Have you ever come across a heart-wrenching social media post, only to realize later that it was a scam? It’s a scenario many people have encountered—falling victim to fraudulent schemes on platforms like Facebook. Whether it’s an emotional plea for help or a distressing story, these scams can exploit your trust and generosity, resulting in …
Dear FineMark: Should We Leave More to One Child Than the Others?
It’s a dilemma many families face—how to divide an estate fairly among children with different financial circumstances. In today’s Dear FineMark, we’re addressing a heartfelt question from a couple in their 80s: “My husband and I are both in our 80s with three grown children. Our estate plan currently splits everything equally, which I’ve always …
The Hidden Dangers of Checks: Mail Theft, Fakes, and Mobile Scams
Despite the rise of digital payments, check fraud hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s evolving. Criminals are now using advanced tools like artificial intelligence, high-resolution printers, and email hacking to produce incredibly convincing fake checks. Here’s a closer look at how these scams work and what you can do to protect yourself. Common Types of …
Dear FineMark: How to navigate estate planning in blended families?
Today’s Dear FineMark involves Suspicious beneficiary designations. Divorce decrees. And a $500,000 life insurance policy. Here is the question… “I’ve been married 16 years and am planning to file for divorce. Before my husband and married, I bought a home on my own, and throughout our marriage, I have been the only person working-and I …
Dear FineMark: What to Do When You’re Left in the Dark After a Parent’s Death
Grief is hard enough. But when it’s followed by confusion, or worse, suspicion about a loved one’s estate, it can be even more overwhelming. Today’s Dear FineMark is from a man facing a difficult situation with a sibling after his father passed. Here is the question… “My father passed away in Florida about two months …
Dear FineMark: How do I protect my daughter’s inheritance from partner’s financial challenges?
Today’s Dear FineMark is from a father concerned about his daughter’s inheritance. Here is the question… As parents, our instinct to protect our children doesn’t fade with time, it simply shifts focus. For one father in his 80s, the concern is no longer about raising his daughter but about safeguarding the wealth he’s built for …
Why Naming a Beneficiary on Your Bank Account Is Just as Important as Having a Will
When it comes to estate planning, most people focus on creating a will, and for good reason. A will outlines your wishes and provides direction for how your assets should be distributed after your passing. But what many people don’t realize is that beneficiary designations on financial accounts can actually override what’s written in a …
Financial Readiness Checklist for Hurricane Season
Are you ready for hurricane season? Explore three video topics on financial preparedness. The first video covers creating a financial readiness checklist, the second focuses on securing the home and protecting assets, and the third addresses post-storm steps. Each video provides practical advice for financial security during uncertain times. Part 1 – Financial Readiness Checklist …
Phone Number Spoofing Scams: What You Need to Know
Have you ever encountered a call from a seemingly familiar number, possibly even displaying your own area code? These calls may appear harmless initially, but they could be instances of spoofing, where scammers manipulate caller IDs to deceive you. Sometimes, the number may look local, or it might mimic a known company or government agency, …
FBI Warns: Online File Converters Could Be Stealing Your Information
Have you ever used a free online file converter? If your answer is yes, you may want to think twice before doing it again. The FBI has issued a warning that some of these tools could be used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. How the Scam Works …
Dear FineMark: What do I do if an aging parent who needs help but is refusing it.
Today’s Dear FineMark is an aging parent who needs help but is refusing it. Here is the question… “My 87-year-old father lives alone, manages chronic health conditions, and is showing signs of memory loss. He struggles with daily tasks but refuses to discuss assisted living. I live an hour away, and my siblings are out …
Dear FineMark: Should I add a struggling daughter to my home’s title for security?
Today’s Dear FineMark is about add a child to your home’s title. Here’s the question… “I’m a widowed mother with two adult daughters—one financially stable in New York and the other, divorced and struggling, in Florida. I own a nice home in Florida and want to ensure my struggling daughter always has a place to …
