Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Parents with student debt want a do-over. Also in the news: What you need to know about Medigap Plan G, don’t let Social Security steer you wrong, and why Millennials and Gen Zers should be investing in Roth IRAs.

Parents With Student Debt Want A Do-Over
Nearly 1 in 3 parents regret their decision.

What Is Medigap Plan G? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan G, part of Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps cover additional costs not met by Original Medicare.

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.

Why Millennials and Gen Zers Should Be Investing in Roth IRAs
Minimize your tax exposure while taking advantage of compound interest.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Gen Z can learn from Millennials’ money mistakes. Also in the news: How points and miles credit cards can ease the return to travel, financial vital signs to monitor right now, and the Biden administration makes it easier to qualify for Covid funeral reimbursement.

What Gen Z Can Learn From Millennials’ Money Mistakes
As millennials have learned, if you put off getting your financial life organized, your options are limited later.

How Points and Miles Credit Cards Can Ease Return to Travel
Compatibility is essential when it comes to consideration of travel credit card offers.

Financial Vital Signs to Monitor Right Now
Taking a mid-year checkup.

Biden administration makes it easier to qualify for Covid funeral reimbursement
Amended death certificates are no longer necessary.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: NerdWallet travel writers offer their 2021 resolution. Also in the news: More Millennials are using up end-of-year vacation time, second stimulus checks could be less than $1200 per person, and 8 great financial gifts for kids.

NerdWallet Travel Writers Offer Their 2021 Resolutions
These travelers plan to be more thoughtful in their choices and embrace the journey.

More Millennials Are Using Up End-of-Year Vacation Time
But it’s not necessarily to squeeze in a final trip before the end of 2020.

Second stimulus checks could be less than $1,200 per person. Here’s what we know
Congress continues to move slowly.

8 Great Financial Gifts for Kids
These gifts can help your kids, grandkids or friends get a head start on their financial futures.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Grace period over? Refinance these student loans ASAP. Also in the news: smart tactics for Millennials flocking to buy life insurance, how senior insulin users may benefit from Medicare savings model, and how to stay on track with a budget calendar.

Grace Period Over? Refinance These Student Loans ASAP
New graduates shouldn’t wait to see if they can refinance their private student loans.

Smart Tactics for Millennials Flocking to Buy Life Insurance
Millennials applying for life insurance can skip medical exams, simplify the process and pay less than they expect

Insulin Users May Benefit From Medicare Senior Savings Model
Seniors with diabetes may pay less for insulin with this program, which debuts in some Medicare drug plans in 2021.

Stay on Track With a Budget Calendar
One day at a time.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals, smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance, and how get ready for gift card scams this season.

Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
In general, Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Are you?

The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals
The many options depend on how much you hope to earn, and how far away your savings goal is

Smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance
Planning for tomorrow

Get Ready for Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Scams never take a holiday.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to adjust your school supplies budget for the online classroom. Also in the news: 5 things to do with all that money you haven’t been spending the past few months, is moving now the best financial move for Millennials, and how COVID-19 may impact applying for financial aid.

How to adjust your school supplies budget for the online classroom
A different setting requires different supplies.

5 things to do with all that money you haven’t been spending the past few months
Don’t let that extra money just sit there.

Millennial Money: Is moving now your best financial move?
Reconsidering your living situation.

How COVID-19 May Impact Applying for Financial Aid
Your family’s financial situation may have changed.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why taking Social Security early costs too much. Also in the news: Student loans still cover living costs with classes online, why you should renew your passport right now, and how millennials and Gen Z are using TikTok to learn about personal finance.

Why Taking Social Security Early Costs Too Much
Longer lifetimes make the penalty for taking Social Security early, and the reward for delaying, too high.

College Going Online? Student Loans Still Cover Living Costs
Your cost of attendance might be different if you’re learning remotely due to COVID-19.

Why you should renew your passport right now
Try to beat the long lines.

How millennials and Gen Z are using TikTok to learn about personal finance
Sharing tips they didn’t learn in school.

What to do with your stuff the kids don’t want

Parents who are downsizing or simply decluttering may have to get creative at finding homes for all their unwanted possessions – particularly these days.

The generations that came after the baby boom are famously less interested than their predecessors in the trappings of domestic life, says Elizabeth Stewart, author of “No Thanks Mom: The Top Ten Objects Your Kids Do NOT Want (and What To Do With Them).”

Gen Xers and millennials often don’t want to polish silver or hand wash china, Stewart says. They’re also typically not interested in dark, heavy furniture, books, photo albums, vintage linens or someone else’s collections.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to figure out what to do with it all.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Five credit card benefits you probably have but don’t know about. Also in the news: A bargain hunter’s guide to used car shopping, Millennials share their top financial regrets, and where to find free tax filing options.

Five credit card benefits you probably have but don’t know about
Don’t leave money on the table.

A Bargain Hunter’s Guide to Used Car Shopping
Avoiding the lemons.

‘I wasted so much money …’ Millennials share their top financial regrets to help Gen Z get started
Avocado toast isn’t one of them.

Get All Your Free Tax Filing Options Right Here
The delayed filing deadline is fast approaching.

When parents are the emergency fund

Financial fallout from the pandemic is hitting millennials hard — and many will soon turn to their parents for help, if they haven’t already.

Before parents ride to the rescue, financial planners urge them to map out a strategy that doesn’t just plug a short-term need but also makes sense in the long run.

“Often the heartstrings will get pulled — ‘I really have to help them!’— but it can be detrimental to the parent,” says certified financial planner Jeffrey L. Corliss of Westport, Connecticut.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why parents must be cautious when rescuing their children financially.