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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on what we learned about our money in 2022. In other news: Holiday travel chaos is coming and how to handle it, why 2023 could be a bit better for home buyers, and benefit from fed rate hikes with a high-yield savings account.

Smart Money Podcast: What We Learned About Our Money in 2022
In this week’s episode, Sean and Liz hear from listeners about the best thing that happened to them this year, what they struggled with and what they are most looking forward to in the new year.

Holiday Travel Chaos is Coming: How to Handle It
From packing light to skipping the lines, here’s how to navigate the busiest holiday travel season in years.

For Home Buyers, 2022 Was Brutal. Why ’23 Could Be a Bit Better.
After enduring three difficult years from 2020 through 2022, home buyers might find a slightly more hospitable housing market in 2023.

Benefit From Fed Rate Hikes With a High-Yield Savings Account
The recent federal rate increases have been great for savers with high-yield savings accounts. It is not too late to take advantage.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Will inflation be good for student loan borrowers? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on holiday travel and financial advisors, how to retrain for a new job, and the December 2021 mortgage outlook.

Will Inflation Be Good for Student Loan Borrowers?
Student loan borrowers are taking to social media to celebrate inflation.

Smart Money Podcast: Travel Tips, and Finding the Right Financial Advisors

Talking holiday travel.

So You Want a New Job? Here’s How to Retrain
What happens to workers after the “Great Resignation?”

Mortgage Outlook: Rates Heading North in Late December
Rates will crawl up at the end of the month.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to be a 5-Star traveler this holiday season. Also in the news: How to plan holiday travel if your kids aren’t fully vaccinated yet, President Bideb acts to ease gas prices, and how to avoid the line at the airport bag check counter.

How to Be a 5-Star Traveler This Holiday Season
Our travel expert shares tips to be a courteous and less-stressed traveler during the busy travel season.

How To Plan Holiday Travel if Your Kids Aren’t Yet Fully Vaccinated
Traveling with unvaccinated children is a matter of your own comfort level, but there are precautions you can take.

Biden Acts to Ease Gas Prices, But You Can Save Money Now
President Joe Biden is working to bring down gas prices, but drivers can take steps to reduce their fuel bill now.

How to Avoid the Line at the Airport Bag Check Counter
Hold airline elite status, purchase an upgrade or pack light to cut down on waits at bag check.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to prepare for holiday crowds and chaos at airports. Also in the news: 9 ways to travel more safely, what you need to know about Medigap Plan N, and how to squeeze another 20K miles out of your current car.

How to Prepare for Holiday Crowds and Chaos at Airports
Get some relief from the brunt of holiday travel by having your memberships, status and luggage in order.

9 Ways To Travel More Safely
Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you can take extra precautions to stay safe.

What Is Medigap Plan N? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan N, a type of Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a good option if you don’t visit the doctor frequently.

Squeeze Another 20K Miles Out of Your Current Car
High demand and low inventory have increased new car costs. Save money by getting 20K more miles out of your current car.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why a home warranty may not give you the fix you crave. Also in the news: 4 reasons to spend your points and miles ASAP, why the best travel plan for this holiday season is a backup plan, and how to spot fake IRS letters.

Why a Home Warranty May Not Give You the Fix You Crave
Many homeowners are looking to home warranties for peace of mind, but to avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s important to understand the limits of what you’ve purchased.

4 Reasons to Spend Your Points and Miles ASAP
With fare increases and inevitable devaluations on the way, don’t wait to cash in your points and miles.

The Best Travel Plan for This Holiday Season Is a Backup Plan
The best-laid plans are the ones that can be changed when your flight gets delayed or your COVID test is positive.

How to Spot a Fake IRS Letter
For starters, real IRS letters won’t demand immediate payments on back taxes.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Savings rates are staying low. Here’s why, and what to do. Also in the news: Ask a Points Nerd on how to celebrate the holidays without traveling, renting hotels for big events is dirt cheap at the moment, and the benefits of a ‘second chance’ checking account.

Savings Rates Are Staying Low. Here’s Why, and What to Do
Savings rates will likely remain low for a while after moves by the Federal Reserve, but you should still save.

Ask a Points Nerd: How Can I Celebrate the Holidays Without Travel?
Think of it as an opportunity to relax and try new things, instead of a sad alternative to the normal holidays.

Renting Hotels for Big Events Is Dirt-Cheap … for Now
The cost of booking a hotel for conferences and weddings has plummeted, but don’t expect it to stay that way.

Do You Need a ‘Second Chance’ Checking Account?
Making up for past mistakes.