Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Cash advance apps can hurt more than help at the holidays. Also in the news: Lawsuit against Marriott makes hotel pricing math easier, Black Friday 2021 store hours and online hacks, and what to do when inflation cuts into your black Friday deals.

Cash Advance Apps Can Hurt More Than Help at the Holidays
Cash advance apps offer a boost at the holidays, but consumer advocates say they could lead to a cycle of debt.

Lawsuit Against Marriott Makes Hotel Pricing Math Easier
Marriott commits to a policy that would be transparent in the disclosure of mandatory fees like resort fees.

Black Friday 2021 Store Hours and Online Hacks
Many stores are closed for Thanksgiving as Black Friday discounts span weeks rather than just days.

What to Do When Inflation Cuts Into Your Black Friday Deals
Inflation will cut into Black Friday deals this year, but there are strategies you can use to soften the blow.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 reasons to shop Small Business Saturday. Also in the news: Substantial Medicare coverage for mammograms and breast cancer surgeries, therapies and prostheses, and PlayStation and Xbox consoles in short supply in 2021.

4 Reasons to Shop Small Business Saturday
In a time marked by widespread supply chain disruptions and inflation, underdog small businesses deserve our attention.

Does Medicare Cover Mammograms and Breast Cancer Treatment?
Medicare offers substantial coverage for mammograms and breast cancer surgeries, therapies and prostheses.

Will You Find PlayStation and Xbox Black Friday Deals in 2021?
Retailers will have PlayStation and Xbox consoles in short supply, if at all.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story:  Harsh vibe continues for home buyers in 2022. Also in the news: Important lessons from Mortgage application data, new for Medicare in 2022, 5 mistakes that can lead to a bad car loan, and TV Black Friday 2021 deals.

The Property Line: Harsh Vibe Continues for Home Buyers in 2022
Signs point toward a friendlier market for buyers in 2022, if only marginally so.

Why Might Your Mortgage App Fail? Learn From 2020’s Denials
Mortgage application data from years past can teach important lessons.

What’s New for Medicare in 2022?
Costs are going up for Original Medicare, including a big increase for Medicare Part B.

5 Mistakes That Can Lead to a Bad Car Loan
Extending the loan’s term and not shopping for a loan are among the common mistakes that can lead to a bad car loan.

TV Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
Amazon has a 50-inch Fire TV for $329.99.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to seek if you don’t like your bank. Also in the news: iPhone Black Friday 2021 deals, how to bank your digital coin, and the best time to buy a Christmas tree this year.

Survey: Most Like Their Bank; What To Seek if You Don’t
“Choosing a bank is a very personal decision, and no two banks are the same,” says Chanelle Bessette, a banking specialist with NerdWallet.

iPhone Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
At&T is offering a free iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini with eligible trade-in.

From Cryptocurrency to Cash: How to Bank Your Digital Coin
Crypto banking allows consumers to hold and spend cryptocurrency with crypto debit cards.

The Best Time to Buy a Christmas Tree This Year
This year, due to supply chain issues, do it sooner. And bring more cash.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The surprising change in airfares since last year. Also in the news: Smart Money Podcast on holiday shopping report and retirement plan options for self-employed people, and Fitbit Black Friday 2021 deals.

The Surprising Change in Airfares Since Last Year
Airfares dropped 4.6% in terms of unadjusted percent change between October 2020 and 2021.

Smart Money Podcast: Holiday Shopping Trends and Self-Employed Retirement Options
A discussion about NerdWallet’s holiday shopping report and money question on retirement plan options for self-employed people.

Fitbit Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
Kohl’s will throw in Kohl’s Cash with Fitbit purchases.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What you need to know about Medigap Plan C. Also in the news: 5 steps to weed out Instagram ad scams, and cell phone Black Friday 2021 deals.

What Is Medigap Plan C? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan C is no longer available for new enrollees. But there are other Medicare Supplement Insurance options.

5 Steps to Weed Out Instagram Ad Scams
Make sure you’re crystal clear on the return policy before tapping the “buy” button.

Cell Phone Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
Best Buy’s trade-in deals include up to $900 off the iPhone 13.