Monique Danao

3 weeks ago | moneywise.com | Monique Danao

Surfside collapse drives up condo expenses The 2021 Surfside condominium collapse, which claimed 98 lives, prompted Florida lawmakers to enact sweeping safety regulations. The disaster exposed widespread structural vulnerabilities in the state’s aging condo buildings. The resulting legislation requires milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies for condos 30 years or older and three stories high, as well as strict funding requirements for future repairs.

3 weeks ago | aol.com | Monique Danao

When Anna Hewson’s daughter’s iPhone disappeared one weekend, she did what any parent would do — she followed the digital crumbs. Using Apple’s “Find My” app, the KUSA 9News producer tracked the stolen device until it ended up at a Walmart in Arvada, Colorado. Inside the store stood an EcoATM, a kiosk that pays cash for used phones. Hewson had a hunch, so she called the police. Moments later, officers unlocked the machine with help from EcoATM’s customer service.

3 weeks ago | moneywise.com | Monique Danao

What are EcoATMs? EcoATMs are automated kiosks found at major retailers, including Walmart. They offer users instant cash in exchange for used electronics. The machines scan a seller’s ID, take a thumb print, snap a photo and send the data to live agents for verification. Devices are held for at least 30 days at a processing center in Louisville, Kentucky, which offers a short window where owners can recover stolen property.

4 weeks ago | aol.com | Monique Danao

She’s debt-free, has some savings and no major expenses. But at 60, Andrea still isn’t sure she can buy a home or retire — and she called into The Ramsey Show to ask if it’s even possible. “I want to own a home and retire one day,” the Phoenix, Arizona resident told co-hosts George Kamel and Dr. John Delony. Don't missI'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic.

4 weeks ago | moneywise.com | Monique Danao

Breaking down her income Andrea lives with her son and his family and only pays for car insurance, gas and the occasional incidental. That leaves her with approximately $2,154 each month to save. She has $69,000 in a 401(k) and $45,000 in a savings account. She’s also considering relocating to Ohio, where her aging siblings live, to be closer to family and cut living costs. Andrea works in medical records and hopes to move to a remote role at her company that pays about $40,000 annually.