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Demolition of iconic Sears complex starts, opening a new era for high-tech industry
Workers have started tearing down the vacant Sears world headquarters in northwest suburban Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a necessary next step in converting the iconic 2.4 million-square-foot complex into a data center site.
“No one is going to come in and say I want 2 million square feet of office space,” said Village Manager Eric Palm. “...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Beat the Job-Loss Blues: A Guide to Surviving the Unexpected
Job redundancy, downsizing, cutbacks, layoffs -- whatever you call it, when that dreaded pink slip lands on your desk, it's about as welcome as a root canal. But living in constant fear that your job could disappear any day now? That's like waiting for a surprise party you really, really don't want.
Even if you're convinced your job is solid, ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Lions, Tigers and Predatory Lenders: Oh My!
Homeowners, gather 'round and clutch your wallets. These days, home loan scam artists are lurking in the shadows like that weird neighbor who's always "just checking in." They're hungry, they're relentless and they've got their beady little eyes on your home equity.
Meet the loan sharks -- or as I prefer to call them, predatory lenders. They've...Read more
Why Fashion Nova bought a $118-million office space in Beverly Hills
LOS ANGELES — When fast-fashion retailer Fashion Nova was searching for a new headquarters, the pull of Beverly Hills was strong.
The city is one of the world’s luxury capitals, and its palm tree-lined streets are home to billionaires, Hollywood stars and high-end brands including Gucci and Dior. Compared with Fashion Nova’s current base ...Read more
Report: Home Depot spent billions on its own shares instead of raising pay
Home Depot ranks in the bottom 100 companies in the S&P 500 index for median pay. But it ranks near the top of those corporations in buying back its own stock shares, billions that instead could have been spent improving wages, according to a report from a Washington, D.C., think tank.
Lowe’s and Home Depot ranked No. 1 and No. 2, ...Read more
Allstate receives approval for 34% increase in homeowners insurance rates
Allstate has received approval to raise its California homeowners insurance premiums by an average of 34% starting in November — the largest rate increase this year amid the state's insurance crisis.
The rate increase approved earlier this month by state regulators affects more than 350,000 policyholders statewide and exceeds a 30% increase ...Read more
Real estate Q&A: How long should I keep records related to condo sale?
Q: I helped my father sell his condo in 2017 and have been storing the paperwork from when he originally purchased it to when he sold it. I want to shred the papers, but I was wondering if I need to hold on to them for a certain length of time. How long should I keep the paperwork? — Lois
A: Good record-keeping can make a big difference ...Read more
California moves toward helping undocumented immigrants with down payments in home loan program
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom will soon determine if undocumented immigrants in California can qualify for a popular state-backed home loan program.
The Democrat-supermajority Legislature passed the contentious measure, Assembly Bill 1840, on Wednesday afternoon. The bill now heads to the desk of Newsom, who will have to weigh the ...Read more
California lawmakers approve bill to extend home mortgage aid to undocumented immigrants
The California Assembly gave final appoval Wednesday to a bill that could help undocumented immigrants in California buy homes, despite opposition from Republicans who said it would encourage more Mexican immigrants to cross the border illegally.
Elon Musk went as far as posting on his social platform X that "half of Earth should move to ...Read more
The six fire-, flood- and storm-prone cities where billionaires love to buy homes
Rising interest rates. Natural disasters. There are a host of reasons not to buy a home in the current real estate market — particularly in certain areas. But the ultra-rich are unfazed.
As most of the market recovers from its pandemic hangover, megamansions in some cities have been immune to the slowdown. Across the country, billionaires are...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Extra Money Dilemma; Should We Buy Cancer Insurance?
As you know, because I tell you all the time, I get a ton of mail! Today, I reached into my virtual mailbag and pulled out two reader questions, neither of them having easy answers. But hopefully this will make you think of your own situation in light of these questions and my responses.
Dear Mary: I borrowed more money on my student loan than ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Unshrink a Sweater, Paying Taxes and More
I love it when I open my email to find a question that makes me go "Oh, boy. Do I know about that feeling! That's exactly what happened to me. Been there, done that!"
Today's first great reader question is a perfect example. Yep, I've gone to get rid of shrunken clothing because I didn't know there was a possible remedy. But now I do, and you'...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Frugal Advice for Perplexing Situations
Dear Cheapskate: I often keep onions, garlic and potatoes in my cupboard for weeks before finding the time to cook with them -- and by then they've gone soft or sprouted! What's the best way to store these ingredients to keep them fresh as long as possible? Your column is fabulous! Keep up the good work. -- Amy M.
Dear Amy: Never refrigerate ...Read more
The richest man in Pennsylvania invests in kids' soccer classes, car repair, hiring tech and more
From its busy trading floors just outside Philadelphia, Susquehanna International Group has grown since its 1987 founding into one of the dozen biggest U.S. firms that bet their own money — trillions a year, in Susquehanna's case — on stocks, options, futures, and anything else that changes hands in securities markets.
Susquehanna's success...Read more
Inflation is cooling. Here's what a Temple professor says you should do now
Inflation is under 3% for the first time in three years, according to the Consumer Price Index Report released earlier this month, with the Federal Reserve poised to begin interest-rate cuts starting next month.
In July, inflation dropped to 2.9% year-over-year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. That was a slight decrease from June, ...Read more
Mormon church seeks to annex 52,450 acres of ranchland to Orlando
An investment arm of the Mormon church applied today to annex 52,450 acres of ranchland to the city of Orlando, Florida, a massive addition that would increase the physical size of the city by nearly 60 percent.
The land-owning entity, known as Farmland Reserve, says it has no immediate plans to develop the land, which will be annexed as the �...Read more
Survey: ATM fees reach 26-year high while overdraft fees inch back up
Accessing the money from your checking or savings account keeps getting more expensive, if you’re using an out-of-network ATM. In fact, average total ATM fees continue their climb to $4.77 this year, according to Bankrate’s 2024 checking account and ATM fee study. This reflects an increase from $4.73 last year and the highest annual amount ...Read more
Inherited 401(k) rules: What beneficiaries need to know
If a loved one has named you as a beneficiary of their 401(k), knowing how to make the best use of the bequest is another way to honor them. How to best use an inherited 401(k) depends on a number of factors — first and foremost your relationship with the primary account holder.
Here are the key rules to know when inheriting a 401(k) and how ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Are Eating a Hole in Your Budget
Inflation is hitting Americans hard these days. Rent, gas and utilities are all more expensive, and rising grocery bills aren't helping matters. Increased costs and supply chain shortages have pushed prices up, with food prices climbing around 11% recently -- though some folks have seen even steeper increases. Sticking to a reasonable grocery ...Read more
US sues RealPage, alleging its software allows landlords to coordinate rent increases
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday sued a major real estate firm, alleging the company's algorithmic software enables landlords across the country to set rent at artificially high rates.
The lawsuit, joined by several states including California, focuses on software from Texas-based company RealPage. The software is used by many landlords...Read more
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