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Get smart with your money

banking

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do when you can’t open a bank account. Also in the news: 6 tips to streamline insurance payments on home damage claims, college-bound grads could exit with $38K in student loan debt, and how to build your business credit score.

What to Do When You Can’t Open a Bank Account
A bank or credit union could deny an account application.

6 Tips to Streamline Insurance Payment on Home Damage Claims
Reporting the damage to the insurance company in a timely fashion can put more money in your pocket faster.

College-Bound Grads Could Exit With $38K Student Loan Debt
There are a number of ways to cut down on the amount borrowed for a bachelor’s degree before, during and after college.

How to Build Your Business Credit Score, and Why It Matters
What you need to know about establishing your business credit score and how to improve it.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How one person’s travel credit card benefit saved them over $1000. Also in the news: How to file a complaint against your bank, how to buy the car you loved in high school without losing your shirt, and these states will pay off your student loan debt for moving there.

How My Travel Credit Card’s Benefit Saved Me Over $1,000
When the unexpected happens, a credit card’s trip cancellation or interruption insurance may recover the cost of nonrefundable expenses.

How to File a Complaint Against Your Bank
Work with your bank and if that fails, submit a complaint that specifies the problem and your proposed solution.

Buy the Car You Loved in High School (Without Losing Your Shirt)
Shop wisely.

These States Will Pay Off Your Student Loan Debt for Moving There
A look at the Smart Buy program.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Turn your quarantine clutter into money. Also in the news: 10 digital banking services changing up checking, what to do when you’re a victim of debit card fraud, and how your stimulus checks will affect your taxes.

Turn Your Quarantine Clutter Into Money
What to do if you went a little overboard.

10 Digital Banking Services Changing Up Checking
New banking players are redefining what a checking account looks like.

Debit Card Fraud? Act Fast to Protect Your Money
When dealing with debit card fraud, get in touch with your bank quickly to protect your account.

How Will Stimulus Checks Affect My Taxes?
Find out if you have to pay taxes on those checks.

Q&A: Dementia and financial accounts

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Dear Liz: You recently discussed the importance of adding spouses to financial accounts before one of them dies to make it easier for the surviving spouse. I wholeheartedly agree. I would add that this needs to be done sooner rather than later. If one of the spouses is diagnosed with dementia, the bank will likely not make changes to accounts. People have to be able to understand what they are signing.

Answer: That’s an excellent point. Another important task is to create powers of attorney for healthcare and finances. These allow someone else to make decisions for you if you are incapacitated. Someone in the early stages of dementia could sign such a document if they understand what it is, but otherwise the family might have to go to court to get a conservatorship, which can be an expensive process.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 rules for first-time car buyers. Also in the news: Buzzy banking apps for kids and teens, getting your bank accounts in order for 2021, and knowing your COVID mortgage forbearance rights.

6 Rules for First-Time Car Buyers
Break it down into an orderly process: budgeting, financing, choosing a car and then negotiating a clean deal.

Buzzy Banking Apps for Kids and Teens
Developing good money habits early.

Get Your Bank Accounts in Order With These 2021 Resolutions
Streamlining for the new year.

Know Your COVID Mortgage Forbearance Rights
How to report an unscrupulous lender.