Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What the No Surprises Act means for your medical bills. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on buying your dream house, the January mortgage rate forecast, and 5 steps to reach your money goals in 2022.

What the No Surprises Act Means for Your Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act bans surprise medical bills for emergency services and unexpected out-of-network providers.

Smart Money Podcast: Buying Your Dream House
Sean and Liz chat with Nerd Elizabeth Renter about how she bought her dream house.

Mortgage Outlook: Rates May Stand Still in January
January mortgage rates forecast.

5 Steps to Reach Your Money Goals in 2022
With inflation and economic uncertainty clouding 2022, shoring up your finances this month can feel even more urgent.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Pandemic puts personal finance on high school agenda. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on Delta spending habits and marriage vs. mortgage, 4 new rules for entrepreneurs in 2021, and the mortgage outlook for September.

Pandemic Puts Personal Finance on High School Agenda
“Educators say there’s never been more interest in the subject from students and parents.”

Smart Money Podcast: Delta Spending Habits and Marriage vs. Mortgage
How the Delta variant is changing the way people spend money.

4 New Rules for Entrepreneurs in 2021
How COVID has rewritten the rules.

Mortgage Outlook: September Rates to Ascend, Then Level Off
What to expect in the month ahead.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Financial vital signs to monitor right now. Also in the news: July’s mortgage outlook, pandemic college enrollment, and how to make some cash before returning to school.

Financial Vital Signs to Monitor Right Now
A midyear financial review is often a good idea.

Mortgage Outlook: July Rates to Shrug and Stay the Course
A look at what could happen this month.

Pandemic Sinks College Enrollment Again, but Fall Looks Brighter
Community colleges saw enrollment drop most, but analysts expect a recovery for all types of institutions this fall.

How to Make Some Cash Before Heading Back to School
Tips for landing a summer job.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 tips to keep a landscaping project on time and under budget. Also in the news: The mortgage outlook for June, student loan interest rates to increase July 1st, and how to get Amazon Prime Day prices without a membership.

5 Tips to Keep a Landscaping Project on Time, Under Budget
DIY projects can give your yard a new look on a short timeline, even with a low budget.

Mortgage Outlook: June Rates Could Rise If Bond Market Acts Out
How things look for the month ahead.

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates to Increase July 1
Rates will rise to 3.73% for the 2021-22 academic year after the historic low of 2.75% for the past year.

How to Get Amazon Prime Day Deals Without Paying for a Membership
Prime Day is just around the corner.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How you can recover from a bounced check. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pet scams and buying different home types, the mortgage outlook for May, and how to find out if you qualify for a monthly broadband subsidy.

How You Can Recover From a Bounced Check
If you’ve bounced a check, ask your bank if it can waive any fees you’ve incurred, and get overdraft protection.

Smart Money podcast: Pet Scams and Buying Different Home Types
Common scams people fall victim to and how to avoid them.

Mortgage Outlook: May Rates Are Just Waiting on a Trend
How April rates flipped the script.

Do You Qualify For a $50 Monthly Broadband Subsidy?
Millions without broadband now qualify.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: If you need to find tax help, try DIY first. Also in the news: Can you still buy a used rental car at a bargain, the mortgage outlook for April, and when to expect your delayed stimulus check if you’re a Social Security recipient.

If You Need to Find Tax Help, Try DIY First
These resources and answers to common questions may help this tax season, as the IRS continues to be overwhelmed.

Can You Still Buy a Used Rental Car at a Bargain?
What to consider if you’re looking to purchase a former rental car.

Mortgage Outlook: April Rates Begin to Grow
Rates will rise on immunity euphoria.

When to Expect Your Delayed Stimulus Check, If You’re a Social Security Recipient
Expect payments by April 7 for most programs.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Biden’s student loan forgiveness could wipe out debt for 15 million borrowers. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on what Biden may do for your finances, when to donate rewards to charity and when to give cash, and mortgage rates stay low as December deadlines loom.

Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Could Wipe Out Debt for 15 Million Borrowers
More than a third of federal borrowers could see their balances fall to zero with $10,000 in debt cancellation.

Smart Money Podcast: What Biden May Do for Your Finances and How to Make Money
What your finances could look like under a Biden administration.

When to Donate Rewards to Charity and When to Give Cash
Want to help a charity without tapping into your bank account? Sometimes donating your rewards can be a good option.

Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stay Low as December Deadlines Loom
Uncertainty ahead.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mortgage outlook for August. Also in the news: Why graduate students need to mind their mental health this fall, your best shot at lowering the cost of private student loans, and how to get help with missing coronavirus relief payments.

Mortgage Outlook: Recession Presses Down on August Rates
Likely record lows for the third consecutive month.

Graduate Students: Mind Your Mental Health This Fall
Recognizing stressors and using university resources may help during this time of uncertainty.

Refinancing now is your best shot at lowering the cost of private student loans
Take advantage of record low interest rates.

Get Help With Missing Coronavirus Relief Payments
What to do if you still haven’t received your check.