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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why you should ask your parents about their financial plans. Also in the news: Why you no longer need a chip-and-PIN card overseas, earning and burning your airline rewards to maximize free flights, and 1 in 4 millennials raiding 401(k)s early to pay down debt.

Yes, You Should Ask Your Parents About Their Financial Plans
Life moves fast.

Do You Need a Chip-and-PIN Card? Probably Not Anymore
“Chip-and-signature” becoming widely accepted overseas.

‘Earn and Burn’ Your Airline Rewards to Maximize Free Flights
Use your miles as soon as possible.

Yikes: 1 in 4 millennials raiding 401(k)s early to pay down debt
Risking retirement.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 travel rewards myths that could cost you. Also in the news: 5 things to know about the Hilton Honors AmEx business card, what to know about SIMPLE IRAs, and how to manage household finances after your spouse dies.

5 Travel Rewards Myths That Could Cost You
How to make the most of your rewards.

5 Things to Know About the Hilton Honors AmEx Business Card
Solid benefits.

What Is a SIMPLE IRA and How Do I Open One?
The small company version of a 401(k).

How to Manage Household Finances After Your Spouse Dies
Navigating new financial waters.

5 travel rewards myths that could cost you

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Twenty-four years ago, I knew so little about travel rewards that I took an around-the-world trip without signing up for a single frequent traveler program. Those lost points and miles still haunt me.

Fast forward to last summer, when our family stayed two nights at a luxury hotel in Venice, Italy. Our room would have cost an eye-popping €1,500, or about $1,700, per night. Thanks to the points I’d accumulated using a travel rewards credit card, this over-the-top stay was free.

There’s definitely a learning curve involved when it comes to travel rewards, but delaying your education can be costly if you love to travel. In my latest for the Associated Press, 5 travel reward myths to avoid.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What really happens when you try to win money to pay down student loans. Also in the news: How to sidestep the potential pitfalls of travel credit cards, new Barclays feature gives you more spending control, and how to pay the exact amount of taxes you owe in advance.

What Really Happens When You Try to Win Money to Pay Down Student Loans
Behind the scenes.

How to Sidestep the Potential Pitfalls of Travel Credit Cards
Free travel can be costly.

New Barclays Feature Takes Card Locking One Step Further
More ways to control your spending.

How to Pay the Exact Amount of Taxes You Owe in Advance
Using the IRS Withholding Calculator.




Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Hit with a tax penalty? The IRS might give you a do-over. Also in the news: Why your 401(k) just got more valuable, how to capture savings on professional photography, and how to talk about money on the first date.

Hit With a Tax Penalty? The IRS Might Give You a Do-Over
How the penalty-abatement program works.

Your 401(k) Just Got More Valuable
New tax laws change the deduction game.

How to Capture Savings on Professional Photography
Pay less for a lifetime of memories.

How to Talk About Money on the First Date
Breaking the financial ice.