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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do if you lose your credit card. Also in the news: Chime and Varo launch free programs to pay account overdrafts, half of student loan borrowers fear they’ll be in debt forever, and why you should never spend the money a bank accidentally deposits into your account.

What to Do If You Lose Your Credit Card
Don’t panic, but act quickly.

Chime, Varo Launch Free Programs to Pay Account Overdrafts
New programs from the mobile banks.

Half of student loan borrowers worry they’ll be in debt forever, study finds
Graduates have major financial regrets.

If the Bank Accidentally Deposits Money in Your Account, Don’t Spend It
Fight the temptation.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to make living in a new place a reality. Also in the news: How one couple paid off $300k of debt in three years, what workers can learn from retirees’ regrets, and the average FICO score hits an all-time high.

Dreaming of Living in a New Place? Here’s How to Make It a Reality
One step at a time.

How I Ditched Debt: Small Wins Help Achieve a Big Dream
How one couple paid off over $300K in three years.

What Workers Can Learn From Retirees’ Regrets: Save More Now
The sooner, the better.

Average FICO score hits all-time high
The nation’s average score is now 706.

Moving to escape taxes? Make it a clean break

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Breaking up can be hard to do if the other party doesn’t want to let you go. People who move out of high-tax states may learn this the hard way — through a residency audit.

States such as New York, California and Illinois use the audits to claim that your recent interstate move was just a tax dodge and that you still owe their state income taxes. Proving you’ve actually moved and plan to make the new place your permanent home — yes, the burden of proof is on you in a residency audit — often requires far more than flashing your new driver’s license or spending a certain number of days outside the old state. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to prepare for a residency audit.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 types of conventional loans all home buyers should know. Also in the news: How your credit score can save you money, why you need to verify your Equifax settlement claim, and why you need to be careful when deciding to claim Social Security based on break-even calculations.

6 Types of Conventional Loans All Home Buyers Should Know
All the details.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can My Credit Score Save Me Money?’
Answers to real-world money questions.

If You Asked for $125 from the Equifax Settlement, You Need to Verify Your Claim
Check your email.

Deciding when to claim Social Security based on break-even calculations? Be careful

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Taking a “micro trip” before the holidays. Also in the news: Money summits for couples, the best and worst US cities for retirement, and the top 10 most regrettable mistakes retirees made in the 20s.

Need a Break Before the Holiday Break? Consider a ‘Micro Trip’
A little relaxation before the holiday rush.

Start With a Money Summit to Hit Your #couplegoals
A meeting of the minds.

Here are the best and worst US cities for retirement
Did yours make the list?

Top 10 Most Regrettable Mistakes Retirees Made In Their 20s
Learning from others.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to travel last minute and still get a good deal. Also in the news: Streaming services are the hot new credit card rewards, how college students can make the most of their summer earnings, and how retail credit cards are squeezing the financially vulnerable.

How to Travel Last Minute and Still Get a Good Deal
Impulse travel doesn’t have to break the bank.

Forget gas and groceries—streaming services are the new trend in credit card rewards
How your groceries can pay for your binge watching.

College students, make the most of your summer earnings
Making your money last.

Retail credit cards are squeezing the financially vulnerable as their delinquency rate rises
Getting caught in the points trap.