Introduction

We use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with family, celebrate milestones and discover new products. But as these platforms have become central to our lives, they have also become a prime hunting ground for scammers.

Recent investigative reports from outlets like The Wall Street Journal have exposed what they call an "epidemic of scams," with some banks internationally reporting that about half of all their reported P2P (peer-to-peer) payment fraud originates from Meta's platforms. That’s worth repeating: nearly half of all their payment fraud originates on Meta’s platforms. Scammers, using AI and sophisticated networks, are flooding feeds with deceptive ads and messages, turning a place of connection into a financial minefield.

Introduction

With the cost of food having risen nearly 25% in the last four years, it’s no wonder that a recent poll found 53% of Americans stating that the cost of groceries is a “major source of stress.”. You’re not alone: Feeling that pinch at the checkout is a shared experience. While you can't control inflation or other reasons for rising prices, you absolutely can control your strategy. This guide provides twenty proven, practical tips to help you fight back, reduce your food bill and bring a sense of control back to your budget.

You may love your neighborhood, but that doesn’t change the fact that your kitchen is 30 years out of date. Or perhaps you need a home office, or your family is outgrowing the space you have.

One obvious answer is to sell and move. But in today's higher-interest-rate environment, the financial math has fundamentally changed. If you are locked in for a 3% mortgage, it’s a lot to give up to get a higher interest mortgage. This likely makes you think seriously about renovation, as many are doing these days.

The cooler Minnesota weather of fall is the perfect time to invest in home improvements that pay you back. Modern buyers look for homes that catch the eye: "move-in-ready" homes free of major flaws and with plenty of curb appeal. That means that strategic renovations can boost your family's standard of living while you own the home and increase your home’s value for later sale.