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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to keep your tax return from getting hung up. Also in the news: Why you might be rewarded if you can afford to wait to buy a home until late in the year, what to know before your business adds buy now, pay later, and how an airport car rental is more expensive than an off-airport car rental.

How to Keep Your Tax Return From Getting Hung Up
There may never be a good time to draw the IRS’ attention, but this year you really want to avoid extra scrutiny.

The Property Line: Higher Rates May Slow Down Rising Home Prices
Buyers who exercise patience might face less competition for homes later in the year.

What to Know Before Your Business Adds Buy Now, Pay Later
Here’s how much buy now, pay later costs, how it could impact your business and what to look for in a provider.

Is It Cheaper to Rent a Car at the Airport?
Fees charged to rental companies by the airport get passed on to consumers, often making on-site rentals pricier.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Should your next trip mix work and play? Also in the news: The trend of no more daily housekeeping, 7 ways freelancers and small businesses can ensure they’re paid, and how it is cheaper to buy a house than rent in certain cities.

Laptop Lugging: Should Your Next Trip Mix Work and Play?
Traveling for business or pleasure? Both? Laptop luggers are reshaping the vacation.

One of the Most Basic Hotel Amenities Is Disappearing
If you enjoy daily housekeeping, your next hotel stay might feel disappointing at first glance.

7 Ways Freelancers and Small Businesses Can Ensure They’re Paid
Temporary solutions are less than ideal when unpaid invoices significantly affect your business’s cash flow.

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

How to keep your tax return from getting hung up

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There may never be a good time to draw the IRS’ attention, but this year you really want to avoid extra scrutiny.

The IRS is so understaffed and overwhelmed that even a tiny mistake could delay your refund for months. A return that requires “manual processing” — basically, any action by an IRS employee — could join a massive queue that started building at the beginning of the pandemic and has yet to be resolved. If something goes wrong, good luck getting through to a human: The IRS answered about 1 in 10 calls last year, down from about 1 in 3 before the pandemic, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

To avoid tax hassles, the best approach is to be careful, thorough and digital when you file your return.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn the basics of electronic filing.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How a home improvement fund can upgrade your new house to a home. Also in the news: Single-income couples, and when to use your FSA and HSA, and how rising inflation could mean your home is underinsured.

How a Home Improvement Fund Can Upgrade Your New House to a Home
A home improvement fund can help you be ready for repairs and updates after you buy.

Smart Money Podcast: Single-Income Couples, and When to Use Your FSA and HSA
Moving from two incomes to one is a financial challenge but can offer couples a chance to build their relationship.

Rising Inflation Could Mean Your Home Is Underinsured
Rising construction costs could leave many homeowners without enough insurance. Here’s how to know you have sufficient coverage to rebuild should the worst happen.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 steps to breaking unhealthy financial habits. Also in the news: Another $400 in free college aid, 4 retirement savings strategies for family caregivers, and what to know about the trend in buying “vacation homes” before a regular “starter home.”

3 Steps to Breaking Unhealthy Financial Habits
How do you know if you have unhealthy financial habits, and what can you do to build better ones?

Another $400 in Free College Aid Could Be Coming Your Way
The 2022 federal budget increases the annual Pell Grant limit, and students could receive more aid as a result.

4 Retirement Savings Strategies for Family Caregivers
Providing care for a family member can put a dent in retirement savings, but there are ways to get your finances on track.

Should You Buy a Vacation Home Before a Starter Home?
Why millennials are buying a “second” before their first.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How buy now, pay later loans could alter credit. Also in the news: An interview with Tori Dunlap, founder of the blog Her First $100K and the “Financial Feminist” podcast, when to refinance student loans, and how to get ready to pay $5 a gallon for gas.

How Buy Now, Pay Later Loans Could Alter Credit
No one should expect that their buy now, pay later purchases will instantly open the door to better credit.

Smart Money Podcast: How I Got Here: Tori Dunlap of Her First $100K
Sean interviews Tori Dunlap about how she got to where she is today and the lessons she learned along the way.

Should You Rush to Refinance Your Student Loans?
Private student loan borrowers, whose payments aren’t suspended and who won’t benefit from any federal cancellation, may be wondering if now is their last chance to refinance at interest rates near historic lows.

Are You Ready to Pay $5 a Gallon for Gas?
Honing your driving skills and paying with a rewards card can help you control gas costs in a time of uncertainty.