Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Biden’s free college plan could mean for you. Also in the news: Overrated travel gear that you should (probably) never pack, what to do with extra money, and how to get a refund on federal student loan payments you made during the pandemic.

What Biden’s Free College Plan Could Mean for YouThe president announced plans for more student aid, including free community college and higher Pell Grants.

Overrated Travel Gear That You Should (Probably) Never Pack
Don’t waste money or suitcase space on these unnecessary items for travel.

What to Do With Extra Money
Extra cash is great, but what should you do with it? Investing is often the answer.

How to Get a Refund on Federal Student Loan Payments You Made During the Pandemic
It’s your money until the moratorium expires.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What free college might actually look like. Also in the news: How to get rid of credit card debt by opening another card, how to fix credit report errors, and how to figure out the size of your next stimulus check.

What Free College Might Actually Look Like
Separating fact from fiction.

One Way to Zap Credit Card Debt? Open Another Credit Card
Yes, getting a balance transfer credit card means yet another piece of plastic — only this kind may let you pay down debt over time at 0% interest.

Your Credit Report May Be Wrong — Here’s What to Do About It
Complaints about credit report issues surged in 2020. Here’s how to verify the data that makes up your credit score.

Figure Out the Size of Your Next Stimulus Check With These Calculators
See what you’ll get in the next round of checks.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Biden’s win may mean for your student loan forgiveness and free college. Also in the news: 13 ways to leave scammers empty-handed this holiday season, credit card bonuses are at an all-time high, and 6 cybersecurity tips when you work from home.

What Biden’s Win May Mean for Your Student Loans and College Plans
A Biden victory signals possibilities for student loan forgiveness and free college.

13 Ways to Leave Scammers Empty-Handed This Holiday Season
Protect your mobile devices, recognize and avoid risks, and guard against ID theft while holiday shopping.

Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Are at All-Time Highs
Credit card companies really want your business.

6 Cybersecurity Tips When You Work From Home
Protecting yourself and your employer.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The costs associated with “free” college programs. Also in the news: 4 easy ways to become a banking guru, 3 medical debt mistakes to avoid, and 9 internships that pay better than “real” jobs.

‘Free’ College Programs Will Still Cost You
Not all expenses are covered.

4 Easy Ways to Become a Banking Guru
Mastering the art of banking.

3 medical debt mistakes to avoid
Don’t bury yourself even deeper.

9 internships that pay better than “real” jobs
Some interns can make close to $100K.