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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Unwelcome income tax surprises may await those with debt. Also in the news: Knowing what’s in your EFT, 10 factors affecting COVID era travel in 2021, and why home buyers shouldn’t skip the inspection.

Unwelcome Tax Surprises May Await Those With Debt
Americans carrying debt can also end up owing more taxes than they anticipate.

Are You Sure You Know What’s in Your ETF?

What’s in a name? Not much, if we’re talking ETFs. Here’s how to see exactly what your ETF is investing in.
10 Factors Affecting COVID-Era Travel in 2021
Traveling during COVID-19 means making more advance reservations and planning for vaccine or testing rules.

Eager Buyers Are Skipping Home Inspections. Is It Too Risky?
Waiving the home inspection gives sellers one less worry, but costs buyers the chance to uncover pricey problems.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What free college might actually look like. Also in the news: How to get rid of credit card debt by opening another card, how to fix credit report errors, and how to figure out the size of your next stimulus check.

What Free College Might Actually Look Like
Separating fact from fiction.

One Way to Zap Credit Card Debt? Open Another Credit Card
Yes, getting a balance transfer credit card means yet another piece of plastic — only this kind may let you pay down debt over time at 0% interest.

Your Credit Report May Be Wrong — Here’s What to Do About It
Complaints about credit report issues surged in 2020. Here’s how to verify the data that makes up your credit score.

Figure Out the Size of Your Next Stimulus Check With These Calculators
See what you’ll get in the next round of checks.

Worry about the right thing with estate taxes

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Death and taxes may be the only certainties in life, but death taxes are only a remote possibility for most people. The vast majority of Americans won’t ever have or give away enough to owe estate or gift taxes.

Far more people could be affected if a tax break that benefits heirs is eliminated. While campaigning for president, Joe Biden proposed doing away with something called the “step-up in basis” that allows people to minimize or avoid capital gains taxes on inherited assets. But no legislation has been proposed yet, and such a change could have a tough time getting approved by a divided Congress.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why it’s time to think about the hard stuff and plan ahead.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: No flood insurance? Here’s how to get help. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast about saving on gas and 401(k) limits, 3 ways to get socially distanced tax prep help this year, and how to protect yourself from Facebook and Instagram ad scams.

No Flood Insurance? Here’s How to Get Help
You may be able to get assistance from the federal government or other sources.

Smart Money Podcast: Saving at the Pump and 401(k) limits
Tips on saving at the pump.

3 Ways to Get Socially Distanced Tax Prep This Year

Protect Yourself From Facebook and Instagram Ad Scams
People are always looking to scam.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Smart ways to negotiate your salary in an uncertain economy. Also in the news: Student loan scams are on the rise, 5 things to consider when picking a college in the COVID-19 era, and how to claim retroactive unemployment benefits.

Smart Ways to Negotiate Your Salary in an Uncertain Economy
If you’re seeking a raise, it’s important to read the room and understand a few different strategies. Research and preparation are both key.

If a Stranger Offers You Student Loan Forgiveness, Hang Up
Biden student loan forgiveness and stimulus forgiveness scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a College in the COVID-19 Era
When choosing a college, consider how it’s met the challenges of the pandemic.

How to Claim Retroactive Unemployment Benefits
The Department of Labor has expanded eligibility.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 IRA mistakes you may be making. Also in the news: 8 reasons why an RV is your spring break best friend, the Black homeownership gap, and how to keep your expiring travel reward points.

5 IRA Mistakes You May Be Making
It’s OK. We all make mistakes. But here’s how to course-correct if you find your IRA is off track.

8 Reasons Why an RV Is Your Spring Break Best Friend
For COVID-era travel during spring break, take a hard look at renting an RV.

The Black Homeownership Gap: A Fair Housing Leader’s Solutions
Down payment assistance and housing laws are highlighted by the president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance.

How To Keep Your Expiring Travel Rewards Points
Know the type of card you have.