Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Travel insurance that are not cover COVID-19 unless you upgrade. Also in the news: 4 cheap ways to be an eco-conscious traveler, and how to create the ultimate travel spreadsheet.

Travel Insurance Might Not Cover COVID-19 — Unless You Upgrade
As with any insurance policy, you’ll want to read the fine print to know what’s covered.

4 Cheap Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler
Being an eco-conscious traveler doesn’t necessarily require dropping cash on carbon offsets.

How to Create the Ultimate Travel Spreadsheet (and Why You Need One)
Save time, money, and brain space on your next journey.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Omicron, travel bans and how they could impact your travel. Also in the news: What to buy (and skip) in December, how diversification can help manage crypto risks, and how to sustain generosity beyond the holidays.

Omicron, Travel Bans and How They Could Impact Your Trip
As countries rush to impose travel bans amid the omicron COVID-19 variant, here’s what you need to know.

What to Buy (and Skip) in December 2021
Smart shopping for the holidays.

Beyond Bitcoin: Diversification Can Help Manage Crypto Risks
It can be complicated to build a diversified portfolio in this novel and volatile space, but there are ways to pull it off.

How to Sustain Generosity Beyond the Holidays
Being smart about holiday giving.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Smart ways to negotiate your salary in an uncertain economy. Also in the news: Student loan scams are on the rise, 5 things to consider when picking a college in the COVID-19 era, and how to claim retroactive unemployment benefits.

Smart Ways to Negotiate Your Salary in an Uncertain Economy
If you’re seeking a raise, it’s important to read the room and understand a few different strategies. Research and preparation are both key.

If a Stranger Offers You Student Loan Forgiveness, Hang Up
Biden student loan forgiveness and stimulus forgiveness scams are on the rise. Here’s how to protect yourself.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a College in the COVID-19 Era
When choosing a college, consider how it’s met the challenges of the pandemic.

How to Claim Retroactive Unemployment Benefits
The Department of Labor has expanded eligibility.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to turn unused credit card rewards into holiday gifts. Also in the news: Can college students booted for breaking COVID-19 rules get refunds, when to book your holiday travel, and how to get help from a food pantry.

How to Turn Unused Credit Card Rewards Into Holiday Gifts
You may be able to use rewards or credits to cover food, charitable donations, streaming services, exercise programs and more.

Can College Students Booted for Breaking COVID-19 Rules Get Refunds?
Be prepared for consequences, like suspension and lost financial aid, if you break your school’s COVID-19 rules.

Should You Book Holiday Travel Now or Later?
Booking your holiday travel early comes with more flexibility now than in past years.

How to Get Help From a Food Pantry
There’s no shame in needing help, especially right now.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Your credit history opens doors – here’s how to build it. Also in the news: what happens to your debt if your school closes for good, and exit strategies for young adults forced home during COVID-19.

Your Credit History Opens Doors — Here’s How to Build It
About 13% of Americans in a survey said that they don’t have a credit history, and some don’t know how to get started.

If Your College Closes for Good, What Happens to Your Debt?
You have two options.

Is That Nearly New Salvage-Title Car Really a Deal?
A few dealers now specialize in professionally rebuilt salvage-title vehicles. The risks remain, though.

Exit Strategies for Young Adults Forced Home During COVID-19
How to make the Great Escape.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to avoid waiting on credit card customer service lines. Also in the news: COVID-19 refunds on campus, why older Americans might be having trouble getting credit cards, and money-saving tips everyone should know.

How to Avoid Waiting on Credit Card Customer Service Lines
Alternatives to sitting on hold.

Will You Get a Refund If COVID-19 Closes Your Campus?
You might get a refund for room and board, but don’t expect a tuition refund if campus shuts down again.

Why older Americans might be having trouble getting credit cards
How banks determine creditworthiness.

Money-Saving Tips Every College Student Should Know
Saving money whenever possible.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What no student loan payments until 2021 means for you. Also in the news: How to get started if you’ve never had a bank account, how to get a personal loan in a COVID-19 economy, and how the new payroll tax deferral will affect you.

What No Student Loan Payments Until 2021 Means for You
Diving into the details.

How to Get a Personal Loan in a COVID-19 Economy
Keeping strong credit, having verifiable income and comparing offers will help borrowers get a personal loan.

How the New Payroll Tax Deferral Will Affect You
Important details.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do when your $600 weekly unemployment check expires. Also in the news: Which hotels have handled COVID-19 the best, how COVID-19 is changing the way families save for college costs, and the U.S. Mint asks for help getting coins back in circulation.

What to Do When Your $600 Weekly Unemployment Check Expires
The $600 pandemic assistance ends this week.

Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Grading hotel brands on their health and social distancing policies, along with their flexibility on bookings.

How COVID-19 Is Changing the Way Families Save for College Costs
Shifting priorities.

U.S. Mint asks for help getting coins back in circulation
The Mint wants your couch change.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Options for undergrad, grad, veteran and international students when colleges say stay home. Also in the news: Which airlines have handled COVID-19 the best, is it OK to never have a credit card, and where to put your money when interest rates are falling.

When Colleges Say Stay Home: Options for Undergrad, Grad, Veteran and International Students
You can expect a decrease in costs.

Which Airlines Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Grades on flexible policies and health and safety measures.

Is it OK to never have a credit card?
Other ways to establish credit.

Where to Put Your Money When Interest Rates Are Falling
Consider an online savings account.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Today’s definition of financial adulthood is more flexible than ever. Also in the news: Which airlines have handled COVID-19 the best, 3 ways to say no at a car dealership, and a beginner’s guide to filling out your W-4.

Today’s Definition of Financial Adulthood Is More Flexible Than Ever
Young adults are rethinking their financial plans.

Which Airlines Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?
Where does your favorite rank?

3 Ways to Say No at a Car Dealership
Staanding firm in the finance office.

A Beginner’s Guide to Filling Out Your W-4
The IRS makes it confusing.