This week’s money news

This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on financial fears, and if you need life insurance or not. In other news: What makes a good store credit card, and how to avoid bad ones, tackling financial insecurity, and why stocks and bonds are both falling.

Smart Money Podcast: Financial Fears, and Do You Need Life Insurance?
This week’s episode starts with a discussion about overcoming our financial fears.

What Makes a Good Store Credit Card, and How to Avoid Bad Ones
It’s not that store cards can’t deliver value — in some cases, they can be ideal picks. But before you’re pressured into opening one, know which red flags to watch for.

When Pinching Pennies Isn’t Enough: Tackling Financial Insecurity
Financial counselors, nonprofits and other organizations can help you find your financial footing.

Stocks and Bonds Are Both Falling. Here’s Why.
A look at why the markets declined in 2022, and how to cope with falling stocks and bonds as you near an important financial goal.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Life insurance favors young adults, but they have hesitations. Also in the news: The logic of booking air travel has changed, which rental car company has the lowest prices, and find out what’s bringing down the value of your home.

Life Insurance Favors Young Adults, But They Have Hesitations
Concerns include picking the wrong coverage amount, affording premiums and qualifying for coverage.

The Logic of Booking Air Travel Has Changed
The days of booking bare-bones fares months in advance may be gone for now.

Which Rental Car Company Usually Has the Lowest Prices?
Looking for the cheapest rental car brand? We did the math so you don’t have to.

These Things Are Bringing Down the Value of Your Home
The housing market is out of control, but it never hurts to sell for more.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Do you really need a million dollar life insurance policy? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on stock market shakiness, DIY vs Calling a Pro, and everything you need to know about your next side hustle.

Do I Really Need a Million-Dollar Life Insurance Policy?
You don’t need to be a millionaire to qualify for a large life insurance policy.

Smart Money Podcast: Stock Market Shakiness, and Car Buying in 2022
In dealing with stock market jitters and the need to replace a car this year, patience can really pay.

DIY or Call a Professional: Which Is Right for Your Remodel?
You can save money on easier home updates, but call an expert if a project involves plumbing or electrical work.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Next Side Hustle
You’ve heard that the grind never stops. But how do you get the grind to start?

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 options for your money before student loan payments resume. Also in the news: Why the freelancing boom may change how you buy life insurance, 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, and how to invest in real estate with your IRA.

5 Options for Your Money Before Student Loan Payments Resume
February will be here before you know it.

The Freelancing Boom May Change How You Buy Life Insurance
How life insurance planning differs for freelancers.

4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
Looking out for buyer’s remorse.

How to Invest in Real Estate With Your IRA
You can buy it, but you can’t live in it.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to negotiate your way to a richer life. Also in the news: 4 signs we’re in a housing market primed for regret, Medicare and CPAP supplies, and could your health or life insurance rates increase if you’re not vaccinated?

How to Negotiate Your Way to a Richer Life
Learning best practices can help you earn more, get better deals and avoid strife over household finances.

4 Signs We’re in a Housing Market Primed for Regret
It’s a tough time to be a homebuyer.

Does Medicare Pay for CPAP Machines and Supplies?
Medicare Part B covers CPAP, but it requires a sleep test and a trial period.

Will Your Health or Life Insurance Rates Increase If You’re Not Vaccinated?
Insurers have yet to decide.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The checks that could change your financial life. Also in the news: Should you sign up for Medicare if you’re 65 and still working, 6 signs you’re about to overpay for life insurance, and 7 products being slammed by inflation.

The Checks That Could Change Your Financial Life
A temporary boost to the child tax credit can help fuel emergency savings, cut debt and build financial stability.

Should You Sign Up for Medicare If You’re 65 and Still Working?
Signing up for Medicare at 65 may make sense even if you have private insurance through your or your spouse’s job.

6 Signs You’re About to Overpay for Life Insurance
If you focus on convenience or a policy’s extra benefits, you might pay too much. Here’s what to look out for.

7 Products Being Slammed by Inflation (and How to Avoid Spending More)
From computer chips to steaks.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 signs you’re about to overpay for life insurance. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on big purchases and overcoming money guilt, 53% of Americans support expanding Medicare benefits, and avoid penalties by filing for a tax extension.

6 Signs You’re About to Overpay for Life Insurance
If you focus on convenience or a policy’s extra benefits, you might pay too much. Here’s what to look out for.

Smart Money Podcast: Big Purchases and Overcoming Money Guilt
How to use credit cards to cover big purchases.

53% of Americans Support Expanding Medicare Benefits, Survey Finds
Some potential Medicare changes are more popular than others, according to a new NerdWallet poll.

Avoid Penalties by Filing for a Tax Extension
The deadline is midnight tonight.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 pandemic-driven financial habits worth keeping. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on spring cleaning and COVID taxes, life insurance options when living with HIV, and be on the lookout for streaming service price hikes.

5 Pandemic-Driven Financial Habits Worth Keeping
Americans have picked up new financial habits during the pandemic, and continuing them could boost their finances.

Smart Money Podcast: Spring Cleaning and COVID Taxes
Tidy up your digital life.

Living With HIV? Life Insurance Is Available but Limited
People living with HIV have options, but strict requirements make coverage difficult to secure.

Watch Out for These Streaming Service Price Hikes
Streaming is getting costlier.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why buying life insurance for your parents can make financial sense. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the 50/30/20 budget, one person’s no-spending month results, and when to hire a tax professional.

Why Buying Life Insurance for Your Parents Can Make Financial Sense
Life insurance can help offset the costs of your parents getting older, but you’ll need their help to get it.

Smart Money Podcast: Money News You Missed and the 50/30/20 Budget
Breaking down the budget numbers.

I Stopped Spending for a Month, and You Can Too
One person’s success story.

When to Hire Someone to Do Your Taxes
When it’s time to call in the pros.