Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should you bank with your brokerage?Also in the news: AirPods Black Friday 2021 deals, Smart Money Podcast on the benefits of being boring with your money, and saving money even back at the gym.

Should You Bank With Your Brokerage?
A cash management account can make it easier to invest, and CMAs have their own unique banking-style benefits.

AirPods Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
Amazon and Best Buy are marking the AirPods Pro down to $189.99.

Smart Money Podcast The Benefits of Being Boring With Your Money, and Why to Make a Will ASAP
The benefits of being boring with your money.

Quitting Peloton? You Can Save Money, Even Back at the Gym
Peloton’s weak earnings data indicates that people are quitting at-home workouts. It could save you money, too.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are cash management accounts safe? Also in the news: 6 items to add to your packing list for COVID-era travel, 5 myths about high-yield savings accounts during COVID-19, and how to talk about debt as newlyweds.

Are Cash Management Accounts Safe? How CMAs Protect Your Money
What to know about FDIC insurance.

6 Items to Add to Your Packing List for COVID-Era Travel
You don’t want to leave home without some of these less obvious items for travel.

5 Myths About High-Yield Savings Accounts During COVID-19
Mythbusting.

How to Talk About Debt as Newlyweds
Starting with a clean slate.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How mortgage refinancing could save you money even if your loan is new. Also in the news: Where to stash your savings when cash management account rates take a dive, how to stock up wisely, emergency or not, and what the “history” part of your credit score really measures.

Mortgage Refinance Could Save Money — Even If Your Loan Is New
A typical refinance can save at least $150 a month.

Where to Stash Your Savings When Cash Management Account Rates Take a Dive
Taking a look at CDs and online accounts.

How to Stock Up Wisely, Emergency or Not
Stocking up strategically.

What the ‘History’ Part of Your Credit Score Really Measures
It isn’t just how long you’ve had credit.

Should you shift to a cash management account?

High-yield cash management accounts are popping up at brokerages nationwide, promising customers much better returns and higher insurance limits than they can get from traditional banks.

The accounts are a twist on the sweep accounts brokerages have long offered their customers, where idle cash is swept into a money market account or affiliated bank account so it can earn interest while waiting to be reinvested.

In my latest for the Associated Press, more on high-yield cash management accounts and how to decide if one is right for you.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 9 money resolutions (and tips) for 2020. Also in the news: How and when to ask for a credit card retention offer, the high-interest account you’ve never heard of, and how to avoid a tax audit in 2020.

9 Money Resolutions (and Tips) for 2020 From Our Experts
A chance for a new start.

How and When to Ask for a Credit Card Retention Offer
Making the banks keep you as a customer.

The High-Interest Account You’ve Never Heard Of
Learn about cash management accounts.

How to Avoid a Tax Audit in 2020
Crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.