45% of American homeowners have regrets about buying their current home—here’s their No. 1 complaint

It’s harder than ever to buy a home, and even those who manage to do it often have regrets about their purchase.

Some 45% of homeowners have regrets about their current home, according to a recent survey from Bankrate. Their most common complaint: frustration over the price of maintenance costs and hidden fees.

A typical American homeowner spends over $18,000 on non-mortgage home expenses every year, according to Bankrate’s June 2024 Hidden Cost of Homeownership Survey. In some states, such as Hawaii and California, the fees stack up even higher, reaching around $29,000 every year, per Bankrate’s estimate.

These charges, such as internet bills, property taxes and maintenance, often aren’t front of mind when purchasing a property. But for those who buy a home at the high end of their budget, they can pose a major uphill battle.

That’s why it’s important to factor ongoing homeownership costs into your budget, as well as any offer you make on a property, lest you “get out over your skis,” says Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.

Without a significant financial buffer, he says, you could end up with surprise costs that force you to forego necessary home upgrades or repairs, or even cause you to fall into debt.

Here’s how experts say to deal with these sneaky costs.

How to stave off high home maintenance costs

One way to avoid surprise maintenance costs is to get a thorough accounting of the home’s potential defects, according to Zillow, a residential real estate platform.

At the very least, completing a home inspection will help you enter homeownership with a more complete understanding of what work your home may need, Zillow says. Your inspector may find small, non-deal breaker repairs like plumbing drips or loose handrails, but it’s also possible that they uncover bigger issues like foundation cracks. In that case, you’ll likely need a second inspection from a specialist.

The upside of paying extra for inspections is that you may be able to negotiate repairs into your sale price or have them corrected by your seller, which could save you money up front and down the line, according to Zillow.

But, even if you handle repairs early, upkeep will inevitably be required. While it may feel easier to delay updates until things reach their breaking point, Zillow says it’s more cost effective to opt for regular, ongoing maintenance instead.

To do this, try adding a few regular home maintenance tasks to your seasonal to-do lists, Zillow says. For example, by making an effort to budget out the time — or cash — for a major gutter cleaning in the fall, you may be able to save yourself from an expensive roof repair project by clearing out leaves before they cause a clog.

Don’t rush into buying

Bankrate’s Hamrick says all prospective buyers should consider their full range of financial needs and goals before rushing into homeownership. In the meantime, “there’s no shame in renting,” he says.

“We live in a highly competitive society and economy, and I think all too often people are being overly severe with their judgements about themselves,” Hamrick says. “They should give themselves some grace and time if the time currently isn’t optimal for buying a home.”

Move at your own pace in the buying process, and make sure you’re confident that it’s the best next step for you, he says. After all, deciding you’re ready to buy a home isn’t just about having enough cash savings to handle up front and ongoing costs, but also about ensuring you’re prepared to tackle the full range of responsibilities that come with owning a property.

To get a fuller picture of what you can afford, it may make sense to consult a financial professional who can help you assess your home-buying budget.

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29-year-old boss shares the ‘controversial’ rules she sets for her employees

Millennials and Gen Z workers now make up more than half of the labor force, and they’re re-writing the rules of the office.

Some of the biggest things on the corporate chopping block? Strict hours, stuffy dress codes and restrictive vacation policies. At least that’s the case for the small team at LA-based Socialista Queen, a social media marketing agency.

In May, 29-year-old Liat Aharon, the agency’s founder and CEO, posted a video about some of the office rules she has for her staff of four, some of which her peers say are considered “controversial” for a traditional work setting.

Among her company policies: Team members are permitted to start their workday whenever they want, whether it’s 6 a.m. or 10 a.m., as long as they complete an eight-hour workday.

Team members work a hybrid schedule and from an office Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless they’re on a photo shoot, during which they can work remotely.

Each person gets about 10 vacation days accrued throughout the year, but they’re also encouraged to take more unpaid days as needed like for a big trip, as long as they give enough notice.

Aharon tells CNBC Make It she publicized her office rules after seeing another creator post their own video as a Gen Z manager, “and it made me laugh, because I had no idea these things were controversial.”

