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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to be reunited with your long-lost money. Also in the news: What the metro areas look like for first-time homebuyers, avoid flight change fees with these airlines, and 5 things to do after you get into a car accident.

How to Be Reunited With Your Long-Lost Money
Finding your unclaimed property.

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q2 2020
Low rates are helping buyers.

Avoid Flight Change Fees With These Airlines
The big airlines drop their fees.

5 things to do after you get in a car accident
Take a deep breath.

Some remote workers may be in for tax surprise

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If the pandemic caused you to relocate across state lines, even temporarily, the next surprise could be having to file an extra tax return and potentially pay more taxes.

The issue gained national attention in May, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York said out-of-state health care workers who came to help with the pandemic would face New York income taxes.

Cuomo’s comments generated outrage, but in fact, most states tax people who earn money within their borders, even if those people usually live and file tax returns elsewhere. Even a single day in some states can trigger a tax bill. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to prepare for possible tax hassles.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: If doing less means saving more, try these 5 money moves. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on 401(k)s and struggling renters, how to diversify investing, and refinance your mortgage now to avoid a new fee.

If Doing Less Means Saving More, Try These 5 Money Moves
If the economic effects of the pandemic have cut your spending, you may have extra savings. Here’s what to do with them.

Smart Money Podcast: Renters Are Struggling, and What to Do With an Old 401(k)
Renters are

How to Diversify Investing in Stocks, Bonds and a Bit Beyond
Looking at alternative investments.

Refinance Your Mortgage Now to Avoid a New Fee
The new fee begins Dec. 1st.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The 2 costs that can make or break your nest egg. Also in the news: Buying stocks in a year of uncertainty, getting paid for family caregiving, and how people spent their stimulus checks.

The 2 Costs That Can Make or Break Your Nest Egg
Spending less on housing and transportation could help you save more for retirement.

In a Year of Uncertainty, Should You Still Buy Stocks?
Wading into the market.

Yes, It’s Possible to Get Paid for Family Caregiving
But there’s a lot to consider.

How People Spent Their Stimulus Checks – and What You Can Learn From Them
Use your stimulus check, or any extra money, to improve your financial situation during these uncertain times.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to boost your chances of getting another credit card. Also in the news: 6 great recession rules that still apply, using your 529 plan to pay your student loans, and how to save money on Medicare open enrollment.

Here’s what you need to do to boost your chances of getting another credit card
Ways to access more credit.

6 great recession rules that still apply
Valuable lessons.

You Can Use Your 529 Plan to Pay Your Student Loans
Paying down your balance.

Medicare open enrollment is coming up. Three steps to save money this fall
Making smart choices.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to avoid waiting on credit card customer service lines. Also in the news: COVID-19 refunds on campus, why older Americans might be having trouble getting credit cards, and money-saving tips everyone should know.

How to Avoid Waiting on Credit Card Customer Service Lines
Alternatives to sitting on hold.

Will You Get a Refund If COVID-19 Closes Your Campus?
You might get a refund for room and board, but don’t expect a tuition refund if campus shuts down again.

Why older Americans might be having trouble getting credit cards
How banks determine creditworthiness.

Money-Saving Tips Every College Student Should Know
Saving money whenever possible.