Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Start 2021 off strong with these smart money moves. Also in the news: What COVID-related credit card help is available in 2021, how businesses can apply for a second PPP loan, and Medicare Advantage open enrollment begins.

Start 2021 Off Strong With These Smart Money Moves
Money resolutions can include filing taxes early, reviewing spending and saving more for retirement.

What COVID-Related Credit Card Help Is Available in 2021?
Most card issuers continue to offer help to those affected by the pandemic — but it’s up to you to ask for it.

How Businesses Can Apply for a Second PPP Loan
Certain hard-hit businesses are eligible to receive a second PPP loan under the new COVID relief package.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Lets You Switch Plans
The annual period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Life and money lessons from the pandemic. Also in the news: Life insurance shoppers lose interest when COVID-19 cases drop, how to save the holidays, and how to spend your extra FSA money.

Life and Money Lessons From the Pandemic
We’ve taken stock of procrastination’s costs, embraced virtual work and play, and are growing our emergency funds.

Life Insurance Shoppers Lose Interest When COVID-19 Cases Drop
Some Americans say they skipped life insurance as cases fell in their area, a survey finds — but the need may still exist.

How to Save the Holidays: More Joy, Less Cash
If your gift list exceeds your budget, try these tips for discounts, rewards, cash back, creativity and delight.

How to Spend Your Extra FSA Money
You have more spending options.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to pay for a home remodel without tapping your equity. Also in the news: U.S. unemployment shrinks, but recovery varies across race, sex, and age, how to avoid last-minute tax surprises when closing your business, and is COVID-specific travel insurance worth buying.

How to Pay for a Home Remodel Without Tapping Your Equity
Paying for a renovation equity-free can help you expedite the funding process and even start the project sooner.

U.S. Unemployment Shrinks, but Recovery Varies Across Race, Sex and Age
The recovery isn’t universal.

Thinking of closing your business? Avoid these last-minute tax surprises
Your state may also have requirements for dissolving your business, including canceling registrations and licenses.

Is COVID-Specific Travel Insurance Worth Buying?
What to consider before your next trip.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 National Parks to visit this fall and where to stay on points. Also in the news: How to find travel insurance that offers COVID coverage, 7 Personal Finance Rules it’s OK to break during a pandemic, and How to save the economy for everyone.

6 National Parks to Visit This Fall, and Where to Stay on Points
National parks waive fees on National Public Lands Day. Here’s where you can take advantage of the discount.

How to Find Travel Insurance That Offers COVID CoverageHere’s what to look for when seeking a travel insurance policy to cover coronavirus-related cancellations.
Reas the fine print.

7 Personal Finance Rules It’s OK to Break During a Pandemic
Almost half of Americans reported a reduction in income and need to adjust how they manage household bills.

How to save the economy for everyone
It’s worse than the 2008