Old school radio horror stories that come alive in your mind

Decades ago, when radio was the dominant medium, networks would air dramatized tales of horror and mystery that were written by masters of the macabre.

Just in time for Halloween season, I list the greatest old time radio horror episodes of all time in my newest article for The Nostalgia Digest, available here.

Your repair shop and auto insurer don’t always agree: here’s what that means for you

If you’re like most drivers, it’s natural to assume that if your vehicle is damaged but covered by insurance, the road ahead is easy: just file a claim, drop off your car, and pick it up once it’s fixed. But the reality is trickier. Your insurer and the body shop may not agree on how the repairs should be done or how much they'll cover. This disparity could lead to frustrating delays, higher out-of-pocket costs, and running out of rental car coverage while your banged-up vehicle sits in limbo. 

Consider that nearly two in three auto repair shops recently surveyed report that carriers have regularly rejected their repair plans (with 818 estimates denied) and instead required shops to use the carrier’s estimate to submit additional damage.

Read my latest article for The Zebra to learn more about how the repair process actually works, your repair rights as the policyholder, the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, when a supplemental claim is needed, how to protect yourself financially, and much more.

Cineversary podcast honors 75th birthday of A Streetcar Named Desire

In Cineversary podcast episode #98, host Erik J. Martin⁠⁠ salutes A Streetcar Named Desire on its 75th anniversary. Co-conductor on this streetcar trip is film critic Michael Phillips, host of his all-new podcast The Movie Racket. Together, they examine Elia Kazan’s savvy directing choices, Marlon Brando’s scene-stealing performance, why this movie continues to resonate, and much more.

Michael Phillips

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Here's what you'll pay to close on a USDA loan

Eager to purchase a home in a rural location? A USDA loan is ideal for this scenario, for which no down payment is needed. But what's the catch, you wonder? There are a few requirements and caveats to be aware of, including the closing costs involved.

Learn more by checking out my newest article for USDALoans.com, available here.

Should you get a home warranty?

A home warranty is an annual service contract that helps cover repair or replacement costs for major home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear. But they don’t cover everything, and they are different from homeowners insurance and maintenance plans.

Who pays for a home warranty? What are the pros and cons? And what are the differences between a home warranty and home insurance? For answers to these and other important questions, read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage, available here.

Football season is here: Do you have winning insurance coverage?

NFL and college football season is about to kick off. That means game day gatherings, trips to the stadium, and tailgate parties are right around the corner.  But so are higher risks for drivers and homeowners due to the increased likelihood of intoxicated motorists and spectators, road rage, distracted driving, and the possibility of accidents during or after your watch party. 

This fall promises plenty of fun and excitement as you cheer on your favorite teams. But just remember to take precautions and check on your insurance coverage before attending or watching any gridiron showdowns. With the right policy protections in place, you can focus on pigskin priorities like winning the office pool and what condiments you’re going to put on your halftime hot dog. Learn more by reading my latest article for The Zebra, available here.

Cineversary podcast celebrates 40th anniversary of Blue Velvet

In Cineversary podcast episode #97, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ honor the 40th anniversary of Blue Velvet, directed by David Lynch. He’s joined this month by Deep Focus Review author Brian Eggert, named the 2024 Critic of the Year by the Independent Film Critics of America. Together, they explore what makes Blue Velvet so potent four decades later, its impressive Lynchian touches, what we can learn from the film today, and much, much more.

Brian Eggert

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com

Here's how much auto insurance costs by age

Curious how much car insurance is for drivers your age, on average? The data clearly show that car insurance rates decrease sharply from the teenage years through early adulthood, then gradually rise again around age 70. Sixteen-year-old drivers face the highest premiums, paying about $10,387 a year for full coverage — over three times more than a 30-year-old and more than four times more than a 50-year-old driver.

Rates begin to stabilize in the mid-20s as drivers gain experience and insurers see them as lower risk. By age 25, full coverage averages $3,044, dropping to $2,312 by age 60. However, rates start to inch back up for older drivers — around $2,742 at age 75 — reflecting increased accident risk among seniors.

Learn more by checking out my latest article for Carinsurance.com, available here.

