Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: New Medicare Advantage benefits may be hard to find and to qualify for. Also in the news: 4 questions to ask before refinancing your mortgage, why college aid requests have decreased, and what to do if you haven’t filed your taxes in years.

New Medicare Advantage Benefits May Be Hard to Find — and Qualify For
In 2019, expanded benefits for Medicare Advantage were enabled, but so far few providers offer them.

The Property Line: 4 Questions to Ask Before Refinancing
Would you benefit from refinancing? Answer these four questions to decide.

Why Are Fewer Students Seeking College Aid? They’re Not Going
Undergrad enrollment is down 4%.

What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Your Taxes in Years
You can’t dodge the IRS forever.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: For lower-credit homeowners, refinancing is harder, but not hopeless. Also in the news: 4 home insurance pitfalls to avoid during hurricane season, survey finds majority of parents want personal finance taught in high schools, and how to decide between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage.

For Lower-Credit Homeowners, Refinancing Is Harder, but Not Hopeless
With lenders raising minimum qualifications, homeowners with scores below 700 may struggle to refinance.

4 Home Insurance Pitfalls to Avoid During Hurricane Season
Do not skip flood insurance.

Survey finds majority of parents want personal finance taught in high schools
Starting off on the right foot.

How to Decide Between a 15-Year and 30-Year Mortgage
The pros and cons of both.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Choosing the right vehicle for your off-road adventures. Also in the news: Why a new fee shouldn’t stop you from refinancing your mortgage, what to do when you’ve paid off your credit card debt, and how to manage any credit card debt you may have racked up the last few months.

Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Off-Road Adventures
A versatile SUV can take you almost anywhere, but prepare for trade-offs the farther you venture off-road.

The Property Line: Don’t Let New Fee Stop You From Refinancing
Millions of homeowners could still benefit from refinancing their mortgages to get a lower interest rate.

You paid off all of your credit card debt—what to do next?
Don’t cut up those cards just yet.

How to manage any credit card debt you may have racked up the last few months
Talk to your lenders.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How mortgage refinancing could save you money even if your loan is new. Also in the news: Where to stash your savings when cash management account rates take a dive, how to stock up wisely, emergency or not, and what the “history” part of your credit score really measures.

Mortgage Refinance Could Save Money — Even If Your Loan Is New
A typical refinance can save at least $150 a month.

Where to Stash Your Savings When Cash Management Account Rates Take a Dive
Taking a look at CDs and online accounts.

How to Stock Up Wisely, Emergency or Not
Stocking up strategically.

What the ‘History’ Part of Your Credit Score Really Measures
It isn’t just how long you’ve had credit.