Jane Pauley hosts our annual “Money Issue.” Featured: Obstacles to home ownership; fighting health insurance denials; Chinese EVs; opposition to AI data centers; American Girl dolls; skin care mogul Scarlett Johansson; roller coasters; the popularity of bingo!; and is your phone eavesdropping on you?

Founded in 1986, American Girl has created dolls, books and accessories that tell the stories of young girls in every American era. On the toy’s 40th anniversary, correspondent Faith Salie explores how making history come alive is also creating timeless bonds between generations that celebrate girlhood.

When it comes to Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, don’t call it generosity – call it strategy.

Insiders say Affleck is ready to walk away from a staggering $30 million tied up in their Beverly Hills mansion. But before anyone labels it a grand gesture, sources are shutting that down fast.

“This isn’t him giving anything,” one insider said. “This is him paying to be done.”

The property – once the couple’s dream home – has now become the final loose end in their split.

“That house is the last tie,” the source explained. “And he wants it gone, fast.”

Fast enough to take a serious financial hit.

“He’d pay anything at this point,” the insider added. “Because peace of mind is worth more than the money.” And no, this is not emotional decision-making – it’s calculated.

“Ben isn’t acting out of kindness,” the source said. “He’s making a smart decision for himself.”

The goal? No lingering connections. No shared investments. No reason to stay in touch.

“He wants a clean, absolute break,” the insider noted. “And this is the quickest way to get there.”

As for the On the Floor hit-maker potentially walking away with full control – and maybe even future profits – that’s reportedly not even on his radar.

“He’s not thinking about the upside,” the source said. “He’s thinking about being free.”

So what looks like a financial loss might actually be something else entirely. “This isn’t generosity,” the insider said. “It’s self-preservation.”