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Image source: shutterstock.com You thought you were over the hump. The fever broke, the chills subsided, and you were finally ready to rejoin the living. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, you feel worse than before. This isn’t just bad luck; it is a specific biological phenomenon known as a “secondary infection.” While your immune system was busy fighting off the initial virus, opportunistic bacteria decided to set up camp in your vulnerable lungs or sinuses. […]

Image source: shutterstock.com If your savings are sitting in an account that pays almost nothing (or charges a monthly fee), 2026 is a great year to fix it. The easiest win is choosing a place that keeps fees out of your way, pays a competitive yield, and makes transfers simple when life happens. You don’t need a complicated system; you just need accounts that stop nickeling-and-diming you while your balance grows. That’s why so many […]

Image source: Shutterstock.com Ice dams look innocent at first—just a ridge of ice sitting quietly along your roofline, sparkling in the winter sun like a postcard scene. But behind that frozen beauty hides one of the most frustrating, expensive, and misunderstood homeowner nightmares out there. Every year, homeowners discover water damage, ceiling stains, warped walls, and mold after ice dams trap melting snow and force water back into their homes. Then comes the shock: the […]

Image Source: Shutterstock If you hold a credit card debt or a medical bill, a creditor has to take you to court, win a judgment, and get a judge’s permission before they can touch your paycheck. That process can take months. But federal student loans are different. They come with a superpower called Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG), also known as the “No-Court Paycut.” This week, the reality of that power is hitting home for millions […]

Image source: shutterstock.com You trust that the pill bottle you pick up from the pharmacy is safe. You assume there are rigorous checks and balances before that medication reaches your hands. Unfortunately, the reality of the global pharmaceutical supply chain is far messier. Recently, the FDA issued a recall for the popular blood-pressure medication Ziac (bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide) due to cross-contamination with a cholesterol drug. It leaves patients in a terrifying position: take a […]

Chart updated to end of JAN in sidebar.Stocks/cash increased +$4,818 (+1.00%) to $487,760.Retirement savings (SMSF etc.) increased by +$5,121(+0.22%) to $2,305,318. No contributions made this month..Est. valuation of our home (my half) increased by +$27,725 (+2.23%) to $1,272,236. The estimated value of the ‘Other real estate’ (my ‘lake house’ and the investment apartment) increased by +$41,282 (

Image Source: Shutterstock If your portfolio has taken a nosedive recently, you’re not alone. Some investors have taken to online platforms like Reddit to discuss their losses, with some citing as much as an 80% loss from their portfolio’s “top.” There’s a name behind the chaos, and it’s Kevin Warsh. When President Donald J. Trump nominated Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, markets spiraled. This is because Warsh is known for his hawkish stance […]

Image source: shutterstock.com Money arguments are common, but financial gaslighting is a different beast entirely. It is a manipulative tactic designed to make you question your reality, your memory, and your math. You might find yourself apologizing for asking a simple question about a receipt, or feeling crazy for thinking the savings account balance looks wrong. This isn’t just about budgeting differences; it is about power and control. If you constantly feel confused or guilty […]

If your paycheck was smaller than expected this morning and you earn a higher income, you didn’t imagine it. Many workers are hitting what’s known as the Social Security wage base, and once your earnings cross that line, deductions change in a way that feels sudden and frustrating. This annual reset catches people off guard every year, even those who track their finances closely. The result is a noticeable dip in take-home pay that shows […]

I was recently a guest on two podcasts, which you might find to be of interest. First was a discussion of estate planning and Roth conversions, for the Advice-Only Podcast, which is hosted by Sarah Sprague Gerber of the Advice-Only Network. Mike Piper on Estate Planning Realities and Roth Conversion Strategies Next was a discussion of Social Security, for the Ben with Benefits podcast, which is hosted by Ben Carlson of Ritholtz Wealth. (Ben also […]

As technology reshapes daily life, many essential hands‑on skills are quietly slipping away. Without these basics, people become increasingly dependent on convenience services that often cost more and create unnecessary waste. Encouraging the practice of these foundational skills can help future generations stay resourceful, self‑sufficient, and better equipped to navigate a world that changes faster … Read more

11 Annoying Greetings That Immediately Turn People Off When You First Meet Them First impressions can open doors—or slam them shut. Whether you’re at a neighborhood BBQ, a volunteer event, or just chatting with someone new at your grandkid’s school, how you greet people sets the tone for the entire interaction. And let’s be honest: some greetings don’t just fall flat—they crash and burn. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(109); }); For baby boomers who’ve spent a […]

7 Foods That Were Unheard Of 30 Years Ago—But Are Everywhere Today <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-36068 size-medium" title="7 Foods That Were Unheard Of 30 Years Ago—But Are Everywhere Today" src="https://www.ourdebtfreefamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5554-1024×682.jpg" alt=" Do you remember a time when the fanciest thing on the menu was a shrimp cocktail, and “superfoods” weren’t even a thing? If you grew up in the 60s, 70s, or even the 80s, the idea of putting avocado on toast or drinking […]