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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What Equifax’s credit score miscalculations mean for consumers. Also in the news: 5 ways to feel richer (even if you’re not), mortgage rates to stay high in August, and who should consider a spousal IRA.

What Equifax’s Credit Score Miscalculations Mean for Consumers
Equifax, one of the three major credit bureaus, announced that a computer coding error resulted in the miscalculation of credit scores for consumers in a three-week period between March 17 and April 6.

5 Ways to Feel Richer (Even If You’re Not)
In some ways, feeling “rich” is less about how many zeroes you have in your bank account and more about knowing how to use them to get what you want out of life.

Mortgage Rates Unlikely to Cool in August
Mortgage rates will likely rise in August as the Federal Reserve continues to yank interest rates higher.

Who Should Consider a Spousal IRA, According to a Financial Planner
You should try to find new ways to save for retirement. For some people, a spousal IRA is an option.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why it’s worth it to book Airbnbs for a week or longer. Also in the news: Selling direct-to-consumer custom fashions, why the upcoming Ethereum merge matters, and how to get a free or low-cost laptop for school.

Why It’s Worth Booking Airbnbs for a Week or Longer
Longer stays benefit both guests and hosts. Some hosts even offer specific discounts.

Ethereum Merge Is Coming: Why It Matters

Business Inspiration: Selling Direct-to-Consumer Custom Fashion
Bringing customers’ fashion designs to life is a key strategy for Legacy Lapels’ success.

How to Get a Free or Cheap Laptop for College
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-a-free-or-cheap-laptop-for-college-1849361096
If you have a financial need, these organizations may be able to equip you with a computer.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Mortgage rates are unlikely to cool in August. Also in the news: 6 ways to support small businesses hit with inflation, has remote work changed the travel landscape, and oat milk and coffee drink are part of a major recall.

Mortgage Rates Unlikely to Cool in August
Mortgage rates will likely rise in August as the Federal Reserve continues to yank interest rates higher.

6 Ways to Support Small Businesses Hit With Inflation
Business owners explain how they’d like to see their community show up for them as prices rise.

Has Remote Work Changed the Travel Landscape?
Widespread access to remote work has changed the travel industry, perhaps for good.

A Bunch of Oat Milks and Coffee Drinks Are Part of a Majo53 nationally distributed products have been recalled due to possible bacteria contamination.
r Recall
53 nationally distributed products have been recalled due to possible bacteria contamination.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: After a fall, crypto winter sets in. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast for kids on where money comes from, can job-hopping help retirement savings, and these states are having a tax-free back to school shopping weekend.

After a Fall, Crypto Winter Sets In
Cryptocurrencies hit a rough patch in 2022, with prices falling and some companies facing serious financial issues.

Smart Money Podcast for Kids: Where Does Money Come From?
This week’s episode we take on money questions from two kids, Ellington and Langston, who want to know where money comes from, where it goes after you spend it and how to decide how much you need to save.

Can Job-Hopping Help Retirement Savings?
Changing jobs often has its pros and cons, but understanding how it hurts or helps your retirement savings can help you make more informed decisions

These States Are Having a Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping Weekend This Month
You may be able to purchase some of your supplies without involving Uncle Sam.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to budget realistically for home repairs. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on small business owners who pivoted during covid, how a billion dollar jackpot actually works, and 5 ways to spend a billion dollars.

How to Budget Realistically for Home Repairs
If you’re a homeowner and haven’t faced a big repair bill yet, just wait.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Business: Building a Brick-and-Mortar Business
This week, we talk with a business owner about how she opened a full-service beauty salon and bar, grew it to two locations with dozens of employees — and how she pivoted again and again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mega Millions: How a Billion-Dollar Jackpot Actually Works
The winner won’t see the full amount — at least not all at once. Here’s how to play, and what it means if you win.

Mega Millions: 5 Ways to Spend a Billion Dollars

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Fed raises target rate again. Also in the news: How big wheels cost you big bucks at the pump, how to cope with Airbnb cleaning fees, and how airline prices are going up in more ways than one.

Fed Raises Target Rate Again, but Mortgage Rates Are Unfazed
Each Federal Reserve announcement has resulted in a less dramatic change in mortgage rates than the one before.

How Big Wheels Cost You Big Time at the Pump
Big wheels and tires can add pizazz to your car, but they aren’t the best option for your wallet.

Airbnb Cleaning Fees Can Be Brutal. Here’s How to Cope
You can take the edge off of hefty cleaning fees with a longer stay, spreading the cost out over more days.

Airline Prices Are Going Up, in More Ways Than One
While base rates may be lower than they were a decade ago, fees and inflation have really done a number on overall costs.