Peter Kinney articles

I spent my whole weekend working on a project as part of a job interview and didn’t get the job. Is this common practice? What can I do?

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.
April 14, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a couple wanting to retire on cruise ships.

My wife and I want to sell our home and live full-time on back-to-back cruises, but our kids say it’s financially reckless. Who’s right?

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.
April 14, 2026 Peter Kinney

My father-in-law willed me his collection of vintage tools, but his son already sold them for a fraction of their real value. What can I do?

Another family member sold items that you inherited in your father-in-law's will. We look at what you can do.
April 7, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a man concerned about his deck and city permits.

I built a deck years ago, but now the city says I need to tear it down because I never got a permit. Can they really make me remove it?

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.
April 3, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a man worried about his ex wife's credit card debt.

My ex racked up thousands in credit card debt during our marriage, and now creditors are coming after me too. Am I really on the hook for this?

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?
April 3, 2026 Peter Kinney

Our basement tenants haven't paid rent in 3 months, but eviction takes 6 months and we’re still paying the mortgage. This can’t be legal, can it?

The eviction process is so long and frustrating that it hardly seems fair. Here's how to approach the situation.
March 30, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a man concerned about an inherited property dispute.

My late father's business partner claims a verbal agreement gives him half of the property my father left me in his will. Is this enforceable?

You thought everything was settled when your relative passed away, since their will clearly named you as the beneficiary of their property. Then out of nowhere, their former business partner shows up claiming there was a verbal agreement that gives him half of the property. That kind of situation feels confusing and stressful. Luckily, if you have a written legal document, you also have the upper hand.
March 25, 2026 Peter Kinney

It’s been years since we bought our house, but the old owner keeps coming by to check the mail and acts like she still lives here. What can we do?

If the previous owner of your house keeps coming by for unwanted visits, you need to take action quickly.
March 20, 2026 Peter Kinney
AI-generated image of a concerned coffee shop owner.

Our bank froze our business account during a fraud investigation, and now we can’t make payroll. How long can they legally hold our funds?

One day your business bank account is working normally. The next day, payments start bouncing, payroll won’t process, and the bank tells you your account has been frozen due to a fraud investigation. This situation happens more often than people realize. Luckily, there are some things you can do to speed up the process of getting your money released.
March 16, 2026 Peter Kinney