Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Fed raises target rate again. Also in the news: How big wheels cost you big bucks at the pump, how to cope with Airbnb cleaning fees, and how airline prices are going up in more ways than one.

Fed Raises Target Rate Again, but Mortgage Rates Are Unfazed
Each Federal Reserve announcement has resulted in a less dramatic change in mortgage rates than the one before.

How Big Wheels Cost You Big Time at the Pump
Big wheels and tires can add pizazz to your car, but they aren’t the best option for your wallet.

Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal. Here’s How to Cope
You can take the edge off of hefty cleaning fees with a longer stay, spreading the cost out over more days.

Airline Prices Are Going Up, in More Ways Than One
While base rates may be lower than they were a decade ago, fees and inflation have really done a number on overall costs.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Fed hoists key interest rate as mortgage rates reach new heights. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on recession prep, a quiz to cut your credit card costs, and how long it could take for business travel to return to normal.

Fed Hoists Key Interest Rate as Mortgage Rates Reach New Heights
Some 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates surpassed 6% even before the Federal Reserve’s 75-point increase to the federal funds rate.

Smart Money Podcast: Recession Prep, and Lightning Round Money Questions
This week’s episode starts with a discussion about how to prepare your finances for a recession.

Pass This Credit Card Quiz and Cut Your Costs
Put your credit card knowledge to the test. Knowing the correct answers could save you money.

How Long Until Business Travel Returns to Normal?
Business travel is down, big-time, with experts anticipating a slow return to 2019 levels.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage Outlook: A pre-election pause for October rates? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the unequal employment recover and the case for used cars, many avoid bankruptcy out of fear, and how to opt out of pre-screened credit offers.

Mortgage Outlook: A Pre-Election Pause for October Rates?
Rates are standing still.

Smart Money Podcast: Unequal Employment Recovery, and the Case for Used Cars
Used cars are a no-brainer if you’re trying to save money.

Many avoid bankruptcy out of fear
People often wait too long to file, draining retirement accounts or other assets that would be protected

How to Opt Out of Pre-Screened Credit Offers
Reducing your junk mail.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 do’s and don’ts when saving money during a crisis. Also in the news: Cash accounts and apps to buddy up with your investments, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on preparing your money for a recession, and the relief period on your federally backed mortgage was just extended.

6 Do’s and Don’ts When Saving Money During a Crisis
Saving may be harder, but it’s worth it.

Cash Accounts and Apps to Buddy Up With Your Investments
Investing at your fingertips.

SmartMoney Podcast: Prepping Your Money for a Recession, What to Do with a $10,000 Inheritance
Preparing your money for the tough times ahead.

The Relief Period on Your Federally Backed Mortgage Just Got Extended
You now have until August 31st.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit cards that help authorized users build credit. Also in the news: Taking control with advance medical directives, why you don’t need 20% down to buy a home, and why wealthy college students are getting more financial aid.

Which Credit Cards Help Authorized Users Build Credit?
Building your credit with a little help.

Take Control Now With Advance Medical Directives
Creating a living will and other advance directive documents may be easier, and cheaper, than you think.

Why You Don’t Need 20% Down to Buy a Home
Many lenders don’t require 20% down. But read the fine print.

Why do wealthy college students get more financial aid?
Rich students are getting more scholarship aid.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How COVID-19 payment accommodations may affect your credit. Also in the news: Mortgage “relief” and “refinance” searches spike during outbreak, why retailers host sales during the outbreak, and how to get Coronavirus relief payments for kids if you don’t files taxes.

How COVID-19 Payment Accommodations May Affect Your Credit
How the CARES Act affects credit reporting.

Mortgage ‘Relief’ and ‘Refinance’ Searches Spike During Outbreak
The Coronavirus has people examining their mortgages.

Another Email? Why Retailers Host Sales During Coronavirus Outbreak
Retailers are struggling.

How to Get Coronavirus Relief Payments for Kids If You Don’t File Taxes
Keep checking the IRS website.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How one family paid off $130,000 of debt in less than four years. Also in the news: The pros and cons of cash-out refinancing, the sneaky ways burnout hurts your bottom line, and how to not let your vet bill dog you forever.

How I Ditched Debt: Little Splurges on the Path to Freedom
One family’s story of paying off $130,000 in less than four years.

Cash-Out Refinance Pros and Cons
A good way to pay for home improvements.

Sneaky Ways Burnout Hurts Your Bottom Line
Millennials are struggling.

Don’t Let Your Vet Bill Dog You Forever
Taking care of your best pal.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What the government shutdown means for home loans. Also in the news: How to stay afloat financially during the shutdown, how Medicare premiums could be the key to itemizing your taxes, and how to start investing right now.

What the Government Shutdown Means for Home Loans
Prepare for delays.

How to Stay Afloat Financially in a Federal Shutdown
Get ready to spend some time on the phone.

How Medicare premiums could be the key to itemizing your taxes — and saving money
Your premiums could be deductable.

How (and Why) to Start Investing Right Now
The sooner the better.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: One couple’s real estate journey to a home in Philadelphia. Also in the news: What rising DTI limits mean for your next mortgage, why the cashless trend doesn’t have all shoppers sold, and bad money habits you could be guilty of.

How I bought a home in Philadelphia
One couple’s real estate journey.

What Rising DTI Limits Mean for Your Next Mortgage
Know your debt-to-income ratio.

Why the Cashless Trend Doesn’t Have All Shoppers Sold
For some, cash is still king.

Are You Guilty of These Bad Money Habits?
Sound familiar?