Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

worried woman in front of a last will and testament and a calculator

Americans Should Know That These Common Inheritance Mistakes Can Cost Families Everything

Avoid costly inheritance mistakes with this practical guide for Americans, explaining wills, beneficiaries, taxes, probate, and estate planning errors that can derail families and destroy generational wealth.
January 22, 2026 Penelope Singh
Damaged Car - Fb

My new car that I was so excited for was damaged during shipping. The dealer says it's "not their problem." How do I fight back?

Discovering damage on a brand-new vehicle feels like a punch to the gut, especially after months of careful research, test drives, negotiations, and financial planning. The excitement of finally getting those keys transforms into disbelief when scratches or mechanical issues appear on what should be a pristine purchase. And when dealerships deflect responsibility by blaming transport companies, buyers often feel powerless and confused about their options. But the reality is that customers hold more leverage than most realize, and understanding the chain of responsibility makes all the difference in getting proper resolution.
January 23, 2026 Marlon Wright

My landlord just died and now his relatives are demanding that I pay $5K property tax for the house. I only rent the basement suite. What do I do?

If your landlord passes away, his/her heirs aren't able to change the terms of your lease agreement.
January 22, 2026 Sammy Tran
Expectation versus reality

I just found out that my parents used my inheritance to pay off their own debt. Am I just out of luck?

The question often surfaces, usually after a bank statement or a lawyer’s letter that doesn’t say what you expected. Inheritance, in theory, feels like something solid and promised, even when no one ever said it out loud.
January 22, 2026 Marlon Wright
Can charges apply?

My sister forged my name on a car title so she could sell it. I found out when I got the tax bill. Can I have her charged?

When someone forges another person's name on legal documents like car titles, they've committed multiple criminal offenses that prosecutors take seriously. And yes, this is regardless of familial relationships. The stakes get higher when you consider that forgery, fraud, and potentially even identity theft charges could apply. Meanwhile, you're stuck with tax liability for a vehicle you don't own anymore, and the buyer might be an innocent victim who purchased what they believed was a legitimate vehicle. The legal scenario here is complex, messy, and unfortunately quite common in family disputes involving valuable property.
January 20, 2026 Marlon Wright

I got a deal on a new motorcycle jacket. I gave it to my buddy as a gift, then he sold it for five times what I paid for it. Should I be mad?

If you give a friend a gift and he turns around and sells it at a big profit, you may be questioning how much of a friend he really is.
January 21, 2026 Sasha Wren

I’m 55 with $900K saved and no debt. Can I retire now or should I wait?

You’re 55, sitting on $900,000 in savings, and—best of all—completely debt-free. On paper, that sounds like the dream. But retirement isn’t just about hitting a number. It’s about timing, lifestyle, risk tolerance, and whether that money can realistically last as long as you do. The short answer? You might be able to retire now—but whether you should depends on a handful of crucial factors most people overlook.
January 22, 2026 J. Clarke
woman worried about debts at desk with bills

My sister has been paying her credit card with her line of credit, but now both are maxed out and she's asking me what to do. What can I tell her?

Maxed-out credit cards and lines of credit can feel overwhelming. Learn practical, expert-backed steps to stabilize debt, manage payments, avoid scams, and rebuild financial control.
January 21, 2026 Penelope Singh
Withhold rent legally?

I found out my landlord is renting an illegal apartment. Can I stop paying rent without getting evicted?

A surprise like discovering your apartment isn’t legal hits hard. The hallway feels a little colder, the pipes seem louder, and suddenly every creak raises questions you never had before. Plenty of renters learn the truth only after a city inspector stops by or a neighbor casually mentions zoning rules. Once you know the place isn’t registered or doesn’t meet safety codes, the big question surfaces fast: Can you stop paying rent without getting kicked out? Renters across the country face this tense scenario, and understanding your legal footing matters more than ever.
January 21, 2026 Marlon Wright

I just inherited $22K from my grandma's will. Now my stepdad wants me to co-sign a loan so he can start his own barbershop. What now?

If you came into a large sum of money, you must think carefully before you commit to co-signing a loan for a family member.
January 20, 2026 J.D. Blackwell
Bank

When you want to withdraw $5,000 or more from the bank, a series of quiet rules take effect that slow the process down.

Few people expect a routine bank visit to slow down once a withdrawal grows larger, and pulling $5,000 from a bank account seems ordinary. However, extra questions and identity checks appear without warning, and behind the counter, a series of quiet rules come to life.
January 20, 2026 Marlon Wright
Binary Bill - Fb

Every American bill has a serial number. If you find one with only two digits, it's worth big money to a collector.

Most people think cash is only worth its printed value, but that's not always true. Some bills have hidden value in their serial numbers, which collectors hunt for. So, your everyday change could potentially be worth tens to hundreds more than you expect.
January 20, 2026 Marlon Wright