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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How the IRS knows if you cheat on your taxes. Also in the news: 3 reasons to pay for spring break with a travel credit card, alternative options if you can’t find an affordable FHA-approved home, and why the bank holds your deposit for 9 days on new accounts.

How the IRS Knows If You Cheat on Your Taxes
They’re always watching.

3 Reasons to Pay for Spring Break with a Travel Credit Card
Racking up points.

Can’t Find an Affordable FHA-Approved Home? You Have Options
Alternative options.

Why the Bank Is Holding Your Deposit for 9 Days
The downside of a new account.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Make your brand loyalty pay off. Also in the news: When your new car have more tech than you know what to do with, one thing to know when filing your taxes, and beware email attachment scams this tax season.

Make Your Brand Loyalty Pay Off
Cash in on your devotion.

Does your new car have more tech than you know what to do with?
Too many bells and whistles?

There’s one thing you need to know when filing your taxes
You don’t have to do it on your own.

Beware Email Attachment Scams This Tax Season
Scammers never take a day off.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Beware of these overhyped financial strategies. Also in the news: How to get car insurance quotes online the smart way, how often should you shop around for car insurance, and what to know about the marriage tax penalty.

Beware of These Overhyped Financial Strategies
Looking out for your best interests.

How to Get Car Insurance Quotes Online — the Smart Way
Gather and compare.

How Often Should You Shop Around for Car Insurance?
The answer might surprise you.

What to Know About the Marriage Tax Penalty
Tax reform still leaves some couples out to dry.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When and how to say no to extended car warranties. Also in the news: How to save money with used baby items, medical expenses you can deduct on your taxes, and why you really need to set up automatic credit card payments.

Extended Car Warranties: When and How to Say No
Don’t pay for something you may never use.

New Baby? Save Money With These Used Items
You’ll only use them for a brief time.

Which medical expenses can you deduct on your taxes?
No, you can’t deduct your medical weed.

You Really Need to Set Up Automatic Credit Card Payments
Never miss a due date again.

Beware of these overhyped financial strategies

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A good rule of thumb when you’re trying to eat healthy is to beware of any food you see advertised. The most beneficial fare — whole grains, fruits, vegetables — tends not to have a marketing budget.

Similarly, investments that are enthusiastically pushed by commission-earning salespeople may not be the best for your financial health. In my latest for the Associated Press, why you’d be smart to investigate lower-cost alternatives and to consult an objective, knowledgeable third party, such as a fee-only financial planner.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Identity theft protection you may not know you already have. Also in the news: How auto insurers use you non-driving habits to raise prices, how younger consumers can get a credit boost from their elders, and how to close a credit card the right way.

Identity Theft Protection You May Not Know You Already Have
Some surprising sources.

How Auto Insurers Use Your Nondriving Habits to Raise Prices
What you need to know about price optimization.

Younger Consumers, Get a Credit Boost From Your Elders
Authorized user status could give you a boost.

How to Close a Credit Card The Right Way
Protecting your credit score.