At 66 years old, one Sherman Oaks, California-based mom thought she’d be enjoying an empty nest with her husband. Instead, she’s sharing her home with an unexpected roommate: her 27-year-old daughter.

Since their 27-year-old moved back home in early 2024, the mother, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her daughter’s identity, says she and her husband are spending close to $5,000 a month covering all of her daughter’s living expenses, including food, transportation and health care.

Because of the increased expenses, she says they’re no longer going on vacation this year, and her husband, a radiologist, may have to delay retirement.  

“We were not planning on this kind of expenditure at this point of our lives,” the mother says. “The reason we do it is because we don’t want to see her on the street.”

The couple join a growing number of parents who say their finances have been affected by children aged 18 to 35 moving back home. One survey published in May by financial services provider Thrivent found that nearly 40% of U.S. parents say supporting their adult children has impacted their savings goals — the highest percentage since the survey began four years ago.

The parents from Sherman Oaks say their relationship with their daughter has become so strained that they’ve turned to Kim Muench, a parenting coach who specializes in young adults, for guidance.

Muench says “a good majority” of her clients have been affected financially by their adult children living at home. Many parents aren’t traveling like they typically would, are pushing off retirement and are forgoing other self-care expenses.

“Parents sometimes hesitate to get help for themselves and invest in their health … because they’re already spending more than they would like to support their adult or emerging adult children,” she says.

While using short-term savings to support adult children may mean missing a vacation or not going out to dinner as often, dipping into long-term savings or delaying retirement can lead to financial challenges later in life — especially if health issues or age make it difficult to keep working, experts say.

Some decisions, however, aren’t always driven by a lack of money: “I would say 80% is emotional, 20% is financial from the parents,” Muench says.

Many of her clients forgo vacations because they don’t trust their kids to stay home alone, Muench says.

The father from Sherman Oaks says that retirement wouldn’t just mean a loss of income, it would also mean losing access to his employer-sponsored health care — which currently costs the couple close to $600 a month for their daughter.

“At this point, I was hoping to do a lot more travelling … we’ve really put that on the back burner,” the mother says. “I thought my husband and I would have the house to ourselves with the dogs, and we wouldn’t be worried sick about her all the time.”

While many parents are happy to care for their adult children when they first move back home, there’s usually an expectation that the move will be temporary, Muench says. However, a lack of communication between parents and children, especially around finances, can often leave parents feeling stuck in a long-term living arrangement.

“When their son or daughter is not taking [financial responsibility] on incrementally, they actually get very worried that they will be financially providing for the rest of their lives,” Muench says.

Muench says parents can work with their adult children by having open, calm conversations to define financial boundaries together.

Instead of taking drastic measures, Muench suggests parents introduce gradual financial boundaries to help young adults build responsibility with support. Ask them to start small, she says, such as taking over their phone bills or putting a weekly portion of money away in a separate savings account to mimic paying rent.

“It takes consistent conversations, because it’s probably not going to happen in the first conversation,” Muench says. “And it takes an emotional maturity level on both the parents and the emerging adult side to figure out how they can work together.”

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As a cardiologist who has treated heart attacks for more than 20 years, I’ve seen how eating habits formed in childhood can often lay the groundwork for chronic illness in adulthood.

My wife and I have three daughters, now in high school. I know how hard it can be during the early years just to get through dinnertime. I remember stocking up on dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, chips, and whatever else that was quick, easy, and appealing. It’s a stage we all go through, but I’ve seen the damage these foods can do.

Now we’re more intentional about what we put on the table. Here are six foods I don’t feed my kids — and what we eat instead.

Yes, it’s quick. But many store-bought microwave popcorn brands contain chemicals that worry me, especially as a heart doctor.

The bags are often lined with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or toxic “forever chemicals” that have been linked to health issues, including immune system suppression and birth defects. Plus, the butter flavoring can contain compounds that can be harmful to the lungs.

What to eat instead: Make air-popped popcorn at home and drizzle it with real melted butter or olive oil.

Flavored yogurts, especially the ones marketed to kids, often look healthy thanks to their high protein claims. But look closely at the label and you’ll see that they’re often full of added sugars and artificial dyes.

Even worse, the serving sizes may be too small for some kids that they end up eating two or three, multiplying the sugar load.

What to eat instead: We serve plain Greek yogurt with a swirl of local honey and fresh berries. It’s just as tasty and far healthier.

I’m talking about bacon, deli lunch meats, hot dogs — the usual lunchbox suspects. These foods are often loaded with sodium, preservatives, and nitrates that raise the risk of heart disease and cancer.

As a cardiologist, I’m terrified of what these compounds can do at a cellular level. They interfere with important compounds like nitric oxide, which regulates blood pressure and blood vessel health. Another worry is that they can impair a complex process called “endothelial function,” making it more likely for cholesterol buildup in our arteries. 

Simply put, these foods contribute to the many diseases I’ve spent my career fighting against.

What to eat instead: In our house, we go for lean, unprocessed proteins like grilled chicken and grass-fed beef. We also eat plenty of plant based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa.

