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Live a richer life.
Authors
Christy Bieber
Christy Bieber

Christy Bieber

Contributing Writer

Christy Bieber is a US based personal finance and legal writer who has 15 years of experience. She has written for many publications including Forbes, Kilplinger, CNN, WSJ, Credit Karma, Insurify and more.

Christy Bieber has 15 years of experience writing for many publications including Forbes, Kilplinger, CNN, WSJ, Credit Karma, Insurify and more. In addition to writing for the web, she has also ghostwritten textbooks and worked as a legal studies professor. She and her husband have two kids and two dogs, and split their time between Pennsylvania and Florida.

Christy Bieber's Expertise

She has a JD from UCLA School of Law, and a BA in English Media and Communications from the University of Rochester.

JerryRigEverything standing in front of the gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck.

Auto • 14901 views

YouTuber spent $60K gold-plating a Tesla Cybertruck, then watched it sell at auction for far less than he paid

By Christy Bieber
Woman on the phone at a mechanic shop, looking upset, while man works on car in the background.

Auto • Sep 06

I owe $13,000 on my car, but it suddenly needs a new $9,000 engine — I can’t afford that. What am I supposed to do now?

By Christy Bieber
morales and car

Auto • Aug 26

A Boston woman brought her car in for repairs — then she saw a stranger driving it around town

By Christy Bieber
A parent stealing the identity of their own child can be a messy situation.

Credit Cards • Dec 01

Dad opened a credit card in my name, spent $5K and got mad when my uncle helped me out. How to respond to familial fraud

By Christy Bieber
Before you start canceling credit cards, be sure to do your homework.

Credit Cards • Oct 04

I have more than 20 credit cards — but I don't need them all. Would canceling a few cause a huge hit to my credit score?

By Christy Bieber
Man holding four credit cards looking at his computer

Credit Cards • Apr 24

How many credit cards is too many? I have four unused cards for emergencies — am I just asking for trouble?

By Christy Bieber
starbucks cup

Employment • Oct 15

Starbucks offered hundreds of axed workers voluntary severance pay — here’s how to find the silver lining in a layoff

By Christy Bieber
A group of business people sitting in a lobby.

Employment • Sep 19

Walmart's HR VP says she avoids this type of person when hiring — and top employees have this trait in common

By Christy Bieber
A 50-year-old started a side business, and it generated seven figures in a year. Find out how he did it, and how to choose a lucrative side hustle of your own.

Employment • May 28

A new hope: How one man’s Star Wars design turned into a million-dollar side hustle

By Christy Bieber
Worried man repairing fishing rod while standing in lake by rocks

Loans • Dec 02

My dad died and I just learned he paid off my school tuition with $90,000 in loans. Am I now on the hook for this?

By Christy Bieber
Retired 91-year old veteran discussing the loan he has to pay back.

News • May 18

This Vietnam vet, 91, took out a $900 loan online only to find out it was set at a shocking 682% interest rate

By Christy Bieber
Christina and Tony Brown say they were the victims of a check scam.

Loans • May 12

Ohio couple loses thousands in fake check scam

By Christy Bieber
Photo of a man looking angrily at two tenants in his home

Real Estate • 10575 views

My father died and left me a $1 million house that I want to sell — but its two tenants won’t leave. What are my rights?

By Christy Bieber
Piper loves her apartment, but she's starting to worry about the road not taken.

Real Estate • Aug 24

Homeowners have 44x more wealth than renters — but experts say buying right now could be a costly mistake

By Christy Bieber
Stressed woman holding her house keys.

Real Estate • Aug 15

Real estate lawyers reveal why calling police won't help when a previous owner refuses to leave your new home

By Christy Bieber
man thinking

Retirement • Oct 07

I was laid off at 55 and have a $2M net worth. Getting hired again could be tough — do I have enough money to retire?

By Christy Bieber
A couple enjoying a day outside.

Retirement • 63490 views

I’m worth $6M and retired, while my new husband has very little. I don’t want to fund his retirement — am I wrong?

By Christy Bieber
Young man looking upset, sitting in chair with hands clasped on chin.

Retirement • Sep 28

My grandpa always wanted me to have his truck — but when he died, my dad sold it and kept the cash. What are my options?

By Christy Bieber
mother and son

Taxes • Oct 03

My terminally ill friend plans to sell her $1M condo. Should she pay capital gains, instead of leaving it to her son?

By Christy Bieber
A photo of an elderly woman and her adult grandson

Taxes • Sep 05

A $30,000 down payment gift to a grandchild won't trigger gift tax — if you use these IRS-approved strategies

By Christy Bieber
Man speaking to a reporter.

Taxes • Mar 24

Missouri mayor warns of police layoffs if state grocery tax ends — senator calls tax on food and diapers 'regressive'

By Christy Bieber
Maureen Pichl waited over a year for sick pay.

News • 86514 views

She banked 108 sick days over 25 years at an NYC school for the Deaf. The city owed her $8,703 — and didn't pay up

By Christy Bieber
Draftkings FIFA billboard

News • Oct 03

ProPublica reporter lost $5,800 on DraftKings acting as a problem gambler — the site rewarded him with VIP status

By Christy Bieber
A photo of two men talking in the office

News • Sep 26

Employment lawyers reveal exactly what to do when a younger boss makes subtle digs about your age

By Christy Bieber
Daughter-in-law stressed after a fight with her mother-in-law.

Mortgages • Jul 19

A $60,000 down payment gift from your mother-in-law comes with toxic strings — experts reveal how to keep the peace

By Christy Bieber
Even if you’re debt-free, you don’t want to be left house poor.

Mortgages • Oct 06

We make $200K a year and want to buy a house — but is 40% of our take-home pay too much for us to take on in a mortgage?

By Christy Bieber
Portrait of sad poor mature mother hugging

Mortgages • Jul 11

I'm the breadwinner but was recently laid off. The mortgage is now 2 months behind — how do I save the house?

By Christy Bieber
Hand holding a stack of cash in front of a farmer's field.

Investing • Sep 06

Dead money: Your savings account is losing inflation fight — where 4 financial advisors grow their cash instead

By Christy Bieber
60 year old woman and man taking notes during a seminar

Investing • Jun 27

A seminar told a couple in their 60s annuities outperform stocks — a wealth manager says it's not that simple

By Christy Bieber
A worker who lost everything wearing a clown wig and nose at the office.

Investing • Jun 14

I invested $100,000 into my company's stock — then watched it plummet 90%. Now I can't even summon the energy to work

By Christy Bieber
Stressed customer receiving bank alert.

Banking • Aug 01

Americans lost billions to fraud in 2025 — these free bank alerts most people never activate could help protect you

By Christy Bieber
FOX 5 Atlanta/YouTube

Banking • May 05

Atlanta woman loses $8,265 due to a scam call

By Christy Bieber
Successful mature hispanic senior business man using smartphone cellphone

Banking • Oct 31

3 banking perks for rich Americans

By Christy Bieber
A man thinking in his living room

Insurance • Oct 04

I’m 55 and serious health issues run in my family. Should I get long-term care insurance, or is it just a scam?

By Christy Bieber
Worried woman sitting by window.

Insurance • Sep 20

120 million Americans lack adequate healthcare access — how to afford traveling out of state for a diagnosis

By Christy Bieber
Family mourns loved one at funeral

Insurance • Sep 13

My dad just died, and I discovered his life insurance was changed to name his second wife. What are my rights here?

