Get smart with your money
If it ain’t broke, maybe you should fix it anyway.
That’s the message consumer advocates and insurance experts want you to hear about your home’s hidden dangers. Too often, they say, people put off relatively inexpensive repairs or improvements that could prevent significant damage, injuries or even death. While you can’t eliminate every potential hazard, some small moves can have a huge impact on home safety.
In my latest for the Associated Press, fixes that typically cost $200 or less.
Today’s top story: How Millennials can take their money beyond the basics. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on spring money tasks and debt strategies, using your tax refund to pay down debt, and how fear, doubt and uncertainty can derail crypto and investing plans.
How Millennials Can Take Their Money Beyond the Basics
You’ve mastered money management fundamentals, which served you well for a time. But a few tweaks to your finances will make a big difference as you approach your 40s and beyond.
Smart Money Podcast: 3 Spring Money Tasks, and Debt Payoff Options
Check on your money goals. Then learn about several debt payoff strategies, which vary in their effectiveness.
Use Your Tax Refund to Knock Down Debt, Lift Your Finances
Bringing balances down can save on interest, help your credit score and clear the path to reaching financial goals.
FUD: Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt Can Derail Crypto, Investing Plans
Cryptocurrency investors commonly use the term FUD to describe what they see as unfounded skepticism.
Today’s top story: Spring clean your finances with some automation. Also in the news: Negotiating your COVID-19 hospital bills, what a tax holiday at the gas pump means for you, and how to prep for the financial hit of long COVID.
Spring-Clean Your Finances With Some Automation
Automating paying bills and saving money can save time, but be strategic with your approach and check in regularly.
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.
What a Tax Holiday at the Gas Pump Means for You
Several states are suspending gas taxes, but not everyone agrees it’s the right move.
How to prepare for the financial hit of long COVID
As much as the virus attacks the body – it can also attack your financial life.
Today’s top story: Student loan pause extended again. Also in the news: Booking rental cars in advance vs last minute, how to account for inflation in your 2022 travel budget, and how to split rent when some rooms are better than others.
Student Loan Pause Extended Again — Is There an End Game?
Federal student loan borrowers just got an extra four months before their payments resume.
Which Is Cheaper: Booking Rental Cars in Advance or Last Minute?
Our analysis shows that you could save around 15% by booking last minute.
How to Account for Inflation in Your 2022 Travel Budget
Look at past trips and line your travel spending habits up against current rates to budget for this year.
How to Split Rent When Some Rooms Are Better Than Others
Are you ready to outbid your roommates to secure the best room in the house?
Today’s top story: Spring-clean your finances with some automation. Also in the news: How millennials can take their money to the next level, the latest scams targeting taxpayers, and which airline has the best rewards.
Spring-clean finances with some automation
Consider these strategies from financial experts.
Millennial Money: Take your money to the next level
It’s time for your money management to grow up a bit.
Tax Season Is Here Again, and So Are the Scams Targeting Taxpayers
The latest scams, and how to protect yourself.
Who has the best airline rewards?
Deciphering what your miles are worth.
Today’s top story: Tips for appealing s denied health insurance claim. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pet insurance and tax refunds, learning about your money in small steps, and big expenses you could face in retirement.
Tips for Appealing a Denied Health Insurance Claim
You have some recourse to get the insurance company to reverse its decision.
Smart Money Podcast: Using Your Tax Refund, and Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?
If you’re expecting a tax refund, it might be late. Plus, thinking through health care costs for a beloved pet.
Learn About Your Money in Small, Manageable Steps
April is Financial Literacy Month.
4 Big Expenses You Could Face in Retirement
Retirement planning is part savings, part guessing game.