When I was little, my friend Mark loved coming to over because I was the “lucky” kid who always had sugary cereals in the pantry. If I could go back in time, I’d have tossed all of it — and while we’re at it, the sodas — in the trash.

According to metabolic expert Dr. Robert Lustig, the average kid’s daily breakfast consists of more sugar than their small bodies can process in three days! These kids are set up to have a blood sugar crash about an hour into their school day. How can we expect them to learn if their bodies can’t focus?

What to eat instead: With our daughters, we flipped the script. Breakfast is fruit, eggs with veggies, or a quick smoothie with healthy fats and tons of fiber. They drink filtered water occasionally flavored with natural fruit. Soda or fancy bottled juices are rare treats.

Go to the county fair, and “deep fried” is the process for almost anything: chicken, cheese, and even butter sticks. 

One of the many problems with deep fried foods is that they are fried in reused industrial oils at a high heat. These oils aren’t just lacking in nutritional value — they saturate otherwise healthy foods with harmful compounds like acrylamides and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which fuel inflammation.

Even scarier: These foods train our kids’ taste buds to crave that deep-fried crunch.

What to eat instead: We still love crispy food in our house — we just make it differently. We use the air fryer to make roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, and veggie chips. We get our crunch without the crash!

You don’t have to eat perfectly all the time. And of course, before making any drastic changes to your child’s diet, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider.

It’s really about making smarter choices little by little, day by day. Be aware of hidden seed oils in your foods and try to minimize them. Make breakfast a win with good fats, proteins, and good carbs. It helps to get your kids involved in the kitchen, too.

Most of all, lead by example. Kids are always watching, and what they see you do matters more than what you say.

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, MD, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and certified functional medicine doctor. A pioneer at the intersection of precision cardiology and lifestyle medicine, he is the founder of Well12, a wellness program helping individuals reverse chronic disease through nutrition, breathwork, and genomic insights. Dr. Bhojraj is also a national educator for the Institute for Functional Medicine. Follow him on Instagram.

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Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban says that artificial intelligence has the potential to generate more wealth for a single person than any individual has ever accumulated before.

Specifically, Cuban predicts that AI will help create the world’s first trillionaire, he said on a recent episode of the podcast “High Performance.” That person will be someone who is able to harness AI in a yet-to-be-discovered way, he added.

’We haven’t seen the best, or the craziest, of what [AI] is going to be able to do,” said the 66-year-old former “Shark Tank” star. “Not only do I think it’ll create a trillionaire, but it could be just one dude in the basement. That’s how crazy it could be.”

Currently, some people use generative AI to automate everyday tasks like making schedules and to-do lists. Others see AI as a virtual companion, guiding them on how to have difficult conversations or using them for personal reassurance. In the corporate world, Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright told Fortune on June 9 that AI tools had cut his company’s hiring time by 75%.

That’s only the “preseason” of AI’s capabilities, Cuban said.

“Remember the early days of PCs and people were like, ‘I don’t need that. … What’s this internet thing? Why do we need it?’ Then it was smartphones,” said Cuban. “We’ll find something equivalent for AI and then, five years [later] … people will be like, ‘How did I live without it?’ People will make a lot of money.”

“I’m not saying we’re going to get the Terminator,” he added. “I’m not saying that all of a sudden, there are going to be robots that are smarter than people … But we’ll find ways to make our lives better.”

There are a few problems that come with AI, like it’s potential to displace jobs — tech companies like Shopify and Fiverr are strongly urging their employees to learn AI skills, and Duolingo will gradually stop using contractors for tasks that can be completed by artificial intelligence

People have also misused AI to carry out online scams and hoaxes, perpetrate cyber attacks and create and spread misinformation.

AI also has a significant environmental impact, as data centers require a lot of energy and water to keep their processors cool and running smoothly. Researchers found that training a model like Open AI’s GPT-3, for example, requires 1,287 megawatt hours of electricity, which is enough to power about 120 homes in the United States for a year.

But given how quickly the technology is evolving, Cuban argues that you’ll do yourself a disservice if you don’t at least try to familiarize yourself with AI.

“Download Gemini from Google. Download ChatGPT … and just ask your questions about anything,” he said. “But don’t assume the answers are right. And when you find something you don’t agree with, tell the AI you don’t agree with it,” to improve the bot’s performance and address any biases it may have.

“You have to realize that it’s not actually thinking … It’s not actually smart,” Cuban added. “But what it can do is find information and package it in a way that people can understand.”

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Has anyone ever told you, “Great job!” or “That was impressive!” — only for you to respond with, “I got lucky,” or “It was nothing!” If you’re downplaying your accomplishments at work, you’re potentially sabotaging your career. Outside the office, you might be undermining your relationships.

As the CEO of Soulcast Media and a global communication expert who’s taught over 2 million professionals how to speak with confidence, I know many people feel uncomfortable accepting compliments because they’re afraid it can come across as arrogant. However, in my book, “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons,” I talk about how accepting praise is a great way to foster deeper connection.

