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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How the September 2022 fed rate increase will impact your bank account. Also in the news: 6 new rules for smarter European travel, how to weigh the risks and rewards of buying a used EV, and Fed boosts rates yet again, pushing down home affordability.

How the September 2022 Fed Rate Increase Will Impact Your Bank Account
Expect higher rates on savings accounts and CDs. Don’t hold your breath on interest checking accounts.

6 New Rules for Smarter European Travel
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, consider the following tips to save money and have a better experience.

Is a Used Electric Vehicle a Bargain or a Trap?
Here’s how to weigh the risks and rewards of buying a used EV.

Fed Boosts Rates Yet Again, Pushing Down Home Affordability
The Federal Reserve continued to shout from the rooftops Wednesday that it will do what it takes to get inflation under control.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The downsides of hotel free night certificates. Also in the news: travel prices that are coming back to earth, if your airline miles and hotel pointes are worth less now, and a hotel kitchen that may not save you money after all.

The Downsides of Hotel Free Night Certificates
Free night certificates can be a major pain to use. You’re often better off pursuing hotel loyalty program points.

Travel Prices Are Coming Back to Earth
Falling prices and a strong dollar mean U.S. travelers could finally see some relief in the coming months.

Are Your Airline Miles and Hotel Points Worth Less Now?
The value of your points and miles is up slightly, but it may not be enough to keep pace with inflation.

A Hotel Kitchen May Not Save You Money After All
Look for other ways to cut food costs on trips, like planning no-cook meals or prioritizing free hotel breakfast.

6 new rules for smarter European travel

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Tourism rebounded this summer in Europe — and Europe wasn’t ready. Pandemic-related staff shortages led to massive lines and flight cancellations at many airports; meanwhile, prices for hotels and taxis soared.

Then there were the record-breaking temperatures that caused roads, airport runways and railroad tracks to buckle , leading to further disruptions.

Our family of three visited Europe this summer — our first trip there in three years — and had a great time despite the challenges. Still, climate change, growing crowds and lingering effects of the pandemic have altered the way we travel. In my latest for the Associated Press, learn tips to save money and have a better trip experience to Europe.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: To prepare kids set to invest with custodial accounts. In other news: 8 Latino financial pros on building wealth and knowledge in 2022, Smart Money Podcast on fall money tasks, and saving enough to retire, and if a line of credit is right for your business recession plan.

Get Kids Set to Invest With Custodial Accounts
To prepare kids to take over their custodial accounts, they need financial education and solid money habits, which can be developed early on.

8 Latino Financial Pros on Building Wealth and Knowledge in 2022
Education about finances and talking honestly about money are key, Latino financial experts say.

Smart Money Podcast: Fall Money Tasks, and Saving Enough to Retire
This week’s episode starts with a reminder to check in on your finances as we enter into the last quarter of the year and some suggestions for some money tasks to complete.

Is a Line of Credit Right for Your Business Recession Plan?
How your business operates and whether you have fluctuating funding needs can help you decide when to apply for a business line of credit.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to find a happy balance among competing savings goals. Also in the news: Smart Money Podcast: live from Las Vegas, easy solutions to 3 common air travel nightmares, and how relaxed COVID guidelines will affect your next trips.

How to Find a Happy Balance Among Competing Savings Goals
Deciding how to prioritize different savings goals can be overwhelming, but financial experts recommend ordering them by urgency.

Smart Money Podcast: Live From Las Vegas!
This week’s episode is a special live episode that was recorded at a company gathering in Las Vegas over the summer.

Easy Solutions to 3 Common Air Travel Nightmares
Insuring your trip through a travel card or independent policy can come in handy if things don’t go as planned.

How Will Relaxed COVID Guidelines Affect Your Next Trip?
Reduced isolation periods and other changes to CDC recommendations make it less likely your trip will be disrupted.