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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do if you can’t pay for insurance due to Coronavirus. Also in the news: 3 effective ways to get airlines and hotels to bend their rules, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on spring cleaning your finances, and what the CARES Act means for public service student loan forgiveness.

What to Do if You Can’t Pay for Insurance Due to Coronavirus
Get in touch with your carrier immediately.

3 Effective Ways to Get Airlines and Hotels to Bend Their Rules
Twitter vs. phone vs. email.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘How Should I Spring-Clean My Finances?’
Three steps to tidy things up.

What the CARES Act Means for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Document everything.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to know before accepting COVID-19 credit card relief. Also in the news: You can now get free weekly credit reports, how to get money to family and friends in a crisis, and what your small business should do with its Paycheck Protection Program loan.

What to Know Before Accepting COVID-19 Credit Card Relief
Beware the fine print.

You Can Now Get Free Weekly Credit Reports — Here’s How to Use Them
Keeping a close eye on your credit.

How to Get Money to Family and Friends in a Crisis
Watch out for fees.

Your small business got a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Now what?
The best ways to strategize.

Is your financial adviser really helping you?

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Stock market crashes don’t just test investors’ mettle. Abrupt downturns also can reveal what kind of financial adviser you have.

Some people will discover, to their horror, that they’ve been dealing with outright crooks. Ponzi schemes are among the cons that fall apart when markets do, as investors try to pull their money out and discover it’s gone.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to determine if your financial adviser is meeting your expectations.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Cancel your travel credit card due to Coronavirus? Ask for a retention offer first. Also in the news: What to do when a family member or friend needs money, and before opening a new credit line, check for this restriction.

Cancel Your Travel Credit Card Due to Coronavirus? Ask for a Retention Offer First
Banks don’t want to lose your business.

A Friend or Family Member Needs Money. What Do You Do?
Things to consider before writing that check.

Should College Savers Opt for Student Loans This Fall?
Interest rates have plummeted.

Before Opening a New Credit Line, Check for This Restriction
One word: Iowa.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Capital One letting you use miles on takeout, delivery, and streaming. Also in the news: Coronavirus auto insurance refunds – how much to expect, how to school kids on money lessons during the outbreak, and how to check if you’re eligible for food stamps.

Capital One Letting You Use Miles on Takeout, Delivery, Streaming
New categories for reward redemption.

Coronavirus Auto Insurance Refunds: How Much to Expect
Why some insurers are giving money back.

How to School Kids on Money Lessons During the COVID-19 Outbreak

How to Check If You’re Eligible for Food Stamps
Getting assistance during this tough time.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Where Coronavirus relief checks go, fraudsters follow. Also in the news: What to do if you’re a U.S. citizen stranded abroad right now, how to strengthen your financial resilience with these 3 insights, and why you should keep paying your federal student loans right now, if you can.

Where Coronavirus Relief Checks Go, Fraudsters Follow
Scammers never take a holiday.

What to Do If You’re a U.S. Citizen Stranded Abroad Right Now
Patience is key.

Strengthen Your Financial Resilience With These 3 Insights
Developing new strategies.

Keep Paying Your Federal Student Loans Right Now, If You Can
Save yourself some interest.