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Coronavirus

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Coronavirus prompts a welcome change to a holiday travel dilemma. Also in the news: Picking a pandemic side gig takes hustle, is it finally time to buy an electric car, and the ten best financial rules of thumb.

Coronavirus Prompts a Welcome Change to a Holiday Travel Dilemma
You now have a legitimate excuse not to stay with family for the holidays and book a hotel room instead.

Picking a Pandemic Side Gig Takes Hustle
Consider what you’re comfortable doing.

Is It Finally Time to Get an Electric Car?
More electric vehicles are now available, but make sure an EV fits your lifestyle before you buy or lease one.

The 10 Best Financial Rules of Thumb
A good starting point.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Suddenly retired? What to do next. Also in the news: 9 low-cost ways to make virtual learning easier for kids, the safety of air travel right now, and how to get a stimulus check if you’re a low-income earner.

9 Low-Cost Ways to Make Virtual Learning Easier for Kids
A few relatively inexpensive items, such as blue-light glasses and kid-size headphones, can help your child focus during remote learning.

Suddenly Retired? Here’s What to Do Next
If you retire earlier than planned, you may need to cut expenses, find health insurance and talk to an advisor.

How Safe Is Air Travel Right Now?
Some preliminary data suggest COVID-19 is rarely spread in an airplane cabin.

You Can Still Get a Stimulus Check If You’re a Low-Income Earner
The deadline has been extended.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 strategies on how to invest in CDs. Also in the news: Using a crisis to build helpful money habits, ten theme parks celebrating Halloween, and how to sell your car safely.

How to Invest in CDs: 3 Strategies
CD ladders and CD barbells aim for higher rates over time; CD bullets focus on a future purchase.

You Can Use a Crisis to Build Helpful Money Habits
Hone your budget skills.

Is Halloween Canceled This Year? Not at These 10 Theme Parks
Disney World and other theme parks are still having spooky celebrations with some COVID-19 safety modifications.

How to Sell Your Car Safely
Protect yourself from scammers.

Q&A: 2020 taxes bring another stimulus shot

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Dear Liz: My 2019 tax return was electronically submitted May 11 and my income was low enough to qualify for a stimulus payment. I got my refund at the end of July but was told I wouldn’t get a stimulus check because my 2018 income was too high. The IRS agent on the phone said I could request the money when I filed my 2020 taxes. But isn’t that past the deadline? The agent sounded like he was just trying to get me off the phone.

Answer: He probably was, but he gave you the correct information. The IRS used the tax returns it had on hand this spring when it started sending out stimulus payments. Since your 2019 return hadn’t been filed, it used your 2018 income to determine how much, if anything, to send you.

People who didn’t get checks or got too little aren’t out of luck. The stimulus checks were an advance payment of a credit that will be added to people’s 2020 tax returns. If you should have received a check but didn’t, you’ll get the full credit added to your refund next year.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Federal loans are paused until 2021 – should you pay anyway? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on pet costs and extreme couponing, what to know about the coronavirus charges on your college bill, and the tough choices renters are facing.

Federal Loans Are Paused Until 2021 — Should You Pay Anyway?
Federal student loan payments are suspended interest-free through the end of 2020.

Smart Money Podcast: Pet Costs and Extreme Couponing
The costs of our furry friends.

What to Know About Coronavirus Charges on Your College Bill
Some colleges are charging for testing.

Renters must make some tough choices in the coming weeks: What to do if you’re at risk
Ways to fight evection.

Q&A: Taking out a reverse mortgage may help if coronavirus wipes out your job

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Dear Liz: I read with interest the letter from the person who was a tour guide and lost their job due to the virus. I kept reading, expecting you to suggest a reverse mortgage. Are these a bad idea?

Answer: Not necessarily. The person in question owned the home with a sibling, and the sibling did not live in the home, which could complicate the process of getting a reverse mortgage.

If there was substantial equity in the home, however, a reverse mortgage could pay off the existing mortgage and might be worth the effort. One way to investigate this option is to talk to a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.