Finance Tips

Finance Tips



My daughter asked me to pay her first month's rent in a new rental. Now she's moving out because it's "unsuitable." Can I get my money back?

We all want to help our children out when we can, no matter how old they are. For some parents, that means putting up the first month's rent in their new apartment, or their damage deposit. But what happens if your kid flakes on an apartment that you've put up your hard-earned money for? What recourse do you have? Let's explore your options.
July 29, 2025 Jack Hawkins

I borrowed $50K to start a dog bakery. My town hates dogs. How do I explain this to my bank?

So, you had a dream: gourmet biscuits for pampered pups, peanut butter pupcakes, and adorable branding. You borrowed $50,000 and opened a dog bakery—only to discover your town has zero love for furry friends. Now you’re in debt, the treats aren’t moving, and your bank wants answers. Let’s walk through how to explain it with clarity, honesty, and maybe even some dignity.
July 28, 2025 Jack Hawkins

I just found out my dad took out a second mortgage to pay my college tuition. I had no idea. What should I do now?

You may have believed your parents paid for your college tuition out of their own pocket (and of course are immensely grateful as a result), when suddenly it emerges that your Dad took out a second mortgage to pay for your education. He took a huge financial risk, and you don't know how to feel about it now. Here's what to do.
July 28, 2025 Jack Hawkins

My best friend keeps Venmo-requesting me for “shared” expenses I never agreed to. How do I set a boundary without losing the friendship?

Blowing up someone's phone isn't cool at the best of times; it's even less cool to do with Venmo requests for "shared expenses." If you have a friend that's constantly sending you Venmo requests for things that you didn't consent to buy, that's not friendship—that's financial abuse.
July 28, 2025 Jack Hawkins

My mom stole a check I got from a car accident settlement. She says it was for “raising me.” Can I take her to court?

Discovering that your parent took your settlement check can feel like a deep betrayal. While she may claim it was justified, legally, parenting doesn’t entitle her to that money. You may have legal recourse, but it starts with knowing your rights and taking a structured approach to justice.
July 27, 2025 Jack Hawkins

I took out a secret personal loan to cover our wedding costs. My partner still doesn’t know. How do I come clean?

Paying for a wedding is an incredibly stressful experience. Even if you've got the support of family members, you could still end up paying an arm and a leg for your fairy tale day. If you've found yourself and taken the disastrous decision to take out a personal loan to pay for your wedding—without telling your partner... Well, this article might be for you. Let's explore how to have that conversation and what to do to fix your mistake.
July 27, 2025 Jack Hawkins

My sister tells people I’m “stealing from our dad” to discredit me. He has dementia and I’m his caretaker. What can I do?

Imagine the betrayal of being told that your own sister is accusing you of mismanaging your very ill father's money? It happens to some people. While jealousy is usually the culprit, such accusations can be hugely detrimental to your mental health and your reputation. They can even end up in a courtroom. Here's our guide to navigating this situation and getting out with your health and dignity still intact.
July 26, 2025 Jack Hawkins
Tenant Intfbog

I let a friend stay in our rental. They stopped paying and won't leave. What now?

Letting a friend stay in your rental might feel generous at first—but if they stop paying and won’t leave, it becomes a legal and emotional dilemma. Whether they were a tenant or just a guest, this guide walks you through how to handle the situation calmly and legally.
July 26, 2025 J. Clarke

My boyfriend makes twice as much as I do but insists we split everything 50/50. Is that fair?

Finances in a relationship can be tricky to navigate, particularly if you make less than your partner but they insist that you split everything 50/50. How are you supposed to come up with $1000 for rent when you only make $2000 a month, but they make $4000? This is on top of all of your other shared expenses. Let's examine what to do when your partnership begins to feel more like financial slavery.
July 25, 2025 Jack Hawkins
Cosign Intfbog

My brother made me co-sign a loan and stopped paying. Now collectors are coming after me. Can I get out of this?

Co-signing a loan for a family member might seem like a helpful move, but if they stop paying, you’re on the hook. Collectors can legally pursue you, and your credit and finances could suffer. Here's what to know—and how to protect yourself—if that happens.
July 25, 2025 J. Clarke

My crypto wallet got hacked and I lost $14,000. Is there any way to recover it, or at least write it off?

Crypto wallets aren't the most secure assets at the best of times, but losing $14,000 to hackers is a true gut punch. Especially if you sunk all the money you had into your crypto wallet, let's explore your options to get your money back, or at least limit the damage.
July 24, 2025 Jack Hawkins

Old Computers and Consoles That Are Worth Serious Cash

From clunky home computers of the ’70s to quirky game consoles from the ’90s, vintage tech has become one of the most surprising investment trends of the decade. Whether collecting out of nostalgia or hunting down rare gems to flip for profit, here's a list of retro consoles and computers—ranked from the modestly valuable to the jaw-droppingly pricey—that could make you rich if you still have one tucked away.
July 22, 2025 Jack Hawkins