Jesse Singer articles

Woman tap card to pay at store

When Stores Prefer You Tap Over Swiping, It’s To Protect Themselves

It happens almost everywhere now. Before you even reach for the card reader, they’re already suggesting tap. It sounds like a small convenience—but it isn’t random. Behind that tiny wave symbol is a quiet shift in how stores manage risk, speed, and money. And most customers have no idea it’s happening.
February 17, 2026 Jesse Singer
Cashier and $2 bill

The $2 Bill Is Legal Currency—But Using It Still Makes Cashiers Nervous

Hand a cashier a $2 bill and watch what happens. There’s often a pause. A second look. Sometimes even a manager gets called over. So why does this little bill instantly make checkout awkward?
February 16, 2026 Jesse Singer

22 Rare Vinyl Records Worth Big Money

Vinyl records have been making a comeback over the last few years, but we aren't here to talk about the latest LP in our collection. Rather we want to point out the ones that—should you find them in your collection—well, they could be worth some big bucks.
February 13, 2026 Jesse Singer
Woman Concerned in the office hallway

We got a new boss, and he immediately cut therapy coverage from our health insurance and got rid of mental health days. Is that even legal in 2026?

Mental health benefits were supposed to be the bare minimum by now. Right? Therapy coverage. Time off to reset. These are things companies have been bragging about offering for years now. So is it even legal, in this day and age, to get rid of them altogether?
February 11, 2026 Jesse Singer
Man stressed over bills

My parents died suddenly with huge credit card debt. Debt collectors are coming after me, and I’m panicking because I can’t afford it. What do I do?

Losing a parent is one of life’s most disorienting experiences. When that loss is followed by phone calls or letters demanding money you never borrowed, grief can quickly turn into panic. The emotional timing alone can make it hard to think clearly or push back
February 10, 2026 Jesse Singer
Woman holding keys outside home

I agreed to be a 1% owner to help my son get a mortgage. Now I’m selling my home and being told I’ll lose my capital gains tax break. How bad is this?

This home sale was expected to be routine. Then a small detail surfaced during paperwork review: the homeowner is listed as a 1% owner on another property. That single line of text is now dominating conversations with lenders and tax professionals.
February 9, 2026 Jesse Singer
Concerned woman with two elderly men

I use Venmo and PayPal all the time. My father says the “$600 rule” will cost me thousands in taxes—my uncle says the rule was repealed. Who’s right?

When family members start confidently throwing around IRS rules, panic usually follows. One person swears a new rule will “cost you thousands.” Another says it was repealed and you’re fine. Both sound certain. Neither is explaining it clearly. So let’s break it down properly.
February 6, 2026 Jesse Singer
Concerned daughter with supportive parents

I just found out about the $19,000 gift tax rule—my parents gave me $24,000 last year, and now I’m panicking. Will I owe taxes?

You’re scrolling, minding your business, and suddenly you see it: the $19,000 gift tax rule. Your brain does the math. Your parents gave you $24,000. Your heart rate spikes. Did you accidentally trigger a massive tax bill without knowing it?
February 4, 2026 Jesse Singer
Uncle explains, nephew listens confused

My uncle keeps trying to convince me that income taxes are unconstitutional and I don’t have to pay them. I’ve never heard that before. Is it true?

Your uncle’s claim sounds pretty extreme, but we’re sure he delivered it with confidence and plenty of legal-sounding language. So, is this actually true? Are income taxes unconstitutional?
February 3, 2026 Jesse Singer