By Christy Bieber
Stressed man at coffee shop

Managing Money • Oct 06

A former employer deposited $600 into the wrong account — and the recipient already spent it on bills

By Christy Bieber
Frustrated young man in court

Managing Money • 53732 views

Trustees who steal from trust funds can use the remaining assets to pay their defense lawyers — and it's often legal

By Christy Bieber
Florist observing stock and orders on a tablet

Managing Money • 89431 views

A 94-year-old prepaid his funeral 20 years ago — but the florist closed and his casket is discontinued

By Christy Bieber
A bride-to-be gets showered with gifts — but should she ask for money?

Life • Oct 03

40% of couples plan to use wedding cash gifts to buy a home — etiquette experts are split on whether that's OK

By Christy Bieber
Woman is upset on the couch

Life • 12774 views

My stepson has gone ‘no contact’ with us — is it fair to cancel the first-class flights we booked him for his honeymoon?

By Christy Bieber
Two women enjoying dinner in a restaurant

Life • Sep 27

My rich friend keeps paying for pricey dinners and outings I could never afford — and I’m starting to resent her for it

By Christy Bieber
More articles from Christy Bieber

More from Christy Bieber

LATEST

man thinking

Retirement • Oct 07

I was laid off at 55 and have a $2M net worth. Getting hired again could be tough — do I have enough money to retire?

Experts weigh in on whether a $2 million nest egg is actually sufficient to provide a lifetime of support starting at 55.

By Christy Bieber
Maureen Pichl waited over a year for sick pay.

News • 86514 views

She banked 108 sick days over 25 years at an NYC school for the Deaf. The city owed her $8,703 — and didn't pay up

Employment lawyers say you are entitled to get your money in a timely manner, even though that didn't happen to this New York worker.

By Christy Bieber
JerryRigEverything standing in front of the gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck.

Auto • 14901 views

YouTuber spent $60K gold-plating a Tesla Cybertruck, then watched it sell at auction for far less than he paid

Custom modifications on your car can make you stand out but experts warn it could end up costing you down the road.

By Christy Bieber
Stressed man at coffee shop

Managing Money • Oct 06

A former employer deposited $600 into the wrong account — and the recipient already spent it on bills

If you get a deposit by mistake, you typically must repay the money. In fact, you knowingly spent money that wasn't yours, you may have even committed a crime.

By Christy Bieber
A couple enjoying a day outside.

Retirement • 63490 views

I’m worth $6M and retired, while my new husband has very little. I don’t want to fund his retirement — am I wrong?

Late-in-life marriages can create some big complications when one spouse is more ready for retirement. Experts weigh in on the options.

By Christy Bieber
Frustrated young man in court

Managing Money • 53732 views

Trustees who steal from trust funds can use the remaining assets to pay their defense lawyers — and it's often legal

A loophole in the law may allow a trustee who stole money to use trust assets to pay for her defense.

By Christy Bieber
A man thinking in his living room

Insurance • Oct 04

I’m 55 and serious health issues run in my family. Should I get long-term care insurance, or is it just a scam?

It sometimes gets a bad reputation, but experts believe long-term care insurance can be worth buying.

By Christy Bieber
Florist observing stock and orders on a tablet

Managing Money • 89431 views

A 94-year-old prepaid his funeral 20 years ago — but the florist closed and his casket is discontinued

While prepaying for a funeral can save your loved ones a lot of hassle, it can also create unexpected problems after you're gone.

By Christy Bieber
Draftkings FIFA billboard

News • Oct 03

ProPublica reporter lost $5,800 on DraftKings acting as a problem gambler — the site rewarded him with VIP status

Could popular services feed your gambling addiction when you're struggling?

By Christy Bieber
A photo of an older woman reviewing her finances

Managing Money • 16413 views

A woman worth $6 million is cutting her nephew out of her will — attorneys explain why she should tell him now

Do you owe it to your nephew to make sure he's not living like he's going to inherit a ton of cash?

By Christy Bieber
mother and son

Taxes • Oct 03

My terminally ill friend plans to sell her $1M condo. Should she pay capital gains, instead of leaving it to her son?

