Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: To raise financially savvy kids, give money lessons a reboot. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on 2021 money goals, how to discuss family finances in a crisis, and giving your wallet a good cleaning.

To Raise Financially Savvy Kids, Give Money Lessons a Reboot
Going beyond the piggy bank.

Smart Money Podcast: How You Can Achieve Money Goals in 2021
Starting off on the right foot.

How to Discuss Family Finances in a Crisis
Honesty is key.

Take These Cards Out of Your Wallet Right Now
Give your wallet some breathing room.

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.

Life and money lessons from the pandemic

I’m a “be prepared” kind of person. I like having money in the bank and a good stock of emergency supplies.

But I wasn’t prepared to see empty shelves at the supermarket, or thousands of cars lined up at a Texas food bank, or nurses dressed in garbage bags because there wasn’t enough protective equipment.

The pandemic showed me that being personally prepared isn’t enough. Our communities need to be better prepared, as well.

That lesson may seem obvious in retrospect — many lessons are. But the revelation made me curious about what other people have learned from this year. In my latest for the Associated Press, four of my buddies in the personal finance realm agreed to share what the pandemic has taught them about money and life.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 college money lessons you didn’t learn in high school. Also in the news: Affordable ways to refresh your home, 5 ways not to blow a financial windfall, and the high financial cost of being gay.

6 College-Money Lessons You Didn’t Learn in High School
Lessons to take with you on campus.

Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home
New looks for less.

5 Ways Not to Blow a Financial Windfall
You don’t need a yacht.

The High Cost of Being Gay
Marriage equaliity doesn’t equal financial equality.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Before doing your taxes, gather these documents. Also in the news: 3 things to do when buying a house as an unmarried couple, how credit cards can help you save on buses and trains, and 4 money lessons every teenager needs to know.

Before Doing Your Taxes, Gather These Documents
Putting your paperwork together.

Buying a Home as an Unmarried Couple? Do These 3 Things
Buyer beware.

Credit Cards Can Help You Save on Buses and Trains, Too
Discounts everywhere.

4 money lessons every teenager needs to know
The sooner the better.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to invest $50,000. Also in the news: Ditching student debt through monster payments, funding a wedding while paying student debt, and what we can learn from rich people who are bad with money.

How to Invest $50,000
Making the wise choices.

How I Ditched Student Debt: ‘Monster Payments’
Using monster payments to pay off your student debt faster.

Ask Brianna: How Can I Fund a Wedding and Pay Student Debt?
Managing two large expenses.

What We Can Learn From Rich People Who Are Bad With Money
Learning from other people’s mistakes.

Money Lessons That Actually Stick

Efforts to make us smarter about money don’t seem to be working.

A Harvard Business School study found personal finance classes taught in high school had no effect on “financial outcomes,” such as how much people saved or how likely they were to miss payments on debt. A report for Management Science found that even intensive instruction had “negligible effects” on people’s behavior. That’s led some critics to say financial literacy education doesn’t work.

But other research has found methods that show promise. If you want to improve your relationship with money or teach your children about personal finance, these findings may help you do just that.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to best improve your relationship with money and pass that knowledge to your children.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

imagesToday’s top story: How life insurance can affect your estate taxes. Also in the news: Money tips for new workers, 401(k) tips for when you quit your job, and important money lessons for kids under 5.

How Life Insurance Can Affect Estate Taxes
Life insurance comes into play if you have a sizeable estate.

4 Money Tips for New Workers
Using your paycheck strategically.

Roll over or not? Smart 401(k) moves when you quit your job
Don’t lose out on your contributions.

3 Important Money Lessons Kids Under 5 Should Know
It’s never too early to start.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: The best credit cards for the forgetful. Also in the news: How special financing deals can end up costing you more, why leasing cars may be better for retirees, and what to do when someone has stolen your tax refund.

4 Credit Cards for the Forgetful
Avoiding the fees for your forgetfulness.

3 Sneaky Ways Special Financing Deals Cost You More
Deferred interest can catch up with you.

Retirees can simplify by leasing their cars
Lower upfront costs can help retirees.

Help! Someone Stole My Tax Refund!
Don’t delay in taking action.

20 Life-Changing Money Lessons You Learn in Your 30s
Retirement isn’t as far away as your may think.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The long wait for credit card rewards. Also in the news: Simple money lessons to teach your kids, tips on switching your car insurance, and how to impress your loved one on Valentine’s Day without going broke.images (2)

Where the Heck Are My Credit Card Rewards?
Waiting is the hardest part.

5 Super Simple Money Lessons To Teach Kids Of All Ages
Starting off on the right foot.

7 Smart Steps to Switching Your Car Insurance
Don’t let your car become a financial liability.

7 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t have to go to Jared.

When Not to Use Tax Software: Should Man or Machine Be Your Accountant?
Complex finances should be left to the experts.