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interest rates

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why don’t we know if people are getting COVID on airplanes? Also in the news: changes to electronic vehicle tax credits, will interest rates continue to rise, and the stupidest fees you should never pay.

Why Don’t We Know If People Are Getting COVID on Planes?
With all the energy devoted to air travel and COVID safety, you’d think we’d have some hard data. We don’t.

Changes to EV Tax Credits: Where Your Battery Is Made Matters
New changes to the EV tax credit could make it harder to find a model that qualifies.

Ask a Nerd: Will Interest Rates Continue to Rise?
Interest rates seem like they will rise for the foreseeable future, but consumers should make sure to still save.

These Are the Stupidest Fees You Should Never Pay
Life is expensive enough without unnecessary fees—here are the ones you should never pay.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Fed hoists key interest rate as mortgage rates reach new heights. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on recession prep, a quiz to cut your credit card costs, and how long it could take for business travel to return to normal.

Fed Hoists Key Interest Rate as Mortgage Rates Reach New Heights
Some 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates surpassed 6% even before the Federal Reserve’s 75-point increase to the federal funds rate.

Smart Money Podcast: Recession Prep, and Lightning Round Money Questions
This week’s episode starts with a discussion about how to prepare your finances for a recession.

Pass This Credit Card Quiz and Cut Your Costs
Put your credit card knowledge to the test. Knowing the correct answers could save you money.

How Long Until Business Travel Returns to Normal?
Business travel is down, big-time, with experts anticipating a slow return to 2019 levels.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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New laws, lenders boost access to affordable small loans. Also in the news: 5 ways to prepare for better interest rates in savings accounts, why 2022 is the year of all-inclusive travel, and for meat-free meal options, a U.S. airline hits the spot.

New Laws, Lenders Boost Access to Affordable Small Loans
New laws have made payday loans safer in some states, and more banks are entering the small-dollar market.

5 Ways to Prepare for Better Interest Rates in Savings Accounts
Be ready to make an informed decision if interest rates rise.

2022 Is the Year of All-Inclusive Travel, and Here’s Why
Hotel chains are expanding and entirely reimagining their all-inclusive portfolios.

For New Meat-Free Meal Options, 1 U.S. Airline Hits the Spot
Delta’s partnership with Impossible Foods and other plant-based brands is a game-changer.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Are reluctant home sellers too attached to their low rates? Also in the news: Are I bonds a good investment, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on a travel nerd’s guide to Costa Rica, and the best time to buy cars, appliances, and other things that have been hard hit by inflation.

Are Reluctant Home Sellers Too Attached to Their Low Rates?
An effect that’s difficult to quantify.

Are I Bonds a Good Investment?
I bonds are a safe way to guard your money against inflation, but what do you risk by keeping your money out of the market?

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Travel Diaries: Getaway to Costa Rica
This episode, Sean talks with NerdWallet travel editor Kevin Berry about his recent trip to Costa Rica.

The Best Time to Buy Cars, Appliances, and Other Things That Have Been Hit Hard by Inflation
If you can’t necessarily shop cheap, you might as well shop smart.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do instead of worrying about the Fed’s latest interest hike. Also in the news: Why the Fed wants home buyers to face higher mortgage rates, staying off the beaten path for summer travel deals, and how college-bound grads could exit with nearly $40K in student loan debt.

Worrying About the Fed’s Latest Interest Hike? Do This Instead
Yes, the Fed just raised rates again. But take action rather than agonizing over what’s ahead for the economy.

Why the Fed Wants Home Buyers to Face Higher Mortgage Rates
The Federal Reserve yanked a short-term interest rate higher this week, making it more expensive to borrow money to buy a home or fix it up.

For Summer Travel Deals, Stay Off the Beaten Path
Summer vacationers should brace themselves for intense travel demand this season.

College-Bound Grads Could Exit With Nearly $40K in Student Loan Debt
College-bound high school graduates will amass thousands in debt. Many will share this debt with their parents.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How supply chain issues are crushing hotels – and your stay. In other news: As mortgage rates hit 4%, buyers can still boost their chances, the perks of selling your home could outweigh the challenges of buying, and everything you should do before interest rates go up.

How Supply Chain Issues Are Crushing Hotels — and Your Stay
Hotels aren’t immune to the impact of supply chain disruptions.

As Mortgage Rates Hit 4%, Buyers Can Still Boost Their Chances
With the 30-year mortgage rising fast, buyers may need updated preapprovals and revised expectations.

Perks of Selling Your Home Could Outweigh Challenges of Buying
While it’s a notoriously tough time to buy a home, the incentives to sell the one you’re in could be too good to pass up.

Everything You Should Do Before Interest Rates Go Up
Borrowing money is about to become more expensive.