Flipboard 2025 Finance Tips

I'm the CEO of a non-profit. Our C-Suite just went on a trip to St. Barts. Can we write this off on our taxes if we call it "networking"?

Tempted to call that luxury C-suite retreat in St. Barts “networking” and move on? This sharp, CEO-level guide breaks down what nonprofits can—and absolutely can’t—write off, how the IRS really evaluates executive travel, and why documentation, optics, and intent matter more than the destination. Perfect reading for nonprofit leaders who want to stay compliant without killing the vibe.
February 11, 2026 Jack Hawkins
LegalReality

I spent my rent money on Black Friday deals. I thought I was being frugal. The landlord says eviction papers are next. Can I stall this?

The doorbell rang at 7 am, and the envelope that slid under the door carried an unmistakable weight. Inside, legal language spelled out a three-day notice to pay or quit—the formal beginning of eviction proceedings. Those discounted electronics and half-price furniture suddenly felt like anchors dragging a household toward homelessness. When anyone decides to spend designated rent funds on retail therapy creates a cascade of legal consequences that move faster than most people realize, and once a landlord files eviction paperwork, the timeline becomes ruthlessly mechanical. Stalling tactics exist, but they operate within strict legal boundaries that vary dramatically by state, and misunderstanding these rules accelerates rather than delays the process. Understanding what options remain requires separating Hollywood myths from actual tenant law.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright
Your Car, Gone

I co-signed a loan for my son. He defaulted, and now the bank is taking my car. Can they really do that?

You thought you were helping your kid out. Maybe it was a car loan, student debt, or a personal loan to get them on their feet. You signed your name on that dotted line as a co-signer, figuring your son would handle the payments as he promised. Fast forward a few months or years, and now you're staring at a repossession notice or a demand letter from the bank. They want your car. Your savings. Maybe even a lien on your house. The gut-punch question hits hard: can they actually do this? The short answer is yes, they absolutely can. When you co-signed that loan, you didn't just vouch for your son's character or give him a confidence boost. You legally bound yourself to the entire debt as if you'd borrowed the money yourself. The bank doesn't see you as a backup plan or a safety net. In their eyes, you're a co-borrower with equal responsibility.
February 11, 2026 Marlon Wright
Enough for retirement

I only have $1.2 million saved for retirement, but I don’t want to sell my lake house. Can I still retire comfortably?

The worry often begins with a simple thought that slowly grows louder: there is $1.2 million saved for retirement, yet a beloved lake house remains firmly off the table for selling. It represents decades of memories and a lifestyle that feels essential to happiness. At the same time, retirement brings uncertainty about how long savings must last. This tension between financial security and emotional attachment is more common than most people realize. The encouraging truth is that retirement comfort is rarely decided by one factor. It is shaped by how spending habits and property work together over time.
February 11, 2026 Marlon Wright
woman worried over credit card debt

My father died, and no one realized how much credit card debt he had. Now I've inherited it and I can't pay. What now?

Millions of Americans unknowingly face credit card debt after a loved one dies. Learn how inherited debt works, common mistakes families make, and how to protect yourself.
February 11, 2026 Miles Brucker
Perplexed man in modern apartment

My landlord refuses to return my security deposit because of excessive “wear and tear.” How do I fight this?

You clean the place, return the keys, and wait for your security deposit...only to be told it’s being kept because of “excessive wear and tear.” If you’re staring at a list of charges that feels unfair or inflated, you’re not powerless. There are clear rules around wear and tear, and landlords don’t get to redefine them just because a tenant moved out.
February 11, 2026 Marlon Wright
Man stressed over bills

My parents died suddenly with huge credit card debt. Debt collectors are coming after me, and I’m panicking because I can’t afford it. What do I do?

Losing a parent is one of life’s most disorienting experiences. When that loss is followed by phone calls or letters demanding money you never borrowed, grief can quickly turn into panic. The emotional timing alone can make it hard to think clearly or push back
February 10, 2026 Jesse Singer

My kid just moved in with me after spending years with my ex-wife. Turns out he’s unvaccinated. How do I get him enrolled in school?

A divorced father is stunned to discover his children are unvaccinated after transferring schools, uncovering years of missed communication, co-parenting assumptions, and quiet parental drift. This candid, engaging story explores how major decisions slip through the cracks after divorce—and what happens when family reality collides with school policy.
February 10, 2026 Jack Hawkins

Everybody knows the financial risks of lending money to relatives, but few know the legal risks.

The financial risks of lending to family members are obvious, but there are legal risks as well.
February 10, 2026 Marlon Wright
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
Concerned woman on a cozy couch

The landlord says I’m competing with other applicants and have to pay to hold the unit. How do I avoid getting scammed?

You finally find a place that looks perfect, the landlord responds quickly, but then the pressure starts: “Other applicants are interested. If you want it, you need to pay a deposit to hold the unit.” This is exactly how rental scams work. The good news is you can protect yourself without losing every decent listing, as long as you know what to look for and how to slow the situation down.
February 10, 2026 Quinn Mercer

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