Consumers are used to depositing their money in banks and savings associations, which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission. However, some consumers are opening accounts these days with nonbank financial companies, usually online or through mobile apps, such as technology companies providing financial services.
It breaks my heart every time I see a story on television about a romance scam. The people, often older women, have been taken in by fast-talking scammers who have honed their skills in carrying out big romance lies. Right now, as I’m writing this, I’m listening to story on TV about a woman who lost $100,000 to a romance scam.
Do you have accumulated debt, maybe from student loans, credit cards, car loans, or overspending? Are you savings money for the future? Although a lot of people struggle with saving, it’s possible to gradually building small savings into large sums. Here are some ways to help you begin to save or build up your savings, offered by the FDIC.
Do research if you’re considering buying silver coins. Precious metals dealer Safeguard Metals LLC and Jeffrey Ikahn have settled a lawsuit that alleged they engaged in a $68 million fraudulent scheme that targeted the seniors. Between October 2017 and July 2021, Safeguard and Ikahn deceived more than 450 customers nationwide.
Recently, I wrote about how private equity firms are buying health providers practices, including my gastroenterologist’s, and how they bleed money from the companies, then sell them for a big profit. In 2021, some of the top industries for private equity investment include healthcare, technology, and consumer products.
Another large financial institution has been caught gouging customers. Raymond James agreed to settle allegations Tuesday with six state securities regulators for charging unreasonable commissions on trades that harmed investors. The broker-dealer will pay at least $8.2 million in refunds to clients, and $4.2 million in penalties and costs.
More than three quarters of adults have used a payment app, called a P2P or peer-to-peer or person-to-person app. Widely used nonbank payment apps include PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. The apps can be used on a computer or mobile device to send money to someone else without writing a check or handing over cash.
An “investment opportunity” extremely popular on the social media platform WeChat stole millions from the Chinese community in the United States. Social media posts urged people to “invest” in various household goods and electronics, promising returns of 20-40 percent in one to three months. But it was really a scam.
My newsletter this week has a lot of helpful information so I’m posting a copy here. You have until May 8 to use Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards and rewards and until May 4 to file a claim for an IKEA settlement. You’ll also find tips on how to save money on gas and a list of some store brands that are better than name brands.
