Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How money mistakes could signal dementia risks. Also in the news: How to bank when you can’t get to one, will tax bills increase as home values soar, and why tax diversification is a smart investment strategy.

Money Mistakes Could Signal Dementia Risk
Missing bills could mean it’s time to build financial guardrails.

How to Bank When You Can’t Get to a Bank
Online banks, remote customer service, ATM reimbursement and shared branches are all options for consumers.

The Property Line: As Home Values Soar, Should You Brace for Your Tax Bill?
If you’re in a home whose value on paper has been going up, up, up, preparing for the resulting tax bill could bring you back down to earth.

Why ‘Tax Diversification’ Is a Smart Investment Strategy
You’ve heard of portfolio diversification? This is the same thing, but for taxes on your investments.

Money mistakes could signal dementia

Some of the early signs of dementia are financial: forgetting to pay bills, for example, or having trouble calculating a tip. People who develop dementia also are more likely to miss credit card payments and have subprime credit scores years before they’re diagnosed, according to a study published last year in medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect the finances and credit rating of a loved one while preserving their dignity and autonomy.

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.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: SmartMoney podcast on how to pay off debt faster. Also in the news: What to expect when requesting a credit limit increase, why you should always pay in local currency when traveling, and 10 money mistakes millennials should avoid.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can I Pay Off My Debt Faster?’
Tips from the experts.

Requesting a Credit Limit Increase? Here’s What to Expect
Question and answerr

Why You Should Always Pay in Local Currency When Traveling
Avoid markups and fees.

10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid (No. 10’s a Shocker)
These mistakes could come back to haunt you.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What you might get from the Equifax data breach settlement. Also in the news: 5 logical credit moves that can lead to trouble, 8 money mistakes newlyweds make, and how to decide if you should get a cash-back credit card.

What You Might Get From the Equifax Data Breach Settlement
150 million consumers were affected.

5 ‘Logical’ Credit Moves That Can Lead to Trouble
Common sense doesn’t always apply.

8 Money Mistakes Newlyweds Make
Don’t start off married life on the wrong foot.

Should You Get a Cash-Back Credit Card?
How to decide which card is best for you.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 10 lessons from the Bull Market’s 10-year anniversary. Also in the news: Money mistakes even smart people make, 3 things that change when you’re a homeowner, and why you should check your credit report even if your credit is frozen.

10 Lessons From the Bull Market’s 10-Year Anniversary
Learning from the past decade of rising stock prices.

Money Mistakes Even Smart People Make
Avoiding unwise choices.

3 Things That Change When You’re a Homeowner
A whole new set of responsibilities.

Check Your Credit Report Even If Your Credit Is Frozen
Freezes don’t ice existing accounts.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money mistakes even smart people make. Also in the news: 3 reasons to choose a college based in price, the pros and cons of moving abroad for health care, and which state has the highest average credit card debt.

Money Mistakes Even Smart People Make
We all make them.

3 Reasons to Choose a College Based on Price
Spend less time in debt.

Should You Move Abroad for Health Care?
The pros and cons.

Where credit card debt is the worst in the US: States with the highest average balance
Where does your state rank?

Money mistakes even smart people make

Certified financial planner Jill Schlesinger has seen smart people make some pretty spectacular money mistakes.

One client who repeatedly refused to buy disability insurance later developed multiple sclerosis. A doctor she knew put off writing a will and left behind a six-figure tax bill. A technology company engineer balked at her suggestion to sell some of his stock options, only to watch their value and his retirement plans evaporate when the market plunged.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how behavioral economics tries to pinpoint where our brains and emotions lead us wrong, as well as what we can do about it.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Amazon Prime hits $119. You’ll probably pay it. Also in the news: Understanding a bear market, 5 money mistakes 20-somethings make, and the 3 best reasons to rent your home instead of buying.

Amazon Prime Hits $119. You’ll Probably Pay It.
It’s about more than just free shipping.

What Is a Bear Market?
Investment prices are dropping.

Ask Brianna: 5 Money Mistakes 20-Somethings Make
How to side step them.

The 3 best reasons to rent your home instead of buying
Not every reason is financial.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Suing banks will get easier – if CFPB rule survives. Also in the news: 2017 Driving in America report, 7 tips for preparing your taxes in a divorce, and why you need to stop beating yourself up over past money mistakes.

Suing Banks Will Get Easier — if CFPB Rule Survives
And that’s a big “if.”

2017 Driving in America Report: The Costs and Risks
A NerdWallet report.

7 Tips for Preparing Your Taxes in a Divorce
Don’t ignore Uncle Sam.

Why You Need to Stop Beating Yourself Up Over Past Money Mistakes
Stop dwelling.