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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 times debt can be a helpful tool. Also in the news: How to buy stuff that lasts, how to plan for big expenditures, and how small daily purchases really affect your long-term finances.

3 times debt can be a helpful tool
When debt serves a purpose.

How to Buy Stuff That Lasts
Finding truly reliable and durable products isn’t always easy.

How to Afford Big-Ticket Items for the Year
If you need to make a big purchase this year, such as furniture or an appliance, plan around sales and your budget.

How Much Do Small, Daily Purchases Really Affect Your Long-Term Finances?
Your avocado toast or morning coffee is not to blame for your debt.

How to budget realistically for home repairs

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If you’re a homeowner and haven’t faced a big repair bill yet, just wait. Even in the best-maintained homes, stuff will wear out or break.

Budgeting for these inevitable bills isn’t always easy. One commonly cited rule of thumb — to save 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs — can give homeowners sticker shock as real estate prices soar.

In my latest for the Associated Press, hot to decide on how much you should put aside for home repairs.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 ways to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on questioning the 50/30/20 budget, 5 credit card mistakes to avoid during tough times, and the cheapest places to buy an acre of land in the United States.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Protect your Medicare number and review your statements to guard against Medicare fraud. If it does happen, help is available.

Smart Money Podcast: Questioning the 50/30/20 Budget, and Company Stock
This week’s episode starts with a discussion of the 50/30/20 budget — why it works and how to use it as prices soar.

5 Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid During Tough Times
By having a plan and knowing about less costly alternatives, you can avoid credit card mistakes that lead to debt.

The Cheapest Places to Buy an Acre of Land in the U.S.
There are still some (relatively) affordable places to put down roots.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to buy stuff that lasts. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on how to build the right team, positive signs for college enrollment, and the most creative ways to use the equity in your home.

How to Buy Stuff That Lasts
Savvy consumers consider price, performance and reliability when making a major purchase, such as a car or home appliance.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Business: Building the Right Team
This week, we talk with a business owner about how she launched her IT consulting business, the way she learned to choose the right partners and what her exit strategy is.

A Positive Sign for College Enrollment — Finally
After a two-year slump in college enrollment, there’s at least one early indicator of a reversal ahead: Financial aid application submissions are up.

The Most Creative Ways to Use the Equity In Your House
To start with, you can actually use a HELOC to pay off your existing mortgage.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 12 ways to make this summer’s travel less bad. Also in the news: Are Airbnbs really cheaper for large groups, 11 ways to repurpose an old phone or tablet, and the federal consumer finance watchdog to tighten bank rules around money-transfer scams.

12 Ways to Make This Summer’s Travel Less Bad
With proper planning and an adaptable mindset, you can weather the storm that is travel in summer 2022.

Are Airbnbs Really Cheaper for Large Groups?
You can turn to Airbnb for a large group getaway, but always do the math to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

11 Ways to Repurpose an Old Phone or Tablet
You should put your old smartphone or tablet to work.

Federal consumer finance watchdog to tighten bank rules around money-transfer scams, report says
Banks generally don’t have liability in instances when the transaction is authorized.

How to buy stuff that lasts

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Savvy consumers consider price, performance and reliability when making a major purchase, such as a car or home appliance. The greatest of these is reliability — particularly lately.

Supply chain disruptions can mean long waits for parts or replacements if something breaks. Getting a new refrigerator, dishwasher or other major appliance now often takes weeks or even months, says Paul Hope, home and appliances writer for Consumer Reports. Plus, the microchip shortage means many manufacturers prioritize making their most expensive models, which are typically the most profitable, Hope says.

“It’s getting increasingly difficult to get some of the inexpensive models of any given product,” Hope says.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to find truly reliable and durable products.