It’s also advised that you check the company’s track record through the Better Business Bureau or a state contractor licensing board.

Lisa Hoang’s story is not unique, but through sharing her experience, she hopes others will be able to protect themselves. Being proactive and informed is your best defense against fraud. Additionally, knowing your rights, acting quickly and reporting suspicious activity can help stop scammers before they do serious harm.

For the Hoangs, they’re looking into their legal options against Done Right Paving of Montana.

“We will press charges and hopefully the police can get those guys arrested,” Hoang said.

What to read next

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• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

There’s passionate debate about how to solve America’s ongoing housing crisis, much of which revolves around mortgage rates, zoning issues, immigration and construction. However, billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban believes the biggest issue of all is being overlooked by the public.

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“Home insurance in areas hit by repetitive disasters is going to be the number one housing affordability issue over the next 4 years. And possibly going into the midterms. More so than interest rates,” he said in a post on Bluesky. “Florida, in particular, is going to have huge problems.”

Home insurance crisis

Home insurance rates have surged, driven primarily by two key factors: inflation and climate change.

The cost of labor and building materials for homes has risen rapidly since the pandemic. Although the price of lumber has recovered, the National Association of Home Builders says things like drywall, concrete and steel mill products are still selling at elevated prices.

For those with a replacement cost insurance policy, it can cost the insurer more to cover the cost of replacing your home without taking depreciation into account. The risk this presents will be reflected in your premium.

While homes are more expensive to replace, they’re also more prone to damage because of climate change.

Severe floods, wildfires and hurricanes have become more frequent, which must be factored into the underwriting of property insurance. According to the Insurance Information Institute, “cumulative replacement costs related to homeowners insurance soared 55% between 2020 and 2022.”

In fact, major insurers like Farmers and Progressive have either left states like Florida or limited their exposure to these disaster-prone regions. Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute said, “We have estimated up to 15% of Florida homeowners may not have property insurance, based on input from insurance agents across the state.”

Homeowners and potential homebuyers should be aware of how risky it is to go without coverage and prepare for the cost of adequate protection.

Lowering the cost of home insurance may seem difficult with these facts at hand, but it is still possible to shop around for a better deal on your home insurance with MediaAlpha. Moreover, their easy-to-use platform makes finding a better deal possible in just minutes.

Find the best home insurance rates in your area when you answer a few quick questions about yourself and your home. You’ll see a list of offers tailored to your needs so you can easily comparison shop for a new rate on your mortgage.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Ways to protect yourself

If you haven’t purchased a property yet, considering the climate risk of any location you seek to move to is worth your while. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers flood maps to help you assess risk.

If you already own a high-risk property, consider investing in resilience measures such as securing shutters and roofs, elevating structures in flood-prone areas and using fire-resistant materials in wildfire zones. Doing so can get you a discount on your premium in Florida.

Don’t forget that shopping around is the best way to find an affordable rate. Borrowers who received two rate quotes saved up to $600 annually, according to 2023 research from Freddie Mac. That number rose to $1,200 annually for borrowers who searched for at least four rate quotes from different lenders.

If you want a quick and efficient way to do this, the Mortgage Research Center (MRC) can help you quickly compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type and price range and annual income.

Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a mortgage with confidence.

After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit.

Finally, if you can’t afford insurance, look into your state-backed insurer of last resort. California’s FAIR Plan or Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Corporation could be your ultimate safety net if you can’t find private insurance elsewhere.

Invest in property without owning it

Getting on the property ladder with the soaring price of mortgages and insurance may seem impossible, but you can still grow your wealth in real estate without the hassles of buying, maintaining and insuring a property.

The $36 trillion U.S. home equity market has historically been the exclusive playground of large institutions, but new investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

They contacted the landlord and asked for a showing, but they were told it was a self-viewing home — meaning the landlord didn’t meet Todd and Ryffel at the property to show them around.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Rather, the landlord sent them the lockbox code for the property and told them to let themselves in and see if the home met their needs.

Once Todd and Ryffel confirmed they wanted the home and the move-in fees had been paid, the landlord once again sent them the lockbox code so they could move in. But it turned out to be a scam.

Todd and Ryffel are out $1,800, in addition to not having a place to live. "Nobody should have to go through this," said Ryffel to WATE 6 News.

