Allison Robertson articles

Man looking at a safe cemented into basement wall.

We bought a new house and found an old safe cemented into the foundation. Do the contents belong to us now?

Found a safe cemented into your home’s foundation? Learn who owns the contents and what to do if you uncover something valuable—or dangerous—inside.
April 8, 2026 Allison Robertson
A worried woman in a striped shirt with a man behind her looking into a hidden room behind a bookshelf.

We just bought a house and found a hidden room behind a bookshelf that wasn’t on the listing. Does that change anything legally?

Found a hidden room in your new house that wasn’t disclosed? Here’s what it means legally and what steps you should take next.
April 7, 2026 Allison Robertson
An older man standing in front of a newly sold house.

We bought a new house, and now the old owner showed up claiming there’s hidden cash in a wall—and he wants to tear into it. Should I let him?

Can a previous homeowner return to tear into your walls for hidden cash? Here’s what property law says about ownership after closing.
April 6, 2026 Allison Robertson
Concerned husband and wife budgeting at the table.

My wife is financially irresponsible and thinks the 80-20 rule is enough, but I’m skeptical—should we be doing more?

Is the 80-20 budgeting rule enough for your finances? Here’s how it works, who it helps, and when you need a more aggressive plan.
March 31, 2026 Allison Robertson
A man in a car giving cash to a drive-thru woman who is giving change from her purse.

My cash was refused at a coffee shop. When I complained, the worker took change from her own purse for my transaction—can they do that?

Can a business refuse cash and can employees use their own money for your purchase? Here’s what the law actually says about this awkward drive-thru situation.
March 27, 2026 Allison Robertson
Bartering

I bartered work instead of getting paid cash. My dad says the IRS considers that taxable income. But my aunt says no cash means no taxes—who’s right?

Is bartering taxable income? Learn how the IRS treats goods and services exchanged without cash and whether you must report barter transactions on your tax return.
March 6, 2026 Allison Robertson
Bank Transfer

I transferred a large amount of money between my own accounts and the bank froze them—did I do something illegal?

Did your bank freeze your account after a large transfer? Learn why banks flag transactions, what the $10,000 rule really means, and whether you did anything illegal.
March 5, 2026 Allison Robertson
Home Inspection

My realtor told me to skip the inspection to make my offer stronger. My dad says that’s a huge mistake. Who’s actually right?

Should you skip a home inspection to win a bidding war? Learn the real risks, costs, and smarter alternatives before waiving your inspection contingency.
March 2, 2026 Allison Robertson
Water leak

My realtor said I don’t need to disclose a minor water issue. My friend says that could turn into a lawsuit. Who’s telling the truth?

Do you have to disclose minor water damage when selling a home? Learn how real estate disclosure laws work and how hiding issues could lead to lawsuits.
February 27, 2026 Allison Robertson