‘People say enough is enough' — Citizens Utility Board fighting record-breaking gas rate hike

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The largest gas rate hike in Illinois history could be coming soon.
Nicor Gas submitted a major price hike request back in January — $309 million — and the ICC still has seven more months before it makes an official ruling. However, the Citizens Utility Board has remained consistent in its messaging against the request.
Illinois Commerce Commission urges customers to enroll in new discount rates
'Consumer advocates argue that Nicor Gas's bid for a record-breaking rate hike is rife with excess and fat and is more than double what the company can possibly justify,' said Jim Chilsen, the CUB's Communications Director.
If passed, it would raise average gas bills statewide by $7.50 a month, or $90 a year.
'People say enough is enough,' Chilsen said. 'And that's why we urge Illinois regulators to cut this rate hike by more than half.'
Nicor has received a total of about $724 million in rate hikes since 2018:
$93 million in 2018
$168 million in 2019
$240 million in 2021
$223 million in 2023.
'Excessive rate hikes are never good for consumers,' Chilsen said. 'We hear from Nicor Gas customers all the time who are having a hard time affording their bills because Nicor has been escalating bills over the last decade.'
Illinois AG wins court order supporting libraries, museums, minority-owned businesses
In a statement to WCIA 3, a spokesperson for Nicor Gas said the following:
It's a fact that natural gas is more than three times more affordable than other energy sources and is projected to be 30% to 50% less than other fuels through 2050. We believe that every customer deserves reliable energy service at a price they can afford. Many Americans are facing challenging times, and no one wants to see rising energy bills. We want our customers to understand their bills and why the company is requesting to adjust rates that would allow Nicor Gas to meet those energy demands — especially during extreme weather — while helping make homes more efficient and providing energy assistance.'
Nicole Frett, Nicor spokesperson
A decision on this issue is expected in November.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Miami Herald

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• Miami Herald

Jean Chatzky sends powerful message on Social Security, 401(k)s

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Business Upturn

an hour ago

• Business Upturn

Debt Consolidation Loan for Poor Credit Score: Radcred Instant Funding Solution with No Credit Check & Same-Day Loan

Glendale, California, June 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radcred has launched a new Debt Consolidation Loan platform, offering a simple and fast way to combine multiple high-interest debts into a single, more manageable loan. This platform provides same-day funding and does not require a hard credit check, making it an ideal solution for individuals with poor credit scores . By consolidating existing debt, borrowers can lower their interest rates and simplify their monthly payments. With Radcred's fast approval process and transparent terms, individuals with subprime credit can access the relief they need without the complexities of traditional lending. This platform addresses the increasing demand for quick and accessible debt relief. Rising Demand for Debt Consolidation Loans According to the Federal Reserve, more than 40% of Americans are carrying high-interest credit card debt, with many struggling to keep up with multiple payments. Consumers often seek debt consolidation loans to simplify their finances by combining multiple high-interest debts into a single loan, thereby reducing interest rates and avoiding late fees. The goal is to improve cash flow by lowering monthly payments, which can be particularly helpful for individuals with poor credit scores. The demand for debt consolidation loans has been growing, as traditional options such as balance transfer credit cards or home equity loans can be restrictive or inaccessible for individuals with low credit scores. Radcred fills the gap by offering a solution that is not only fast and easy to access but also specifically tailored to meet the needs of subprime borrowers. With the rise in high-interest debt, there is an increasing need for faster, more inclusive options, and Radcred provides precisely that. FIND OUT HOW DEBT CONSOLIDATION CAN EASE YOUR FINANCES Key Features of Radcred's Debt Consolidation Loan Platform Radcred's Debt Consolidation Loan platform offers a range of features to streamline the debt relief process, making it faster, easier, and more accessible. With a user-friendly interface, quick approval times, and flexible terms, Radcred helps borrowers consolidate multiple high-interest debts into a single, manageable loan, offering same-day funding and transparent rates. Same-Day Funding: Borrowers can receive funds within hours of approval, providing quick access to financial relief. Borrowers can receive funds within hours of approval, providing quick access to financial relief. No Hard-Credit Pull: Radcred utilizes a soft-pull credit inquiry, ensuring that borrowers' credit scores remain unaffected throughout the application process. 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The user-friendly process ensures that borrowers are not burdened with lengthy paperwork or complex procedures. LEARN HOW RADCRED OFFERS A HASSLE-FREE CONSOLIDATION PROCESS How Radcred's Debt Consolidation Loan Platform Works? Radcred's platform is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, providing a streamlined way for borrowers to consolidate their debts. The simple online application process, combined with quick approval and same-day funding, ensures borrowers can access relief without delays. Radcred matches users with suitable lenders and offers flexible repayment terms for added convenience. Quick Online Application: The application process takes just 5 minutes. Simply fill out the form on Radcred's website with personal details and debt information. The application process takes just 5 minutes. Simply fill out the form on Radcred's website with personal details and debt information. Eligibility Check: Radcred performs a soft-pull credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. Along with credit evaluation, income verification is required to assess your repayment capacity. Radcred performs a soft-pull credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. Along with credit evaluation, income verification is required to assess your repayment capacity. Lender Matching: Radcred's algorithm matches you with vetted lenders who are willing to offer you debt consolidation loans based on your financial profile. Radcred's algorithm matches you with vetted lenders who are willing to offer you debt consolidation loans based on your financial profile. Offer Comparison: You will receive multiple offers from lenders, allowing you to compare the rates, terms, and fees side-by-side. This ensures you can select the most favorable option. You will receive multiple offers from lenders, allowing you to compare the rates, terms, and fees side-by-side. 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Faster Process: Radcred's online process is quick and straightforward, often offering same-day funding, unlike traditional banks that may take weeks to process loans. Radcred's online process is quick and straightforward, often offering same-day funding, unlike traditional banks that may take weeks to process loans. Easier Access for Bad Credit: Radcred is designed for individuals with lower credit scores, offering fast and flexible options that traditional lenders may not provide. These advantages make Radcred a more accessible, efficient, and safer choice for consolidating debt, especially for individuals with poor credit. Addressing Common Borrower Concerns Will it hurt my credit? Radcred uses a soft-pull credit inquiry , which has no impact on your credit score during the application process. This allows borrowers with bad credit or a low credit score to explore loan options without worrying about lowering their credit score. This makes it a safe choice for personal loans for bad credit . Radcred uses a , which has no impact on your during the application process. This allows borrowers with or a to explore loan options without worrying about lowering their credit score. This makes it a safe choice for . Are there hidden fees? No, Radcred is committed to transparency. All fees and APRs are clearly disclosed before you accept the loan offer, ensuring there are no hidden fees . You will know exactly what you're getting into, making it easier to compare with other debt consolidation loans and make an informed decision. No, Radcred is committed to transparency. and are clearly disclosed before you accept the loan offer, ensuring there are . You will know exactly what you're getting into, making it easier to compare with other and make an informed decision. What if I miss a payment? Radcred offers grace periods for missed payments, helping you avoid penalties. Customer support is available to assist you with flexible solutions if you experience payment issues. This flexibility makes debt consolidation loans more manageable for those who need assistance with repayment without adding stress to their finances. Radcred offers for missed payments, helping you avoid penalties. is available to assist you with flexible solutions if you experience payment issues. This flexibility makes more manageable for those who need assistance with repayment without adding stress to their finances. Is it legal in my state? Radcred operates in full compliance with state regulations and adheres to federal lending laws. It ensures that all loans for debt consolidation are available where permitted. Be sure to review your state's regulations to confirm availability, as laws vary by state regarding personal loans for bad credit. About Radcred Radcred is a fintech company focused on providing accessible credit solutions to underserved populations. The company's mission is to democratize access to debt consolidation loans , enabling individuals to manage their debt more effectively. Founded in 2020, Radcred has facilitated thousands of loans and continues to expand its platform. Its core values are transparency, speed, and responsible lending, ensuring borrowers receive reliable, fast financial assistance. Disclaimer Loans are subject to approval, and terms vary by lender and state. Not all loan offers are available in every jurisdiction. Applicants should carefully review the terms and conditions before submitting their application. Radcred uses a soft-pull credit inquiry for eligibility, and credit scores are considered but not the sole determining factor for loan approval. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Yahoo

