Jack Hawkins articles

Worried tired freelance businessman

I've been running a successful business out of my home for three years. My HOA suddenly won't allow home-based businesses. Can they really do this?

Can an HOA really ban your home-based business after years of operation? Learn your rights, possible exceptions, and smart ways to protect your income if your HOA suddenly cracks down.
March 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My ex-wife and I invested $5,000 in the stock market. I took over the investments after divorcing her. Is she entitled to any gains I make?

After a divorce, who owns the gains from a shared investment? Learn whether your ex-spouse can claim stock market profits from money you invested together during marriage.
March 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Internal - Hoa Fee Payment

My HOA fees are due, but their direct deposit account isn't accepting my transaction. Is it petty to pay them with a bag of cash?

HOA payment portal not working? Discover whether paying your HOA fees in cash is petty or practical, plus smarter ways to handle failed transactions and avoid late fees.
March 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My girlfriend wants me to sign up for a "couple's credit card." I've never heard of these and want to keep finances separate. How do I tell her?

My girlfriend wants me to sign up for a “couple’s credit card,” but I prefer to keep finances separate. Here’s how to handle the conversation, understand the risks, and protect your credit without hurting your relationship.
March 6, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I was arrested recently, and the officers didn't let me turn off my running bath. It flooded my house. Can I sue the department for damages?

If you were arrested while a bath was running and your home flooded, can you sue the police department? Learn how negligence, government immunity, and property damage laws affect your legal options.
March 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My ex-girlfriend is using my 20,000 airline miles for a round-trip to Europe. I spent the most money on our credit card. Can I stop this?

My ex used 20,000 of my airline miles for a Europe trip—can I stop it? Learn your legal options, how airline rewards ownership works, and what to do next in this practical guide.
March 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My ex-wife and I accumulated $50,000 worth of debt. We agreed to split it in the divorce and now I'm being sued for the full amount. What can I do?

Divorced but being sued for joint debt? Learn what to do if your ex doesn’t pay their share of $50,000 in debt, including legal options, settlement strategies, and how to protect your credit.
March 4, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I use a mobility scooter to get around and recently fell into a huge pothole. The town says it's not their fault. What can I do?

Fell into a pothole while using your mobility scooter and the town says it’s not their fault? Learn your legal options, how to file a claim against a municipality, and what steps to take to protect your rights.
March 4, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My child's orthodontist prescribed "clarinet lessons" to help with overbite. Can I really deduct these from my taxes?

Can you deduct clarinet lessons if your child’s orthodontist prescribed them for an overbite? Here’s what the IRS really says about medical expense deductions, quirky treatments, and how to stay out of audit trouble.
March 2, 2026 Jack Hawkins