Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The FAFSA, your ticket to help pay for college, just opened. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on negotiating and volatile car valuations, what to buy and skip in October, and how car insurance works after a natural disaster.

The FAFSA, Your Ticket to Help Pay for College, Just Opened
The FAFSA opened Oct. 1. Apply as soon as possible to be considered for the most available free money for college.

Smart Money Podcast: Haggling Tips and What’s Driving Volatile Car Valuation
How to negotiate.

What to Buy (and Skip) in October 2021
Tricks and treats.

How Car Insurance Works After a Natural Disaster
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from disasters like floods and wildfires, but other coverage options may offer peace of mind.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get free money for college and help to find it. Also in the news: 4 alternatives to big banks, workplace scams to watch out for, and unexpected things you could buy with crypto.

You Can Get Free Money for College — and Help Finding It
The FAFSA qualifies you for federal financial aid. And it’s not too late to submit it for this academic year.

Tired of Your Big Bank? Consider These 4 Alternatives
Become more than just a number.

Scam Alert: Avoid a Big Mistake in a New Job
CEO fraud and other scams try to get employees to purchase gift cards, send money or divulge sensitive information.

Unexpected Things You Didn’t Know You Could Buy With Crypto
From home goods to travel.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to shop during Medicare open enrollment. Also in the news: Don’t wait to apply for student loans for next year, 6 things you should add to your pandemic travel kit, and how to handle a suspicious inquiry in your credit report.

Medicare Open Enrollment: How to Shop
Two Medicare-related open enrollment periods offer a chance to switch your coverage. Here’s how to compare plans.

Don’t wait to apply for student loans for next year—some of the money could actually run out
Apply for the FAFSA now, there is ‘a lot of risk in applying late’

6 things you should add to your pandemic travel kit
It’s a whole new ballgame.

How to Handle a Suspicious Inquiry in Your Credit Report
Contact the lender directly.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Sustainable investing could get a lot harder. Also in the news: Why you should file the FAFSA ASAP, why savings accounts and CDs are still worth it despite low rates, and how to find your lost 401(k).

Sustainable Investing Could Get a Lot Harder
The Labor Department wants to keep socially responsible investments out of 401(k)s and private pensions.

The FAFSA Just Opened: Why You Should Apply Now
File the FAFSA early to get a better shot at more free money and more time to appeal if you need to.

Savings Accounts and CDs Are Still Worth It Despite Low Rates
Rates will rise again.

How to Find Your Lost 401(k)
Don’t leave hard-earned money behind.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Here’s what bad financial advice can cost you. Also in the news: VA home loan limits disappear, fees rise, FAFSA and the military draft, and key questions to ask before buying that annuity.

Here’s What Bad Financial Advice Costs You
Don’t make someone else rich at your expense.

VA Home Loan Limits Disappear, Fees Rise
Changes to the program.

Will the FAFSA Get Me Drafted Into the Military?
Separating truth from fiction.

These are the key questions to ask before buying that annuity
What you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 things to do if your package arrives damaged. Also in the news: How to make the income you earn after 65 work for you, the U.S. cities with the highest job growth and wage increases in September, and a reminder to fill out the FAFSA ASAP if you want federal student aid.

4 Things to Do if Your Package Arrives Damaged
You have options.

Earning income after 65? How to make it work for you
The benefits of a phased retirement plan.

Here are the U.S. cities with the highest job growth and wage increases in September
Did yours make the list?

If You Want Federal Student Aid, Fill Out Your FAFSA Now
Reminder: Get this done ASAP.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Be first in line for college aid by filing the FAFSA now. Also in the news: What to expect when requesting a credit line increase, four ways to supplement your college financial aid, and preparing your finances for the holidays.

Be First in Line for College Aid by Filing the FAFSA Now
Get it done today.

Requesting a Credit Limit Increase? Here’s What to Expect
You could see a “hard pull” on your credit report.

4 ways to supplement your college financial aid
Covering the costs beyond tuition.

It’s Time to Prepare Your Finances for the Holidays
Stores are already decorating for Christmas.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Hard-won tips from borrowers who got student loan forgiveness. Also in the news: Steering your upside-down car loan back to safety, FAFSA mistakes that can negatively affect your financial aid, and what to do first with an inheritance.

Hard-Won Tips From Borrowers Who Got Student Loan Forgiveness
It won’t be easy.

Is Your Car Loan Upside-Down? How to Steer Back to Safety
Getting back above water.

These FAFSA mistakes can negatively affect your financial aid
FAFSA applications open on October 1st.

What to Do First With an Inheritance
Making smart decisions during a difficult time.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 ways to save on housing costs in your 20s. Also in the news: Billions in free college money went unclaimed this year, the complications of putting plastic surgery on your plastic, and how being lazy can actually help you save money.

4 Ways to Save on Housing Costs in Your 20s
Skipping avocado toast won’t cut it.

$2.6B in Free College Money Went Unclaimed by 2018 Grads
Fill out the FAFSA.

Putting Cosmetic Surgery on Your Plastic? Avoid These Complications
Sizing up the costs.

How being lazy can actually help you save money
Yes, you read that correcly.