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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How the pandemic has shaken up retirement. Also in the news: 6 steps for financial spring cleaning, what to know if you’re listing your home in 2021, and how to avoid having to pay back the $3600 child tax credit.

How the Pandemic Has Shaken Up Retirement
When to retire isn’t always in our control, but too early an exit can bring financial instability.

6 Steps for Financial Spring Cleaning, Pandemic-Style
This year, spring cleaning includes reevaluating your budget, updating insurance and setting new goals.

Listing Your Home in 2021? Here’s What to Know
Roughly 1 in 6 (17%) homeowners plan on selling their home in the next 18 months.

How To Avoid Having to Pay Back the $3,600 Child Tax Credit
Find out how the credit works.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Travel might not be the stress reliever you hoped for in 2021. Also in the news: The Travel Nerd on airline loyalty, considering the value of daily tasks when buying life insurance, and the easiest hands-off way to prevent your card from being closed for inactivity.

Travel Might Not Be the Stress-Reliever You Hoped for in 2021
Even if you’re vaccinated, be prepared for new, and old, hassles of travel.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Should I Be Loyal to a Single Airline?
If you fly mostly one airline, you’ll earn rewards faster, but it might limit your flight options.

Consider the Value of Daily Tasks When Buying Life Insurance
The everyday supporting services you perform for your family may be just as valuable as income.

The Easiest Hands-Off Way to Prevent Your Card From Being Closed for Inactivity
Putting your subscriptions to work.

How the pandemic has shaken up retirement

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Pandemic-related job losses forced many older Americans out of the workplace i n the past year, perhaps permanently. But the COVID-19 crisis also seems to have delayed some retirements.

Remote work eliminated commutes and often allowed more flexible schedules with fewer interruptions. At the same time, the pandemic restricted many traditional retirement activities, including travel and visits with family. While some employed older workers look forward to retiring when restrictions ease, others say teleworking has made staying on the job more tenable.

in my latest for the Associated Press, a look at how the pandemic has shaken up retirement in both good and bad ways for Americans.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to fill in your financial blind spots. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on cannabis investing and keeping too much cash, what to do if a credit card lowers your credit limit, and the best credit card welcome bonuses right now.

How to Fill In Your Financial Blind Spots
Taking in the whole picture.

Smart Money Podcast: Cannabis Investing and Too Much Cash
Just in time for 4/20.

What to Do if a Credit Card Issuer Lowers Your Credit Limit
Your main option is to ask your issuer to reconsider. But there are also some steps you can take to mitigate the effects of a cut and minimize the risk of future ones.

The Best Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Right Now
It’s a good time to be a traveler.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How one person’s travel credit card benefit saved them over $1000. Also in the news: How to file a complaint against your bank, how to buy the car you loved in high school without losing your shirt, and these states will pay off your student loan debt for moving there.

How My Travel Credit Card’s Benefit Saved Me Over $1,000
When the unexpected happens, a credit card’s trip cancellation or interruption insurance may recover the cost of nonrefundable expenses.

How to File a Complaint Against Your Bank
Work with your bank and if that fails, submit a complaint that specifies the problem and your proposed solution.

Buy the Car You Loved in High School (Without Losing Your Shirt)
Shop wisely.

These States Will Pay Off Your Student Loan Debt for Moving There
A look at the Smart Buy program.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 9 money numbers you need to know. Also in the news: The case for going back to school, how to avoid pet scams, and when to consider an FHA-backed mortgage.

9 Money Numbers You Need to Know
Give yourself a quick financial health check-up by seeing where you stand on a handful of important measurements.

College, Interrupted: The Case for Going (Back) to School
Skipping out on college, delaying enrollment or not finishing a degree can affect lifetime earnings.

Scam Alert: How to Get a Pet and Not Get Taken
Avoid online animal listings, and take steps to protect yourself when buying in person. Consider a shelter animal.

When to Consider an FHA-Backed Mortgage
The pros and cons.