Too good to be true

When Todd and Ryffel found a home on Facebook Marketplace, they didn’t spot any red flags throughout the process of seeing the home and moving in, they told WATE. It was only once they’d moved in that they learned they’d been victimized.

The landlord, Buh-laal Mustafa Hatim, spoke with Todd by phone and text message once he responded to the Facebook listing. Hatim allegedly wanted $850 a month for rent and sent Todd a contract that looked official.

"Every time I would talk to him and we would send money to him, he would shortly after send receipts via email," Todd said, adding he didn’t think anything was amiss. “He wanted payment through Chime. I figured, okay, he may not have an actual bank account."

Todd and Ryffel paid Hatim $1,800 — $850 for rent, $850 for a security deposit, and a $100 application fee.

“We paid him what we were supposed to pay him,” Ryffel told WATE. “We moved in the day before Easter.”

But a few days later, they received a notice from the realty company in charge of the property: “You are illegally residing at this property without the consent of the owner. You are instructed to vacate the property immediately.”

Now, the Todd and Ryffel families don’t have anywhere to go. And, as WATE discovered, the rental property was listed on another website for $1,350 a month, not $850.

As a gesture of goodwill, the actual realty company is giving Todd and Ryffel a free week-long stay at Woodspring Suites, an extended stay hotel. They plan to use that time to find a new rental. But the chances of them getting their $1,800 back are slim.

"You have people who work hard for that money, only for it to be gone," Ryffel said.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What is a self-showing scam?

In 2024, the FBI received 9,359 complaints related to real estate fraud, and total losses for those types of scams totaled more than $173 million.

That number isn’t broken down by specific scam type, so it’s hard to know how many of those fraud reports stemmed from rental scams versus something else related to real estate. However, scammers are getting better and better at taking people’s money. So it’s important to know how to spot a rental scam so you can avoid it.

In a self-viewing rental scam, fraudsters find legitimate property listings on rental sites. Then they pretend to be working for the realty company in charge of renting the house out. They gain access to the lockbox by signing up for an account.

Then, they give prospective tenants access to the lockbox so they can do a self-guided tour, and then take their money once the tenant decides to move forward with the rental.

That’s why you should be very wary of any rental where a landlord or property manager won’t meet you in person.

What to look for

When you come across a listing, double-check to see if it appears on other sites. Zillow highlights some other red flags for renters to be mindful of:

• Money first: The property manager asks for the money up front, even before seeing the house.
• Too good to be true: If a one-bedroom goes for $1,500 a month in your area, and you see one listed for $900, it’s highly suspicious.
• Untraceable payments: If you’re being asked to send payments through an unconventional means that are untraceable, such as cash, crypto or gift cards, then move on.

In Todd and Ryffel’s case, they might have protected themselves by looking for a listing on other websites. Of course, a self-showing rental may be legitimate, but your best bet is to cross-reference the “for rent” sign and to call the available number posted so you can speak to the realty company in charge.

Even then, it’s not unreasonable to ask someone to meet you at the property, with their ID, so you can feel safe.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Since peaking at a 40-year high of 9.1% in June 2022, headline inflation in the U.S. has eased. But according to “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author Robert Kiyosaki, the worst may be yet to come.

“The end is here: what if you threw a party and no one showed up? That is what happened yesterday,” he wrote in a May 21 post on X. “The Fed held an auction for U.S. bonds and no one showed up. So the Fed quietly bought $50 billion of its own fake money with fake money.”

He added, “The party is over. Hyperinflation is here. Millions, young and old to be wiped out financially.”

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Kiyosaki is no stranger to predictions of economic collapse, and the claims in his recent post couldn’t be independently verified. He didn’t cite a source for the $50 billion “fake money” purchase or the fact that “no one showed up.”

However, the same day he made his post, the U.S. Treasury did see weak demand for a $16 billion sale of 20-year bonds, as investors grew uneasy over the country’s mounting debt.

The auction followed Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating last Friday — a move Kiyosaki warns could have dire consequences:

“A Moody’s downgrade will probably mean higher interest rates which means a U.S. recession, which means the economy will slow, unemployment will climb, bond market, housing market, and weak banks may fail … which may mean 1929 Depression.”

But amid the gloom, he also sees a silver lining — literally.

