Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A year-end checklist to make the most of retirement age. Also in the news: How the government’s next step to fight inflation could impact savers, myths about iBuyers, and why you shouldn’t spend a dollar to save a nickel on gas.

A Year-End Checklist to Make the Most of Retirement Savings
Age brings unique opportunities and obligations, including some important year-end tasks that can help you make the most of your money.

Inflation Keeps Surging: Government’s Next Step Could Impact Savers
Fed officials project as many as three 0.25 percentage point interest rate hikes in 2022.

The Property Line: Don’t Be Misled by These Myths About iBuyers
They aren’t responsible for runaway house prices and can lessen some seller pain points. So why all the hate for iBuyers?

Don’t Spend a Dollar to Save a Nickel on Gas
It’s about the worst time possible to buy any car unless you absolutely have to.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 reasons why people get personal loans and what financial advisers say about them. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on creating wealth, 5 secrets of car buying from a former undercover car salesman, and how to lower your tax bill with these last-minute moves.

5 reasons people get personal loans—and what financial advisers say about them
The pros and cons.

Smart Money Podcast: Taxes Are Due, and How to Get Started Creating Wealth
You can still create wealth in a pandemic.

5 Secrets of Car Buying, From a Former Undercover Car Salesman
Even the playing field.

Lower Your Tax Bill With These Last-Minute Moves
You still have time.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you should shop for a car loan before going to the dealership. Also in the news: The lowdown on new tools to jump-start your credit, 7 Father’s Day gift ideas under $50, and the best beach towns to spend your retirement.

Car Buyers’ Best Cost-Saving Move: Shop for a Loan First
Don’t put yourself at the mercy of the dealership.

The Lowdown on New Tools to Jump-Start Your Credit
The pros and cons.

7 Father’s Day Gift Ideas Under $50
It’s the thought that counts.

Dream of spending your retirement on the beach? Here are the best towns
Spending your golden years on the sand.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 7 tactics to help car-buying newbies bargain like a boss. Also in the news: 5 ways to save energy during the dog days of summer, what you need to know about buying a house in 2018, and how a freelancer turned dog sitting into a successful side gig.

7 Tactics to Help Car-Buying Newbies Bargain Like a Boss
Don’t be intimidated.

5 Ways to Save Energy During the Dog Days of Summer
Staying cool.

Buying a House in 2018: What You Need to Know
Things have changed a bit.

How a Freelancer Turned Dog Sitting Into a Successful Side Gig
Getting your side hustle on.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Protecting your credit even as Equifax vows free lifelong credit lock. Also in the news: Sorting out an athlete’s tax bill, navigating car buying in a post-hurricane market, and the mobile game that helps you save money.

Protect Your Credit Even as Equifax Vows Free Lifelong Lock
Necessary steps.

Think Playing Quarterback Is Tough? Try Sorting Out an Athlete’s Tax Bill
Yikes.

Navigating Car Buying in a Post-Hurricane Market
Be careful you don’t get soaked.

One Part Personal Finance, One Part Mobile Gaming: Meet Long Game
Have fun while saving money.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How 3 people conquered credit trouble and bought homes. Also in the news: Top 10 apps for buying the right car at the right time, biting on Whole Foods new prices, and 6 Equifax hack rumors fact-checked.

How 3 People Conquered Credit Trouble and Bought Homes
How to come back from credit trouble.

Top 10 Apps for Buying the Right Car at the Right Price
Get the car you want at the price you want.

Should You Bite On Whole Foods’ New Prices? Maybe Not
Are you really saving?

6 Equifax hack rumors fact-checked
Fact from fiction.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

homebuyerToday’s top story: Credit cards that allow you to set spending limits for authorized users. Also in the news: 8 keys to getting approved for a mortgage if you’re self-employed, how to tell if you’re getting a good car deal, and how to find the best mortgage rates and lenders online.

Which Credit Cards Allow You to Set a Spending Limit for Authorized Users?
Setting limits.

Self Employed? 8 Keys to Getting Approved for a Mortgage and Buying a Home
It’s not impossible.

How to Tell If You’re Getting a Good Car Deal
Deciphering the doubletalk.

How To Find The Best Mortgage Rates And Lenders Online
Navigating the online mortgage waters.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Student-LoansToday’s top story: Finding the best student loan repayment plan. Also in the news: How student loans affect your taxes, calculating monthly car costs, and tax payment options for when you owe the IRS.

Find the Best Student Loan Repayment Plan for You
It’s going to take a while.

3 ways student loans affect your taxes
Don’t forget to deduct your interest.

Calculate a monthly car cost when buying outright to better weigh your options
A different way of thinking.

Tax payment options for when you owe the IRS
Rule #1: Don’t ignore it.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Hand with money and toy car isolated on white background

Hand with money and toy car isolated on white background

Today’s top story: Tricks to help you build good credit. Also in the news: How rising interest rates will affect your investments, understanding the credit bureau differences, and what you should know before buying a new car.

3 Simple Tricks That Can Help You Build Good Credit
Improving your score a little bit at a time.

4 Ways Rising Interest Rates Will Affect Your Investments
Your savings accounts will benefit.

Why Your Credit Scores at the Three Bureaus Are All Different
Understanding the differences.

How Do Dealers Set Car Prices?
What you should know before heading into the dealership.