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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 pandemic-driven financial habits worth keeping. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on spring cleaning and COVID taxes, life insurance options when living with HIV, and be on the lookout for streaming service price hikes.

5 Pandemic-Driven Financial Habits Worth Keeping
Americans have picked up new financial habits during the pandemic, and continuing them could boost their finances.

Smart Money Podcast: Spring Cleaning and COVID Taxes
Tidy up your digital life.

Living With HIV? Life Insurance Is Available but Limited
People living with HIV have options, but strict requirements make coverage difficult to secure.

Watch Out for These Streaming Service Price Hikes
Streaming is getting costlier.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Will you really run out of money in retirement? Also in the news: What to do if your mortgage forbearance is ending, 5 home remodeling trends to watch for 2021, and how to pay your medical bills without crowdfunding.

Will You Really Run Out of Money in Retirement?
Most people adjust spending to stretch their resources, but you can proactively get help now to ease your worries.

The Property Line: Mortgage Forbearance Ending? Here Are Your Options
When your mortgage forbearance ends, options will include extension, repayment or deferment, and will vary by loan type.

5 Home Remodeling Trends to Watch for in 2021
Say goodbye to neutrals and open floor plans and hello to mood-lifting color and a place for everyone.

How to Pay Your Medical Bills Without Crowdfunding
The limits of crowdfunding.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How one airline is prioritizing customer safety. Also in the news: Getting your money resolutions back on track, treating your third stimulus differently, and the IRS expands eligibility for $10,2000 unemployment tax break.

Spring Travel Ahead? One Airline Is Prioritizing Customer Safety
Delta is now the only major airline blocking middle seats on all domestic flights through the spring.

Make a Plan to Get Your Money Resolution Back on Track
It’s not too late.

Why You Might Treat Your Third Stimulus Check Differently
Immediate needs come first, then savings. Consider gifts to those in need and teaching your children about money.

IRS Expands Eligibility for $10,200 Unemployment Tax Break
Find out how the tax break works.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: IRS Free File and how to get free tax preparation or free tax help in 2021. Also in the news: How women investors can rewrite their financial futures, options for people who can’t afford their tax bills, and beware of lender’s mistakes in your credit report.

IRS Free File & How to Get Free Tax Preparation or Free Tax Help in 2021
Here’s where to get free tax software, free tax preparation and free tax help this year.

How Women Investors Can Rewrite Their Financial Futures
When preparing for a secure retirement, women can be disadvantaged. But careful planning and intentional actions can help reduce roadblocks to financial health.

5 Options for people who can’t afford their tax bills
If you can’t afford your tax bill, consider an installment plan or an offer in compromise if you qualify.

Beware of Lenders’ Mistakes in Your Credit Report
Another reason why it’s important to monitor your credit report.

Will you really run out of money in retirement?

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Many U.S. households retire without enough money to maintain their pre-retirement standard of living. Once retired, though, people often reduce their spending enough to make their money last, according to a recent study by David Blanchett, head of retirement research at Morningstar, and Warren Cormier, executive director of the Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association’s Retirement Research Center.

“People are finding a way to make it work,” Blanchett says.

The findings challenge a common financial planning assumption that retirees’ spending will increase at the rate of inflation each year. But the research also indicates many people retire without a realistic understanding of how much they can safely spend. In my latest for the Associated Press, a look at running out vs. running short.