Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Keeping your money safe while you see the world. Also in the news: How one couple retired early, why Millennials should care about Medicare right now, and using liability insurance when driving abroad.

Keep Your Money Safe While You See the World
Enjoy your trip without money stresses.

If You Retire Early, Life Can Be a Beach
How one couple pulled it off.

Why Millennials Should Care About Medicare Right Now
Before it’s too late.

Do You Need Special Car Rental Insurance When Driving Abroad?
Looking at liability insurance.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Quick – Can you come up with $400? Also in the news: Is 4-year college right for you, car negotiating secrets for people who hate haggling, and 5myths about your 2017 tax refund and what not to do if you want to do if you want it quicker.

Quick — Can You Come Up With $400?
Most of America cannot.

Ask Brianna: Is 4-Year College Right for You?
Do you really need all 4 years?

Car Negotiating Secrets for People Who Hate Haggling
Negotiating without pressure.

5 myths about your 2017 tax refund and what not to do if you want it quicker
Calling the IRS won’t help.

Why Millennials Should Care About Medicare Right Now

Medicare provides basic health care to one out of six Americans, most of them 65 and older. Even people decades away from retirement, though, should be concerned about Congress meddling with the program.

Lawmakers understand that cutting current retirees’ benefits is a political nonstarter. Older people vote, and they have one of the most powerful lobbyists, AARP, advocating on their behalf.

Younger people? Not so much. Politicians will be tempted to foist the biggest cuts on people farther away from retirement (who are presumably paying less attention).

In my latest article for the Associated Press, why it’s crucial that Millennials begin to think a

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 pieces of popular tax advice that are actually baloney. Also in the news: VW aims to plug into nostalgia with the electric bus, Social Security is underpaying thousands of widows and widowers, and 33% of Americans don’t have more savings than credit card debt.

5 Pieces of Popular Tax Advice That Are Actually Baloney
Popularity doesn’t make them true.

VW Aims to Plug Into Nostalgia With Electric Bus
We’re going back to the 60’s.

Social Security underpays thousands of widows and widowers
Claiming a larger benefit.

33% of Americans do not have more savings than credit card debt
A third of the country is in trouble.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How debt settlement can make a bad money situation worse. Also in the news: Using an IRA as a legal, last-minute way to lower your taxes, 4 reasons why it’s smart to buy a used cell phone, and how to budget as a freelancer.

Debt Settlement Can Make a Bad Money Situation Worse
Not the perfect solution.

An IRA Is a Legal, Last-Minute Way to Lower Your Taxes
There’s still time for 2017 taxes.

4 Reasons It’s Smart to Buy a Used Cell Phone
Saving on new-to-you tech.

How to Budget as a Freelancer
Budgeting when income isn’t reliable.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 items that make any hotel room feel like home. Also in the news: 3 “tax-friendly” states that are anything but, the best thing you’ve done to get your finances in order, and 5 gas mileage myths that are wasting your money.

5 Items That Make Any Hotel Room Feel Like Home
You don’t have to feel like a stranger while on the road.

This Harsh Tax Can Make These 3 “Tax-Friendly” States Anything But
Nevada, Texas, and Washington.

What’s the Best Thing You’ve Done to Get Your Finances in Order?
Share your tips.

5 gas mileage myths that are wasting your money
You can leave the air conditioning on.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 12 African-American financial gurus to follow in 2018. Also in the news: 3 ways to screw up your investment portfolio, the fee for U.S. Passports is increasing, and watching out for fake car deals this Presidents’ Day Weekend.

12 African-American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2018
Learning from the pros.

3 Ways to Screw Up Your Investment Portfolio
What NOT to do.

Act Now Before the Fee for New U.S. Passports Increases
Make your changes soon.

Watch Out For Fake Car Deals This Presidents’ Day Weekend
Don’t get taken for a ride.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Know how and when to thaw your credit. Also in the news: How to find lost 401(k) cash and other unclaimed money, why you should listen to money podcasts, and serious financial mistakes to avoid when getting engaged.

Don’t Be Frozen Out — Know How and When to Thaw Your Credit
Credit in the post-Equifax breach world.

How to Find Lost 401(k) Cash (and Other Unclaimed Money)
Reunite with your lost money.

Why You Should Listen to Money Podcasts
A few recommendations.

Getting engaged? Don’t make these serious financial mistakes
Starting off on the right foot.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Will your relationship last? Depends on your investment. Also in the news: How 12 Olympians pinched pennies to chase gold, your guide to buying life insurance on someone else, and the financial benefit of skipping Valentine’s Day.

Will Your Relationship Last? Depends on Your Investment
Putting in the time and effort.

How 12 Olympians Pinched Pennies to Chase Gold
Inspiring stories.

Your Guide to Buying Life Insurance on Someone Else
Not as evil as it sounds.

The Financial Benefit of Skipping Valentine’s Day
Consult your partner first.

You’re married, but your assets don’t have to be

People who aren’t rich or famous typically don’t have prenuptial agreements, which are legal documents detailing who gets what in a divorce. Even ordinary folks without prenups, though, should think about how to protect their money if something goes wrong.

Planning for divorce may be cynical, but it’s also smart, San Diego certified financial planner Ginita Wall says.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect your assets in case the unthinkable happens.