February 8, 2021 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Discriminatory practices leave Black Americans with less life insurance. Also in the news: How to keep your student loan payment at $0, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the lessons learned from Gamestop, and how to protect yourself from gas pump skimmers.

Discriminatory Practices Leave Black Americans With Less Life Insurance
Years of discrimination have led to a life insurance coverage gap between Black and white Americans.

How to Keep Your Student Loan Payment at $0
Take a look at income-driven repayment.

Smart Money Podcast: GameStop Lessons and Talking About Money With Your Partner
Understanding what the heck happened with Gamestop.

How to Protect Yourself From Gas Pump Skimmers
Scammers never rest.

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January 20, 2021 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Unpacking the myths of investing in the stock market. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on buying cryptocurrency and tackling debt, life insurance companies are becoming more marijuana-friendly, and asking for reconsideration after being denied a credit card.

Unpacking the Myths of Investing in the Stock Market
These stock market myths have no place in your portfolio.

Smart Money Podcast: Buying Crypto and Dealing With Debt
Understanding cryptocurrency and how to tackle your debt head on.

Smoke Weed and Need Life Insurance? Some Companies Are Cool With Marijuana
Not every life insurer is willing to cover marijuana users, but some don’t mind — provided it isn’t a daily habit.

Call a Reconsideration Line for a Second Chance at a Credit Card
Taking a second look.

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December 18, 2020 By

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Got life insurance? You may not have enough. Also in the news: An investing workaround for possible higher taxes post-election, get ahead of holiday debt by setting a payoff plan, and teens are calling for more personal finance education to bridge the economic opportunity gap in America.

Got Life Insurance? You May Not Have Enough
Your workplace life insurance policy may not be enough if anyone relies on your income or the care you provide.

Expecting Higher Taxes Post-Election? Consider This Investing Workaround

Get Ahead of Holiday Debt by Setting a Payoff Plan

Teens call for more personal finance education to bridge economic opportunity gap in America
Making a more equitable future.

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December 16, 2020 By

Got life insurance? You may not have enough

You probably need life insurance if your death would cause financial hardship to someone else. If the only coverage you have is through your job, though, you may not have enough.

In my latest for the Associated Press, find out why the pandemic has made buying life insurance somewhat easier and why it may be cheaper than you think.

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December 10, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Life and money lessons from the pandemic. Also in the news: Life insurance shoppers lose interest when COVID-19 cases drop, how to save the holidays, and how to spend your extra FSA money.

Life and Money Lessons From the Pandemic
We’ve taken stock of procrastination’s costs, embraced virtual work and play, and are growing our emergency funds.

Life Insurance Shoppers Lose Interest When COVID-19 Cases Drop
Some Americans say they skipped life insurance as cases fell in their area, a survey finds — but the need may still exist.

How to Save the Holidays: More Joy, Less Cash
If your gift list exceeds your budget, try these tips for discounts, rewards, cash back, creativity and delight.

How to Spend Your Extra FSA Money
You have more spending options.

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December 3, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to put 2020 financial survivor’s guilt to good use. Also in the news: The best tips for retirement savings at any age, how COVID-19 is accelerating no-exam life insurance, and is the new Visa Bitcoin rewards card worth it?

How to Put 2020 Financial Survivor’s Guilt to Good Use
Donating time or money can help people who have had economic setbacks in the pandemic — and also those who haven’t.

Best Tips for Saving for Retirement — at Any Age
It’s never too late — or too early — to make sound financial decisions and get yourself set up for retirement.

COVID-19 accelerates no-exam trend in life insurance
Social distancing mandates have hindered the medical exams that are often required for life insurance applications

Is the New Visa Bitcoin Rewards Card Worth It?
Visa dives into cryptocurrency.

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November 18, 2020 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Grace period over? Refinance these student loans ASAP. Also in the news: smart tactics for Millennials flocking to buy life insurance, how senior insulin users may benefit from Medicare savings model, and how to stay on track with a budget calendar.

Grace Period Over? Refinance These Student Loans ASAP
New graduates shouldn’t wait to see if they can refinance their private student loans.

Smart Tactics for Millennials Flocking to Buy Life Insurance
Millennials applying for life insurance can skip medical exams, simplify the process and pay less than they expect

Insulin Users May Benefit From Medicare Senior Savings Model
Seniors with diabetes may pay less for insulin with this program, which debuts in some Medicare drug plans in 2021.

Stay on Track With a Budget Calendar
One day at a time.

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November 11, 2020 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals, smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance, and how get ready for gift card scams this season.

Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
In general, Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Are you?

The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals
The many options depend on how much you hope to earn, and how far away your savings goal is

Smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance
Planning for tomorrow

Get Ready for Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Scams never take a holiday.

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October 21, 2020 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are you saving money in the right place? Also in the news: Why it’s time to dump home buyer love letters, can you be denied life insurance for smoking weed, and 5 fresh kitchen backsplash ideas.

Are You Saving Money in the Right Place?
What to consider when you’re stashing your savings.

Why It’s Time to Dump Home Buyer Love Letters

Can You Be Denied Life Insurance for Smoking Weed?
You might have to shop around.

5 Fresh Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
A stylish and functional backsplash can breathe new life into your kitchen.

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August 18, 2020 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Is it harder for seniors to get credit cards? Also in the news: Factoring in fees on grocery, delivery, what to do if losing your job means losing your life insurance, and there’s still time to claim your missing $500 stimulus for dependents.

Is It Harder for Seniors to Get Credit Cards?
Even with more time to build history, seniors may have a hard time getting credit.

For grocery delivery, add fees to the list
Convenience comes at a cost.

What to do if losing your job means losing life insurance
Examining your options.

There’s Still Time to Claim Your Missing $500 Stimulus for Dependents
Another opportunity to get your stimulus.

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