“I love to live a good life,” Aharon says. “I think making life in the office fun should always be a priority.”

She says her policies are inspired by the flexibility she wishes she had throughout the jobs of her early 20s as a restaurant worker, phone salesperson and other gigs, plus hearing from friends who say they’re “miserable” in their jobs.

“I just don’t get the point, because it’s so easy, in my opinion, to make an environment fun if you have the right people,” Aharon says, adding that “hiring the right people is huge in these kind of situations.”

The CEO doesn’t typically look for an education requirement for her hires. “The first time I was hiring I even wrote, ‘I don’t care about your resumes,’” Aharon says. “I want to make sure that you know how to edit a video and have a good attitude. I don’t care if you’ve graduated college to be in social media management, personally.”

She conducts candidate interviews herself and asks situational questions, like how they’d handle a project with a client, to get a feel for their decision-making process and how they communicate.

Not everything Aharon does is so zillennial-coded. She says the best thing a candidate can do to set themselves apart is to follow-up with a thank-you email soon after meeting.

I think the office should be a safe place where people have a good time, because you never know what people are going home to.

Liat Aharon

Founder and CEO of Socialista Queen

“If you follow up after three or four days, it shows me one thing, but if you follow up after an hour or in the same day, I’m like, ‘OK, this person really wants this,’” she says.

Aharon says some of her peers call her management style “lenient,” though she doesn’t see it that way.

“I also do have boundaries that none [of my staff] have ever stepped over,” like not abusing the time-off policy and making sure flexibility never results in missed deadlines, she adds. “I’ve just discussed with them that these are the fun rules until anyone makes me have to change that, which is how I think life should be, where you give people the benefit of the doubt unless proven otherwise.”

Aharon says her flexible company policies have never led to issues their roughly dozen clients including a jewelry business, moving company and orthodontist office.

Ultimately, “I think the office should be a safe place where people have a good time, because you never know what people are going home to,” Aharon says.

5 ‘new-collar’ jobs that pay over $100,000 and don’t require a bachelor’s degree

If you don’t have a four-year degree, but want a six-figure salary and a flexible work schedule, a so-called “new-collar” job might be the perfect fit for you.

This growing job category is “modern and skills first” — prioritizing skills and experience over a four-year degree, says Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius.

Most of the roles, such as marketing manager or human resources manager, require some level of specialized skills or training. But with relatively low barriers to entry and no manual labor, new-collar jobs can be a good fit for anyone, Chan says. She says the project-based, remote-friendly nature of new-collar roles makes them particularly well suited for Gen Z — a generation with changing work ideals.

“I think new collar jobs offer what Gen Z job seekers would value, which is flexibility, fair pay, the ability to grow based on your skills, rather than just credentials,” Chan says.

If you’re interested in finding a new-collar job well suited for you, accumulating relevant volunteer experiences or certifications can help you stand out to employers, Chan says. Just like for any role, she recommends combing through LinkedIn to find people in your desired field and setting up time to chat one-on-one.

Additionally, Resume Genius identified the top-paying roles using insights from career forums, job descriptions and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook and education data. Resume Genius did not include jobs with an automation risk above 50%, per their calculations.

Here are the top-paying new-collar jobs of 2025 that are in-demand and unlikely to get taken over by a robot, according to Resume Genius.

Marketing manager

Median salary: $159,660
Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 8%

Marketing mangers help companies engage and expand their audiences through researching, developing and executing promotional campaigns. If you have a knack for video and photo editing, search engine optimization and social media, you may find that a marketing manager role is a good fit for you.

If you’re interested in this role and don’t have a four-year degree, Chan recommends creating a portfolio that helps employers see your creative skills. This could entail compiling YouTube videos you have made throughout the years or showcasing a social media platform you have helped to grow.

Learning Google analytics through Google’s free tool suite can be a good added bonus for employers too, she adds.

Human resources manager

Median salary: $140,030
Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%

Human resources managers act as a liaison between companies and employees, enforcing workplace policies and establishing employee guidelines. They are also typically involved in hiring and onboarding new employees.

