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**How This Couple Retired in Their 30s With Just 5% Down Payments**

Jeff White and Suleyka Bolaños achieved early retirement by house hacking—buying one rental property a year while living in each home. Their strategy? Using owner-occupied financing with just 5% down, turning each property into passive income.

**FHA Loans Helped Them Retire Early—Here’s How**

By leveraging FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down, White and Bolaños scaled their real estate portfolio fast. Their rental income now covers their expenses, allowing them to travel and run a YouTube channel, „PTO for Life.”

**From Corporate Jobs to Financial Freedom in 6.5 Years**

Starting with a fixer-upper fourplex, the couple renovated and rented properties while living in them. Their slow-and-steady approach helped them quit their jobs by 2023—proving you don’t need a massive salary to retire early.

**House Hacking: The Secret to Retiring Early Without a Fortune**

White and Bolaños moved every year, managing tenants and renovations to build their portfolio. Their story shows how strategic real estate investing can replace a paycheck—even without a huge upfront investment.

**EU Approves Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Amid Trade Tensions**

The European Union has voted to impose new tariffs on U.S. products, responding to Washington’s steel and aluminum duties. The measures target American motorcycles, poultry, and other goods, set to take effect next week.

**EU Strikes Back as Trump Escalates Trade War with China**

Hours after the EU approved retaliatory tariffs, President Trump announced higher duties on China while pausing others. European officials called U.S. tariffs „unjustified” but left room for negotiations.

**Europe Warns of Economic Harm as Trade Dispute Deepens**

The EU says U.S. tariffs are damaging global trade but remains open to talks for a „fair and balanced” deal. Meanwhile, European stocks fell sharply amid rising trade tensions.

**Who Has the Upper Hand in the US-China Trade War? Experts Analyze Leverage**

As the US-China trade war escalates, experts debate which superpower holds more leverage—with Trump’s 145% tariffs met by China’s 125% countermeasures. Analysts warn the high-stakes standoff could hinge on economic pain tolerance and supply chain vulnerabilities. **Who will blink first?**

**US vs. China: Who Faces Bigger Economic Risks?**

The US imports far more from China than it exports, giving it tariff leverage—but reliance on cheap Chinese goods could trigger shortages and price hikes for American consumers. Meanwhile, China risks losing billions in exports, yet its authoritarian system may better withstand economic strain. **Which economy is more vulnerable?**

**Rare Earths & Tech: The Hidden Weapons in the Trade War**

China’s control over rare earth minerals—critical for US defense and tech—grants it major leverage, while America supplies key components for China’s electronics. Experts warn supply chain disruptions could hurt both nations, but **who has the edge in a prolonged battle?**

**Political Pain Tolerance: Can the US Outlast China?**

China’s government can suppress public discontent over economic hardship, while US leaders face voter backlash. Yet, analysts note Beijing’s legitimacy depends on growth—meaning even China has limits. **Which system is better suited to endure a drawn-out trade war?**

**Why US bond market turmoil is rattling global investors and Trump’s trade policies**

Investors are closely watching the US bond market after rare volatility sparked fears about America’s economic stability—here’s why it matters.

**How rising bond yields could squeeze American households and businesses**

As US bond yields spike, mortgages, credit cards, and business loans may get costlier—threatening jobs and economic growth.

**Trump’s tariff U-turn: Did bond market chaos force his hand?**

After bond market turmoil, Trump paused new tariffs—revealing how financial instability may be shaping his trade policies.

**Is the US facing a Liz Truss-style bond market crisis?**

Experts warn the recent US bond sell-off mirrors the UK’s 2022 crisis—but with key differences for American borrowers.

**Gen Z’s Financial Future Isn’t Doomed—Here’s Why, According to Dave Ramsey**

Despite economic hurdles like inflation and layoffs, Dave Ramsey says Gen Z can thrive by working hard and managing money wisely. He highlights five reasons for optimism, from rising earnings to the power of compounding wealth. While challenges exist, Ramsey believes America’s opportunities still make financial success achievable.

**Dave Ramsey’s 5 Reasons Gen Z Can Still Win Financially**

Dave Ramsey insists Gen Z’s financial struggles aren’t permanent—higher earnings, smart investing, and personal hustle can turn things around. He points to compounding returns and career growth as keys to long-term wealth. Though critics cite wage stagnation and housing costs, Ramsey argues determination can overcome systemic hurdles.

**Gen Z’s Money Struggles Aren’t Forever—Dave Ramsey Explains Why**

From rising incomes to compounding investments, Dave Ramsey outlines why Gen Z shouldn’t lose hope despite economic challenges. He emphasizes personal responsibility, urging young workers to outpace inflation through effort. While skeptics highlight student debt and AI disruption, Ramsey remains bullish on America’s wealth-building potential.

**Dave Ramsey to Gen Z: Stop Worrying, Start Hustling for Financial Success**

Dave Ramsey dismisses doom-and-gloom financial fears, telling Gen Z that hard work and smart money moves will pay off. He cites career growth, compounding returns, and America’s economic freedoms as reasons for optimism. Though systemic issues persist, Ramsey believes personal agency is the ultimate game-changer.

**Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Confirms Passing After Stroke**

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and TIME’s 2013 Person of the Year, passed away at 88 on April 21, just a day after his Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square. Known for his humility and advocacy for peace during crises like COVID-19 and Gaza, his death marks the end of a transformative papacy.

**How the Next Pope Will Be Chosen: Inside the Vatican’s Secretive Election Process**

The conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will involve 120 cardinals under 80, voting in secrecy at the Sistine Chapel until a two-thirds majority is reached. White smoke signals a new Pope, while black smoke means another round—a tradition rooted in centuries of Vatican history.

**Top Contenders for the Papacy: Who Could Be the Next Pope?**

From progressive voices like Jean-Marc Aveline and Joseph Tobin to conservative figures like Péter Erdő, the race for the papacy is wide open. With Francis appointing 80% of voting cardinals, his legacy of inclusivity may shape the Church’s future leadership.

**Thousands of student-loan borrowers in default face federal benefit cuts starting this summer.** The Trump administration has restarted involuntary collections, putting 195,000 borrowers at risk of losing tax refunds and Social Security checks. **Defaulted borrowers will receive 30-day notices before benefits are withheld**, with wage garnishments following later this summer. The Education Department urges borrowers to contact the Default Resolution Group to explore repayment options.

**Over 5 million defaulted student-loan borrowers could soon face wage garnishment as collections resume.** After a five-year pandemic pause, the Treasury Offset Program is now seizing federal benefits like tax refunds. **Borrowers in default must act fast—loan rehabilitation requires nine consecutive payments to escape penalties.** Experts warn that while consequences may not be immediate, the financial strain could be severe for those already struggling.

**Student-loan borrowers in default say they can’t afford the sudden payment restart.** With some facing monthly bills as high as $1,500, many fear wage garnishment will push them deeper into financial distress. **The Education Department is urging universities to help students avoid default**, calling for reforms to fix a „broken higher education finance system.” Borrowers are advised to seek repayment plans before penalties escalate.

**The return of student-loan collections could hit vulnerable borrowers hardest.** Defaulted borrowers risk losing federal benefits and facing wage garnishment as the government ramps up enforcement. **While some may avoid immediate penalties, experts warn long-term consequences are inevitable.** The Education Department emphasizes loan rehabilitation as the best path to financial relief for struggling borrowers.

**Trump Claims Trade Talks Ongoing—China Calls It „Fake News”**
The U.S. and China clash over whether trade negotiations have even begun, as Trump insists discussions are „active” while Beijing denies any talks. With tariffs at record highs, experts warn the standoff risks further economic fallout. Here’s the latest on the escalating trade war.

**U.S.-China Trade War Deepens as Both Sides Dispute Talks**
Trump says trade negotiations are underway, but China dismisses the claim as „fake news,” leaving markets uncertain. As tariffs hit 145% on some goods, economists warn the stalemate could push the global economy toward recession.

**”Fake News” or Real Talks? U.S. and China Clash Over Trade Status**
Trump insists trade discussions with China are happening—Beijing denies it. With both sides imposing massive tariffs, experts call it a high-stakes „game of chicken” that could reshape the global economy. Here’s what we know.

**Trade War Escalates as Trump and China Disagree on Talks**
Trump claims trade negotiations are active, but China calls it „fake news,” deepening uncertainty in global markets. With tariffs at historic highs, analysts warn the standoff could trigger a recession. Will either side back down?

**Federal jobs once built a thriving Black middle class—now Trump’s cuts threaten that stability**

For decades, federal employment offered Black workers stable careers, benefits, and upward mobility—but Trump’s hiring freezes and DEI program cuts are dismantling this crucial pathway.

Shirley Hopkins, a retired NIH recruiter, helped countless Black students secure federal jobs—now those opportunities are vanishing under the administration’s workforce reductions.

Black workers, who make up nearly 19% of federal employees, face disproportionate layoffs—jeopardizing decades of economic progress for Black families and communities.

Experts warn these cuts could shrink the Black middle class, reversing decades of hard-won financial stability for generations of federal workers.

**Hollywood Faces Moral Dilemma Over Filming in Hungary Amid Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

As Hungary tightens anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Hollywood faces pressure to reconsider filming in the country—home to major productions like *Dune: Part Two* and *The Brutalist*. Despite recent constitutional amendments banning LGBTQ+ gatherings, studios remain silent, with no immediate plans to halt ongoing shoots. Will financial incentives outweigh ethical concerns, or will Hollywood follow its North Carolina playbook?

**Hungary’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Put Hollywood in a Tight Spot**

With Hungary enforcing harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, major studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix continue filming blockbusters like *Dune 3* and *3 Body Problem* in Budapest. Despite protests, Hungary’s 30% tax credit keeps productions anchored—raising questions about Hollywood’s stance on human rights versus financial gain.

**Will Hollywood Boycott Hungary Over LGBTQ+ Crackdown?**

Hungary’s new constitutional amendment banning LGBTQ+ gatherings has sparked outrage, but Hollywood studios—including Apple and HBO—are staying put for now. As productions like *Dune: Prophecy* and *PONIES* film in Budapest, the industry faces growing scrutiny over its silence on Hungary’s discriminatory policies.

**Studios Stay Silent as Hungary Escalates Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws**

Despite Hungary’s latest anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown, Hollywood remains quiet, with major films and shows like *Billion Dollar Spy* and *12 12 12* still shooting in Budapest. Will financial perks outweigh ethical concerns, or will pressure from talent force studios to reconsider?