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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Still undecided about college this fall? Know these 4 options. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on identity theft protection, 4 store credit cards with the best rewards, and how to prioritize high-interest debt payments.

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
You still have time.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Is Identity Theft Protection Worth It?’
Making yourself a smaller target.

Try these 4 store credit cards for the best rewards in this economic environment
Stretching your dollar.

How to Prioritize High-Interest Debt Payments
The type of debt is important.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online.

Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to Borrow
Good credit provides a safety net in a crisis, and it can reduce bills and make you look better on applications.

Ask an Expert: Is Any Travel Safe?
Can we safely beat our cabin fever?

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
Things will look a bit different.

How to Amend a Tax Return Online
You no longer need to mail in corrections.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times. Also in the news: 9 budget-friendly ideas for a staycation, how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies, and what to do if you get a letter about unemployment benefits you never requested.

Find Free, Solid Money Advice in Uncertain Times
Many organizations are offering free virtual consultations to help stressed consumers navigate financial decisions.

9 Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Memorable Staycation
Travel plans are changing.

Here’s how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies
Who’s responsible?

What to Do if You Get a Letter About Unemployment Benefits You Never Requested
Don’t throw it out.

Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times

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If you have money questions — and who among us doesn’t right now? — there are plenty of people willing to offer advice: friends, relatives and random strangers on the internet.

Finding someone who knows what they’re talking about, and who isn’t trying to take advantage of you, can be tougher. Fortunately, several groups of credentialed, trustworthy financial advisers are stepping up to offer free help.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to find the solid advice you need.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit score drop? How to diagnose why and what to do next. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the safety of Bitcoin, what to do if you’re struggling with IRS delays, and what to do about your FSA contributions if your child care is closed.

Credit Score Drop? How to Diagnose Why, and What to Do Next
Time to check your credit report.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Is Bitcoin Safe?’
A look at the popular cryptocurrency.

Try these workarounds if you’re struggling with IRS delays
Tips on how to get help.

What to Do About Your FSA Contributions if Your Child Care Is Closed
The IRS has made some changes.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit score drop? How to diagnose why and what to do next. Also in the news: Put off debt payments to start saving now, going contactless as a way to pay safer, and many unemployed people aren’t aware of all the relief they may qualify for during the pandemic.

Credit Score Drop? How to Diagnose Why, and What to Do Next
If you got a payment modification and saw a score drop, it’s tempting to think they’re related. They may not be.

Put Off Debt Payments to Start Saving Now
In uncertain times, it makes sense to prioritize building a cash reserve over paying down debt balances.

Looking for Safer Ways to Pay? Go Contactless
Contactless payments like mobile wallets, P2P apps and tap-to-pay cards are easy to use and help lessen risk of contagion.

Many unemployed people aren’t aware of all the relief they may qualify for during the pandemic
Take a look at what’s available.