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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 things to ask before opening an account at a neobank. Also in the news: Don’t go broke attending weddings, the questions you’ll be asked when applying for a credit card, and 13 places you can legally stream TV for free.

5 Things to Ask Before Opening an Account at a Neobank
Neobanks like Chime have accounts with appealing perks and low costs, but they have limits.

Please Don’t Go Broke Attending Weddings
One little postcard or email can also pack loads of pricey pressure.

How to Apply for a Credit Card: Questions You’ll Be Asked
Applying for a credit card isn’t hard, but it helps to know in advance what information you’ll need.

13 Places You Can Legally Stream TV Shows for Free
Budget-friendly entertainment.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 tasks for new retirees that will pay off later. Also in the news: Credit card interest vs. buy now, pay later, forget the fed, pay off your credit card debt, and cities where it’s cheaper to buy than rent.

3 Tasks for New Retirees That Will Pay Off Later
Taking care of one more to-do list early on can set you up for a better retirement.

Credit Card Interest vs. Buy Now, Pay Later: Which Is Better for My Budget?
Key differences, like how rates are calculated and how much debt you can take on, are crucial to consider when weighing each financing option.

Forget the Fed, Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is always expensive, no matter what interest rate changes the Federal Reserve makes.

It’s Cheaper to Buy a House Than Rent in These Cities
Purchase prices and rents are skyrocketing, but there are areas where homeownership isn’t entirely out of reach.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 ways to get money back when COVID ruins your vacation. Also in the news: 5 key numbers to know about savings accounts, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast, and red flags to look out for from personal finance influencers.

3 Ways to Get Money Back When COVID Ruins Your Vacation
COVID-19 still has the potential to derail plans, but you can protect the value of your vacation with some options.

5 Key Numbers to Know About Savings Accounts
Knowing about account minimums, fees and rates can help you maximize your savings.

Smart Money Podcast: The Fed Interest Rate Hike, and What’s a Credit Card Authorized User?
Higher interest rates may affect your mortgage and credit card payments, as well as everyday finances.

17 Huge Red Flags From Personal Finance ‘Influencers’
There’s good advice out there, as long as you can tell the good financial influencers from the shady ones.

3 tasks for new retirees that will pay off later

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After a working lifetime of alarm clocks and meetings, you might be looking forward to a lot more unstructured time once you retire. But taking care of one more to-do list early on can set you up for a better retirement.

The following assumes you’ve already done some basic financial planning. Ideally, before you retire, you’ll create a budget, decide when to claim Social Security, settle on a sustainable withdrawal rate from your retirement funds and figure out how you’ll cover health care expenses. If any of those topics are still a mystery, consider talking to a fee-only financial advisor. If money’s tight, you may qualify for free or low cost consultations through the Foundation for Financial Planning, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors or the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education, among other organizations.

Even longtime do-it-yourselfers should consider getting expert retirement planning advice, says Catherine Azeles, a certified financial planner and investment consultant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Although your days may be simpler without workplace demands, your finances often become more complex.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn 3 tasks for new retirees that will pay off later.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why rising car prices make gap insurance worth a look. Also in the news: The fed interest rate hike, and what a credit card authorized user is, how to apply for a credit card, and how to handle a windfall.

Why Rising Car Prices Make Gap Insurance Worth a Look
If your car is totaled or stolen and you owe more than it’s worth, gap insurance can help pay the difference.

Smart Money Podcast: The Fed Interest Rate Hike, and What’s a Credit Card Authorized User?
Higher interest rates may affect your mortgage and credit card payments, as well as everyday finances.

How to Apply for a Credit Card: Questions You’ll Be Asked
Applying for a credit card isn’t hard, but it helps to know in advance what information you’ll need.

‘Where’d the Money Go?’ How to Handle a Windfall
A windfall can either be a lifeline to short-term financial relief or a stepping stone to long-term financial stability.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to look at before investing in a friend’s business venture. Also in the news: How Apple makes airport security less painful for some travelers, why you should stop using coupons, and 17 huge red flags from personal finance ‘influencers.’

Should You Invest in a Friend’s Business?
Examine all angles before investing in a friend’s business venture.

Apple Makes Airport Security Less Painful for Some Travelers
Residents in Arizona can now add their driver’s license to Apple Wallet to show it to TSA in Phoenix. More states will follow.

You Should Stop Using Coupons
The whole reason coupons exist is to get you to spend more money—and it works.

17 Huge Red Flags From Personal Finance ‘Influencers’
There’s good advice out there, as long as you can tell the good financial influencers from the shady ones.