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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Financial experts share what they wish they could have told their younger selves about money. Also in the news: A shift in the housing market, student loan borrowers in default get a do-over, and 4 ways to find flight deals.

Just Starting Out? Learn From Our Mistakes
Some personal finance experts share what they wish they could have told their younger selves about money.

Suddenly, the Housing Market Is Not All About the Sellers
Selling a home these days isn’t as effortless as a year ago, when a seller could choose among competing buyers.

Student Loan Borrowers in Default Get a Do-Over
About 7.5 million student loan borrowers with loans in default are set to get a fresh start — a chance to enter repayment in “good standing” — but only if they opt in.

Flight Deals Still Exist: 4 Ways to Find Them
Vigilance, flexibility and some airline miles are key to getting good deals in today’s airfare market.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 financial experts who could steer you wrong. Also in the news: Treating investing like a subscription, 7 credit card perks to prioritize in 2021, and Disney cancels its annual Passport Program.

4 Financial ‘Experts’ Who Could Steer You Wrong
Be cautious about taking advice from sources who care more about their profits than your financial health.

Want to Invest More This Year? Treat It Like a Subscription
A better financial future for just $49.99 a month sounds like a late-night infomercial, but it’s not as crazy as it seems.

7 Credit Card Perks to Prioritize in 2021
Resolve to examine your cards’ features and ensure they’re still getting the job done and saving you money.

Disney Cancels Its Annual Passport Program
Over one million customers impacted.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 financial experts who could steer your wrong. Also in the news; More Americans are saving than ever before, though in unequal amounts, do’s and don’ts for planning your travel on points this year, and how to make debt less costly when you need it in a crisis.

4 Financial ‘Experts’ Who Could Steer You Wrong
Be cautious about taking advice from sources who care more about their profits than your financial health.

More Americans Are Saving Than Ever Before, Though in Unequal Amounts

Ask a Points Nerd: Should I Book Award Travel for 2021?
Here are some do’s and don’ts for planning your travel on points this year.

How to Make Debt Less Costly When You Need It in a Crisis
Americans have taken on more debt as the pandemic brought widespread job and income losses, according to a survey.

3 money tasks you shouldn’t tackle on your own

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No one cares as much about your money as you do, but never asking for help can be dangerous — and expensive.

In a previous column, I detailed the hazards of trying to do your own estate plan and how problems often aren’t apparent until it’s too late to fix them. The following financial tasks also are more complex than they may seem, and the consequences for ignorance can be severe. In my latest for the Associated Press, why hiring an expert help may ultimately save you a bundle.