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Painless – even fun – ways to learn about money

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The online landscape is littered with horrible personal finance advice: teenagers promoting day trading strategies, “influencers” flogging questionable investment schemes and people with dubious credentials insisting you shouldn’t invest in a 401(k).

Outrageous statements and flashy graphics grab attention, but there’s also plenty of sound, factually correct money content out there — and some of it is even entertaining.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about managing your finances while having at least a little fun.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story:  Avoid the risks of having multiple buy now, pay later loans. Also in the news: Why you should contact the manufacturer directly, recalled infant formulas, and how to get a free upgrade to first class (or score the cheapest possible seat).

Avoid the Risks of Having Multiple Buy Now, Pay Later Loans
Taking on multiple BNPL payments can be risky.

Why You Should Contact the Manufacturer Directly (and How to Do It)
A way to get the inside scoop if your favorite product is off the shelves.

Don’t Use These Recalled Infant Formulas, FDA Says
Four babies have been hospitalized with bacterial infections after consuming formula linked to one manufacturing facility.

How to Get a Free Upgrade to First Class (or Score the Cheapest Possible Seat)
Replace the sounds of crying babies with the soft clink of champagne glasses.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: A financial checklist for quitting your job. Also in the news: Is it better to reprice or refinance a loan, how to talk to a real human being at the IRS.

A Financial Checklist for Quitting Your Job
Plan your exit to maximize the time and money you’ve put in over the years.

Is It Better to Reprice or Refinance a Loan?
Repricing is often faster – and cheaper – than refinancing.

How to Talk to a Real Human Being at the IRS
Because continuously screaming “Agent” doesn’t always work.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The surge in mortgage rates. Also in the news: What caring for an aging parent could cost you, A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on building your financial smarts with Bola Sokunbi

The Property Line: What’s With the Surge in Mortgage Rates?
Rising mortgage rates have outpaced expectations for the start of this year. Here’s why they’ve spiked recently and what it means for you.

What Caring for an Aging Parent Could Cost You
Trying to work while caring for an aging loved one can be difficult, stressful and at times overwhelming.

Smart Money Podcast: Building Your Financial Smarts With Bola Sokunbi
Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with money author and educator Bola Sokunbi about budgeting and side gigs.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 ways to tame financial stress and save for retirement. Also in the news: Is room service dead, how to handle awkward money situations on a group trip, and are unused travel card benefits actually a bad thing?

4 Ways to Tame Financial Stress and Save for Retirement
Financial stress can set back your retirement goals, but these strategies can help you get on track.

Is Room Service Dead? Replacements Could Be Better, Cheaper
With the advent of delivery apps and smart vending machines, room service may have seen its day.

How to Handle Awkward Money Situations on a Group Trip
Compromise and communication are key to budgetary harmony on any group trip.

Are Unused Travel Card Benefits Actually a Bad Thing?
Wringing every last cent of value out of your travel card might not be the best move.

What caring for an aging parent could cost you

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Trying to work while caring for an aging loved one can be difficult, stressful and at times overwhelming. Many people feel they must quit, take a leave of absence or at least reduce their hours in order to cope.

Sometimes, caregivers have little choice. But often people don’t realize the heavy financial toll they’ll pay or adequately research options that could allow them to keep working, says Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert.

“When you’re in a caregiving crisis, you can make a decision out of stress and fatigue and fear,” Goyer says. “It’s important to make work decisions and financial decisions from a more objective place.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how to manage the costs.