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Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to leave Crypto to a loved one. Also in the news: Black Friday return policies, the October jobs report gives tired travelers a glimmer of hope, and the unexpected way bad credit messes with your life.

How to Leave Crypto to a Loved One
If you don’t make a plan for your cryptocurrency, it could be lost after you die. Here’s how to make sure it gets passed down to a loved one.

As You Shop Black Friday, Keep Return Policies in Mind
Before making purchases this holiday season, consider retailer return policies to save time and money.

October Jobs Report Gives Tired Travelers a Glimmer of Hope
The travel industry is experiencing significant job growth, according to October 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics figures.

The Unexpected Ways a Bad Credit Score Messes With Your Life
Looking beyond mortgages and car loans.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When a will won’t work. Also in the news: 6 gift categories unaffected by supply chain delays, 3 ways to tap the unexpected equity in your leased car, and alternatives to backdoor Roths.

When a Will Won’t Work
Consider the limitations of a will when making arrangements for your final wishes.

6 Gift Categories Unaffected by Supply Chain Delays
Products from local businesses, handmade items and digital gifts are among the categories unaffected by delays.

3 Ways to Tap the Unexpected Equity in Your Leased Car
Despite new restrictions on selling to a third-party dealer, you do have options for accessing leased car equity.

Congress Is Targeting Backdoor Roths. Here Are Some Alternatives
The backdoor Roth, or Roth conversion, helps high earners move money into investments that can grow tax-free.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to prepare for holiday crowds and chaos at airports. Also in the news: 9 ways to travel more safely, what you need to know about Medigap Plan N, and how to squeeze another 20K miles out of your current car.

How to Prepare for Holiday Crowds and Chaos at Airports
Get some relief from the brunt of holiday travel by having your memberships, status and luggage in order.

9 Ways To Travel More Safely
Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you can take extra precautions to stay safe.

What Is Medigap Plan N? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan N, a type of Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a good option if you don’t visit the doctor frequently.

Squeeze Another 20K Miles Out of Your Current Car
High demand and low inventory have increased new car costs. Save money by getting 20K more miles out of your current car.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Don’t let Black Friday debt trigger post-holiday blues. Also in the news: Things to do by year-end for your investments, November mortgage rates continue to rise, and how to shop now and get Black Friday prices later.

Don’t Let Black Friday Debt Trigger Post-Holiday Blues
Prioritize needs, budget your spending, then make a savings plan for next year’s expenses.

Investing Checklist: Things to Do by Year-End
Implementing investing strategies before the end of the year can help maximize your money.

Mortgage Outlook: November Rates Continue Marching Uphill
Rates continue to rise.

You Can Shop Now, and Get Black Friday Prices Later
A few major retailers will retroactively match Black Friday deals.

When a will won’t work

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A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.

But you should be aware of what a will can’t or shouldn’t do. This is particularly true if you’re drafting your own document without an attorney’s help, since you could unknowingly make a mistake that upends your whole estate plan.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn what a will can, cannot, and shouldn’t do.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 benefits that could help small businesses keep employees. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on cryptocurrency and improving credit to buy a house, what to buy (and skip) in November, and 4 ways to sustain savings habits from the pandemic.

6 Benefits That Could Help Small Businesses Keep Employees
Convincing your employees to stay.

Smart Money Podcast: 3 Crypto Questions, and Improving Credit to Buy a House
Three questions you should ask yourself before buying crypto or investing in the industry.

What to Buy (and Skip) in November 2021
Black Friday approaches…

4 Ways to Sustain Savings Habits From the Pandemic
Keeping the good habits you built.