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Liz Weston

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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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.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: No credit? 3 steps to qualify for a great credit card. Also in the news:Ugrading your space while working at home means a call to your insurance agent, how to avoid impulse buying by disabling Amazon’s 1-Click ordering, and how to budget for long-term unemployment.

No Credit? 3 Steps to Qualify for a Great Credit Card
If you’re eager for a rewarding credit card but have little or no credit, these steps can help you qualify.
Upgrading Your Space While Stuck at Home? Get It Insured

Upgrading Your Space While Stuck at Home? Get It Insured
Notify your insurer ASAP.

Avoid Impulse Buying by Disabling Amazon’s 1-Click Ordering
Prime Day is coming up soon.

How to Budget for Long-Term Unemployment
Understand the steps for building a budget after experiencing a job loss.

Beware high-risk homes that drive up insurance

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When house hunting, the price of homeowners insurance probably isn’t top of mind. But homes with hidden risks can make getting coverage difficult, expensive or both. Learning how to identify them could save you a bundle.

This could be a particularly important concern for first-time homebuyers and those moving from cities to suburban or rural areas who may not be aware of common hazards, says Jennifer Naughton, risk consulting officer for North America for Chubb, an insurance company.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn how to identify high-risk homes.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Mortgage Outlook: A pre-election pause for October rates? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the unequal employment recover and the case for used cars, many avoid bankruptcy out of fear, and how to opt out of pre-screened credit offers.

Mortgage Outlook: A Pre-Election Pause for October Rates?
Rates are standing still.

Smart Money Podcast: Unequal Employment Recovery, and the Case for Used Cars
Used cars are a no-brainer if you’re trying to save money.

Many avoid bankruptcy out of fear
People often wait too long to file, draining retirement accounts or other assets that would be protected

How to Opt Out of Pre-Screened Credit Offers
Reducing your junk mail.

Q&A: Weekly free credit reports

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Dear Liz: In a recent column, you wrote that credit reports are now available weekly from AnnualCreditReport.com. Most people understand that they are entitled to a free credit report once a year via that site. Please explain what is meant by “now available weekly?” By signing up for a paid service from one or more of the credit reporting agencies, or for free, or what?

Answer: AnnualCreditReport.com was created to provide free annual reports, but now you can get your free reports every week.

If you navigate to AnnualCreditReport.com, you’ll see an announcement from the three credit bureaus that the site will provide free credit reports weekly until April 2021.

Free means free. You don’t have to pay or provide credit card information, although the bureaus may try to sell you credit monitoring or other services.

Q&A: Social Security survivor benefits

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Dear Liz: My husband passed away at age 59 last year. He was sick and unable to work the last four years of his life. I will be 56 in October. My understanding is I will not be able to draw his Social Security benefits until I am age 60. Is this correct? I struggle financially and need that money now. Also, could he have drawn his Social Security benefits before he turned 60 since he was unable to work?

Answer: Your husband could not draw retirement benefits before age 62, but he may have been a candidate for Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income if his condition was severe enough to prevent him from working. SSDI is available to people who have worked long enough to be “insured,” which generally means 10 years in jobs that pay into Social Security. SSI is intended for aged, blind and disabled people with low incomes and few assets.

You won’t be eligible for survivor benefits until you’re 60. If you’re struggling, please visit Benefits.gov to see if you’re eligible for other government programs. You also can call 211 or visit 211.org to see what resources in your community may be available to help you.