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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to be a 5-Star traveler this holiday season. Also in the news: How to plan holiday travel if your kids aren’t fully vaccinated yet, President Bideb acts to ease gas prices, and how to avoid the line at the airport bag check counter.

How to Be a 5-Star Traveler This Holiday Season
Our travel expert shares tips to be a courteous and less-stressed traveler during the busy travel season.

How To Plan Holiday Travel if Your Kids Aren’t Yet Fully Vaccinated
Traveling with unvaccinated children is a matter of your own comfort level, but there are precautions you can take.

Biden Acts to Ease Gas Prices, But You Can Save Money Now
President Joe Biden is working to bring down gas prices, but drivers can take steps to reduce their fuel bill now.

How to Avoid the Line at the Airport Bag Check Counter
Hold airline elite status, purchase an upgrade or pack light to cut down on waits at bag check.

3 times you need money advice from a human

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You can now manage most aspects of your money without ever consulting another human being. You can budget, borrow, save, invest, buy insurance, prepare your tax return and create a will — among many other tasks — by using apps, websites and software.

But technology still has limitations, especially when you’re facing a money situation that’s complex or involves judgment calls. In my latest for the Associated Press, when to consider consulting a human expert.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 common winter home insurance claims and how to prevent them. Also in the news: How long it will take to pay off your MBA debt, huge Disney park changes for 2022 and tips on how to fund your trip, and why the catch with Buy Now Pay Later could be your credit.

4 Common Winter Home Insurance Claims and How to Prevent Them
Winter-induced home damage can sometimes be prevented, but sufficient insurance coverage may cover even the most bitter disaster.

How Long Will It Take to Pay Off Your MBA Debt?
Your student loan repayment strategy will determine how long it takes to pay off your MBA debt.

Huge Disney Park Changes for 2022, and How to Fund Your Trip
Disney announced a slew of new rides and shows during its Destination D23 event in November at Walt Disney World.

The Catch With Buy Now, Pay Later Could Be Your Credit
Buy now, pay later plans promise no interest or hidden fees, but they don’t typically help you build credit.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Cash advance apps can hurt more than help at the holidays. Also in the news: Lawsuit against Marriott makes hotel pricing math easier, Black Friday 2021 store hours and online hacks, and what to do when inflation cuts into your black Friday deals.

Cash Advance Apps Can Hurt More Than Help at the Holidays
Cash advance apps offer a boost at the holidays, but consumer advocates say they could lead to a cycle of debt.

Lawsuit Against Marriott Makes Hotel Pricing Math Easier
Marriott commits to a policy that would be transparent in the disclosure of mandatory fees like resort fees.

Black Friday 2021 Store Hours and Online Hacks
Many stores are closed for Thanksgiving as Black Friday discounts span weeks rather than just days.

What to Do When Inflation Cuts Into Your Black Friday Deals
Inflation will cut into Black Friday deals this year, but there are strategies you can use to soften the blow.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 reasons to shop Small Business Saturday. Also in the news: Substantial Medicare coverage for mammograms and breast cancer surgeries, therapies and prostheses, and PlayStation and Xbox consoles in short supply in 2021.

4 Reasons to Shop Small Business Saturday
In a time marked by widespread supply chain disruptions and inflation, underdog small businesses deserve our attention.

Does Medicare Cover Mammograms and Breast Cancer Treatment?
Medicare offers substantial coverage for mammograms and breast cancer surgeries, therapies and prostheses.

Will You Find PlayStation and Xbox Black Friday Deals in 2021?
Retailers will have PlayStation and Xbox consoles in short supply, if at all.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story:  How to talk money with your parents this holiday. Also in the news: How to bounce back after a business fails, and some fallout U.S. cardholders could face later from the recent Amazon-Visa spat.

How to Talk Money With Your Parents This Holiday
It’s fine to observe the holiday and talk about money later.

How to Bounce Back After a Business Fails
What can set you apart is how you respond to failure in the moment – and what you learn from it when you look back.

No, Amazon Hasn’t Banned Your Visa Card
The recent Amazon-Visa spat won’t hinder cardholders in the U.S. as they go about their holiday shopping – but there still could be some fallout later.