Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

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 My father says the “$600 rule” will cost me thousands in taxes—my uncle says the rule was repealed.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 Another says it was repealed and you’re fine.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 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

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

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

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

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