This week’s money news

This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on buy now, pay later loans and credit reports. In other news: What to do if your homebuying plan got scrapped this year, when the car market will return to normal, and 3 steps to lower the cost of your debt.

Smart Money Podcast: Money Hot Takes, and Too Many Credit Cards
This week’s episode starts with two hot takes from our hosts about buy now, pay later loans and credit reports.

What to Do If Your Homebuying Plan Got Scrapped This Year
Elevated prices, rising interest rates and steep competition are interrupting millennials’ plans to buy homes.

When Will the Car Market Return to Normal?
Car prices skyrocketed during the pandemic. It’s unlikely they’ll drop significantly anytime soon, experts say.

3 Steps to Lower the Cost of Your Debt
There are ways you can reduce the expense, but it helps to know each method’s details and trade-offs.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How buy now, pay later loans could alter credit. Also in the news: An interview with Tori Dunlap, founder of the blog Her First $100K and the “Financial Feminist” podcast, when to refinance student loans, and how to get ready to pay $5 a gallon for gas.

How Buy Now, Pay Later Loans Could Alter Credit
No one should expect that their buy now, pay later purchases will instantly open the door to better credit.

Smart Money Podcast: How I Got Here: Tori Dunlap of Her First $100K
Sean interviews Tori Dunlap about how she got to where she is today and the lessons she learned along the way.

Should You Rush to Refinance Your Student Loans?
Private student loan borrowers, whose payments aren’t suspended and who won’t benefit from any federal cancellation, may be wondering if now is their last chance to refinance at interest rates near historic lows.

Are You Ready to Pay $5 a Gallon for Gas?
Honing your driving skills and paying with a rewards card can help you control gas costs in a time of uncertainty.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story:  Avoid the risks of having multiple buy now, pay later loans. Also in the news: Why you should contact the manufacturer directly, recalled infant formulas, and how to get a free upgrade to first class (or score the cheapest possible seat).

Avoid the Risks of Having Multiple Buy Now, Pay Later Loans
Taking on multiple BNPL payments can be risky.

Why You Should Contact the Manufacturer Directly (and How to Do It)
A way to get the inside scoop if your favorite product is off the shelves.

Don’t Use These Recalled Infant Formulas, FDA Says
Four babies have been hospitalized with bacterial infections after consuming formula linked to one manufacturing facility.

How to Get a Free Upgrade to First Class (or Score the Cheapest Possible Seat)
Replace the sounds of crying babies with the soft clink of champagne glasses.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How poor credit could raise your renters insurance rates. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on buy now/pay later loans and how to start building wealth, crypto-earning credit cards, and the retailers that offer the best employee discounts.

How Poor Credit Could Raise Your Renters Insurance Rates
Having poor credit could make your renters insurance nearly twice as expensive.

Smart Money Podcast: Buy Now, Pay Later Loans and How to Start Building Wealth
These offers are common when shopping online, but they aren’t always a good option.

Crypto-Earning Credit Cards Are All the Rage — But Should You Buy In?
The crypto curious might benefit, but most people will likely do better with a traditional rewards credit card.

These Retailers Offer the Best Employee Discounts
Something to consider if you’re job hunting.