The Latest Breaking News from The Free Financial Advisor

Credit cards promise a lot. You see ads for free flights, cash back, and fancy airport lounges. It sounds easy. But many credit card perks come with strict rules that most people overlook until it’s too late. These hidden conditions can make it hard actually to use the benefits you…

Retirement homes are supposed to offer peace of mind. You expect clear costs, a safe place, and no surprises. But lately, more people are asking if retirement homes are quietly charging hidden admission fees. This matters because these fees can add up fast, and you might not see them coming.…

When you use an ATM, you expect a quick, private transaction. But as banks and ATM operators update their machines, some features that once protected your financial privacy are disappearing. These changes might seem small, but they can add up to a big loss of control over your personal information.…

As more of our lives move online, digital assets—from cryptocurrency wallets to cloud-stored family photos—are becoming a key part of estate planning. But while some assets can and should be protected in a trust, others raise serious concerns when mishandled. In fact, there are specific types of online holdings trusts…

Scammers know that seniors are often kind-hearted, trusting, and willing to engage in conversation, which makes them easy targets. Every year, thousands of older adults are tricked into revealing private details over the phone, leading to stolen identities, emptied bank accounts, and emotional distress. The most effective scams are often…

You might think your partner will automatically inherit your accounts or assets when you pass, but many people are shocked to learn that beneficiary designations often benefit the financial institution more than the person you love. Outdated policies, restrictive rules, and inflexible account agreements can leave surviving partners with fewer…

Retirement should bring peace of mind and financial stability, but for many women, unexpected delays in receiving refunds and reimbursements create added stress. Whether it’s tax returns, overpaid premiums, or owed pension benefits, women often wait longer than men due to systemic gaps in records, outdated processes, or assumptions about…

Planning ahead for funeral expenses can be a thoughtful way to ease the financial burden on loved ones, but not all premium funeral plans are created with your best interest in mind. Some are carefully crafted to sound helpful while hiding high fees, limited flexibility, and little to no payout…

It’s hard enough planning for your family’s future after you’re gone, but all that careful effort can unravel if one tiny detail gets missed. For many families, missing one tax form during estate or inheritance filings has led to expensive delays, surprise bills, and even lost assets. Tax forms may…

Trusting someone with your life savings is a huge leap of faith, and unfortunately, not all financial advisor promises are as reliable as they sound. Many clients have discovered too late that the advice they received left them exposed to unnecessary risk, poor returns, or even total financial collapse. Whether…

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be a powerful financial tool, especially in retirement, but the fine print can leave even the most financially savvy seniors scratching their heads. Many older adults assume they fully understand how HSAs work—only to discover late-in-the-game rules that affect taxes, contributions, or withdrawals. If you’re…