“Good news. Gold will go to $25,000. Silver to $70. Bitcoin to $500k to $1 million,” he wrote, before ending with a stark note: “May God have mercy on our souls.”

Let’s take a closer look at the assets he’s championing.

Precious metals

Kiyosaki’s endorsement of gold and silver is nothing new — he’s been advocating for precious metals for decades.

In October 2023, he wrote on X: “Gold will soon break through $2,100 and then take off. You will wish you had bought gold below $2,000. Next stop, gold $3,700.”

Gold prices surged in 2024 and have continued to climb through 2025, surpassing $3,000 per ounce in April 2025.

Gold has long been viewed as a potential safe-haven investment. It’s not tied to any one country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and investors tend to pile in during times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty — driving up its value.

Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund — told CNBC in February: “People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” adding that, “when bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

For those looking to capitalize on gold’s potential while also securing tax advantages, one option is opening a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, which can make it an option for those seeking to help protect their retirement fund against economic uncertainties.

When you make a qualifying purchase with Thor Metals, you can receive up to $20,000 in precious metals for free.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Real estate — revisited

In light of his dire outlook, Kiyosaki suggested a few steps individuals could take to protect themselves — and highlighted the power of one income-generating asset.

“I have always recommended people become entrepreneurs, at least a side hustle, and not need job security. Then invest in income-producing real estate, in a crash, which provides steady cash flow,” he wrote on X.

Real estate has long been a favored asset for income-focused investors. While stock markets can swing wildly on headlines, high-quality properties often continue to generate stable rental income.

It can also be a powerful hedge against inflation. When inflation rises property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation.

Perhaps that’s why Kiyosaki once disclosed he owns 15,000 houses — strictly for investment purposes.

Today, you don’t need to be as wealthy as Kiyosaki to get started in real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class.

Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100, all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.

The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.

Another option is Homeshares, which gives accredited investors access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market — a space that’s historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin has been one of the top-performing assets of the past decade — and Kiyosaki is betting it still has room to run.

On Nov. 29, 2024, he predicted, “Bitcoin will soon break $100,000.” On Dec. 4 the cryptocurrency surpassed that milestone, grabbing headlines worldwide.

But in Kiyosaki’s view, that’s just the beginning. He sees Bitcoin climbing much higher — potentially reaching $500,000 to $1 million.

He’s not alone in that view. Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey said in May 2024 that Bitcoin could hit “at least” $1 million by 2030 — and possibly go even higher.

For those looking to hop on the bitcoin bandwagon, new crypto platforms have made it easier for everyday investors.

For instance, Gemini is a full-reserve and regulated cryptocurrency exchange and custodian, which allows users to buy, sell and store bitcoin and 70 other cryptocurrencies.

You can place instant, recurring and limit buys on their growing and vetted list of available cryptos.

But if you’re not ready to buy just yet, you can still invest in crypto with their Gemini credit card.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In recent years, Canadian financial institutions have begun to catch on to the popularity of product bundles, offering a wide variety of different packages to encourage customer loyalty, while saving clients money on their banking needs. Here’s a general look at some of the different kinds of multi-product bundles available at various Canadian banks.

Banking account services/product bundle rebates

Many banks offer premium, all-in-one bank accounts with a variety of features and products for a set monthly fee that is at a much lower price point than what it would cost if you were to pay for all your transactions individually.

For example, a bank might offer a premium bank account that charges a monthly $30 fee but features a plethora of products and services that would be much more expensive if paid for individually.

Possible products and services include things like:

• A free premium credit card (a savings of $120 yearly)
• Unlimited daily transactions for things like withdrawals and Interac e-transfers, which often cost at least $1 each
• A set amount of free bank drafts (which can average $8 or more each)
• A free safe deposit box (that can cost $60 a year)
• Overdraft protection (which can cost around $5 a month)
• Paper chequebooks (approx. $20)

Just from the above items and services, depending on how often you make withdraws and send Interact e-transfers, you would easily make back the $360 a year that you would pay in monthly fees. Better yet, many banks in Canada will even waive the monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance (often ranging between $3000 to $6000) in your account for the full month.

Lower fee product bundles

Not all financial institutions offer clients the option of keeping a set minimum amount in an account to avoid monthly fees altogether. Rather, some banks give clients a complete or partial monthly fee rebate based on how many other banking products they have at the bank.

