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Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: I travel-hacked a college tour and saved $3,000 miles. Also in the news: How to fight back against being an online fraud target, 3 essential budget categories, and where to find deals on National Pizza Day.

I Travel-Hacked a College Tour and Saved $3,000
An Amtrak sale inspired me to use points, miles and other travel rewards for an upcoming tour with my daughter.

You’re an Online Fraud Target — Fight Back
Millennials are a big target.

3 Essential Budget Categories
Lining up your three buckets.

Where to Find Deals on National Pizza Day
One of the best fake holidays.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How ex-offenders can rebuild with a bank account. Also in the news: Determining how much you should spend on rent, how to have a baby even if you’re worried you can’t afford it, and how to handle awkward financial conversations.

How Ex-Offenders Can Rebuild With a Bank Account
Starting over.

How Much Should I Spend on Rent?
How to determine what you really can afford.

How to have a baby, even if you’re worried you can’t afford it
Advice from new parents and financial experts.

How to handle that awkward financial conversation
When to swallow your pride.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to avoid PMI when buying a home. Also in the news: Getting to know your scary new car, 8 African-American financial gurus to follow for 2020, and how to recertify your student loan repayment program.

How to Avoid PMI When Buying a Home
Ways around private mortgage insurance.

Get to Know Your Scary New Car
Figuring out the bells and whistles.

8 African American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2020
Learn their financial goals for 2020.

How to Recertify Your Student Loan Repayment Plan
Mark the date on your calendar.

I travel-hacked a college tour and saved $3,000

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Amtrak’s “buy one, get one” spring sale got me started.

My teenage daughter and I had used a similar two-for-one deal last year to take an overnight train trip from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. This year, she wanted to use her spring break to check out colleges in Chicago as well as the Pacific Northwest. When Amtrak announced the return of its companion fare sale, I thought a couple of nights on a sleeper train might be a good way to start our college tour. She agreed.

At the same time, I noticed that we had travel rewards piling up all over the place: points, miles, free anniversary nights at hotels, even a Southwest companion pass that had yet to be used. At NerdWallet, we’re always telling people to spend rather than hoard their rewards, which get less valuable over time thanks to program devaluations.

So I decided to see how much I could save on one 10-day trip. In my latest for the Associated Press, find out what the grand total was and how we pulled it off.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 9 money resolutions and tips for 2020 from our experts. Also in the news: How one woman paid off nearly $125,000 of debt in nine years, how to pay off Parent PLUS loans faster, and why the IRS wants you to do your taxes early.

9 Money Resolutions (and Tips) for 2020 From Our Experts
There’s still time to restart your resolutions.

How I Ditched Debt: Keeping a ‘Passion for Fashion’ on the Road to Repayment
How one woman paid off nearly $125,000 of debt in nine years.

How to Pay Off Parent PLUS Loans Faster
Refinancing could get your loan done quicker.

Why the IRS Wants You to Do Your Taxes Early
Preventing refund fraud.