Jack Hawkins articles

I wanted to have an in-house funeral for my father before the cemetery, but the HOA says we can't park funeral cars on the street. Can they do that?

A family wanted an in-house funeral before heading to the cemetery, but their HOA said funeral cars could not park on the street. Here is what HOAs can and cannot usually control, and how families can handle the dispute with less stress.
April 2, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I want to install solar panels on my roof. My HOA says that violates their "aesthetics" clause in my contract. Can they stop me?

Can an HOA block solar panels because of an aesthetics clause? Learn when HOA rules apply, how state solar laws protect homeowners, and what to do if your board says no.
April 2, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I heat with a woodstove and want to fell some trees to use for firewood. My HOA says I can't and that the trees belong to them. Are they serious?

Can an HOA stop you from cutting trees for firewood? Here’s what homeowners need to know about woodstoves, HOA rules, common-area trees, and when “those trees belong to us” is actually true.
April 1, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My dad says I should always pay cash for houses. But my financial advisor says I need to get a credit card to apply for a mortgage. Who's right?

My dad says to always pay cash for a house, but my advisor says I need a credit card to get a mortgage. Here’s who’s right, how credit really works, and what future homebuyers should do.
April 1, 2026 Jack Hawkins
Internal - Power Bill Hack

Our power company was hacked and they delayed billing by 3 months to fix it. Now, my bill is over $1,000. Are they just guessing how much I owe?

Power bill delayed after a utility hack? Learn whether your electric company is estimating what you owe, how to read a catch-up bill, and what to do if a surprise $1,000 charge lands in your mailbox.
April 1, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My Dad is an oil exec. He promised me a job once I completed OJT in a different state. I got back, and the position was filled. What can I do?

My dad promised me a job at his oil company—but the role was filled when I returned. Here’s what to do next, how to navigate the situation, and how to build your career independently.
March 27, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My wife and I just sold our home. She thinks we can deduct up to $500,000 from our income taxes. I think we're playing with fire. Is she right?

Can married couples really exclude $500,000 in home sale profits from taxes? Learn how the IRS home sale exclusion works, key rules to qualify, and common mistakes to avoid when selling your house.
March 27, 2026 Jack Hawkins

We're Americans who own property in Canada, but have heard taxes on homeownership are going up. What should we do?

Are foreign homeowner taxes increasing in Canada? Learn the truth about new housing taxes, who they apply to, and whether Canadian snowbirds should be concerned.
March 27, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My parents want to sell their house and move to the same condo building as me. I really would rather not have them living next door. What can I do?

Parents want to move into your condo building? Learn how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and maintain your independence—without damaging your relationship—in this practical, relatable guide.
March 26, 2026 Jack Hawkins