Peter Kinney articles

If a family member starts making a habit of going to the casino, it may be worth taking a closer look at what's going on.

You check your account and notice money is missing. A check was cashed with your name on it, but you never signed it. You report it to the bank expecting a quick fix, but instead they say you need to prove it was fraud. It feels backwards, but this is how the process usually works. The good news is you’re not stuck, and there are clear steps you can take to try to get your money back.

You’re settling into your new home, maybe doing a bit of exploring, and you stumble across something unexpected in the attic: valuable jewelry. At first, it feels like you just got incredibly lucky. Then the previous owner reaches out and says it was left behind by accident and wants it back. Now what felt like a great surprise suddenly turns into a stressful situation. Do you actually have to give it back, or is it yours now?

Spending an entire weekend on a project for a job interview sounds excessive; it's even worse if you don't end up getting hired.

You’ve spent decades working, saving, and building a comfortable life. Now, heading into retirement, you’re considering something different: selling your home and living full-time on cruise ships. No upkeep, no yard work, just constant travel. It sounds freeing, but your family sees it as risky and expensive. The truth is, both sides have a point. This lifestyle can work, as long as you don't underestimate some of the trade-offs.

Another family member sold items that you inherited in your father-in-law's will. We look at what you can do.

It’s easy to assume that if a deck has been standing for years without issue, it’s in the clear. That is, until the city flags it as unpermitted and demands action. Luckily, whether they can actually force you to remove it depends on a mix of local bylaws, safety concerns, and what steps you take next.

You thought the hardest part was over once the relationship ended. Then the calls start coming in. Creditors are reaching out about thousands of dollars in credit card debt that your ex racked up, and somehow your name is being dragged into it too. You didn’t make those purchases, so why are you being asked to pay?

The eviction process is so long and frustrating that it hardly seems fair. Here's how to approach the situation.