Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 7 Halloween headaches and how insurance can help. Also in the news: Your battle plan for buying a home with a VA loan, what college and student debt changes are likely after the election, and the best credit card for food delivery apps.

7 Halloween Headaches and How Insurance Can Help
What to do when you get tricked.

Your Battle Plan for Buying a Home With a VA Loan
Choose experienced professionals to guide you through the VA loan process, and bring some cash to the table, even if you don’t plan to make a down payment.

Trump vs. Biden: What College and Student Debt Changes Are Likely
What to expect from both candidates.

The Best Credit Cards for Food Delivery Apps
Finding tasty discounts.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why playing the market right now is an especially bad idea. Also in the news: Is student loan discharge in bankruptcy within reach, the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card, and how your credit score is determined.

Playing the Market Is a Bad Idea, Especially Now
Brokerages have reported a surge in day trading, but the vast majority would be better off in low-cost funds.

Is Student Loan Discharge in Bankruptcy Now Within Reach?
Recent court rulings and lawmakers’ support to expand relief could help borrowers meet the stringent standards.

What’s the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card?
An unsolicited approval from a credit card issuer can be a red flag—they could be trying to sell you on a card you don’t need or want

How Your Credit Score Is Determined
Unraveling the mystery.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to shop during Medicare open enrollment. Also in the news: Don’t wait to apply for student loans for next year, 6 things you should add to your pandemic travel kit, and how to handle a suspicious inquiry in your credit report.

Medicare Open Enrollment: How to Shop
Two Medicare-related open enrollment periods offer a chance to switch your coverage. Here’s how to compare plans.

Don’t wait to apply for student loans for next year—some of the money could actually run out
Apply for the FAFSA now, there is ‘a lot of risk in applying late’

6 things you should add to your pandemic travel kit
It’s a whole new ballgame.

How to Handle a Suspicious Inquiry in Your Credit Report
Contact the lender directly.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Fear of bankruptcy holds too many people back. Also in the news: Saving for a down payment is only the start for homeowners, pressing pause on private student loans, and it’s time to revise your pandemic budget.

Fear of Bankruptcy Holds Too Many People Back
Many people could benefit from bankruptcy relief but don’t file because of fear, myths or misplaced optimism.

For Homeowners, Saving a Down Payment Is Only the Start
The down payment is just one cost to save for.

Should You Press Pause on Private Student Loans?
Forbearance isn’t the only way to get a more manageable private student loan payment.

It’s Time to Revise Your Pandemic Budget
Budgeting is more important than ever.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How frugal fashionistas can stay on trend. Also in the news: What Biden or Trump could do for your student loans, why you need an investment policy statement, why you need an investment policy statement, and college student argue distance learning should cost less.

How Frugal Fashionistas Can Stay on Trend
Style doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

What Biden or Trump Could Do for Your Student Loans
A look at both plans.

Why You Need an Investment Policy Statement
Start with your goals.

College students argue distance learning should cost less as some schools are charging more
Students say they aren’t getting what they paid for.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Biden on Trump could do for your student loans. Also in the news: Is moving now your best financial pros and cons, how to get a personal loan without perfect credit, and what to do when you can’t afford food.

What Biden or Trump Could Do for Your Student Loans
The pandemic plays a part.

Is Moving Now Your Best Financial Move?
Weighing the pros and cons.

You Don’t Need Perfect Credit to Get a Personal Loan
Bad-credit borrowers may have to take extra steps to get a loan. Start by fixing any errors on your credit report.

What to Do When You Can’t Afford Food
Millions of families are struggling.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to boost your chances of getting another credit card. Also in the news: 6 great recession rules that still apply, using your 529 plan to pay your student loans, and how to save money on Medicare open enrollment.

Here’s what you need to do to boost your chances of getting another credit card
Ways to access more credit.

6 great recession rules that still apply
Valuable lessons.

You Can Use Your 529 Plan to Pay Your Student Loans
Paying down your balance.

Medicare open enrollment is coming up. Three steps to save money this fall
Making smart choices.

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.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Money moves to help you feel more in control. Also in the news: How to renegotiate your bills to save money, ways for renters to cope in the financial crisis, and how to protect yourself before your federal student loan servicer changes.

Feeling Out of Control? These Money Moves Could Help
Regain control by revising spending, boosting savings and focusing on daily actions instead of long-term outcomes.

How to Renegotiate Your Bills to Save Money

Renters at Risk: Ways to Cope in the Financial Crisis

Protect Yourself Before Your Federal Student Loan Servicer Changes

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage outlook for August. Also in the news: Why graduate students need to mind their mental health this fall, your best shot at lowering the cost of private student loans, and how to get help with missing coronavirus relief payments.

Mortgage Outlook: Recession Presses Down on August Rates
Likely record lows for the third consecutive month.

Graduate Students: Mind Your Mental Health This Fall
Recognizing stressors and using university resources may help during this time of uncertainty.

Refinancing now is your best shot at lowering the cost of private student loans
Take advantage of record low interest rates.

Get Help With Missing Coronavirus Relief Payments
What to do if you still haven’t received your check.