Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

New laws, lenders boost access to affordable small loans. Also in the news: 5 ways to prepare for better interest rates in savings accounts, why 2022 is the year of all-inclusive travel, and for meat-free meal options, a U.S. airline hits the spot.

New Laws, Lenders Boost Access to Affordable Small Loans
New laws have made payday loans safer in some states, and more banks are entering the small-dollar market.

5 Ways to Prepare for Better Interest Rates in Savings Accounts
Be ready to make an informed decision if interest rates rise.

2022 Is the Year of All-Inclusive Travel, and Here’s Why
Hotel chains are expanding and entirely reimagining their all-inclusive portfolios.

For New Meat-Free Meal Options, 1 U.S. Airline Hits the Spot
Delta’s partnership with Impossible Foods and other plant-based brands is a game-changer.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 ways to get money back when COVID ruins your vacation. Also in the news: 5 key numbers to know about savings accounts, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast, and red flags to look out for from personal finance influencers.

3 Ways to Get Money Back When COVID Ruins Your Vacation
COVID-19 still has the potential to derail plans, but you can protect the value of your vacation with some options.

5 Key Numbers to Know About Savings Accounts
Knowing about account minimums, fees and rates can help you maximize your savings.

Smart Money Podcast: The Fed Interest Rate Hike, and What’s a Credit Card Authorized User?
Higher interest rates may affect your mortgage and credit card payments, as well as everyday finances.

17 Huge Red Flags From Personal Finance ‘Influencers’
There’s good advice out there, as long as you can tell the good financial influencers from the shady ones.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do if you save too much for retirement. Also in the news: The ins and outs of starting a car, financial pros are hanging on to stocks, and why you need multiple savings accounts.

What to Do If You Save Too Much for Retirement
Saving too much for retirement can cause problems as well as saving too little. Beware of IRS rules and penalties.

So You Think You Know How to Start a Car
It’s become much more complicated

Selling Stocks on Inflation Fears? Financial Pros Wouldn’t
The inflation sirens are wailing, but financial pros say there’s no reason to panic.

Why You Need Multiple Savings Accounts
Multiple accounts make it easier to reach your savings goals.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: These savings accounts give you a chance to win cash. Also in the news: How to pull off a month of no spending, how young drivers can steer clear of costly car insurance, and how to find legal advice if you can’t afford a lawyer.

These Savings Accounts Give You a Chance to Win Cash
Learn about prized-linked savings accounts.

Should you try a ‘Frugal February’? How to pull off a month of no spending
It can be a good way to get your finances — and priorities — back on track

How young drivers can steer clear of costly car insurance
Finding a good deal on good coverage.

How To Find Legal Advice If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
Legal aid helps low-income people.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Sustainable investing could get a lot harder. Also in the news: Why you should file the FAFSA ASAP, why savings accounts and CDs are still worth it despite low rates, and how to find your lost 401(k).

Sustainable Investing Could Get a Lot Harder
The Labor Department wants to keep socially responsible investments out of 401(k)s and private pensions.

The FAFSA Just Opened: Why You Should Apply Now
File the FAFSA early to get a better shot at more free money and more time to appeal if you need to.

Savings Accounts and CDs Are Still Worth It Despite Low Rates
Rates will rise again.

How to Find Your Lost 401(k)
Don’t leave hard-earned money behind.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 things you don’t have to pay a tax preparer to do. Also in the news: AmEx Gold’s inconsistent dining rewards are frustrating foodies, what you need to know about surging savings account rates, and what you need to know about “free” credit scores.

5 Things You Don’t Have to Pay a Tax Preparer to Do
Knock these things off your tax list.

AmEx Gold’s Inconsistent Dining Rewards Are Frustrating Foodies
A bumpy relaunch.

Savings Account Rates Are Surging: Here’s What to Know
Online banks are offering the best rates.

What You Need to Know About ‘Free’ Credit Scores
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for May 2017. Also in the news: VA loan funding fees, the best banks for multiple savings accounts, and 401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for May 2017
Which cards you should be considering.

VA Loan Funding Fee: What You’ll Pay and Why in 2017
Don’t be caught off-guard.

Need Multiple Savings Accounts? Here’s Where to Bank
Which banks offer the most bang for your bucks.

401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe
Time for some myth busting.

Q&A: Parking money for a short term

Dear Liz: We will soon be selling our home and moving into an apartment until we purchase a new home. Our proceeds from the sale will be over $600,000. It seems that there is no place to safely put the funds and get some meaningful interest to boot. Savings accounts and money markets pay very little interest, and certificates of deposit have a fixed time. We may need to withdraw the money in as few as 30 days, but it may be six months or longer. Any suggestions where to park our money?

Answer: Some online banks currently offer interest rates around 1% for savings accounts. It’s not much, but it’s better than the 0.06% rate that’s currently the national average, according to the FDIC’s April 3 report. An Internet search for “best savings rates” should turn up competitive offers.

A rate of 1% isn’t much and means that you’ll lose a little ground to inflation, which is currently more than 2%. But it’s more important that your money be safe and liquid, ready when you need it, than for you to try to squeeze a high return from it.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

elephantToday’s top story: It’s time to stop ignoring your finances. Also in the news: The best ways to invest in real estate, how to get help for financially assisting your parents, and how you can get rewarded for saving money.

How to Stop Ignoring Your Finances
You can’t keep ignoring the elephant in the room.

The Best Way to Invest in Real Estate
You don’t have to flip houses in order to profit from real estate.

3 Ways to Get Help for Financially Aiding Your Parents
Help is available during difficult times.

Goal-Based Accounts Reward You for Saving Money
Get rewarded for reaching your goal.

How Your Friends Threaten Your Finances
You don’t have to keep up with the Joneses.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: Five mid-year tax moves you should make right now. Also in the news: Why you should consider signing up later for social security, getting a late start on retirement savings, and why you should open a savings account.

5 Smart Mid-Year Tax Moves for Right Now
Don’t wait until next year.

Why Workers Sign Up for Social Security at Age 62
Waiting could bring you more money.

5 keys to a successful late-start retirement plan
There’s still time to catch up.

5 Reasons to Start a Savings Account Today
The easiest way to start building wealth.

Here’s What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy in July
Hold off on that new TV.