Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Financial experts share what they wish they could have told their younger selves about money. Also in the news: A shift in the housing market, student loan borrowers in default get a do-over, and 4 ways to find flight deals.

Just Starting Out? Learn From Our Mistakes
Some personal finance experts share what they wish they could have told their younger selves about money.

Suddenly, the Housing Market Is Not All About the Sellers
Selling a home these days isn’t as effortless as a year ago, when a seller could choose among competing buyers.

Student Loan Borrowers in Default Get a Do-Over
About 7.5 million student loan borrowers with loans in default are set to get a fresh start — a chance to enter repayment in “good standing” — but only if they opt in.

Flight Deals Still Exist: 4 Ways to Find Them
Vigilance, flexibility and some airline miles are key to getting good deals in today’s airfare market.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Smart Money Podcast on why to sell your house, and managing investment fees. Also in the news: How to handle a year-round homebuying season, and a guide to the current federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and other green upgrades.

Smart Money Podcast: Why to Sell Your House, and Managing Investment Fees
Sellers should consider the advantages in this housing market. And investors need to know about the fees they pay.

How to Handle a Year-Round Homebuying Season
High demand and low inventory have upset the housing market’s usual ebb and flow.

Made Green Upgrades in 2021? Don’t Miss These Tax Credits
Here’s a quick-start guide to the current federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and other green upgrades.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why you should consider a smaller car insurer. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on credit union perks and getting into the housing market, tax tips for small business owners, and paying off your starter home vs saving cash for the next one.

Why You Should Consider a Smaller Car Insurer
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to car insurers. Smaller insurers are worth a look, too.

Smart Money Podcast: Credit Union Perks, and Getting Into the Housing Market
When members rather than stockholders own a financial institution, results are often lower rates on loans.

7 Ways Small-Business Owners Can Save on Taxes in 2022
Seven things entrepreneurs and independent workers can do to lower their tax bills and their anxiety this filing season and in the year ahead.

Should You Pay Off Your Starter Home, or Save Cash for the Next One?
The market’s too hot but you’ve already stocked away a down payment—so what’s your best move?

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let Social Security steer you wrong. Also in the news: 3 times to think twice about paying for your kid’s college, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on investing, and how to spot the signs of a better market for homebuyers.

Don’t Let Social Security Steer You Wrong
When to claim benefits is a complex decision. Don’t rely on the help line staff, and consider getting a pro’s help.

Pay for Your Kid’s College? 3 Times to Think Twice
Don’t take on college debt for your child if your financial health will suffer when your kid doesn’t pay the bill.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Deep Dives: Investing, Part 1
Exploring your personal money background and how it can affect your investing choices.

The Property Line: Watch for Signs of a Better Market for Buyers
Home buyers can track the number of offers, days on market and inventory to see whether the market is becoming more favorable.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 options for your money before student loan payments resume. Also in the news: Why the freelancing boom may change how you buy life insurance, 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, and how to invest in real estate with your IRA.

5 Options for Your Money Before Student Loan Payments Resume
February will be here before you know it.

The Freelancing Boom May Change How You Buy Life Insurance
How life insurance planning differs for freelancers.

4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
Looking out for buyer’s remorse.

How to Invest in Real Estate With Your IRA
You can buy it, but you can’t live in it.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to negotiate your way to a richer life. Also in the news: 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, Medicare and CPAP supplies, and could your health or life insurance rates increase if you’re not vaccinated?

How to Negotiate Your Way to a Richer Life
Learning best practices can help you earn more, get better deals and avoid strife over household finances.

4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
It’s a tough time to be a homebuyer.

Does Medicare Pay for CPAP Machines and Supplies?
Medicare Part B covers CPAP, but it requires a sleep test and a trial period.

Will Your Health or Life Insurance Rates Increase If You’re Not Vaccinated?
Insurers have yet to decide.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 ways to help small businesses recover from the pandemic. Also in the news: The pros and cons of paycheck advance apps, an update on the housing market, and 23 states that are ending the extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits.
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5 Ways to Help Small Businesses Recover From the Pandemic
As a consumer, there are steps you can take to support businesses in your community. Here are five tips from small-business owners.

Should You Use a Paycheck Advance App?
Paycheck advance apps with low fees seem like a good idea if you need extra cash. Here’s what to know about them.

The Property Line: Housing Shortage Hangs On; Price Crash Unlikely
The housing shortage is blamed on factors including regulations and lack of workers. No need to fear a crash, but fixes won’t be easy.

These 23 States Are Ending the Extra $300 Per Week in Unemployment Benefits
Eleven more states join the list.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Love that home’s view? See how much more you’ll pay. Also in the news: 3 months, 3 housing trends, how one woman ditched her debt, and how to get rid of bad marks on your credit report.

Love That Home’s View? See How Much More You’ll Pay
Comes at a cost.

3 Months, 3 Housing Trends: Seller’s Market, Higher Rates, HELOC Comeback
The 2018 housing market so far.

How I Ditched Debt: Tenacious Focus on the Goal
One woman’s triump over debt.

How to Get Rid of Bad Marks on Your Credit Report
Fighting back.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 reasons there aren’t enough homes for sale. Also in the news: 3 day trading tax tricks, a major tax hike could be waiting for grad students, and giving up your rights when getting a credit card.

6 Reasons There Aren’t Enough Homes for Sale
It’s getting tougher to find a house.

3 Day-Trading Tax Tricks
You could qualify for tax breaks.

Grad Students, Expect a Major Tax Hike If House Tax Plan Passes
College is about to get even more expensive.

Does your credit card force you to give up your rights?
All about arbitration.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

refinancingToday’s top story: How to win a bidding war in a hot housing market. Also in the news: How to retire during a bear market, how to get your financial priorities straight, and how to survive an IRS audit.

6 Ways to Win a Bidding War in a Hot Housing Market
Strategies to help you come out a winner.

How to retire in a bear market
Quitting work when the market isn’t cooperating.

Is Your Money Going Where It Needs To? How To Get Your Financial Priorities Straight.
Time to get things sorted.

The IRS Audit Survival Guide
Don’t panic.