Get your business off the ground with a home equity or SBA loan

Eager to start your own business, but need lots of extra cash? Both a home equity line of credit and a small business loan can fund a business startup, but these two loans work very differently. 

A HELOC uses your home as collateral and gives you a flexible, revolving line of credit at relatively low interest rates. But if your business fails, and you can’t repay the loan, your home is at risk. A Small Business Association, or SBA, loan, on the other hand, is backed by the federal government and it doesn't require home equity. But it takes longer to obtain, has stricter qualification requirements, and is intended specifically for business use. The right financing choice depends on your risk tolerance, equity position, and how quickly you need capital.

Read my newest article for Better.com to learn more.

You've closed on that new home. What happens next?

You’ve signed your paperwork. Your keys are in hand. It's time to move in and take ownership of your new home. But what exactly happens next?

It's normal to feel unsure about what to do after buying a house and the immediate steps involved thereafter. When is the first mortgage due after closing? What should I account for when creating a budget for my new home? What kinds of paperwork and homeownership tasks are involved? How and when should I change locks, set up utilities, and update address information? Read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage to get answers to these and other important questions.

Cineversary podcast celebrates 90th birthday of Swing Time

Brian Seibert and George Stevens Jr.

In Cineversary podcast episode #96, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ commemorates the 90th anniversary of Swing Time, directed by George Stevens. Joining him on the dance floor is Brian Seibert, a renowned dance critic for The New York Times and author of the book What the Eye Hears: A History of Tap Dancing; and George Stevens Jr., son of the Swing Time director and founder of the American Film Institute. Together, they’ll examine why Swing Time is a cut above in the fancy footwork department, what elevates this material above other Fred and Ginger films, the exceptional songcraft on display, and much more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com

Unexpected noir from afar

Directed and written by Kaneto Shindō, Onibaba (1964) is set in 14^th century feudal Japan during a time of civil war. The film follows the harrowing lives of two unnamed women — an older female (Nobuko Otowa) and her daughter-in-law (Jitsuko Yoshimura) — who survive by murdering passing samurai and foot soldiers and selling their belongings to Ushi, a black market trader. Their precarious existence is disrupted when a neighbor, Hachi (Kei Satō), returns from the war and forms a lustful relationship with the younger woman, creating swelling tension and, in her mother-in-law, overpowering jealousy. 

Yet, despite being a masterful blend of folk horror, psychological thriller, and Jidaigeki period drama, Onibaba cannot escape the long shadow of classic film noir. But is it a noir or not?  That's the question I attempt to answer in a Noir City magazine article that recently published, available here.

Fourth of July insurance mistakes to avoid

Planning a road trip or holiday hosting this Independence Day weekend? Many Americans are excited to celebrate the country’s semiquincentennial in just a few days. If last year’s travel numbers are repeated — an estimated 72.2 million people journeyed at least 50 miles or more from home over the Fourth of July holiday period in 2025 — we can expect a lot of drivers hitting the highways soon.

But while this July 4 is a surefire cause for celebration, it’s also peak season for insurance claims. Learn how to lower your liability risks and when to think twice about filing a holiday-related claim by reading my newest article on the topic, published by MSN. 

Should you DIY a home renovation or hire a pro?

With real estate and financing costs remaining sky high, it makes sense that many homeowners are choosing to stay put and invest dollars into upgrades and remodeling projects. In fact, a whopping 91% of homeowners surveyed by Houzz say they expect to renovate in 2026, and improvement spending is anticipated to reach $518 billion by the end of this year, per the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. 

Plenty of these folks will try to tackle the work themselves. Recent polling by Angi reveals that 71% of surveyed homeowners attempt DIY projects to save money, with nearly 3 in 4 respondents revealing they have confidence in their ability to manage a home improvement endeavor; yet 70% of homeowners fess up to experiencing problems with their DIY project, with 1 in 4 needing to hire a professional to fix or complete it.

Before attempting to fly solo on a home improvement job, it’s smart to carefully consider the hidden financial and insurance risks that can lead to serious DIY regret. Learn more by reading my newest article for The Zebra, available here.

