Watch CBS News

Housing Crisis

00-placeholder-thumb.jpg

A housing alternative right in your own backyard

Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, are small, fully-functional secondary homes located on the same property as a main home (usually in the backyard) that serve as carriage houses or "granny flats." But as wildfires have displaced residents in the West, ADUs have filled a vital need where housing has proved scant or expensive. Correspondent Lee Cowan looks at the practical and legal challenges to making ADUs available. [Original air date: May 17, 2026.]

untitled-design-4.jpg

Starter Homes are a Million Bucks Now

Starter homes now cost $1 million in many parts of the country, leaving younger generations wondering whether homeownership is still a realistic goal. Jill asks whether buying a house should remain a cornerstone of the American dream, or if the idea itself has become outdated. Plus, caller questions: Dorian is feeling the financial strain of wedding season as travel costs, gifts and pricey trips pile up. And Andrew, a new dad, wants to know whether now is the right time to buy term life insurance. Have a money question? Email askjill@jillonmoney.com.

Show More
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue