Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should I pay for my hotel using cash, points or both? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on fake reviews and saving too much, 5 travel writers draft their favorite airlines, and where to get relief if there isn’t a second stimulus check.

Should I Pay for My Hotel Using Cash, Points or Both?
Here’s how you can figure out which booking option offers the best value.

Smart Money Podcast: Fake Reviews and Saving ‘Too Much’
How to tell if that review is sincere.

5 Travel Writers ‘Draft’ Their Favorite Airlines
In the spirit of the popular sports-related pastime, we’ve created our own fantasy airline draft.

Where to Get Relief if There Isn’t a Second Stimulus Check
Look for aid locally.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: New ways to get more for your old car. Also in the news: How the pros ride market volatility – and why you shouldn’t, if your travel plans are up in the air should you cancel your rewards card, and how the new eviction ban may impact you.

New Ways to Get More for Your Old Car
Online buyers make offers in minutes — a safety net for car shoppers wondering what their trade-in is really worth.

How the Pros Ride Market Volatility — and Why You Shouldn’t
Professionals try to harness the spikes and slumps, but most investors should stick with diversification.

If your travel plans are up in the air should you cancel your rewards card?
Not so fast.

How the new eviction ban may impact you
A new reprieve.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How hotel prices changed in 2020 vs. 2019. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney Podcast on emergency loans and the perks of buying local, what to know about EFTs and adding them to your portfolio, and what to do if you receive an unpaid notice from the IRS.

Analysis: How Have Hotel Prices Changed in 2020 vs. 2019?
Hotel prices have dipped significantly.

Smart Money Podcast: Buying Local, and Emergency Loans
How to help local businesses hit hard by the pandemic.

What are ETFs and why you should consider them for your portfolio
Many investments wrapped in a single package.

What to Do if You Receive an Unpaid Notice From the IRS
Don’t panic.

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.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do when your $600 weekly unemployment check expires. Also in the news: Which hotels have handled COVID-19 the best, how COVID-19 is changing the way families save for college costs, and the U.S. Mint asks for help getting coins back in circulation.

What to Do When Your $600 Weekly Unemployment Check Expires
The $600 pandemic assistance ends this week.

Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Grading hotel brands on their health and social distancing policies, along with their flexibility on bookings.

How COVID-19 Is Changing the Way Families Save for College Costs
Shifting priorities.

U.S. Mint asks for help getting coins back in circulation
The Mint wants your couch change.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do with your ‘treasures’ your kids don’t want. Also in the news: How ‘shadow lenders’ can leave college students in the dark, why it’s harder than ever to find a balance transfer offer right now, and 5 destinations from Netflix hits to inspire your future travels.

What to Do With Your ‘Treasures’ the Kids Don’t Want
Don’t take it personally.

‘Shadow’ Lenders Can Leave College Students in the Dark
Know exactly what you’re borrowing.

Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Find a Balance Transfer Offer Right Now
The coronavirus strikes again.

5 Destinations From Netflix Hits to Inspire Your Future Travels
You’ll travel again someday.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Options for undergrad, grad, veteran and international students when colleges say stay home. Also in the news: Which airlines have handled COVID-19 the best, is it OK to never have a credit card, and where to put your money when interest rates are falling.

When Colleges Say Stay Home: Options for Undergrad, Grad, Veteran and International Students
You can expect a decrease in costs.

Which Airlines Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Grades on flexible policies and health and safety measures.

Is it OK to never have a credit card?
Other ways to establish credit.

Where to Put Your Money When Interest Rates Are Falling
Consider an online savings account.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Today’s definition of financial adulthood is more flexible than ever. Also in the news: Which airlines have handled COVID-19 the best, 3 ways to say no at a car dealership, and a beginner’s guide to filling out your W-4.

Today’s Definition of Financial Adulthood Is More Flexible Than Ever
Young adults are rethinking their financial plans.

Which Airlines Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Where does your favorite rank?

3 Ways to Say No at a Car Dealership
Staanding firm in the finance office.

A Beginner’s Guide to Filling Out Your W-4
The IRS makes it confusing.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to plan and budget for DIY projects now. Also in the news: How to factor climate change into your air travel, why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now, and new rules for medical and dependent care FSAs.

How to Plan and Budget for DIY Projects Now
Tailor do-it-yourself home projects to fit current circumstances by considering the size, type and cost of the work.

Ask a Points Nerd: How Can I Factor Climate Change Into My Air Travel?
Being intentional about the airlines you choose and how often you fly can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now
5 reasons why leasing is a smart choice during these chaotic times.

New Rules for Medical and Dependent Care FSAs
New rules bring more flexibility.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online.

Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to Borrow
Good credit provides a safety net in a crisis, and it can reduce bills and make you look better on applications.

Ask an Expert: Is Any Travel Safe?
Can we safely beat our cabin fever?

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
Things will look a bit different.

How to Amend a Tax Return Online
You no longer need to mail in corrections.