Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases. Also in the news: Most Americans go mobile with payment apps, why you shouldn’t let your credit score define you, and the best tax preparation software of 2020.

Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back or More on Purchases
Reward simplicity.

Most Americans Go Mobile With Payment Apps — Here’s How They Roll
Nearly 80% of Americans are using these apps.

Keeping (Credit) Score: Don’t Let a 3-Digit Number Define You
You are more than your credit score.

The best tax preparation software of 2020
NerdWallet ranks the options.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do when your first student loan payment is due. Also in the news: Van life reality check – 7 questions to shape your travels, why you should stop hoarding your credit card points and travel rewards, and how to spend less when you’re moving on short notice.

What to Do When Your First Student Loan Payment Is Due
Take a deep breath.

Van Life Reality Check: 7 Questions to Shape Your Travels
Do you really want to spend a week in the back of a van?

Why you should stop hoarding your credit card points and travel rewards
They depreciate in value.

How to Spend Less When You’re Moving on Short Notice
Asking for help is key.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 ways to take command of military discounts. Also in the news: The best credit cards to use when buying airfare, Black Friday strategies that actually work, and how to spend your retirement savings without triggering a tax penalty.

5 Ways to Take Command of Military Discounts
Thank you for your service.

Buying Airfare? Use These Cards to Maximize Your Points
Getting the most for your purchase.

Shoppers Share Black Friday Strategies That Actually Work
Tackling your holiday shopping.

How to spend your retirement savings without triggering a tax penalty
Draw down your money at the right time.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to rack up points and miles with everyday spending. Also in the news: What to buy and skip in October, how to catch up on your savings, and why consumer instant gratification can prove risky.

How to Rack Up Points and Miles With Everyday Spending
Piling up miles wherever you go.

October is the Month to Buy Jeans, Grills and More

Behind on Your Savings? You’re Not Alone
There’s time to catch up.

Consumer instant gratification can prove risky
Staying within your means.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to travel last minute and still get a good deal. Also in the news: Streaming services are the hot new credit card rewards, how college students can make the most of their summer earnings, and how retail credit cards are squeezing the financially vulnerable.

How to Travel Last Minute and Still Get a Good Deal
Impulse travel doesn’t have to break the bank.

Forget gas and groceries—streaming services are the new trend in credit card rewards
How your groceries can pay for your binge watching.

College students, make the most of your summer earnings
Making your money last.

Retail credit cards are squeezing the financially vulnerable as their delinquency rate rises
Getting caught in the points trap.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to buy (and skip) in September. Also in the news: Why streaming services are the new credit card rewards binge, hard-won tips from borrowers who got student loan forgiveness, and why podcasts can actually push people to start saving for retirement.

What to Buy (and Skip) in September
September is the month of big sales.

Why Streaming Services Are the New Credit Card Rewards Binge
Millennial-friendly reward categories.

Hard-Won Tips From Borrowers Who Got Student Loan Forgiveness
You’ll need lots of patience.

Why podcasts can actually push people to start saving for retirement
Catch up on your retirement planning while driving to work.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t let lifestyle creep sneak up on you. Also in the news: 7 steps to buying a house, do you need a tax ID number, and how to make sure you don’t lose your credit card rewards when closing the card.

Don’t Let Lifestyle Creep Sneak Up on You
Living within your means.

What Is a Tax ID Number, and Do I Need One?
Going beyond your Social Security number.

Home Buying Checklist: 7 Steps to Buying a House
Making an important list.

How to Make Sure You Don’t Lose Your Credit Card Rewards When You Close the Card
Reading the fine print.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 reasons to line up a loan before visiting a car dealer. Also in the news: 6 things to know about student loans before you start school, 5 tips to boost your credit card rewards, and why investor interest in CDs is rising.

5 Reasons to Line Up a Loan Before Visiting a Car Dealer
Protecting yourself from the finance department.

6 Things to Know About Student Loans Before You Start School
Important details.

Watch Your Credit Card Rewards Pile Up With These 5 Tips
Even more rewarding.

Why Investor Interest in CDs is Rising
Choosing the security of fixed-interest.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get your credit disaster-ready. Also in the news: Watch your credit card rewards pile up with these 5 tips, comparing your 401(k) to the average, and what to know about buy now, pay later online loans.

How to Get Your Credit Disaster-Ready
Be financially secure when disaster strikes.

Watch Your Credit Card Rewards Pile Up With These 5 Tips
Stacking strategies.

How Does Your 401(k) Compare to Average?
How your company’s plan stacks up to the competition.

What to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Online Loans
Pay attention to the fine print.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Getting real about health costs in retirement. Also in the news: Watch your credit card rewards pile up with these 5 tips, learning the different types of mutual funds, and how hackers can steal your data at airports.

Let’s Get Real About Health Costs in Retirement
Making costs easier to predict.

Watch your credit card rewards pile up with these 5 tips

What Are the Different Types of Mutual Funds?
Learn the basics.

How Hackers Can Steal Your Data at Airports
Protecting more than just your luggage.