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Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Ready player two? How couples maximize their credit card rewards. Also in the news: The new stimulus package helps ore college students, common tools that can save you time and money on taxes, and how to qualify for 100% subsidized COBRA payments.

Ready Player Two? How Couples Maximize Their Credit Card Rewards
These couples work together to double their rewards by engaging a “two-player” credit card strategy.

This Time, the Stimulus Package Helps More College Students
Things are different for the third round of payments.

Common Tools Can Save You Time, Money on Taxes
Some of these tools are already on your phone.

How to Qualify for 100% Subsidized COBRA Premiums
Find out what you need to qualify.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: COVID-19 relief for homeowners facing a payment crisis. Also in the news: Common tools that can save you time and money on taxes, why you might treat your third stimulus check differently, and how borrowing for emergencies and moving rose in 2020.

COVID-19 Mortgage Relief for Homeowners Facing a Payment Crisis
Forbearance and loan modifications can help with your mortgage if your pay has been reduced or you’re unemployed.

Common Tools Can Save You Time, Money on Taxes
Help is just an app away.

Why You Might Treat Your Third Stimulus Check Differently
Immediate needs come first, then savings. Consider gifts to those in need and teaching your children about money.

Borrowing for Emergencies and Moving Rose in 2020
NerdWallet data shows what was on some consumers’ minds when getting a personal loan during a chaotic year.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do if a fair credit score cuts your credit card options. Also in the news: Should you use points and miles to book 2021 travel, should you purchase travel insurance for your summer vacation, and how often you should be checking your credit report.

What to Do If a Fair Credit Score Cuts Your Credit Card Options
If you have only average credit, appealing credit cards aren’t as easy to come by. But you do have some choices.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Should I Use Points and Miles to Book 2021 Travel?
If you’ve been sitting on a pile of travel points, now might be a good time to start planning how to use them.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Summer Vacation?
If you’re making nonrefundable bookings, you might want to consider a travel insurance plan.

How Often Should You Be Checking Your Credit Report?
More often than you’d think.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 things agents wish people knew about insurance. Also in the news: 10 factors affecting COVID-era travel, how the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment, and how to spend your FSA before the grace period expires.

5 Things Agents Wish People Knew About Insurance
Agents from across the U.S. clear up a few of the most common insurance misconceptions.

10 Factors Affecting COVID-Era Travel in 2021
Traveling during COVID-19 means making more advance reservations and planning for vaccine or testing rules.

How the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment
PUA benefits are extended.

How To Spend Your FSA Before the Grace Period Expires
Use it or lose it.

Common tools can save you time, money on taxes

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Receipts, like memories, tend to fade with time. That’s just one reason to digitize and track tax-related information. The right apps and habits can save space, time, money and hassle — but only if you use them.

“Apps should make things easier, not more complicated,” says Clare Levison, a certified public accountant in Blacksburg, Virginia. “The definition of a good app is what works for you, not the one that’s the trendiest.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to use the tools you already have to make your life easier come tax time.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Some student loan borrowers are 19 months closer to forgiveness. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pandemic debt and moving costs, buying life insurance for children, and when you’ll receive the next economic stimulus check.

Smart Money Podcast: Pandemic Debt and Moving Costs
The economy’s K-shaped recovery and how that may affect how you deal with pandemic-related debt.

Some Student Loan Borrowers Are 19 Months Closer to Forgiveness
19 months closer to having no more payments at all.

Should You Buy Life Insurance for Children?
Child life insurance can help secure your kids’ future insurability. Here’s how to decide if it’s right for your family.

When Will You Get Your $1,400 Relief Check?
More help is on the way.