Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

For years, my Dad told me I couldn't claim my home-office as a tax deduction. Now my accountant tells me I can. Who's right?

Can you really deduct a home office on your taxes? We break down why your dad may have been right years ago, why your accountant is right now, and who actually qualifies for the home office deduction today.
February 4, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Concerned daughter with supportive parents

I just found out about the $19,000 gift tax rule—my parents gave me $24,000 last year, and now I’m panicking. Will I owe taxes?

You’re scrolling, minding your business, and suddenly you see it: the $19,000 gift tax rule. Your brain does the math. Your parents gave you $24,000. Your heart rate spikes. Did you accidentally trigger a massive tax bill without knowing it?
February 4, 2026 Jesse Singer
Senior woman concerned about her retirement

I planned to retire this year but rising costs have made me question whether my savings will last. How do I know if it’s really safe to retire now?

You had a date in mind but then inflation, higher grocery bills, rising insurance premiums, and the general cost of existing hit your budget like a surprise subscription you never signed up for. If you’re suddenly wondering whether it’s still safe to retire, you’re not being dramatic; you’re being smart. Here's how to know if your retirement plan can handle real life, including rising costs and unexpected expenses.
February 3, 2026 Peter Kinney

I'm a snowplow operator. While plowing at a church, a chunk of ice smashed a priceless stained glass window. Do I pay, or does the city?

A snowplow operator accidentally shatters a priceless stained-glass window with flying ice—who pays for the damage? We break down liability, insurance, city responsibility, and what drivers need to know about winter plowing accidents.
February 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I shoveled snow from my driveway onto the road for the plow to handle. Instead, I received a visit from the police and a $500 fine. Why?

Think pushing snow into the road helps the plow? One homeowner learned the hard way with a $500 fine. Here’s why it’s illegal—and how to avoid it.
February 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My HOA has a "no flag" policy for the neighborhood. I'm a veteran and want to fly the flag out of respect. They said no. What should I do?

A veteran wants to fly the American flag, but their HOA says no. This fun, informative guide breaks down your rights, HOA rules, federal law, and smart ways to push back—without starting a neighborhood war.
February 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins

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

I was medically discharged from the military and am supposed to be "looked after". Instead, I'm homeless and jobless. What now?

A medically discharged veteran was promised support—but ended up homeless and jobless. Here’s what to do when the system fails and where to turn next.
February 5, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Internal - Home Heating Argument

Heat Pumps Or A Ducted Woodstove: Help My Wife & I Settle An Argument Before We Spend $10,000

He wants to spend $5,000 on a heating upgrade. She says it’s a waste. Who’s right? A practical look at comfort, costs, and smart home upgrades.
February 4, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My wife gave me an ultimatum: either we go on vacation this year, rather than paying off our mortgage early, or she's done. What do I do?

My wife gave me an ultimatum: vacation or mortgage. This fun, honest finance article breaks down what to do when money goals clash with marriage, and how to choose wisely without wrecking your finances—or your relationship.
February 4, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Surprised woman holding a smartphone

I gave my sister my Netflix login. She racked up $200 in unauthorized subscriptions through my linked payment method. Can I make her pay it back?

The shock rarely comes from the amount alone. It comes from noticing a charge that feels unfamiliar and realizing it traces back to a shared login you barely thought about anymore. What once seemed like a harmless convenience suddenly carries financial weight. Yes, digital platforms make things easier, yet they rarely signal when convenience begins to blur responsibility in meaningful ways. Payment details also remain quietly attached, even as access spreads across people and devices over time. That disconnect catches many users off guard and creates confusion. It feels informal at first, but quickly becomes complicated when real money is involved. This article explains how shared accounts lead to unexpected charges, what options exist once they appear, and how clearer boundaries can prevent similar problems before trust turns into tension or lasting resentment.
February 4, 2026 Miles Brucker
Uncle explains, nephew listens confused

My uncle keeps trying to convince me that income taxes are unconstitutional and I don’t have to pay them. I’ve never heard that before. Is it true?

Your uncle’s claim sounds pretty extreme, but we’re sure he delivered it with confidence and plenty of legal-sounding language. So, is this actually true? Are income taxes unconstitutional?
February 3, 2026 Jesse Singer