Money & Finance

Los Angeles – October 06, 2026 -- A phone call that sounds like your child, spouse or parent pleading for emergency cash could be an AI-generated fake, according to a new warning from Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY).

The FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report logged more than 22,000 complaints involving artificial intelligence, resulting in nearly $893 million in reported losses. The agency has flagged voice cloning and other AI-generated content as tools criminals use to make impersonation scams more convincing.

Scammers Use Public Audio to Clone Familiar Voices

Voice-cloning technology can recreate realistic speech from audio samples pulled off social media videos, podcasts or other online content. Criminals then call a relative posing as a loved one, claiming an accident, arrest or other emergency, and demand immediate payment while insisting the victim not contact anyone else.

Amarillo, Texas – October 05, 2026 -- Amarillo families trying to figure out how much life insurance to buy now have a clearer formula to follow, according to new guidance published by HelloNation. The report breaks down coverage decisions into income replacement, outstanding debts, and long-term household expenses.

A common starting point is five to ten times annual salary

The guidance recommends calculating a baseline coverage amount at five to ten times the primary earner's yearly income. That figure, however, is meant as a starting point rather than a fixed rule, since debts, family size, and future costs can push the right number higher or lower.

Broomfield – October 05, 2026 -- Insurance Agent Rick Hernandez of Broomfield, CO, outlines how policyholders can avoid overpaying for coverage by balancing coverage limits, deductibles, and personal risk tolerance, according to a new HelloNation article.

Coverage limits must match actual asset value, not guesswork.

The article explains that selecting insurance starts with identifying what needs protection, such as a home or vehicle. Coverage limits set too low leave gaps in protection, while limits set too high raise costs without adding meaningful benefit. Individuals with higher-value assets typically need higher coverage limits to stay adequately protected.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – October 05, 2026 -- Debt.com has announced the winners of its fourth annual FinTalk Awards, recognizing creators and institutions who use social media to teach budgeting and debt management to a national audience.

Space Coast Credit Union wins Best Credit Union Education

The Florida-based credit union earned the honor for pairing member stories with its animated "Watchdog" mascot to teach financial security online. Joelle Hahn, senior vice president of marketing at Space Coast Credit Union, said social media lets the organization deliver guidance that is "accessible, engaging, and useful in everyday life."

Emily Egashira takes Financial Creator of the Year

The Washington-based creator, known online as @heyfrienditsem, was recognized for sharing daily money-saving tips and her personal financial journey with followers.

Los Angeles – October 04, 2026 -- The General Insurance has launched a nationwide sweepstakes offering one winner a fully restored, drivable replica of the iconic Street Fighter car plus a cash prize of $25,400.69. Entries are open now through November 18, 2026.

The build debuted live at ComplexCon in Los Angeles

The vehicle, unveiled at the pop culture convention, recreates the pixelated car players have smashed on screen for decades. The design includes custom pixel-patterned upholstery, new leather seats, upgraded speakers and a coin-slot change holder that doubles as a seat warmer.

Wilmington, N.C. – October 02, 2026 -- Drivers who assume "full coverage" car insurance protects against every possible loss may be in for a costly surprise, according to insurance expert Tammy McNeill of Wilmington, NC.

Full coverage is a bundle, not a standardized policy

The term typically refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage rather than one uniform product. Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage the insured driver causes to others, with limits that vary by state and policy. It generally does not pay to repair the policyholder's own vehicle after an at-fault accident.

Scottsdale, Ariz. – October 02, 2026 -- TruTrade, a U.S.-based trading software company, has expanded its platform with technology that automates both trade execution and ongoing position management for individual retail traders.

Automation now handles execution and management together

Once activated, the software is designed to execute and manage trades according to predefined parameters, whether markets are rising or falling. The company says this reduces the amount of manual interaction traders need during a session, allowing the system to consistently follow its programmed methodology.

Co-founder says automation must go beyond alerts

"Automation should go beyond simply telling a trader when something is happening in the market," said Brian Nutt, Co-Founder of TruTrade. "We've focused on developing technology that can handle execution and position management as part of a complete automated trading experience."

Sacramento – October 01, 2026 -- California State Controller Malia M. Cohen announced that applications for the state's Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program are now being processed, giving eligible homeowners a way to delay paying property taxes on their primary residence.

The program targets seniors, blind residents, and people with disabilities

The PTP Program, administered by the Controller's office, allows qualifying homeowners to postpone current-year property tax payments on their primary residence. Cohen said the program helps eligible Californians manage housing costs while maintaining the stability of homeownership.

Nearly $7.7 million in property taxes were postponed last year

Eligible homeowners deferred almost $7.7 million in residential property taxes during the previous tax year through the program.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – October 01, 2026 -- Choosing between term and whole life insurance comes down to coverage length, cost, and whether a policyholder wants lifelong protection, according to a new consumer guide published by HelloNation featuring insights from Saratoga Springs-based insurance professional Steve Cook.

Term policies cover a set number of years tied to specific life stages

Term life insurance protects buyers for a defined period, often chosen to match working years, child-rearing, or a mortgage payoff timeline. If the insured dies while the policy is active, it generally pays the stated death benefit. Because term policies focus on protection rather than building extra value, they typically carry a lower initial cost than permanent alternatives. When the term ends, policyholders may need to renew, convert, or replace coverage if they still need protection.

Las Vegas – October 01, 2026 -- America First Credit Union has launched a new Vegas Golden Knights-branded Visa debit card, giving members perks tied to the NHL team's 10th anniversary season. The card debuted alongside the Golden Knights' season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. 29 at T-Mobile Arena.

The card is free with a checking account

America First members with a new or existing checking account can order the card at no cost. It features a transparent 'ice' core, a gloss-coated VGK logo, and gold Visa accents, with account details printed on the back to keep the team branding front and center.

Cardholders get discounts and game-day perks

Benefits include 10% off purchases at official Golden Knights Team Stores, discounts to select games, open skate sessions at City National Arena, and access to special VGK fan experiences.