Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to increase your chances of credit card approval. Also in the news: How to transition from work-at-home novice to pro, why the weak dollar is good for your investments, and why champagne sales have gone flat. How to Increase Your Chances of Credit Card Approval Boost your odds by focusing on […]

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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save on back-to-school shopping amid uncertainty. Also in the news: 5 things to know about gold’s record-breaking run, experts say new investors should quit stock-picking, and how this week’s fed meetings may impact your wallet. Back-to-School Shopping in 2020: How to Save Amid Uncertainty Whether your kids are learning in […]

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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 ways to finance your home improvement project. Also in the news: The dwindling power of Pell Grants to help at-need students, ‘Gamify’ your savings with a prize-linked bank account, and upcoming sales tax holidays. 6 Ways to Finance Your Home Improvement Project A breakdown of loan options. Pell Grants: Dwindling Power […]

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Can you trust your mobile payment app?

Money transfer apps including Venmo, Cash App and PayPal have surged in popularity during the pandemic as people seek safe, contactless ways to send and receive money. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the limitations of these payment platforms or how they can put someone’s finances at risk. Like over-the-counter medicines, payment apps can be safe […]

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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do when your $600 weekly unemployment check expires. Also in the news: Which hotels have handled COVID-19 the best, how COVID-19 is changing the way families save for college costs, and the U.S. Mint asks for help getting coins back in circulation. What to Do When Your $600 Weekly Unemployment […]

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Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Smart money moves when cash is tighter than time. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on losing your health insurance and setting financial goals, how a gap year might haunt you financially, and how to boost your credit score with on-time Netflix payments. Smart Money Moves When […]

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Q&A: Helping a son with horrible credit scores

Dear Liz: My 33-year-old son has horrible credit scores. If I added his name to my credit card, would it have a positive effect on his score without any negative ramifications to mine? Could any of his creditors come after me? Answer: Adding someone to your credit card as an authorized user can have a […]

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Q&A: IRS pays interest on late refunds

Dear Liz: I filed my return electronically with direct deposit. I have yet to receive my refund or that stimulus relief check. We have to pay interest on any late tax payment. Will the IRS pay interest on late refunds? Answer: The IRS has said it will pay interest on late refunds if the return […]

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Q&A: IRA conversions and taxes

Dear Liz: You recently advised a reader that if their income was too high to contribute to a Roth IRA, they could still contribute to an IRA or any after-tax options in their 401(k). You didn’t mention a two-step Roth IRA — first making a nondeductible contribution to an IRA and then immediately converting that […]

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Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to tell if that ‘contact tracer’ is really a scammer. Also in the news: Don’t wait to refinance these student loans, why you should aim for 1% credit utilization, and the $600 unemployment boost is likely ending. Here’s how you can access cash now. Is That ‘Contact Tracer’ Really a Scammer? […]

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