Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Where to turn when a natural disaster upends your finances. Also in the news: 5 ways women can combat investing disadvantages, Ask a Travel Nerd on when to book holiday travel, and why your rent is often more than a mortgage payment.

Where to Turn When a Natural Disaster Upends Your Finances
Act quickly to get free aid first, then turn to financial tasks like contacting insurers and creditors.

5 Ways Women Can Combat Investing Disadvantages
Here are some of the investing disadvantages Americans say women have, and advice on how to overcome them.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Is It Time to Book Holiday Travel Yet?
Despite ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it still makes sense to book your holiday travel early.

Why Your Rent Is Often More Than a Mortgage Payment
The extra costs baked into your monthly rent.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do if a fair credit score cuts your credit card options. Also in the news: Should you use points and miles to book 2021 travel, should you purchase travel insurance for your summer vacation, and how often you should be checking your credit report.

What to Do If a Fair Credit Score Cuts Your Credit Card Options
If you have only average credit, appealing credit cards aren’t as easy to come by. But you do have some choices.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Should I Use Points and Miles to Book 2021 Travel?
If you’ve been sitting on a pile of travel points, now might be a good time to start planning how to use them.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for My Summer Vacation?
If you’re making nonrefundable bookings, you might want to consider a travel insurance plan.

How Often Should You Be Checking Your Credit Report?
More often than you’d think.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Savings rates are staying low. Here’s why, and what to do. Also in the news: Ask a Points Nerd on how to celebrate the holidays without traveling, renting hotels for big events is dirt cheap at the moment, and the benefits of a ‘second chance’ checking account.

Savings Rates Are Staying Low. Here’s Why, and What to Do
Savings rates will likely remain low for a while after moves by the Federal Reserve, but you should still save.

Ask a Points Nerd: How Can I Celebrate the Holidays Without Travel?
Think of it as an opportunity to relax and try new things, instead of a sad alternative to the normal holidays.

Renting Hotels for Big Events Is Dirt-Cheap … for Now
The cost of booking a hotel for conferences and weddings has plummeted, but don’t expect it to stay that way.

Do You Need a ‘Second Chance’ Checking Account?
Making up for past mistakes.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Ask a points nerd: Why won’t the FAA require masks? Also in the news: How to get started if you’ve never had a bank account, Virgin Atlantic files for bankruptcy in the US, and it’s time for a mid-year tax withholding checkup.

Ask a Points Nerd: Why Won’t the FAA Require Masks?
We need more federal regulation when it comes to passengers’ air safety.

How to get started if you’ve never had a bank account
Welcome to the world of banking.

Virgin Atlantic Files for Bankruptcy in the US
What that means for your miles.

It’s Time for a Mid-Year Tax Withholding Checkup
Spare yourself from end-of-the-year surprises.

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.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When the market drops, play the long game with retirement savings. Also in the news: Is booking a last-minute spring break flight with miles a good idea, a credit union’s new card goes all-in with 3X points, and how to get a credit card when you’re already in debt.

When the Market Drops, Play the Long Game With Retirement Savings
Don’t panic.

Ask a Points Nerd: Should I Book Last-Minute Spring Break Flights With Miles?
The Points Nerd weighs in.

Credit Union’s New Card Goes All-In With 3X Points
A Florida credit union is about to get popular.

How to Get a Credit Card When You’re Already in Debt
When you need a little wiggle room.