Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

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

My kid just moved in with me after spending years with my ex-wife. Turns out he’s unvaccinated. How do I get him enrolled in school?

A divorced father is stunned to discover his children are unvaccinated after transferring schools, uncovering years of missed communication, co-parenting assumptions, and quiet parental drift. This candid, engaging story explores how major decisions slip through the cracks after divorce—and what happens when family reality collides with school policy.
February 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins

Everybody knows the financial risks of lending money to relatives, but few know the legal risks.

The financial risks of lending to family members are obvious, but there are legal risks as well.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright
LegalReality

I spent my rent money on Black Friday deals. I thought I was being frugal. The landlord says eviction papers are next. Can I stall this?

The doorbell rang at 7 am, and the envelope that slid under the door carried an unmistakable weight. Inside, legal language spelled out a three-day notice to pay or quit—the formal beginning of eviction proceedings. Those discounted electronics and half-price furniture suddenly felt like anchors dragging a household toward homelessness. When anyone decides to spend designated rent funds on retail therapy creates a cascade of legal consequences that move faster than most people realize, and once a landlord files eviction paperwork, the timeline becomes ruthlessly mechanical. Stalling tactics exist, but they operate within strict legal boundaries that vary dramatically by state, and misunderstanding these rules accelerates rather than delays the process. Understanding what options remain requires separating Hollywood myths from actual tenant law.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright
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 on a cozy couch

The landlord says I’m competing with other applicants and have to pay to hold the unit. How do I avoid getting scammed?

You finally find a place that looks perfect, the landlord responds quickly, but then the pressure starts: “Other applicants are interested. If you want it, you need to pay a deposit to hold the unit.” This is exactly how rental scams work. The good news is you can protect yourself without losing every decent listing, as long as you know what to look for and how to slow the situation down.
February 10, 2026 Quinn Mercer

My wife cheated on me with another soldier while I was deployed. They're now claiming our spousal benefits. They're not married. What can I do?

Discover what really happens when a spouse cheats during deployment and claims spousal benefits without being married. This in-depth, plain-English guide explains military and civilian benefit rules, fraud risks, legal options, and practical steps service members can take to protect their finances, benefits, and future.
February 6, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Cars parked

My brother and I inherited Mom’s house. I want to rent the house out, but my brother lives there, refuses to move, and can’t buy me out. What now?

Siblings who jointly inherit the family home don't always see eye to eye on what should be done.
February 9, 2026 Peter Kinney

While snow-blowing my driveway, a chunk of ice flew and hit our neighbor's son. He was concussed. Do I have to pay his hospital bill?

A homeowner looks on in shock as a chunk of ice flies from his snowblower, highlighting the real-world risks of winter chores, liability concerns, and whether homeowners are responsible for accidental injuries.
February 6, 2026 Jack Hawkins
FinancialRecovery

I invested $4,000 in a “wellness retreat startup.” The founder disappeared. How do I get my money back?

Wellness startups sell a powerful idea. Better health, calmer lives, meaningful work, and often a promise of doing good while earning returns. That mix attracts everyday investors who want more than stocks and spreadsheets. Then reality hits. After putting $4,000 into a wellness retreat startup, the founder vanished. Messages stopped. Updates dried up. Social accounts went quiet. Confusion quickly turned into worry. Situations like this sit in a gray area between business risk and something more troubling. Not every failed startup involves wrongdoing, yet disappearance raises serious questions. Understanding what went wrong matters before taking action. Legal remedies exist, though results vary. After all, financial protections depend on how the money is moved. Plus, practical steps can also improve recovery odds, even when outcomes feel uncertain. The goal now shifts from growth to damage control. So, here’s how to assess your options and respond strategically.
February 9, 2026 Marlon Wright
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

My neighbor accused me of dumping snow onto his driveway. He doesn't have a car. Why can't I just put it there?

Can you dump snow on your neighbor’s driveway if he doesn’t have a car? This practical guide explains the legal risks, neighbor etiquette, liability concerns, and smarter ways to shovel without starting a winter feud.
February 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins