Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Spring travel ahead? One airline is prioritizing customer safety. Also in the news: Considering elite airline status in 2021, taking some of the mystery out of buying a house sight unseen, and how to build your credit without a credit card.

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.

Is Airline Elite Status Worth Considering in 2021?
The requirements to earn elite status are lower this year, so it’s easier to get these perks for 2021 and 2022.

Take Some of the Mystery Out of Buying a House Sight Unseen
Finding the right agent and getting help from others on the ground can help you buy a house even if you can’t visit it in person.

How to Build Your Credit Without a Credit Card
Credit builder loans can help.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Probate workarounds can save your heirs time and money. Also in the news: Student loan refi rates keep dropping, which airline you should fly in 2020 (and beyond), and how to know if you should refinance your mortgage.

Probate Workarounds Can Save Your Heirs Time and Money
There are often workarounds to help get assets to heirs, but avoiding probate isn’t the right move for everyone.

Student Loan Refi Rates Keep Dropping, Should You Take the Plunge?
The advertised minimum fixed interest rate on refinanced student loans dropped to an average of 3.51% on July 1.

Ask a Points Nerd: Which Airline Should I Fly In 2020 (and Beyond)?
Flying has become a lot more complicated.

How to Know if You Should Refinance Your Mortgage
Mortgage rates continue to drop.