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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Travel insurance options for digital nomads. Also in the news: What to do if you’ve been denied student loan refinancing, a new set of shopping tips in the pandemic, and what really happens when you file bankruptcy.

Travel Insurance Options for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads might travel for extended periods of time, so their needs are different than the average traveler.

Denied for Student Loan Refinancing? What to Do Next

A New Set of Shopping Tips in the Pandemic
Keeping yourself safe.

What Really Happens When You File for Bankruptcy
A look at each type of bankruptcy.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why playing the market right now is an especially bad idea. Also in the news: Is student loan discharge in bankruptcy within reach, the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card, and how your credit score is determined.

Playing the Market Is a Bad Idea, Especially Now
Brokerages have reported a surge in day trading, but the vast majority would be better off in low-cost funds.

Is Student Loan Discharge in Bankruptcy Now Within Reach?
Recent court rulings and lawmakers’ support to expand relief could help borrowers meet the stringent standards.

What’s the difference between being preapproved and prequalified for a credit card?
An unsolicited approval from a credit card issuer can be a red flag—they could be trying to sell you on a card you don’t need or want

How Your Credit Score Is Determined
Unraveling the mystery.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Are you saving money in the right place? Also in the news: Why it’s time to dump home buyer love letters, can you be denied life insurance for smoking weed, and 5 fresh kitchen backsplash ideas.

Are You Saving Money in the Right Place?
What to consider when you’re stashing your savings.

Why It’s Time to Dump Home Buyer Love Letters

Can You Be Denied Life Insurance for Smoking Weed?
You might have to shop around.

5 Fresh Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
A stylish and functional backsplash can breathe new life into your kitchen.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Suddenly retired? What to do next. Also in the news: 9 low-cost ways to make virtual learning easier for kids, the safety of air travel right now, and how to get a stimulus check if you’re a low-income earner.

9 Low-Cost Ways to Make Virtual Learning Easier for Kids
A few relatively inexpensive items, such as blue-light glasses and kid-size headphones, can help your child focus during remote learning.

Suddenly Retired? Here’s What to Do Next
If you retire earlier than planned, you may need to cut expenses, find health insurance and talk to an advisor.

How Safe Is Air Travel Right Now?
Some preliminary data suggest COVID-19 is rarely spread in an airplane cabin.

You Can Still Get a Stimulus Check If You’re a Low-Income Earner
The deadline has been extended.

Playing the market is a bad idea, especially now

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The current day trading boom will end as these frenzies always do: in tears. While we wait for the inevitable crash, let’s review not only why day traders are doomed but also why most people shouldn’t trade, or even invest in, individual stocks.

Day trading basically means rapidly buying and selling investments, hoping to profit from small price fluctuations. Brokerages have reported a surge in trading and new accounts this year, starting with March’s stock market crash when investors rushed in looking for bargains. As pandemic lockdowns kept people from their jobs and classrooms, trading continued to soar, especially among young adults. In my latest for the Associated Press, why playing the market, especially now, is a bad idea.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Surprising things renters insurance covers — and leaves out. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast tackles sudden retirement and finding lost money, using a crisis to help build helpful money habits, and why Powerball and Mega Millions aren’t reaching giant jackpots anymore.

Surprising Things Renters Insurance Covers — And Leaves Out
You may think buying renters insurance means you’re covered for just about any disaster, but that’s not the case.

Smart Money Podcast: Sudden Retirement and Finding Lost Money
What to do when you’re forced to retire sooner than you expected.

You Can Use a Crisis to Build Helpful Money Habits
Making the best of a bad situation.

Here’s why Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots aren’t reaching giant amounts anymore
It’s not just the pandemic.