Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Selling stocks in a panic could jack up your tax bill. Also in the news: This 5-minute task can protect your banking rep, how to get started with frequent flyer programs, and how your Amazon Echo could be making you spend more money.

Selling Stocks in a Panic Could Jack Up Your Tax Bill
Don’t act impulsively.

This 5-Minute Task Can Protect Your Banking Rep
Using a ChexSystem freeze.

How to Get Started With Frequent Flyer Programs
Start putting all those miles to work.

Your Amazon Echo could be making you spend more money
In addition to laughing at random times.

When your parents die broke

Blogger John Schmoll’s father left a financial mess when he died: a house that was worth far less than the mortgage, credit card bills in excess of $20,000_and debt collector s who insisted the son was legally obligated to pay what his father owed.

Fortunately, Schmoll knew better.

“I’ve been working in financial services for two decades,” says Schmoll, an Omaha, Nebraska, resident who was a stockbroker before starting his site, Frugal Rules. “I knew that I wasn’t responsible.”

Baby boomers are expected to transfer trillions to their heirs in coming years. But many people will inherit little more than a pile of bills. In my latest for the Associated Press, what to do when your parents leave behind debt.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to guard your cash from debit card fraud. Also in the news: How good credit can open doors when renting your first apartment, how to prepare for the inevitable stock market crash, and when to write up a financial agreement with your partner.

Debit Card Fraud Still Rising; Here’s How to Guard Your Cash

When Renting Your First Place, Good Credit Can Open Doors
Don’t let your score determine your options.

Will the Stock Market Crash? Yes. Here’s What to Do Now
Taking preventative action.

When and How to Write Up a Financial Agreement With Your Partner
Taking a big step.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 good ways to put your tax refund to work. Also in the news: 4 wats to speed up your tax refund, how 3 students got an education on the cheap, and Amazon may be getting into the banking business.

4 Good Ways to Put Your Tax Refund to Work
Use your refund to ease financial stress.

4 Ways to Speed Up Your Tax Refund
Skip the mailbox.

How 3 Students Got an Education on the Cheap
Avoiding years of debt.

Amazon’s next product may be a checking account
The online giant is eyeing banking.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to throw a blockbuster Oscar bash on an indie budget. Also in the news: Checking out your hotel room for safety, the stock market is back on the roller coaster, and why paper bank statements aren’t done just yet.

Throw a Blockbuster Oscars Bash on an Indie Budget
The award for Best Party could be yours.

Check In to Your Hotel Room, Then Check It Out for Safety
Making sure you stay safe on the road.

Stock Market Outlook: Back to a More Volatile Normal?
The roller coaster returns.

Don’t write off paper bank statements just yet
Going paperless isn’t for everyone.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why tax refunds aren’t fun anymore. Also in the news: 12 first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them, 9 easy ways to earn travel rewards you’ll actually use, and Equifax says hackers stole more info than previously reported.

Why Tax Refunds Aren’t Fun Anymore
No more splurging.

12 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoiding the pitfalls.

9 Easy Ways to Earn Travel Rewards You’ll Actually Use
These rewards won’t collect dust.

Equifax says hackers stole more than previously reported
Roughly 2.4 million more.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: It’s tax scam season. Here’s when to call shenanigans. Also in the news: Starting with a budget when planning a wedding, how to find good, cheap stocks, and a major data breach at the Marine Forces Reserve.

Planning a Wedding? Start With the Budget
Setting reasonable expectations.

It’s Tax Scam Season. Here’s When to Call Shenanigans
Pay close attention.

4 Steps to Finding Good, Cheap Stocks
Tips for beginners.

Major data breach at Marine Forces Reserve impacts thousands
Social Security numbers, banks transfers and other personal info has been leaked.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What every first-time flyer needs to know. Also in the news: 4 steps to finding good, cheap stocks, how to buy a house that hasn’t been built yet, and a surprising source you can tap for long-term care services.

What Every First-Time Flyer Needs to Know
Review these steps before takeoff.

4 Steps to Finding Good, Cheap Stocks
Using a stock screener.

How to Buy a House That Hasn’t Been Built Yet
Existing homes are at an all-time low.

Here’s a surprise source you can tap for long-term care services
A look at Medicaid planning.

When a tax refund is a lifeline, not a windfall

The typical advice about what people should do with their tax refunds — save for retirement! pay off debt! — ignores how little wiggle room many families have with their finances.

Tax refunds averaged $2,895 last year, and were the largest single cash infusion received all year by 40 percent of the checking account holders recently studied by the JPMorgan Chase Institute. In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how Americans use their tax refunds.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Keeping your money safe while you see the world. Also in the news: How one couple retired early, why Millennials should care about Medicare right now, and using liability insurance when driving abroad.

Keep Your Money Safe While You See the World
Enjoy your trip without money stresses.

If You Retire Early, Life Can Be a Beach
How one couple pulled it off.

Why Millennials Should Care About Medicare Right Now
Before it’s too late.

Do You Need Special Car Rental Insurance When Driving Abroad?
Looking at liability insurance.