To start, you have to change your mindset around compliments. Instead of feeling awkward, embrace a “visibility mindset.” This means actively and intentionally making your contributions, value, and presence known. 

On the job, it ensures people see the impact you’re making — rather than assuming your work will speak for itself. It’s not boastful, it’s strategic. With friends and family, it can show people you value their opinion and appreciate their acknowledgement. 

But what do you actually say? Here’s how to accept a compliment in three simple steps:

Think of a compliment as a gift someone has picked out specifically for you. When a friend takes time to choose a present and offers it to you with enthusiasm, you wouldn’t push it away saying, “No, no, I can’t accept this.” That would feel dismissive and hurtful. Instead, you’d naturally smile and express your appreciation.

Compliments deserve the same kind of response. You can say: 

• “Thank you!” 
• “I appreciate the compliment.”
• “It’s really nice to be recognized.” 
• “Thank you, Sheila, it means a lot coming from you.”

The key is to respond with warmth and sincerity. Keep your tone genuine and relaxed, and don’t forget to smile. 

In a professional setting, reflect on how the work made you feel and shift the spotlight toward your efforts and abilities. When you offer this kind of context, you build on the impression that you’re capable and strategic. 

For example, after you show gratitude, you can say: 

• “Meeting the client’s deadline was no small task, but I’m so glad it all came together.” 
• “I absolutely loved having the opportunity to share our team’s numbers with senior leadership today. We are really proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Similarly, when speaking with friends and family, adding perspective can invite deeper and more meaningful conversations. For instance, when a friend compliments your cooking, instead of, “Oh, it was just a simple recipe,” try:

• “Thank you! I’ve been experimenting with new flavors lately, and I’m glad you enjoyed it.” 

Accepting compliments is one of the best ways to reinforce what you’ve accomplished at work. It also gives you the chance to highlight other people and demonstrate your collaboration skills. 

For example, after you show gratitude and add perspective, you can say: 

• “It truly was a team effort. I’m lucky to have an amazing team to work with.”
• “The event was a huge success. I couldn’t have done it without Ashley. She helped bring this vision to life, too.”

In non-work related conversations, recognizing others can build social influence. When you bring others into the conversation, you’re making them feel valued and acknowledged. This is emotional intelligence at its finest and it’s the best way to create an environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated. 

In the end, compliments are a golden opportunity to foster connection — whether you’re speaking to a coworker, boss, friend, or family member. It’s a doorway that can lead to visibility and recognition at work and meaningful conversations everywhere you go. 

Jessica Chen, the founder and CEO of Soulcast Media, has taught over 2 million people how to elevate their communication skills. She’s a keynote speaker and a former Emmy-Award Winning TV journalist. Her book “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons” teaches smart professionals how to develop workplace confidence and build a career they love using strategic communications skills to stand out. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Are you ready to buy a house? Take Smarter by CNBC Make It’s new online course How to Buy Your First Home. Expert instructors will help you weigh the cost of renting vs. buying, financially prepare, and confidently navigate every step of the process—from mortgage basics to closing the deal. Sign up today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through July 15, 2025.

House Republicans on Thursday voted to pass President Donald Trump’s massive budget bill, making good on a promise to deliver the legislation to the president’s desk by July 4.

The bill promises continuity for taxpayers by permanently extending the cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as a raft of new cuts, including breaks for tipped and overtime income.

The new law also includes a throwback: an above-the-line deduction on charitable contributions.

The bill allows taxpayers who don’t itemize to deduct up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.

“This could provide some tax savings for folks,” says Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation. “That could be something unexpected if you’re not currently deducting charitable giving.”

Most people don’t currently deduct charitable contributions — and it’s not because they’re not generous or don’t want a tax break. Other than under the Covid-19 relief bill, taxpayers generally have had to itemize deductions in order to get a break for charitable giving.

For most people, that doesn’t make sense. Some 9 in 10 taxpayers take the standard deduction, which in 2025 is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for joint filers. You’d typically only itemize if the sum of your deductions would save you more money than just taking the standard deduction.

In short, the new law allows anyone who donates to charity to get a tax break — not just the mega-philanthropists among us.

Because these deductions reduce your taxable income, they’re the most beneficial for people in the highest tax brackets. A $1,000 deduction from income is effectively worth $100 to someone in the 10% tax bracket. The same deduction is worth $350 to someone in the 35% bracket.

You’ll still have to follow the IRS’ rules on charitable giving to get the break. Donations must be made to qualifying charitable organizations — donations to political campaigns, crowdfunding efforts and, in the case of the proposed tax break, donor-advised funds won’t be eligible.

Before you make a donation you plan on deducting, check the IRS’ search tool to make sure the organization is tax-exempt. And be sure to get a receipt for your donation; the IRS generally requires written acknowledgement of any donation in excess of $250.

Are you ready to buy a house? Take Smarter by CNBC Make It’s new online course How to Buy Your First Home. Expert instructors will help you weigh the cost of renting vs. buying, financially prepare, and confidently navigate every step of the process—from mortgage basics to closing the deal. Sign up today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through July 15, 2025.

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