Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How a home improvement fund can upgrade your new house to a home. Also in the news: Single-income couples, and when to use your FSA and HSA, and how rising inflation could mean your home is underinsured.

How a Home Improvement Fund Can Upgrade Your New House to a Home
A home improvement fund can help you be ready for repairs and updates after you buy.

Smart Money Podcast: Single-Income Couples, and When to Use Your FSA and HSA
Moving from two incomes to one is a financial challenge but can offer couples a chance to build their relationship.

Rising Inflation Could Mean Your Home Is Underinsured
Rising construction costs could leave many homeowners without enough insurance. Here’s how to know you have sufficient coverage to rebuild should the worst happen.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 things agents wish people knew about insurance. Also in the news: 10 factors affecting COVID-era travel, how the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment, and how to spend your FSA before the grace period expires.

5 Things Agents Wish People Knew About Insurance
Agents from across the U.S. clear up a few of the most common insurance misconceptions.

10 Factors Affecting COVID-Era Travel in 2021
Traveling during COVID-19 means making more advance reservations and planning for vaccine or testing rules.

How the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment
PUA benefits are extended.

How To Spend Your FSA Before the Grace Period Expires
Use it or lose it.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to plan and budget for DIY projects now. Also in the news: How to factor climate change into your air travel, why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now, and new rules for medical and dependent care FSAs.

How to Plan and Budget for DIY Projects Now
Tailor do-it-yourself home projects to fit current circumstances by considering the size, type and cost of the work.

Ask a Points Nerd: How Can I Factor Climate Change Into My Air Travel?
Being intentional about the airlines you choose and how often you fly can help reduce your carbon footprint.

Why it’s probably better to lease a car than buy one right now
5 reasons why leasing is a smart choice during these chaotic times.

New Rules for Medical and Dependent Care FSAs
New rules bring more flexibility.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit score drop? How to diagnose why and what to do next. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on the safety of Bitcoin, what to do if you’re struggling with IRS delays, and what to do about your FSA contributions if your child care is closed.

Credit Score Drop? How to Diagnose Why, and What to Do Next
Time to check your credit report.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Is Bitcoin Safe?’
A look at the popular cryptocurrency.

Try these workarounds if you’re struggling with IRS delays
Tips on how to get help.

What to Do About Your FSA Contributions if Your Child Care Is Closed
The IRS has made some changes.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to make your money biases work for you. Also in the news: How to get airline perks without elite status, where people with the best – and worst – credit card habits live in the US, and spending down your FISA starts with the right payment card.

How to Make Your Money Biases Work for You
Making our quirks work to our advantage.

How to Get Airline Perks Without Elite Status
You don’t need to be a jet-setter.

This map shows where people with the best – and worst – credit card habits live in the US
Where are you on the list?

Spending down your FSA starts with the right payment card
When to use your FSA debit card.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Time your credit card application this bonus-friendly season. Also in the news: Debt and housing costs are making it harder to save for retirement, a 2019 holiday shopping report, and how to spend your extra FSA money.

Time Your Credit Card Application This Bonus-Friendly Season
‘Tis the season for bonuses.

Debt, Housing Costs Make It Harder to Save for Retirement, Americans Say
An uncertain future.

2019 Holiday Shopping Report
Will a looming recession curb holiday shopping?

How to Spend Your Extra FSA Money
Don’t leave money on the table.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How not to go broke attending holiday parties. Also in the news: Self-taught financial advisers keep it real about money, how to determine if your taxes are going up, and how to spend your extra FSA money.

You Don’t Have to Go Broke Attending Holiday Parties
Having fun without breaking the bank.

Self-taught financial advisers keep it real about money management
Knowing your limits.

My Taxes Probably Are Going Up. Are Yours?
How to determine next year’s taxes.

How to Spend Your Extra FSA Money
The clock is ticking.