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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit card debt has dropped, but inflation may change that. Also in the news: How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen, how the end of the mask mandate could increase travel costs, and how much house you can get for $350K.

Credit Card Debt Has Dropped, But Inflation May Change That
Americans made big gains in paying off credit card debt over the past few years, but it may not last.

How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen
After two years of cancellations, deferments and marathon sessions with airline customer service, many travelers are hoping to book summer trips that actually pan out this year.

Passengers cheered the end of masks on flights, but they won’t be cheering these prices
More people are taking to the skies than at any point since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s costing them more as a result.

Here’s How Much House You Can Buy for $350K
The median home price gets you a studio apartment in some cities and a mansion in others.

Find out and fix what big data says about you

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I thought I knew all about the information that consumer reporting agencies were collecting on me. Then I discovered The Work Number — a database that reports every paycheck I’ve received from my company, with net and gross amounts, going back to my hire date six years ago.

Another consumer reporting agency shows the results of a 2016 echocardiogram. (It was normal.) Yet another tracks insurance claims on my home and car. If I’d made too many returns at retail stores or bounced a check at a casino, that could show up in a database as well.

“Any data point that someone can track, there’s going to be a bureau or someone gathering information and selling that information,” says Matthew Loker, a consumer protection attorney in Arroyo Grande, California.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to find and correct what big data says about you.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 8 tactics to break the credit card debt cycle. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on wedding guest expenses and vetting your mortgage lender, the bar that lets you buy drinks with wands, and how to see through inflation prices.

8 Tactics to Break the Credit Card Debt Cycle
If you’re ready to give credit cards a second chance, a few tactics may lay the groundwork for a successful relationship.

Smart Money Podcast: Save at Weddings, and Vet Mortgage Lenders
Save as a wedding guest. Then learn the cons of going with a mortgage lender recommended by your real estate agent.

This Bar Lets You Buy Drinks With Wands
Inventive payment technology integrations are part of The Cauldron Co.’s immersive fantasy-themed customer experience.

How to See Through Inflation Prices
Your perception of ‘good value’ may no longer be realistic.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Small home fixes can have a big impact on safety. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on student loan debt, why you need to inspect the used car you bought sight unseen, and check whether your Toyota or Lexus is part of a massive recall.

Small Home Fixes Can Have a Big Impact on Safety
If it ain’t broke, maybe you should fix it anyway.

Smart Money Podcast: How We Got to $1.75 Trillion in Student Loan Debt
Learn the history behind the rising cost of college and how 43 million Americans landed with student loan debt.

Inspect That Used Car You Bought Sight Unseen

Check Whether Your Toyota or Lexus Is Part of This Massive Recall
More than 500,000 vehicles are thought to have a software error.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Life insurance favors young adults, but they have hesitations. Also in the news: The logic of booking air travel has changed, which rental car company has the lowest prices, and find out what’s bringing down the value of your home.

Life Insurance Favors Young Adults, But They Have Hesitations
Concerns include picking the wrong coverage amount, affording premiums and qualifying for coverage.

The Logic of Booking Air Travel Has Changed
The days of booking bare-bones fares months in advance may be gone for now.

Which Rental Car Company Usually Has the Lowest Prices?
Looking for the cheapest rental car brand? We did the math so you don’t have to.

These Things Are Bringing Down the Value of Your Home
The housing market is out of control, but it never hurts to sell for more.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Flying is likely the cheapest option for spring and summer trips. Also in the news: 8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles, dealing with bank mergers, and negotiating COVID-19 medical bills.

Flying is likely cheapest option for spring, summer trips
According to NerdWallet travel writer Sally French, despite the feeling that everything is more expensive these days, traveling by airplane is actually cheaper on average than it was before the pandemic.

8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles
Take a deep look at your credit card relationship.

If your bank merges, should you shop around or stay put?
How to handle changes with your bank.

Can You Negotiate Your COVID-19 Hospital Bills?
Insurance companies have stopped waiving COVID-19 treatment costs, but there are ways to appeal a huge medical bill.