Allison Robertson articles

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
IRS Reporting

I put a $12k purchase on my credit card, and my brother says it’ll be reported to the IRS. My dad says only cash purchases are reported. Who’s right?

Will a $12,000 credit card purchase be reported to the IRS? Learn the truth about the $10,000 reporting rule, cash vs. credit transactions, and when large purchases actually raise tax concerns.
February 12, 2026 Allison Robertson
Property Insurance

My insurance company viewed my property on Google Earth, then immediately canceled my policy because I have shipping containers. Can they do that?

Can your home insurance company cancel your policy after spotting sea containers on Google Earth? This guide explains when insurers can legally terminate coverage in the U.S. and Canada, why shipping containers raise red flags, and what you can do next.
February 12, 2026 Allison Robertson
thrift

In 2006, a student bought a cheap sofa bed at a Berlin flea market and used it for months before finding a rare 17th-century painting hidden inside.

A German student bought a cheap sofa bed at a Berlin flea market in 2006 and used it for months — until she pulled it open and discovered a hidden 17th-century painting inside, turning an ordinary piece of furniture into an unforgettable art-world surprise.
February 4, 2026 Allison Robertson
Thrift store brooch

A woman bought a brooch for £20 at a thrift store for her child to play with, only to learn it was an old, rare jewel linked to Russian royalty.

A British mother bought a sparkly brooch for just £20 and let her young daughter wear it to school, only to later discover it was a rare 19th-century jewel linked to Russian royalty and estimated to be worth around $43,000.
February 4, 2026 Allison Robertson
Saving money

Are Canadians Saving More Than Americans? Latest Studies Reveal A Surprising Gap

Curious how your savings stack up? This article compares average savings in the U.S. and Canada, revealing surprising gaps, reasons behind them, and shocking stats about American savings.
January 28, 2026 Allison Robertson
Inheritance

My grandpa just died and my cousins all got a big inheritance, but my mom is keeping my portion. I’m 40 years old. Can she do that?

Your cousins got their inheritance, but your mom is keeping yours—at age 40. Learn what rights you have and how to challenge unfair inheritance issues when a parent blocks your share.
January 20, 2026 Allison Robertson
Retirement regret

The Retirement Mistake 85% of Gen X and Boomers Wish They Could Undo

A new survey reveals 85% of Gen X and Boomers regret not saving for retirement sooner. Learn why this mistake is so common, how it’s affecting their future, and what younger generations can do differently.
January 19, 2026 Allison Robertson
collections

Useless Items Collectors Still Pay Good Money For

Think it’s junk? Think again! From empty candy wrappers to old phone cards, these 25 seemingly useless items are now hot collectibles. Find out what they are and how much they’re worth today.
January 15, 2026 Allison Robertson