So, for example, if you pay a monthly account fee of $30, some banks will offer a 30% (or more) fee reduction if you also have a credit card, a mortgage and/or an investment account with them, saving you over $100 a year. (If you are considering getting a mortgage with your bank to enjoy a bundle perk, remember that a long-term relationship with your bank can also get you a better mortgage rate) .

Family bundles

Another package that some banks offer is a family bundle. This kind of bonus package allows clients with a specific kind of premium account to invite family members (who live in the same household) to each open their very own separate chequing account and not pay a monthly fee. Given all the fees that chequing accounts are usually subject to at traditional financial institutions, family bundles could save client’s loved ones hundreds of dollars yearly.

Cash/high-interest rate bonuses

Some banks know that nothing speaks louder (or encourages brand loyalty more) than a straightforward chunk of money and a high interest rate. That’s why to attract new clients, some financial institutions feature a one-off amount of bonus money and a generous promotional interest rate for opening an account. Some banks also require that clients “bundle up”: open an account and apply for a bank branded credit card to be eligible for a cash/interest rate bonus.

Not all bundles are created equal

While a bundle can be a smart way to save on bank fees and enjoy a few nice extras, it’s vital to do your research because not all of them are good deals. Not all banking packages offer unlimited transactions or feature a good interest rate. Generally, for a bundle to be a decent value you need to keep all your money and accounts with one bank (such as savings, chequing, credit cards, etc), which means you can’t shop around with other banks to take advantage of things like better interest rates or bonus promotions.

Furthermore, keeping several thousand dollars in a bank account to ensure your monthly fees are waived isn’t as attractive as it looks when you consider that your money could be earning anywhere from 3% or more if you invested it in a no-fee or low-fee GIC or investment account.

It’s hard to overlook these bundling downsides when there are so many safe and user-friendly online banks that don’t charge any fees at all and still offer unlimited transactions and outstanding interest rates on savings and/or chequing accounts. So, before you bundle up, be a greedy consumer and consider all your banking options and how much they really save you. Personally, I’ve found that banking/investing packages from alternative or online banks tend to offer more value than with traditional banks.

Final word

Though terms and conditions vary from bank to bank, doing your research on bundles could end up saving you money and headaches. The convenience of your finances being managed in one place offers peace of mind, but also knowing that you made the smartest choice by bundling because it saves you money, or gets you better rates for other products from your bank, is a satisfaction you cannot beat.

Ask your bank, or friends who bank at other places, and see if there is a bundle package, similar to those mentioned in this article, that could be relevant to you.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

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.

Gas stations are taking advantage

In most states, it’s legal for businesses to impose a surcharge on customers who are paying by credit card. One of those states is Florida.

The only requirement is that businesses must inform customers of those surcharges ahead of time. However, some Florida gas stations are testing that concept to an unfair limit.

Igo told WPTV News that his company, North County Cooling, has a fleet of 12 trucks and fueling them all costs his business about $3,000 per month. He recently went to fill up one of his trucks when he noticed something that shocked him at the pump.

“I noticed this little box at the bottom,” Igo shared with WPTV. “And it didn’t match the price that was out on the street.”

Igo says a small sign on the pump showed that those paying with a credit card would pay $1 more per gallon, so he asked the station’s manager if that was an error. “And he said no,” Igo said. “‘I can make it any number I want.’ And so I walked out.”

Reporter Dave Bohman looked into the matter and found that a number of local gas stations were charging $1 more per gallon for credit card payments than cash. When he started asking questions, two stations dropped the surcharge down to 90 cents per gallon.

Bohman also reached out to consumer attorney Thomas Patti to see if this practice is legal. His response? Yes.

"If they say ‘listen, we’re going to provide you a discount for cash-based services and we’re going to charge you a standard price for a credit card,’ that’s seemingly a lawful way to go about it," said Patti.

The Florida Attorney General’s Office also confirmed to Bohman that the practice is legal. However, Patti confirmed that gas stations must disclose the price differences to consumers — the problem is that some stations don’t advertise the price difference in big print on their street signs. Rather, they post it in small print on the actual pump.

Igo, meanwhile, now makes sure his crews don’t use gas stations that charge $1 more per gallon for credit cards. He also thinks there should be stricter rules in place so that consumers don’t get duped.