When you're terminally ill, selling a home and taking care of the capital gains taxes may seem like a gift to your heirs. But CPAs and estate planning lawyers warn this could be the wrong move.

By Christy Bieber
A bride-to-be gets showered with gifts — but should she ask for money?

Life • Oct 03

40% of couples plan to use wedding cash gifts to buy a home — etiquette experts are split on whether that's OK

Etiquette experts are split on whether asking for cash is OK.

By Christy Bieber
Man reading a letter

Managing Money • 27275 views

My dad died, leaving us $3M. Later, I found proof he fathered a third child and wanted to leave them $1M. What now?

Lawyers warn not to destroy the evidence, but not to rush into writing a check, either.

By Christy Bieber
Stressed aunt talking to couple.

Managing Money • Oct 01

A niece supports her boyfriend financially — experts warn her aunt to check her own biases before trying to intervene

Should you be worried if your family member is supporting someone who you consider lazy?

By Christy Bieber
Young man looking upset, sitting in chair with hands clasped on chin.

Retirement • Sep 28

My grandpa always wanted me to have his truck — but when he died, my dad sold it and kept the cash. What are my options?

While your dad may have felt a moral obligation to honor your granddad's wishes, he had no legal obligation.

By Christy Bieber
Women mourning at parents' funeral

Managing Money • Sep 27

Parents left $2.7 million to two sisters — but one struggles with addiction, and the other wants to protect the money

The options you have for protecting your sister's inheritance will vary depending on the situation.

By Christy Bieber
Sick woman laying in bed with her dog

Managing Money • Sep 27

44% of pet owners have a post-death plan for their animals — here's how a pet trust actually works

You can leave money for the care of your pet, but it may not be a good idea to leave assets to them directly.

By Christy Bieber
Woman is upset on the couch

Life • 12774 views

My stepson has gone ‘no contact’ with us — is it fair to cancel the first-class flights we booked him for his honeymoon?

Should the price of estrangement be two lost airline tickets?

By Christy Bieber
If you're on your own, you can still be strategic about who to leave your money to.

Managing Money • Sep 27

A 65-year-old with $3 million and no family wants to skip making a will — lawyers explain where every dollar ends up

If you don't have anyone obvious to leave your money to, should you just do nothing and let intestacy laws decide what happens to it?

By Christy Bieber
Two women enjoying dinner in a restaurant

Life • Sep 27

My rich friend keeps paying for pricey dinners and outings I could never afford — and I’m starting to resent her for it

Get to the root of your feelings so you don't ruin the relationship.

By Christy Bieber
A photo of two men talking in the office

News • Sep 26

Employment lawyers reveal exactly what to do when a younger boss makes subtle digs about your age

Are these just innocent digs or do you have an age discrimination lawsuit on your hands?

By Christy Bieber
Brother and sister discussing father’s will and estate

Managing Money • Sep 26

Attorneys reveal exactly how to catch a sibling hiding a parent's estate assets — and force them to come clean

What can you do if you have an executor you don't trust in charge of a parent's estate?

By Christy Bieber
Daughter comforting her stressed mother.

Managing Money • Sep 25

An 85-year-old mom started giving money away and hiding her finances — lawyers explain the options children have

If your mother is making potentially dangerous financial decisions, you have legal options, but you'll have to prove there's a problem first.

By Christy Bieber
Stressed older man sitting on the couch.

Managing Money • Sep 23

A 70-year-old owes $200,000 in parent student loans for his kids — experts warn against draining retirement to pay it

Borrowing money to help your child get a leg up can creep up on you later in life, leaving you struggling in retirement. Here’s how to handle a huge loan balance.

By Christy Bieber
In some states, the exact timing of a separation matters.

Managing Money • Sep 22

The exact date you separated from your spouse can shift which assets and debts count in your divorce

The date of separation can affect your rights and obligations in a divorce. Here's what you need to know.

By Christy Bieber

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