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Liz Weston

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Furloughed workers face potential damage to their credit scores. Also in the news: A bill could expand the financial literacy of students, 8 budget types for businesses, and 6 practical ways to pay off credit card debt.

A big problem looms for furloughed workers — preventing damage to their credit scores
Another impact of the government shutdown.

Bill Introduced to Expand Financial Literacy of Students
Teaching more than just the basics.

8 Budget Types for Businesses
Different budgets for different needs.

6 practical ways to pay off credit card debt
Climbing your way out of debt.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to stay afloat financially in a federal shutdown. Also in the news: 5 things not to say when you’re buying a car, how to sleep for free (or nearly free) when traveling, and the average kid’s allowance rose faster than American workers’ salaries in 2018.

How to Stay Afloat Financially in a Federal Shutdown
Managing uncertainty.

5 Things Not to Say When You’re Buying a Car
Don’t tip your hand.

How to Sleep for Free (or Nearly Free) When Traveling
Alternatives to hotels.

The average kid’s allowance rose faster than American workers’ salaries in 2018
Ouch.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for January 2019. Also in the news: What the government shutdown means for home loans, 5 reasons credit cards rule for family vacations, and why you should ask your student loan servicer to ungroup your loans.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for January 2019
New year, new cards.

What the Government Shutdown Means for Home Loans
Could the shutdown affect your loan?

5 Reasons Credit Cards Rule for Family Vacations
All about the perks.

Ask Your Student Loan Servicer to Ungroup Your Loans
Use the snowball method.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Quick ways to save more money in 2019. Also in the news: Medical bills plague millennials, 3 simple strategies to max out your 401(k), and the basics of Parent PLUS loan forgiveness.

Quick Ways to Save More Money in 2019
Focusing on the simple.

Medical Bills Plague Millennials; These Tips May Be the Cure
Making medical debt more managable.

3 Simple Strategies to Max Out Your 401(k)
Increasing your retirement savings at any income level.

The Basics of Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
Who’s responsible for repayment?

Q&A: How to find affordable healthcare insurance

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Dear Liz: I am 25 and work two part-time jobs, neither of which offers health insurance. Once I’m 26, I will no longer be able to remain on my parents’ policy. Do I need a full-time job to receive health benefits, or do I have other options?

Answer: You currently have other options, but you may still want to look for a full-time job that offers this important benefit.

Although a Texas judge ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, the law giving people access to health insurance remains in effect while legal challenges play out. You can start your search for coverage at www.healthcare.gov. The open enrollment period for most people has ended, but some states including California have extended the deadline to Jan. 15. In addition, you would qualify for a “special enrollment” period once you turn 26 and lose eligibility for coverage on a parent’s plan.

If the ACA does go away, health insurance may become harder to qualify for and more expensive. Group health insurance through an employer may become your best option.