Emily Rogers+FollowChase account freezes leave Chicagoans strandedImagine suddenly losing access to your own money for weeks—several Chicago-area Chase customers say that’s exactly what happened. People from Lombard to River North found their accounts frozen, with tens of thousands of dollars locked up and little explanation from the bank. For some, it meant scrambling to pay bills or support family. Chase says it’s about fraud protection, but these holds are causing real stress. If you’re planning a big deposit or withdrawal, let your bank know ahead of time and keep records. Has anyone else run into this? How did you handle it? #Business #MakeMoney #Chicago10Share
Christine Baxter+FollowHow Much Cash Do You Really Need for Emergencies?Ever wonder how much cash you should stash for a rainy day? Turns out, upper-middle-class families are parking way more than the usual 3-6 months of expenses—some even keep $100K+ in savings! Why? With big monthly bills, layoffs, and kids’ costs, that cushion disappears fast. The real hack: tailor your emergency fund to your lifestyle, not some generic rule. Peace of mind > earning a few extra bucks in the market! #Business #MakeMoney #EmergencyFund60Share
James Cook+FollowSocial Security Hack: Keep More of Your CheckHere’s a coffee break tip for anyone eyeing Social Security early: Not all money you make will shrink your monthly check! If you’re getting cash from investments, rental properties, or even gifts, that won’t count against your benefits limit before full retirement age. The real catch? Only your actual job paycheck matters for the cap. So, if you want to pad your wallet without losing out, focus on these income streams until you hit full retirement age. Easy win! #Business #MakeMoney #SocialSecurity10Share
Willie Morales+FollowStop Debt Collectors Calling After a Parent DiesEver get weird calls about a late parent’s credit card? Here’s the scoop: You’re usually NOT on the hook for those bills unless your name is on the account. Most of the time, the estate pays what it can, and the rest just... disappears. If collectors keep bugging you, know your rights: you can tell them to stop, and they legally have to listen. Watch out for scammers, too—never pay up or share info without proof! #Business #MakeMoney #MoneyLifehacks22Share
Diane Carter+FollowHow to Not Get Scammed With Big ChecksEver get handed a cashier’s check for a car or house deal and think, “Sweet, I’m set”? Not so fast. Scammers love these checks because banks make the money look available fast, but if the check is fake, you’re on the hook—sometimes weeks later. Always verify the check with the issuing bank (don’t use the number on the check!) and never hand over your car or keys until you’re 100% sure the money is real. Protect your wallet! #Business #MakeMoney #MoneyHacks00Share
cody79+FollowWhy Your Money Order Just Got PricierHeads up if you’re old-school about paying bills with money orders: starting in 2026, there’s a new 1% fee when you use cash or paper to send money, thanks to a federal tax. It’s like a “cash penalty” for not going digital. If you want to dodge the extra cost, try switching to debit or bank transfers, or ask your billers about the cheapest way to pay. Little changes can save you real money over time! #Business #MakeMoney #MoneyLifehack00Share
Willie Morales+FollowShould You Pay Mom’s Credit Card Debt?Here’s a money lifehack for anyone dealing with a family loss: If you get a life insurance payout after a parent passes, you don’t have to use that money to pay off their credit card bills—unless you co-signed or agreed in writing. Credit card debt is tied to the estate, not to you personally. Don’t let family guilt-trips drain your financial cushion. Protect your wallet and know your rights! #Business #MakeMoney #MoneyLifehacks10Share
cody79+FollowRetirement Isn’t a Magic Trick—Here’s How to Not Go BrokeThinking your 401(k) will save you? Kevin O’Leary says think again. His five no-nonsense rules for retirement are all about real-life habits: save at least 15% of your income, kill your debt before you stop working, stash an emergency fund, invest for steady cash flow (not thrills), and don’t count on your 401(k) to fix bad money habits. The big shift? Retirement is pricier than ever, and winging it just won’t cut it. Treat these rules like your money’s safety net! #Business #MakeMoney #RetirementPlanning50Share
Willie Morales+FollowBanks Are Sneaking In New Deposit Fees—Watch Out!Ever snapped a pic to deposit a check, thinking it was a freebie? Not so fast—some banks are now quietly charging for remote deposits, stacking on top of other account fees. What used to be a time-saver is turning into a sneaky money drain. Pro tip: double-check your bank’s fee schedule and shop around. Don’t let surprise charges eat into your coffee budget! #Business #MakeMoney #MoneyHacks21Share
Christine Baxter+FollowNew IRS Tax Deduction: Seniors, Don’t Miss Out!Heads up if you’re 65 or older: there’s a new IRS tax break that could put an extra $670 (or more) back in your pocket this year. With groceries and meds costing more, every bit helps. The best part? You don’t have to do anything fancy—just claim the standard deduction and you’re good. But don’t sleep on it; a lot of folks miss out simply because they don’t know it exists. Spread the word! #Business #MakeMoney #TaxBreak20Share