3 hours ago

• Yahoo

What's the best age to buy a house?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. So, you may be wondering: What is the best age to buy a house? Are you too young to think about homeownership? Or do you feel like you've waited too long to buy? Here's a look at the average age of first-time home buyers and how to decide the right age to make a move. Learn more: A step-by-step guide to buying a house This embedded content is not available in your region. In this article: Average age to buy a house Pros and cons of buying when younger Pros and cons of buying when older Is there a 'right time' (or age) to buy? FAQs Young adults are now waiting longer to buy their first homes. In 2024, the average age for Americans to buy their first house reached a record high of 38, according to a report from the National Association of REALTORS®. The shift is largely due to soaring home prices and student loan debt levels. Many young adults are also delaying marriage and prioritizing personal growth and career development over homeownership. That said, the right age to buy a home may vary depending on your financial situation, desired location, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Building equity. Buying early and owning your own home for an extended period gives you time to build up equity. Your home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. You can leverage home equity to invest or meet other financial goals in the future, and even use it to afford a down payment on your next house if you move. However, you don't accumulate equity when you rent. Predictable housing costs. Annual rent increases are relatively common. But when you purchase a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you get set monthly mortgage payments. (Note: Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners' association fees, if applicable, may fluctuate over time.) Tax perks. You can save at tax time by deducting mortgage interest, property taxes, and other home costs on your return. Homeowners who itemize deductions can take advantage of this perk. Reach out to a tax professional to learn more. Freedom of expression. Most landlords impose restrictions on the customizations you can make to rental properties. Owning a home, though, means you can renovate or upgrade your space to make it more functional. Lower price point. Home prices generally rise over time. So, buying young means you can take advantage of the lower price point. Plus, if you stay in the house for a long time, you could pay off your home loan before you retire. Limited mobility. Leasing means you only have to stay put for a year (or less in some cases) before you can relocate. But buying a home is more of a long-term investment, and selling too prematurely could be costly. Lending terms. There are loan programs for people with low or no credit scores or those with limited income, minimal cash reserves, or high debt levels. The problem is, you may not qualify for the best lending terms offered to prospective buyers. Specifically, you could get stuck paying a higher mortgage stability. Buying in your middle or older years gives you more time to build a solid financial foundation. Remember, good credit, ample reserves, and a low debt-to-income ratio make you more attractive to lenders. More clarity. It's also highly likely that you'll have more clarity on where you want to live long term when you're older. Whether you're retiring in your dream area or relocating to be closer to adult children, buying a home later in life can bring peace of mind. You'll have confidence knowing you're living exactly where you want to be. Forfeited equity growth. Again, buying young can work in your favor as home values climb. But buying older gives you less time to build up equity that you can convert to cash to use however you see fit. Mortgage payments during retirement. Some homeowners experience a significant dip in income during their golden years. Unfortunately, costly mortgage payments could stretch your budget thin. Uncertainty. There's no way to know what the future holds. You could face medical challenges or other unexpected obstacles as you age that make it difficult for you to afford or maintain your dream home. The right time to buy a home isn't always about age. It's more about your financial situation, future plans, and ability to manage homeownership costs. Here are some questions to ponder: Do you meet the lending criteria for a mortgage? Do you have a minimal debt load? Can you afford to make a down payment on a new home? Do you have at least three to six months of expenses saved for emergencies? Can you comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payments? Do you plan to live in the home for an extended period of time? Do you have the means to cover maintenance and repairs? Do you have a designated point of contact to assist with questions or address your needs? Answering yes to most of these questions is a sign that you're ready to buy a home, regardless of your age. Before moving forward, analyze your situation, needs, and goals to make an informed decision. Dig deeper: Should you buy a house? How to know if you're ready. A 2024 National Association of REALTORS® report revealed that the average age of first-time home buyers is 38. However, depending on your financial situation and goals, the right age for you could be much younger or older. Again, there's no right or wrong age to purchase a home, as it depends on your unique situation. However, most states require you to be at least 18 unless an adult signs real estate contracts on your behalf. If you're financially stable with a solid credit profile, adequate savings, and a clear vision for your future, homeownership in your 20s could be a smart financial move. You'll have several years to build equity, benefit from predictable housing costs, and even enjoy a paid-off home before retirement should you purchase your 'forever home.' Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article.