Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

Woman tap card to pay at store

When Stores Prefer You Tap Over Swiping, It’s To Protect Themselves

It happens almost everywhere now. Before you even reach for the card reader, they’re already suggesting tap. It sounds like a small convenience—but it isn’t random. Behind that tiny wave symbol is a quiet shift in how stores manage risk, speed, and money. And most customers have no idea it’s happening.
February 17, 2026 Jesse Singer
Vineyards - Fb

I love wine so I purchased a small vineyard, but it barely breaks even. Should I keep it for the lifestyle or sell for profit?

You wake up to rows of vines stretching toward the horizon, their leaves catching the morning light like thousands of tiny mirrors. The air smells of earth and possibility. Your vineyard—your beautiful, stubborn, financially questionable vineyard—is calling. It's decision time, and the calculator on your kitchen table tells a very different story than your heart does. The romance of winemaking crashes headlong into spreadsheet reality, and you're stuck in the middle, wondering if you're a passionate artisan or just someone who's really good at expensive hobbies. This isn't just about grapes and balance sheets. It's about choosing between two completely different futures.
February 16, 2026 Marlon Wright

My mother took out student loans in my name to put her stepdaughter through college. Do I have to pay back the loan, even though I made no use of it?

Can your mom take out student loans in your name without you knowing? If you’ve discovered debt you didn’t agree to, you’re not alone. This article breaks down whether you’re legally responsible, how identity theft works in family situations, what to do if your signature was forged, and how to protect your credit. Learn the difference between federal and private loans, how to dispute fraudulent student debt, and the steps to safeguard your financial future.
February 17, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My boss cut massage therapy from my insurance plan. I have a debilitating back issue that requires treatment. What can I do?

When your employer cuts massage therapy from your insurance but you rely on it for chronic back pain, what can you do? Learn your rights, explore accommodation options, appeal coverage decisions, and find practical ways to protect both your health and your paycheck.
February 17, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Couple working on their will with a lawyer

My father assured us his will was airtight. When it failed, it turned his passing into a nightmare. How do I make sure it doesn't happen to me?

Why do so many wills fail? Learn the most common legal mistakes, will contests, probate delays, and intestacy risks that can derail estate plans and create financial stress for families.
February 17, 2026 Jane O'Shea
Subscription renewal shock

I thought I was signing up for a free trial. Now, a subscription box has charged me $600 in “non-refundable” renewals. Can I fight this?

You signed up for what looked like a harmless free trial. A few clicks, maybe a shipping fee, nothing serious. Then your bank statement shows $600 gone, labeled as “non-refundable” subscription renewals you never authorized. Shock turns into confusion, then frustration. Can a company really lock you into charges that large based on fine print? At the center of this situation lies a tension between consumer rights and aggressive subscription business models. Companies rely on automatic renewals to generate steady revenue. Consumers, on the other hand, rely on clear information and fair dealing. When those expectations clash, the real question becomes simple: do you have the power to push back? Before you write it off as a costly mistake, pause and take action—review the terms, gather your records, and find out whether those charges can be challenged.
February 17, 2026 Marlon Wright
Cashier and $2 bill

The $2 Bill Is Legal Currency—But Using It Still Makes Cashiers Nervous

Hand a cashier a $2 bill and watch what happens. There’s often a pause. A second look. Sometimes even a manager gets called over. So why does this little bill instantly make checkout awkward?
February 16, 2026 Jesse Singer
Confused couple with HOA notice

The HOA approved my renovation, but now says it violates updated rules. Can approvals be reversed after work begins?

You got the approval and did the paperwork. You hired contractors and maybe even lived through the noise and mess. Now, out of nowhere, the HOA tells you the renovation violates updated rules and needs to change or stop.
February 16, 2026 Quinn Mercer
Retiree thinking about downsizing

I own my home and plan to stay, but my children think I should downsize to cover retirement costs. Which plan is best?

Owning your home outright feels like winning the retirement game: there's no rent, no mortgage, and stability you worked decades for. That is, until your kids start asking uncomfortable questions about property taxes, maintenance, healthcare costs, and whether staying put is really “the smartest move.”
February 16, 2026 Peter Kinney

I retired 10 years ago. My kids keep telling me to sell my home and just rent instead. Are they crazy?

Most people see homeownership as a financial milestone—but there’s a surprising reason why renting can be better for retirees.
February 17, 2026 Ella Mason
Mother and son online shopping

I don't have to worry about money and I always supported my kids no matter what. I see now it was a mistake. How do I get them on the right track?

Money solves plenty of problems. It also quietly creates new ones at home. Parenting shifts once financial pressure fades, and everyday choices begin to carry different lessons.
February 16, 2026 Miles Brucker
Income Reporting

I earned $500 freelancing last year and didn’t report it, and now I’m panicking. Am I in trouble?

Earned $500 freelancing and forgot to report it? Learn what actually happens with small unreported income, whether you’re at risk, and how to fix it without panic.
February 13, 2026 Allison Robertson