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Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Make a home down payment without wrecking your finances. Also in the news: What could happen to your credit score when you close accounts, how to sidestep the potential pitfalls of travel credit cards, and why most teens don’t believe they’ll be financially independent from their parents by age 30.

Make a Home Down Payment Without Wrecking Your Finances
Don’t leave yourself empty-handed.

Ditching Credit Cards? Here’s What Could Happen to Your Score
Closing your accounts could lower your score.

How to Sidestep the Potential Pitfalls of Travel Credit Cards
Dodging blackout dates.

Teens don’t believe they’ll be financially independent from parents by 30: Survey
Bad news for parents.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: In the points and miles game, blind loyalty can cost you. Also in the news: The best mortgage lenders with no origination fee, how a personal loan affects your credit score, and how thinking like an optimist could help you save more.

In the Points and Miles Game, Blind Loyalty Can Cost You
You could end up losing the points game.

Best Mortgage Lenders with No Origination Fee of 2019
They’re not easy to find.

How Does a Personal Loan Affect Your Credit Score?
A chance to improve your score.

To Save More, Think Like an Optimist
The saving power of positive thinking.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The one form that could be the root of all your tax woes. Also in the news: Income-driven student loan repayments, 4 credit score horror stories that could happen to anyone, and understanding the difference between a hobby and a side hustle.

This One Form Could Be the Root of All Your Tax Woes
The innocent looking W-4.

Income-Driven Repayment: Is It Right for You?
What to do when you can’t afford your student loan payments.

4 credit score horror stories that could happen to anyone
Tiny mistakes that could trash your credit.

Before You Do Your Taxes, Understand the Difference Between a Hobby and a Side Hustle
When your hobby becomes a job.





Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 things you don’t have to pay a tax preparer to do. Also in the news: AmEx Gold’s inconsistent dining rewards are frustrating foodies, what you need to know about surging savings account rates, and what you need to know about “free” credit scores.

5 Things You Don’t Have to Pay a Tax Preparer to Do
Knock these things off your tax list.

AmEx Gold’s Inconsistent Dining Rewards Are Frustrating Foodies
A bumpy relaunch.

Savings Account Rates Are Surging: Here’s What to Know
Online banks are offering the best rates.

What You Need to Know About ‘Free’ Credit Scores
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

There’s always a next recession, so be prepared

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Recessions are like natural disasters: They’re inevitable, but smart preparation may reduce the impact on you.

The U.S. economy has grown steadily since emerging from the “Great Recession” in June 2009, but expansions can’t continue forever, and this one is already the second-longest on record. Only the expansion from March 1991 to March 2001 lasted longer.

Recessions occur when growth stops and the economy starts to shrink. They vary in severity and length, but often jobs disappear, incomes decline and lenders make it harder to qualify for credit.

Knowing what may be coming can help you fortify your finances to withstand a possible slowdown. In my latest for the Associated Press, some steps to consider.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Furloughed workers face potential damage to their credit scores. Also in the news: A bill could expand the financial literacy of students, 8 budget types for businesses, and 6 practical ways to pay off credit card debt.

A big problem looms for furloughed workers — preventing damage to their credit scores
Another impact of the government shutdown.

Bill Introduced to Expand Financial Literacy of Students
Teaching more than just the basics.

8 Budget Types for Businesses
Different budgets for different needs.

6 practical ways to pay off credit card debt
Climbing your way out of debt.