Jack Hawkins articles

The company made me call a 1-800 number to cancel my subscription. I was on hold for an hour. Are companies really allowed to make you do that?

Can a company make you call a 1-800 number and wait on hold just to cancel a subscription? Here’s what consumers should know about cancellation rules, click-to-cancel laws, and what to do when quitting feels harder than joining.
May 27, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I was charged an overdraft fee even though I had the money. The teller at the bank couldn't help me, can I still dispute the charge?

Charged an overdraft fee even though you had money? Learn why it can happen, how to dispute the fee, what records to gather, and when to escalate your complaint.
May 26, 2026 Jack Hawkins

My wife, children, and I went out to a fine-dining restaurant. They refused to serve us because we had the kids with us. Can they really do that?

A fine-dining restaurant refused to serve a family because they brought children. Can restaurants legally ban kids? Here’s what parents should know about age rules, private business policies, discrimination, and what to do next.
May 22, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I loaned a friend $5,000 to buy a car via an informal payment arrangement. He recently tragically died. Can I still ask his widow to keep paying me?

Loaned a friend $5,000 before he passed away? Learn whether you can ask his widow to keep paying, how estate debts work, and how to handle the situation with compassion and proof.
May 22, 2026 Jack Hawkins
landlord internal

I deposited a check, but my bank held the money for 9 days, past when rent was due. Can they really do that?

Your bank held your deposited check for nine days and rent was due. Learn when long check holds are legal, why banks delay funds, what Regulation CC says, and what to do next.
May 21, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I hit my daily withdrawal limit and couldn’t access my own money when I really needed it. Is there anything I can do?

Hit your daily ATM or debit withdrawal limit at the worst possible time? Here’s what you can do right now, how to raise your limit, and smart ways to avoid getting locked out of your own money again.
May 21, 2026 Jack Hawkins

I tried to split a bill, but the waiter said their system "wouldn’t allow it." Is that really a thing?

Can a restaurant really refuse to split a bill because the system will not allow it? Here is why split checks can be complicated, what servers mean, and how to handle group dining without awkward money drama.
May 21, 2026 Jack Hawkins

Finance Rules That Older Baby Boomers Follow That Most Younger Boomers Don't—Are You Following These Rules?

Older Baby Boomers grew up with classic money rules that shaped how they saved, spent, borrowed, and retired. Here are some practical finance habits many older Boomers still follow—and why younger Boomers may want to revisit them.
May 20, 2026 Jack Hawkins

Finance Rules That Younger Baby Boomers Follow That Most Older Boomers Don't—Are You Following These Rules?

Explore the money rules younger Baby Boomers often follow that older Boomers may not, from digital banking and flexible retirement to smarter debt, downsizing, and spending with purpose.
May 20, 2026 Jack Hawkins