Cineversary podcast celebrates 75th birthday of Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train

In Cineversary podcast episode #95, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ commemorates the 75th birthday of Strangers on a Train, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Seated adjacent on this train ride is Stephen Rebello, contributing screenwriter on the 2012 film Hitchcock, and author of Criss-Cross: The Making of Hitchcock’s Dazzling, Subversive Masterpiece Strangers on a Train. Erik and Stephen swap insights and opinions on why this film is essential viewing, its subversive sexual dynamics, salient themes, and much more.

Stephen Rebello

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com

Boost your borrowing power with a rapid rescore

Have a less-than-desirable credit score and want to boost it quickly? Consider a rapid rescore, a process where your lender works with a third-party credit reporting company to update your credit file – and recalculate your credit score – within 1 to 5 business days, instead of waiting 30 to 45 days for the bureaus to update on their own. It's not a loan product, a credit repair service, or something you can request yourself: Only a lender can initiate a rapid rescore on your behalf.

Learn more about rapid rescores and how you can benefit by reading my latest story for Better.com, available here.

Avoid these renter's insurance mistakes

Imagine you’ve come home to your apartment only to discover that it’s been ransacked and valuable items are missing. Calm down, you tell yourself: At least your renters insurance will cover this break-in and theft. Only you quickly realize, after combing through your policy paperwork, that you first have to pay a pricey deductible and the chintzy coverage limits won’t reimburse you the full value of what’s been stolen.

Truth is, many leasing tenants have misconceptions about what their insurance will cover (and to what extent) and don’t realize the hard truth until it’s time to file a claim. Take a deeper dive into common and costly insurance missteps renters make and how to avoid them by reading my latest article for The Zebra, available here.

Cineversary podcast honors 20th anniversary of Pan's Labyrinth

Alicia Malone

In Cineversary podcast episode #94, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ honors the 20th birthday of Pan’s Labyrinth, directed by Guillermo del Toro. Joining him on this journey to the underground realm is TCM host Alicia Malone, author of TCM Imports: Timeless Favorites and Hidden Gems of World Cinema. Together, Erik and Alicia sneak into the Pale Man’s lair and explore what makes this film a timeless masterwork, how to distinguish between what’s real vs. fantastical, significant themes, and much more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com

Car insurance discounts that military members can claim

The good news, if you’re a veteran or active duty military member – including National Guard numbers and Reservists – is that you can likely save significant dollars on car insurance. That’s because many carriers market heavily to folks like you and offer discounts in deference to your military service. But available military auto insurance discounts and cost-saving opportunities can vary widely from insurer to insurer.

That begs several questions: What’s a real military car insurance discount versus a marketing gimmick that doesn’t yield substantial savings? What are the cheapest military auto insurance companies when it comes to premiums, after discounts are taken into consideration? And how can you find the best insurance rates overall? Read my first article for new client The Military Wallet, available here, for helpful answers to these questions.

What's the difference between a home's assessed value and market value?

Preparing to buy, sell, or refinance a home? It’s important to understand the worth of the property. But there’s more than one way to determine the value. In fact, there are two primary measurements of value to be aware of here: house assessed value vs. market value. Assessed value is the home’s value come tax time, while fair market value is the cost to purchase a home in that area. Each type of valuation has its own purpose: one applies to property taxes, and the other to resale value.

Read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage to learn more about property tax assessment vs. market value, why both metrics matter, how fair market value is calculated, and how home assessed value is determined so that you can make a more informed decision when you’re preparing to purchase, sell, or refinance a home.

Are electric vehicles worth it?

Drivers today are energized about electric vehicles (EVs) and making the switch. For proof, consider that there are an estimated 116 million EVs on the road today worldwide, and the number is expected to rise 30% in 2026. That’s hardly a surprise at a time when gasoline is averaging over $4 per gallon.

But that begs an important question: Is buying and owning an electric car actually worth it? Truth is, the answer will depend on your driving habits, budget, location, charging access and other factors. Upfront costs, fuel savings, expected maintenance, charging convenience and the likelihood of long-term ownership need to be considered carefully.

To help you make a more informed decision, read my article on this topic, published by MSN, available here.

Cineversary podcast celebrates 60th anniversary of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

In Cineversary podcast episode #93, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ celebrates the 60th birthday of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, directed by Sergio Leone. He’s joined in this installment by Sir Christopher Frayling, a renowned UK-based historian, art critic, broadcaster, and author of Once Upon a Time in Italy: The Westerns of Sergio Leone. Together, Erik and Christopher dig up the gold on this picture and explore its evergreen qualities, immense impact on cinema and popular culture, major themes, and much more.

