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Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why buying life insurance for your parents can make financial sense. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the 50/30/20 budget, one person’s no-spending month results, and when to hire a tax professional.

Why Buying Life Insurance for Your Parents Can Make Financial Sense
Life insurance can help offset the costs of your parents getting older, but you’ll need their help to get it.

Smart Money Podcast: Money News You Missed and the 50/30/20 Budget
Breaking down the budget numbers.

I Stopped Spending for a Month, and You Can Too
One person’s success story.

When to Hire Someone to Do Your Taxes
When it’s time to call in the pros.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to finally tackle tough money tasks. Also in the news: It’s now easier than ever for your boss to pay your student loans, 6 Black financial pros to follow in 2021, and 3 budgets apps for couples who want to align on money.

How to Finally Tackle Tough Money Tasks
Completing financial tasks can be intimidating, but breaking big goals into small, manageable actions makes it easier to whittle down your to-do list.

It’s Now Easier Than Ever for Your Boss to Pay Your Student Loans
Your employer can pay down your student loans, tax-free.

6 Black Financial Pros to Follow in 2021
Financial experts offer their thoughts about the banking industry, and new money goals after 2020.

3 Budget Apps for Couples Who Want to Align on Money
Finding the romance in finance.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What gig workers need to know about taxes. Also in the news: 5 credit card red flags to avoid, why financial advisors of color matter, and how to prevent stolen tax returns.

What Gig Workers Need to Know About Taxes
Protect yourself from tax surprises.

5 Credit Card Red Flags to Avoid
Being aware of these credit card warning signs can help you weed out the bad options and potentially save you money.

Why Financial Advisors of Color Matter
Financial advisors of color can help diverse clients gain trust in the financial industry, and ultimately help shrink the wealth gap.

Prevent Stolen Tax Returns With This IRS Tool
Protect your information.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The pros and cons of debt consolidation. Also in the news: The basics of travel cancellation refunds and vouchers, cheaper ways to access your credit line, and 5 considerations before becoming a digital nomad.

The Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation
Consolidating may be a good idea if you can qualify for a low interest rate, make payments on-time and stay out of debt in the future.

Travel Cancellation Refunds and Vouchers: The Basics
Getting a refund depends on the type of travel booking you made and how far in advance you canceled.

Card Issuers Are Offering Cheaper Ways to Access Your Credit Line
Costly cash advances are no longer the only option for tapping into your available credit. But there are drawbacks to be aware of.

5 Considerations Before Becoming a Digital Nomad in the U.S.

What gig workers need to know about taxes

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If you became a gig worker during the pandemic, beware: Your taxes just got more complicated.

Gig work — Uber driving, Instacart shopping, Amazon Flex delivery and so on — is on-demand, freelance work that’s typically taxed as self-employment. Instead of having an employer withhold money from your paycheck, you’re an independent contractor who is expected to pay taxes on your gig income as you earn it. You’ll also owe a larger share of your pay to Social Security and Medicare taxes.

On the plus side, you may have more opportunities to deduct your expenses and save for retirement than you do as a W-2 employee.

In my latest for the Associated Press, unraveling the mysteries of gig worker taxes.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to get your savings resolution back on track. Also in the news: Where to look if your small business can’t get a PPP loan, breaking down the tax implications of PPP loans, and when you might get your $1,400 relief check.

Broke Your Savings Resolution? How to Get Back on Track
It’s not too late.

Where to Look If Your Small Business Can’t Get a PPP Loan
Small-business owners can turn to other SBA loans and grants from state and local agencies and organizations.

Breaking Down the Tax Implications of PPP Loans
Expenses paid with a PPP loan can be deducted on your taxes, even if that loan is forgiven.

When Will You Get Your $1,400 Relief Check?
It’s going to be a few weeks.