Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

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

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

Mom split the inheritance evenly between us siblings and our spouses. I'm divorced and got half what my brothers and their wives did. What can I do?

If you feel that the inheritance was divided unfairly between you and your siblings, your options for getting a better deal depend on the exact terms of the will.
February 6, 2026 Penelope Singh
An angry Mexican woman calling in front of a Canadian brick building

We bought a vacation home that now needs $40K in septic work. Can we back out?

You finally did it. You bought the dreamy vacation home. Lake views, quiet mornings, maybe even a fire pit. And then the inspection report ruins everything: the septic system is failing, and the estimate to fix it is hovering around $40,000. Suddenly the dream smells…off.
February 7, 2026 J. Clarke

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