Christopher Frayling

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Customer service gets supercharged

When it comes to contact centers today, no technology has been more transformative than artificial intelligence, and AI’s impact on customer service operations across all industries is only going to grow as generative and agentic AI technologies advance even further.

Up and down the contact center tech stack, AI has turbocharged virtually everything in just the past few years. For proof, read my latest article for Destination CRM, available here.

How your age and gender affects car insurance rates

Car insurance rates are based on various factors, with age being among the most critical. Consider that teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are nearly three times as likely as drivers who are 20 or older to be in a fatal crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Truth is, car insurance for drivers younger than 25 is expensive. Teens and young drivers are largely inexperienced behind the wheel and are more prone to accidents, which makes them a high risk to auto insurance providers. Seniors also pay higher rates for car insurance.

Discover how your age and gender can affect what you pay for car insurance, how much you pay at different ages and how to save at any age by reading my latest article for CarInsurance.com, available here.

The Iran war's impact on mortgage rates

Mortgage interest rates dropped below the 6% threshold on February 26, hitting 5.98%: a four-year low and a genuine psychological milestone for buyers. Then, U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran begin two days later. The price of oil spiked, bond yields climbed, and it wasn’t long before we saw mortgage rates rising. If you were about to pull the trigger on a home purchase, this probably felt like terrible timing. Why should I buy a home now?, you’re probably asking yourself.

But here’s the thing that higher Iran war mortgage rates can’t erase: You likely have a lot more purchasing power today than you did a year ago. Learn why by reading my latest article for Better.com, available here.

New vehicle technologies that improve nighttime driving safety

Daylight Saving Time went into effect on March 8, yet another signifier that spring and warmer weather are right around the corner. But this time of year also brings more motorists who take to the roads after the sun sets or find themselves commuting in pre-dawn conditions. Which begs the question: How well-equipped is your vehicle for driving in the dark?

In my latest article for The Zebra, available here, I explore many of the newest technologies and innovations designed to improve nighttime driving safety.

Cineversary podcast honors 100th and 90th birthdays of The General and Modern Times

In Cineversary podcast episode #92, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ puts candles on two cakes: one for Buster Keaton’s The General, celebrating a 100th birthday, for which he is joined by Thomas Doherty, a professor of American Studies at Brandeis University; and Charles Chaplin’s Modern Times, marking a 90th birthday, for which Erik is accompanied by film historian Jeffrey Vance
, author of the book Chaplin: Genius Of The Cinema. Erik and his guests explore how these masterworks by the two greatest silent film comedians have aged so gracefully, their impact on cinema, key thematic takeaways, and much more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com

Thomas Doherty
and Jeffrey Vance

.

How much will that kitchen remodel cost you?

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s where meals are made, guests gather, and daily life unfolds. But if your space feels outdated or inefficient, you may be wondering: How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Read my latest story for The Mortgage Reports for answers, available here. 

Understanding timeshares and their risks

Love soaking up the sun on a beach, exploring a vibrant new city, or returning to a favorite getaway spot every year? A timeshare offers a unique way to make those dream vacations a reality. 

A timeshare is simply a vacation property arrangement that allows you to share the cost of a property with others. It allows different unrelated parties to own or lease a fractional portion of that property. Case in point: You purchase a 1-week timeshare at a Florida beachfront condo, allowing your family to stay at that property on the same week each year, while other owners use the condo on other allotted weeks.

While that certainly sounds enticing, plenty of timeshare owners have horror stories to share. To learn more about timeshares and their pros and cons, read my latest article for Rocket Mortgage, available here.

Why modern cars look and feel so different today

One surefire way to trace just how quickly our world has changed in recent years is to take a look at the road and marvel at the latest breed of automobiles. The newest vehicle designs reflect our evolving lifestyles, safety rules, functional needs and technology expectations.

Contemporary cars boast eye-catching styling elements and innovative technology—from more powerful electric batteries and sleeker touchscreens to greater connectivity and autonomous capabilities. Stronger sales of hybrids and EVs in recent years demonstrate that drivers have embraced electrification.[1]

In my latest article for The Zebra, available here, I delve into the latest trends in automotive design, different factors influencing today’s cars and what we can expect in the near future.

Cineversary podcast marks 50th anniversary of Taxi Driver

Eddie Muller

In Cineversary podcast episode #91, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ sends 50th birthday wishes to Taxi Driver, directed by Martin Scorsese. Accompanying him on this anniversary cab ride is TCM host and Film Noir Foundation president Eddie Muller. Erik and Eddie examine how Taxi Driver has stood the test of time, why it’s worthy of celebration five decades later, its impact on cinema, key thematic takeaways, and much more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

How a 10% interest cap on credit cards would affect you

Credit cards provide convenience and flexibility – the opportunity to purchase a product or service today with someone else’s money that you can repay later. Problem is, that plastic perk can prove costly if you don’t pay down your debt on time due to a high rate of interest charged by the credit card company, which could exceed 20%.

Recently, the Trump Administration has called for a 10% cap on credit cards. Whether enough banks and credit card companies opt to do this voluntarily or an act of Congress will be required remains to be seen. In my latest article for Better.com, I take a closer look at how rates are set, what the President has proposed, and how a credit card rate cap would affect homeowners and homebuyers.

Restoring your ring’s reputation

Answering the phone has become an increasingly negative experience for the average American, thanks in large part to more sophisticated vishing, call spoofing, robocalls, impersonation, and AI deepfakes. Consider that, per FBI data, fraud categories that include phone-based scams were among the most reported in 2024, contributing to an estimated 860,000 complaints and more than $16 billion in total losses – an increase of 33% year-over-year. It’s little surprise, then, that around 72% of American adults nowadays tend to ignore calls from numbers they don’t recognize, according to Transaction Network Services (TNS).

Truth is, businesses today that rely on outgoing calls face a harsh reality: Trust in the voice channel for many Americans is fundamentally broken. Fortunately, there’s a resource that can help restore consumer confidence: branded calling for outbound outreach (BCOO). Learn more by reading my newest article for Destination CRM, available here.

Looking ahead to the Fed in 2026

As the nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve plays an important role in the American economy and its overall financial system, being responsible for managing interest rates and monetary supply. But the Fed has faced plenty of headwinds in recent years in its struggle to control inflation and keep the economy stable.

2025 was a particularly bumpy year for this group. One big reason was due to increasing internal dissent about whether, when, and how much interest rates should be lowered. Earlier this month, the Federal Open Market Committee (the Fed’s primary monetary-policy-making body) decreased its key interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, representing the third consecutive rate cut this year and the sixth since late 2024. President Trump was another reason: He has consistently criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell and is eager to replace him, when his term ends in May 2026, with someone who prefers much lower rates. As we head toward that transition, it’s fair to question whether his successor will support the Fed’s traditional independence as a government agency or favor the Trump Administration’s more aggressive push for easing rates.

How will things shake out at the Federal Reserve this year? Who will ultimately replace Powell? And can we anticipate more rate cuts in the coming months? For answers, read my newest article for Mortgage Resource Network, available here. 

Cineversary podcast marks 80th birthday of Hitchcock's Notorious

In Cineversary podcast episode #90, host ⁠Erik J. Martin⁠ commemorates the 80th anniversary Notorious, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Joining him in this installment is Kim Newman, the renowned UK critic and film scholar, esteemed journalist, and award-winning author of The Definitive Guide to Horror Movies. Erik and Kim head down to the wine cellar to uncork exactly what makes Notorious great, why this movie deserves kudos 80 years later, what makes this film different from other Hitchcock works, salient themes, and much more. 

Kim Newman

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Are spouses, widows and ex-spouses of veterans eligible for USAA insurance?

USAA auto insurance is highly coveted due to its competitive pricing, often making it one of the most affordable options. However, qualifying for USAA membership and its insurance benefits can be challenging, as these are primarily offered to active, retired and honorably discharged U.S. military personnel and their families.

If you are a wife, widow of a former spouse of a military veteran or current USAA member, the good news is that you should be eligible for USAA membership and qualify for USAA car insurance. Learn more by reading my latest article for CarInsurance.com, available here.