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Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: A financial checklist for quitting your job. Also in the news: Is it better to reprice or refinance a loan, how to talk to a real human being at the IRS.

A Financial Checklist for Quitting Your Job
Plan your exit to maximize the time and money you’ve put in over the years.

Is It Better to Reprice or Refinance a Loan?
Repricing is often faster – and cheaper – than refinancing.

How to Talk to a Real Human Being at the IRS
Because continuously screaming “Agent” doesn’t always work.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The surge in mortgage rates. Also in the news: What caring for an aging parent could cost you, A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on building your financial smarts with Bola Sokunbi

The Property Line: What’s With the Surge in Mortgage Rates?
Rising mortgage rates have outpaced expectations for the start of this year. Here’s why they’ve spiked recently and what it means for you.

What Caring for an Aging Parent Could Cost You
Trying to work while caring for an aging loved one can be difficult, stressful and at times overwhelming.

Smart Money Podcast: Building Your Financial Smarts With Bola Sokunbi
Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with money author and educator Bola Sokunbi about budgeting and side gigs.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 ways to tame financial stress and save for retirement. Also in the news: Is room service dead, how to handle awkward money situations on a group trip, and are unused travel card benefits actually a bad thing?

4 Ways to Tame Financial Stress and Save for Retirement
Financial stress can set back your retirement goals, but these strategies can help you get on track.

Is Room Service Dead? Replacements Could Be Better, Cheaper
With the advent of delivery apps and smart vending machines, room service may have seen its day.

How to Handle Awkward Money Situations on a Group Trip
Compromise and communication are key to budgetary harmony on any group trip.

Are Unused Travel Card Benefits Actually a Bad Thing?
Wringing every last cent of value out of your travel card might not be the best move.

What caring for an aging parent could cost you

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Trying to work while caring for an aging loved one can be difficult, stressful and at times overwhelming. Many people feel they must quit, take a leave of absence or at least reduce their hours in order to cope.

Sometimes, caregivers have little choice. But often people don’t realize the heavy financial toll they’ll pay or adequately research options that could allow them to keep working, says Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert.

“When you’re in a caregiving crisis, you can make a decision out of stress and fatigue and fear,” Goyer says. “It’s important to make work decisions and financial decisions from a more objective place.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how to manage the costs.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How supply chain issues are crushing hotels – and your stay. In other news: As mortgage rates hit 4%, buyers can still boost their chances, the perks of selling your home could outweigh the challenges of buying, and everything you should do before interest rates go up.

How Supply Chain Issues Are Crushing Hotels — and Your Stay
Hotels aren’t immune to the impact of supply chain disruptions.

As Mortgage Rates Hit 4%, Buyers Can Still Boost Their Chances
With the 30-year mortgage rising fast, buyers may need updated preapprovals and revised expectations.

Perks of Selling Your Home Could Outweigh Challenges of Buying
While it’s a notoriously tough time to buy a home, the incentives to sell the one you’re in could be too good to pass up.

Everything You Should Do Before Interest Rates Go Up
Borrowing money is about to become more expensive.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why you should consider a smaller car insurer. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on credit union perks and getting into the housing market, tax tips for small business owners, and paying off your starter home vs saving cash for the next one.

Why You Should Consider a Smaller Car Insurer
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to car insurers. Smaller insurers are worth a look, too.

Smart Money Podcast: Credit Union Perks, and Getting Into the Housing Market
When members rather than stockholders own a financial institution, results are often lower rates on loans.

7 Ways Small-Business Owners Can Save on Taxes in 2022
Seven things entrepreneurs and independent workers can do to lower their tax bills and their anxiety this filing season and in the year ahead.

Should You Pay Off Your Starter Home, or Save Cash for the Next One?
The market’s too hot but you’ve already stocked away a down payment—so what’s your best move?