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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Does my travel insurance cover the Coronavirus? Also in the news: 3 signs that itemizing your taxes may be worth the headache, types of home inspections you should know, and why you shouldn’t pay for credit repair piggy back scams.

Does My Travel Insurance Cover the Coronavirus?
What to know about your upcoming travels.

3 Signs That Itemizing Your Taxes May Be Worth the Headache
How to know when it’s worth the effort.

Types of Home Inspections Buyers Should Know
When you should call in more than one inspector.

Don’t Pay for Credit Repair ‘Piggyback’ Scams
There are better ways to boost your credit.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why credit card loyalty is no virtue. Also in the news: the SmartMoney podcast tackles saving for a down payment, how to decide between buying, fixing, or building, and how to talk to a real human at the IRS without waiting on hold forever.

Why Credit Card Loyalty Is No Virtue
At least 1 in 5 consumers are carrying the wrong card.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘How to Save for a Down Payment’
Look for the best interest rates.

Buy, Build or Fix: What’s Best for First-Time Home Buyers?
Tough decisions.

How to Talk to a Real Human at the IRS Without Waiting on Hold Forever
The best times to call.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to stock up wisely, emergency or not. Also in the news: Some rental owners could get an extra tax break this year, how to unlock the debtor’s prison of student loans, and the most important money move that women aren’t making.

How to Stock Up Wisely, Emergency or Not
No panic shopping.

Some Rental Owners Could Get an Extra Tax Break This Year
The new QBI.

Unlock the Debtor’s Prison of Student Loans
Looking for relief.

This is the most important money move that women aren’t making
It’s time to invest.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How Gen Z (and everyone else) can combat spending regret. Also in the news: How to spot a good car salesperson – or a bad one, 4 money lessons from ‘Love is Blind,’ and 9 savings strategies to boost your finances.

How Gen Z (and Everyone Else) Can Combat Spending Regret
Prioritize what’s important to you.

How to Spot a Good Car Salesperson — Or a Bad One
Don’t get a lemon of a salesperson.

4 Money Lessons From ‘Love is Blind’
Lessons from Netflix’s new reality show.

9 savings strategies to boost your finances
Gamifying can help.

Unlock the debtor’s prison of student loans

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Earlier this year, a judge denounced the myth that student loans can’t be erased in bankruptcy court as she excused a Navy veteran from having to pay $221,000 in education debt. Bankruptcy judge Cecelia G. Morris’ decision garnered plenty of headlines, along with speculation that the ruling might make such discharges easier.

The battle isn’t over, though. A few days later, Morris’ ruling was appealed by the Education Credit Management Corporation, a nonprofit company that guarantees and services federal student loans for the U.S. Department of Education.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Commission on Consumer Bankruptcy recommends to begin freeing borrowers from their loans.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How I ditched debt: rebounding from bankruptcy. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on maximizing travel rewards, what the Coronavirus means for your home loan and mortgage rates, and what happens to your credit card if you move internationally.

How I Ditched Debt: Rebounding From Bankruptcy
How one couple paid off nearly $180,000 of debt.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘How Can I Maximize My Travel Rewards?’
Getting the biggest bang for your buck.

What the New Coronavirus Means for Your Home Loan and Mortgage Rates
There’s a new interest rate cut.

What Happens to Your Credit Card if You Move Internationally?
It’s complicated.