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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Travel insurance that are not cover COVID-19 unless you upgrade. Also in the news: 4 cheap ways to be an eco-conscious traveler, and how to create the ultimate travel spreadsheet.

Travel Insurance Might Not Cover COVID-19 — Unless You Upgrade
As with any insurance policy, you’ll want to read the fine print to know what’s covered.

4 Cheap Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler
Being an eco-conscious traveler doesn’t necessarily require dropping cash on carbon offsets.

How to Create the Ultimate Travel Spreadsheet (and Why You Need One)
Save time, money, and brain space on your next journey.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 ways technology is evolving travel in 2022. Also in the news: Headwinds that first-time home buyers faced again in Q4, and how now is a bad time to lease a new auto.

6 Ways Technology Is Evolving Travel in 2022
The pandemic has pushed the travel industry to embrace contactless tech like digital room keys and virtual queues.

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q4 2021
Prices stall and active listings fall: There was little relief for first-time home buyers in the fourth quarter.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Lease a Car Right Now
Leasing a car is rarely a great idea financially speaking, but it’s a particularly bad one in 2022.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Smart Money Podcast on why to sell your house, and managing investment fees. Also in the news: How to handle a year-round homebuying season, and a guide to the current federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and other green upgrades.

Smart Money Podcast: Why to Sell Your House, and Managing Investment Fees
Sellers should consider the advantages in this housing market. And investors need to know about the fees they pay.

How to Handle a Year-Round Homebuying Season
High demand and low inventory have upset the housing market’s usual ebb and flow.

Made Green Upgrades in 2021? Don’t Miss These Tax Credits
Here’s a quick-start guide to the current federal tax incentives for energy efficiency and other green upgrades.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why you should name a ‘trusted contact.’ Also in the news: How to pay off your car lease, and how COVID grants, relief programs impact 2021 business taxes.

Why You (and I) Should Name a ‘Trusted Contact’
Helping your brokerage, bank or insurer connect with someone who knows what’s going on in your life could protect your money and prevent financial catastrophe.

Ending Your Car Lease Is Tricky, But Can Still Pay Off
Despite dealers and carmakers making it harder to buy leased cars, you can make the most of your car’s equity.

How COVID Grants, Relief Programs Impact 2021 Business Taxes
Tax treatment for PPP loans and coronavirus grants varies state to state.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to choose a seat on a plane. Also in the news: Lock in your access to hotel refunds as travel remains iffy, and why your first credit card will likely not be a travel credit card.

How to Choose a Seat on a Plane
This basic component of air travel has become another way airlines tack on fees.

Lock In Your Access to Hotel Refunds as Travel Remains Iffy
Avoid third-party booking platforms and know the terms of your reservation to prepare for possible cancellation in case of travel interruptions.

Can Your First Credit Card Be a Travel Card?
Likely no, but you can offset travel costs by joining loyalty programs and opening a cash-back card in the meantime.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How one-income couples can remain equals. Also in the news: How to get your tax refund back ASAP, 7 financial scams, bubbles, and boondoggles, and Bogleheads, baby steps and other personal financial strategies you should know.

How One-Income Couples Can Remain Equals
Whether you previously had financial independence or now face the pressure of being a primary provider, it can be a tough adjustment. Being honest with your partner can help.

How to Get Your Tax Refund Back ASAP
While the IRS may always be behind, you can get ahead with these steps.

7 Financial Scams, Bubbles, and Boondoggles That Are Definitely Nothing Like Cryptocurrency and NFTs
You can’t learn anything about NFTs and crypto by considering history’s biggest pyramid schemes, scams, and bubbles. Nope, not a single thing.

Bogleheads, Baby Steps, and Other Personal Financial Strategies You Should Know
Here’s a primer on some of the most popular budgeting and investment strategies.