“There should be a law showing what they’re going to charge you if you use a credit card,” he said.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to avoid overpaying for gas

In 2023, the average U.S. driver spent $2,449 on gas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If your spending is similar, a few changes could help you save some money at the pump.

First, use apps like GasBuddy to compare gas prices in your area. Secondly, pay attention to price differences at local gas stations and aim to avoid those that impose a credit card surcharge — but don’t just rely on the big signs you can see from the street. Instead, pull up to the pump and read the fine print.

Of course, paying cash is also an option if you want to avoid overspending on gas. But if you have a larger vehicle, it may not always be feasible to carry enough cash on you in order to fill up your tank.

A recent YouGov survey found that Americans prefer to pay for gas using a credit card more than any other method. However, you may not face a surcharge on gas if you pay by debit card, so that could be a reasonable alternative. In addition, YouGov found that debit cards are the second-most preferred payment method for consumers to use at the pump.

It’s also a good idea to try to avoid gas stations at rest stops or along major highways, as you could potentially pay a higher price per gallon for the convenience. Along these lines, keep a close eye on your tank so you’re not forced to fill up at the nearest station just because you’re about to run out of gas.

Finally, the more efficiently you drive your vehicle, the less fuel you’re likely to use. To that end, try not to speed, make sure your tire pressure isn’t too low and consider using cruise control for longer road trips.

With a few tweaks, you can set yourself up to stretch each fill-up and enjoy some savings along the way.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

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.

A neighborhood built on fantasy and fortune

It’s tempting to blame the West Village’s high prices on TikTokers and Instagram stars, but the truth is, this Manhattan hotspot has always drawn people in. Savannah Engel, a fashion publicist who moved to the neighborhood in 2009, remembers when the West Village still had a bohemian edge. “I’d wake up on a Tuesday and there’d be 10 people passed out in my apartment,” she told The Cut. Back then, her rent was $900 a month — a price that now feels mythical.

But the vibe began to shift by the mid-2000s. Bleecker Street turned into a luxury shopping corridor, and soon after, wealthy buyers followed. Rupert Murdoch purchased a 25-foot-wide townhouse for $25 million in 2015. A year later, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick bought two adjacent townhouses for a combined $34.5 million. The New York Post even dubbed a section near West 11th Street “the real Billionaires’ Row.”

By 2017, the tables had turned. Small businesses were forced out as commercial rents soared, leaving once-buzzing storefronts empty. “The landlords started jacking up the prices,” said designer Cynthia Rowley, who bought her building back in 2004. “That’s when everybody left.” So yes, influencers may be the latest faces of West Village gentrification — but the neighborhood’s transformation has been decades in the making.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Real Estate glow-up

The West Village might look picture-perfect on Instagram, but renters say the experience isn’t always so glamorous.

Polly (HuiWen) Milligan, a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman who’s called the neighborhood home for over eight years, says affordable finds are nearly extinct thanks to rent control laws and the high demand. “The price never drops,” Milligan told Street Easy. “Not even during the lockdown. The price never went down.”

Even at premium price points, quality can fall short. McKeon, who was wowed by her apartment’s bright, spacious layout online, soon discovered the fine print that didn’t make the listing: cockroaches, leaks and strange brown liquid dripping out of a brick wall onto her roommate’s comforter. Yet despite it all, McKeon’s planning to re-sign.

How to get the vibe

We all know the siren call of a trendy neighborhood — the cobblestones and the indie cafés. But before you get swept up in the fantasy, ask yourself: are you chasing the lifestyle, or just the moment?

Often, living just a few blocks outside the hottest zip code can cut your rent by hundreds, sometimes thousands a month — while still giving you easy access to the same brunch spots and boutique gyms. Expanding your search radius is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and it still works.

If you’re set on living right in the thick of things, think strategically. Roommates can be a game changer, cutting costs and even providing built-in company. And while rare, rent-controlled or stabilized units are out there — locking one down can help stabilize your finances over time.

Above all, keep your budget front and center. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of a dream neighborhood, but nothing sours the experience faster than constant money stress. The ultimate dream is living somewhere that fits both your lifestyle and your bank account.

What to read next

• JPMorgan sees gold soaring to $6,000/ounce — use this 1 simple IRA trick to lock in those potential shiny gains (before it’s too late)
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.