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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit card preapproval vs. pre-qualification. Also in the news: 3 ways to keep your distance with contactless payments, why sustainable investing could get a lot harder, and a look at your debt options.

Credit Card Preapproval vs. Pre-Qualification
Pre-qualification is a soft yes on qualifying for a card. Preapproval is a guarantee — but it can be a red flag.

3 Ways to Keep Your Distance With Contactless Payments
Touchless methods are convenient and secure, but the hygiene factor in the pandemic era could get more people on board.
Sustainable Investing Could Get a Lot Harder
The Labor Department wants to keep socially responsible investments out of 401(k)s and private pensions.

What Are Your Debt Relief Options?
Exploring the possibilities.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Sustainable investing could get a lot harder. Also in the news: Why you should file the FAFSA ASAP, why savings accounts and CDs are still worth it despite low rates, and how to find your lost 401(k).

Sustainable Investing Could Get a Lot Harder
The Labor Department wants to keep socially responsible investments out of 401(k)s and private pensions.

The FAFSA Just Opened: Why You Should Apply Now
File the FAFSA early to get a better shot at more free money and more time to appeal if you need to.

Savings Accounts and CDs Are Still Worth It Despite Low Rates
Rates will rise again.

How to Find Your Lost 401(k)
Don’t leave hard-earned money behind.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to pay for a home remodel without tapping your equity. Also in the news: U.S. unemployment shrinks, but recovery varies across race, sex, and age, how to avoid last-minute tax surprises when closing your business, and is COVID-specific travel insurance worth buying.

How to Pay for a Home Remodel Without Tapping Your Equity
Paying for a renovation equity-free can help you expedite the funding process and even start the project sooner.

U.S. Unemployment Shrinks, but Recovery Varies Across Race, Sex and Age
The recovery isn’t universal.

Thinking of closing your business? Avoid these last-minute tax surprises
Your state may also have requirements for dissolving your business, including canceling registrations and licenses.

Is COVID-Specific Travel Insurance Worth Buying?
What to consider before your next trip.

Sustainable investing could get a lot harder

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Interest in sustainable investing is soaring, as more people become convinced that making a positive impact can be profitable as well as good for the planet and society. Unfortunately, the Labor Department doesn’t think these investments belong in your 401(k).

In June, the federal regulator proposed a rule that would restrict workplace retirement plans from investments that include environmental, social and governance considerations. Popularly known as ESG or socially responsible investing, this approach considers the sustainability of a company’s business practices.

The Labor Department says only returns, not business practices, should matter. But its proposal is unusual for a number of reasons, including its wide range of opponents. In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how the opponents of sustainable investing could make things much more difficult.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Starter credit cards are still a thing but are harder to get. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on debt and refinancing, debt management as an alternative to credit card relief, and should you let your insurance company track your driving?

Starter Credit Cards Are Still a Thing but Harder to Get
Starter credit cards have gotten harder to qualify for in recent years — but not impossible. And more options exist now.

Smart Money Podcast: The Psychology of Debt, and When to Refinance
People are having complicated feelings about plastic.

If Credit Card Relief’s a No-Go, Check Out Debt Management
Not everyone will qualify for hardship programs or find the terms affordable.

Should You Let Your Insurance Company Track Your Driving?
You could get a significant discount.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Fear of bankruptcy holds too many people back. Also in the news: Saving for a down payment is only the start for homeowners, pressing pause on private student loans, and it’s time to revise your pandemic budget.

Fear of Bankruptcy Holds Too Many People Back
Many people could benefit from bankruptcy relief but don’t file because of fear, myths or misplaced optimism.

For Homeowners, Saving a Down Payment Is Only the Start
The down payment is just one cost to save for.

Should You Press Pause on Private Student Loans?
Forbearance isn’t the only way to get a more manageable private student loan payment.

It’s Time to Revise Your Pandemic Budget
Budgeting is more important than ever.