If you have a background in administration, recruiting or customer service, this role might be a good fit for you, Chan says. Although some universities offer human resources as a major, a four-year degree isn’t necessary to break into the field, she says.

Instead, you can obtain a relevant online certification, like the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification or Society for Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

Sales manager

Median salary: $138,060
Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%

Sales managers set sales targets, then coach and manage a team of sales representatives toward reaching those goals.

Most people who become sales managers start out in sales representative or account executive positions, according to Resume Genius. If you’re successfully driving sales for your company in one of these roles and hope to advance to a higher-paying position, demonstrating your passion for leadership, knack for data-tracking and in-depth product knowledge can be a good way to show your readiness, Chan says.

Computer network architect

Median salary: $130,390
Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 13%

Computer network architects design and build computer communication systems, tailored toward a company’s specific goals.

A background in IT work or experience setting up computer networks can help demonstrate readiness for this role — even if your experience is as simple as setting up a network at home or for a friend, Chan says. Some aspiring computer network architects will start out as support specialists or network technicians to break into the field, according to Resume Genius.

Once you start to build mastery in one of those roles, it’s a good idea to explore relevant online certification options like the CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications to advance toward a computer network architect position, per Resume Genius’ report.

General and operations manager

Median salary: $129,330
Estimated job growth (2023-2033): 6%

General and operations managers are responsible for how their company runs — managing resources, teams, departments and projects.

Team or project management experience is a great way to show the value you could bring to this role, Chan says. If a past job hasn’t provided you with that experience, documenting a volunteer role can help to fill the gap, she adds.

Many general and operations managers work their way up to the position within their respective companies by demonstrating skills in organization or team management, Chan says. Some also step into the role from different team leadership positions in related fields, per Resume Genius’ data.

The most mentally strong people always ask these five questions: ‘You’re never powerless,’ says expert

Not every problem is fixable. You can’t change a loved one’s diagnosis or control the economy. But you can choose how you respond to life’s challenges.

As a therapist who’s studied mental strength for over 20 years, I’ve seen how people’s problem-solving abilities shape their outcomes. Those who are convinced they’re trapped stay helpless and hopeless. But those who believe there’s a way forward, no matter how small, make progress.

You’re never powerless in the face of problems. As I shared on a recent episode of my “Mentally Stronger” podcast, the way forward isn’t always about getting more information or advice. It’s about asking yourself the right questions.

Here are five powerful questions mentally strong people use to tackle any problem:

1. How can I measure this problem?

Ask yourself, “On a scale of zero to 10, with 10 being my best, where am I right now? What can I do to move up one step?”

It’s easy to think in extremes: This is awful. There’s nothing I can do. But scaling the situation reframes your thinking and helps you see that things may not be as dismal as you imagine. It also shifts your focus toward small, actionable steps.

For example: You wake up feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. You rate your mood as a three. To boost it up to a four, you take a quick walk around the block and text a friend to schedule a coffee date. Those little actions help you feel a little better right away.

2. When was this problem easier to manage?

Reflect on moments when things weren’t as overwhelming. What did you do differently? Drawing from past success shows you that progress is possible and gives you a blueprint to repeat.

For example: You feel stuck in another repetitive argument with your partner, this time over household responsibilities. But you recall how you had a healthy conversation a few months ago that helped you both feel more aligned. That memory sparks hope and a plan to have another open conversation.

3. What’s helped me cope in the past?

This question reminds you that you’ve survived tough times, so you can do it again by relying on your inner strength. By focusing on your resilience and past successes — and identifying the specific tools and resources you used — you build confidence that you’ll overcome current struggles, too.

For example: You’re anxious about your financial situation after getting laid off. But reflecting on how you managed during a previous layoff reminds you of your adaptability. Picking up temporary work while planning your long-term next step worked then, and it can work now.

4. What would my closest friend say about this?

Sometimes, loved ones see your progress before you do. Think about what strengths a good friend would see in you, or how they might point out the progress you’ve made.

Imagining their perspective helps you identify your growth and encourage self-compassion. It’s like borrowing optimism when you need it most.

