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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: The home and auto insurance crisis and how to keep your coverage. In other news: 5 options if you’re crushed by student loan and credit card debt, why Delta’s elite status changes matter, and 8 Latino financial influencers to follow in 2023.

The Home and Auto Insurance Crisis and How to Keep Your Coverage
What good is insurance if you can’t afford it? More people across the U.S. are finding out.

5 Options if You’re Crushed by Student Loan and Credit Card Debt
Make the most of the 12-month on-ramp period by coming up with a debt-payoff strategy.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Why Delta’s Elite Status Changes Matter
Delta is adopting requirements that raise the bar to earn elite status, leaving loyalists annoyed — and for good reason.

8 Latino Financial Influencers to Follow in 2023
Latino financial experts offer advice for building trust in financial systems, generational wealth and how financial institutions can better serve their communities.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit card debt has dropped, but inflation may change that. Also in the news: How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen, how the end of the mask mandate could increase travel costs, and how much house you can get for $350K.

Credit Card Debt Has Dropped, But Inflation May Change That
Americans made big gains in paying off credit card debt over the past few years, but it may not last.

How to make summer 2022 travel plans that actually happen
After two years of cancellations, deferments and marathon sessions with airline customer service, many travelers are hoping to book summer trips that actually pan out this year.

Passengers cheered the end of masks on flights, but they won’t be cheering these prices
More people are taking to the skies than at any point since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s costing them more as a result.

Here’s How Much House You Can Buy for $350K
The median home price gets you a studio apartment in some cities and a mansion in others.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Flying is likely the cheapest option for spring and summer trips. Also in the news: 8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles, dealing with bank mergers, and negotiating COVID-19 medical bills.

Flying is likely cheapest option for spring, summer trips
According to NerdWallet travel writer Sally French, despite the feeling that everything is more expensive these days, traveling by airplane is actually cheaper on average than it was before the pandemic.

8 tactics to break credit card debt cycles
Take a deep look at your credit card relationship.

If your bank merges, should you shop around or stay put?
How to handle changes with your bank.

Can You Negotiate Your COVID-19 Hospital Bills?
Insurance companies have stopped waiving COVID-19 treatment costs, but there are ways to appeal a huge medical bill.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 tasks for new retirees that will pay off later. Also in the news: Credit card interest vs. buy now, pay later, forget the fed, pay off your credit card debt, and cities where it’s cheaper to buy than rent.

3 Tasks for New Retirees That Will Pay Off Later
Taking care of one more to-do list early on can set you up for a better retirement.

Credit Card Interest vs. Buy Now, Pay Later: Which Is Better for My Budget?
Key differences, like how rates are calculated and how much debt you can take on, are crucial to consider when weighing each financing option.

Forget the Fed, Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt
Credit card debt is always expensive, no matter what interest rate changes the Federal Reserve makes.

It’s Cheaper to Buy a House Than Rent in These Cities
Purchase prices and rents are skyrocketing, but there are areas where homeownership isn’t entirely out of reach.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When it’s OK to let your good credit score drop. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on crypto credit cards and short-term investing, why balance transfer cards are starting to make a comeback, and how a 24-year-old crushed $20K+ in credit card debt.

When It’s OK to Let Your Good Credit Score Drop
Don’t let possible score damage stop you from putting your credit to use in an emergency or to grab an opportunity.

Smart Money Podcast: Crypto Credit Cards and Short-Term Investing
A look at the best funds for short-term investing.

Why Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are Starting to Blossom Again
As the economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19, credit card issuers are bringing back these offers. Here’s where to find them.

She Crushed $20K+ in Credit Card Debt at Age 24
Annika Hudak’s road map included reviewing expenses, using balance transfers and tracking her progress.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What free college might actually look like. Also in the news: How to get rid of credit card debt by opening another card, how to fix credit report errors, and how to figure out the size of your next stimulus check.

What Free College Might Actually Look Like
Separating fact from fiction.

One Way to Zap Credit Card Debt? Open Another Credit Card
Yes, getting a balance transfer credit card means yet another piece of plastic — only this kind may let you pay down debt over time at 0% interest.

Your Credit Report May Be Wrong — Here’s What to Do About It
Complaints about credit report issues surged in 2020. Here’s how to verify the data that makes up your credit score.

Figure Out the Size of Your Next Stimulus Check With These Calculators
See what you’ll get in the next round of checks.