Get smart with your money
As a 58-year-old woman on disability, Robin Short of Wallingford, Connecticut, relies on her tax refund to catch up on bills. She filed her return electronically in February, opting for direct deposit so she could get her $773 refund quickly.
She’s still waiting, as are millions of others. In my latest for the Associated Press, how the IRS is slowly resuming operations after pandemic-related lockdowns, but delayed refunds are devastating some people’s finances.
Today’s top story: Five credit card benefits you probably have but don’t know about. Also in the news: A bargain hunter’s guide to used car shopping, Millennials share their top financial regrets, and where to find free tax filing options.
Five credit card benefits you probably have but don’t know about
Don’t leave money on the table.
A Bargain Hunter’s Guide to Used Car Shopping
Avoiding the lemons.
‘I wasted so much money …’ Millennials share their top financial regrets to help Gen Z get started
Avocado toast isn’t one of them.
Get All Your Free Tax Filing Options Right Here
The delayed filing deadline is fast approaching.
Today’s top story: How new grads can handle 3 essential post-college questions. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on money goals and bank bonuses, the possibility of another stimulus check, and everything that goes away when coronavirus benefits end in July.
How New Grads Can Handle 3 Essential Post-College Questions
The real world is a bit different these days.
SmartMoney Podcast: Setting Money Goals at Milestone Birthdays, and Bagging Big Bucks with Bank Bonuses
Use your big birthday to set a new goal.
Is Another Stimulus Check Coming?
Maybe.
Here is everything that goes away when coronavirus benefits end in July
Start planning ahead for changes.
Today’s top story: How to plan and budget for DIY projects now. Also in the news: How to factor climate change into your air travel, why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now, and new rules for medical and dependent care FSAs.
How to Plan and Budget for DIY Projects Now
Tailor do-it-yourself home projects to fit current circumstances by considering the size, type and cost of the work.
Ask a Points Nerd: How Can I Factor Climate Change Into My Air Travel?
Being intentional about the airlines you choose and how often you fly can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now
5 reasons why leasing is a smart choice during these chaotic times.
New Rules for Medical and Dependent Care FSAs
New rules bring more flexibility.
Today’s top story: How “maximizers” can cut decision making angst. Also in the news: Know the options and risks of credit card relief, 7 smart spending strategies in a tough economy, and how to set up an 80/20 budget. ”
How ‘Maximizers’ Can Cut Decision-Making Angst
Avoid analysis paralysis and buyer’s remorse by focusing on the goals behind a money decision, not all the choices.
If You Need Credit Card Relief, Know the Options and Risks
Hardship programs can help people who don’t have good options for paying their bills, but they carry some risks.
7 Smart Spending Strategies in a Tough Economy
Tough times require smarter spending.
How to Set Up an 80/20 Budget
Paying yourself first.
Today’s top story: A bargain hunter’s guide to used car shopping. Also in the news: Unlock savings with these little-known credit card benefits, finding the outperformers in the stock market, and 7 hacks you need to survive tax season.
A Bargain Hunter’s Guide to Used Car Shopping
The key to success is knowing where to look.
Unlock Savings With These Little-Known Credit Card Benefits
You could have purchase protection.
Looking for Recession-Proof Stocks? Find the Outperformers
Some are tried and true.
7 hacks you need to survive tax season
These tips will help get you through in one piece.