For example: Your child is misbehaving again. You have to meet with the principal and miss even more work, which you can’t afford to do. Just as you’re feeling super stressed, you pause and think, “What would my best friend say?”

She’d applaud your mental strength and say, “You have the ability to stay calm during stressful times. I know you can take a breath, tell your boss what you need, speak to the principal, and figure out next steps with your kid.”

5. How do I avoid making this worse?

When you feel powerless, it’s easy to become passive and do nothing — or make things even worse. Remind yourself that at the very least, you have the power to take small steps now to ensure things don’t get worse later.

For example: You’re in the middle of a painful breakup and feel tempted to text your ex. But you remember that reaching out would make things worse. That helps you stick to your commitment to prioritize things like exercise and journaling to manage your emotions.

Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, clinical social worker and instructor at Northeastern University. She is the author of several books including ”13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.″ Her TEDx talk “The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong” is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

I’m a therapist who works with couples—people in the happiest relationships follow this one simple rule

Couples often feel like they have the same arguments over and over again.

As a therapist, I’ve heard many couples describe how a seemingly minor disagreement can spiral into an intense fight that goes unresolved, and eventually repeats without changing or improving. Even when they’re not fighting, these couples report an underlying tension between them that makes it difficult to enjoy their relationship.

To break this pattern, I encourage them to start a “relationship bank account,” in which they make “deposits” when they’re not in conflict. These deposits are actions that make the other person feel like their happiness is being prioritized.

The current account balance reflects how safe and secure couples feel in their relationship. A positive balance means they know they have the emotional “funds” to handle any surprise “bills” with a minimum of conflict; a negative balance means any unexpected “charge” can send them into a “debt” spiral that causes a blowout fight.

Ultimately, the goal is to make more deposits than withdrawals, with arguments becoming less intense and, eventually, less frequent.

I start this process by asking each partner what makes them feel loved and appreciated. Then we can determine what kinds of actions they can each take to make deposits into their relationship bank account.

Here are four common ways to bolster your account:

1. Checking in

It’s easy for a relationship to fall into a familiar pattern of work, chores, kids, and screens. You might spend hours a day in close physical proximity to your partner, but you may not feel connected to them. If that’s the case, check in and find a few minutes of connection.

This can be as simple as turning to your partner and giving them your undivided attention for a few minutes. How was their day? How is that issue they were dealing with at work going? Are they feeling okay physically? Is there anything you can do to help?

2. Random acts

A random hug as you pass your partner in the kitchen. A kissy face emoji sent from work. An inexpensive but thoughtful gift. An unexpected compliment. Random acts are small things that require little effort, yet their effect on your partner can be outsized.

These small deposits let your partner know you’re thinking about them at times when they least expect it.

3. Active planning

There’s often one partner who always makes plans, and it’s easy for them to start feeling underappreciated. Making an effort to switch up the roles can have a positive effect.

Take on planning with something as simple as making dinner reservations at a favorite restaurant or as complicated as mapping out a weekend getaway. Even if the results aren’t perfect, it shows that you’re listening to your partner and addressing their needs.

4. Intimacy (and sex!)

Most people assume that intimacy means sex, but sex is simply a form of intimacy. Intimacy means having an emotional connection and a feeling of closeness.

The actions we’ve explored so far can make your partner feel seen and supported, which can lead to an emotional connection, which can lead to emotionally meaningful sex — all of which can add to the balance in your relationship bank account.

Make sure you have an ‘emergency fund’

The deposits above are often missing in unhappy relationships. In my experience, couples tend to overlook these small actions more and more over time. The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely you are to encounter a low balance — or an overdraft — in your relationship bank account.

The key is to break through any resistance you might feel, and remember how impactful the little things can be when they add up. By making small, regular deposits into your relationship bank account, you’re building up savings when times are good — and giving yourselves a cushion to withdraw from when they’re not.

Phil Stark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist seeing clients in person in Los Angeles, CA, and all over California and Florida via telehealth. In a previous career, Phil was a screenwriter and producer, with credits on films and TV shows like “South Park,” “That ’70s Show,” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?”