This week’s money news

This week’s top story: Getting a second opinion can help ward off misdiagnosis. In other news: What to know about pet insurance, 6 tips for the FAFSA delay, and questions you aren’t asking, but should during open enrollment.

Getting a Second Opinion Can Help Ward Off Misdiagnosis
Each year, diagnostic error leads to about 371,000 U.S. deaths. A second opinion is one potential cure.

Adopting a Rescue Dog? Here’s What to Know About Pet Insurance
Pet insurance isn’t right for everyone. For example, it can be pricey if you’re adopting a senior dog.

Applying to College Early Decision? 6 Tips for the FAFSA Delay
With the timing and size of financial aid packages in question for the 2024-25 academic year, consider early action or regular decision instead.

Questions You Aren’t Asking (but Should) During Open Enrollment
From drug coverage to deductibles, here are the things to consider when you’re choosing health insurance for 2024.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Start 2021 off strong with these smart money moves. Also in the news: What COVID-related credit card help is available in 2021, how businesses can apply for a second PPP loan, and Medicare Advantage open enrollment begins.

Start 2021 Off Strong With These Smart Money Moves
Money resolutions can include filing taxes early, reviewing spending and saving more for retirement.

What COVID-Related Credit Card Help Is Available in 2021?
Most card issuers continue to offer help to those affected by the pandemic — but it’s up to you to ask for it.

How Businesses Can Apply for a Second PPP Loan
Certain hard-hit businesses are eligible to receive a second PPP loan under the new COVID relief package.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Lets You Switch Plans
The annual period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get your parent off the hook for your student loans. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on open enrollment and HSA vs. HFA, getting a side gig while on unemployment, and 5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020

How to Get Your Parent Off the Hook for Your Student Loans
Refinancing and co-signer release can get a parent’s name off of student loans.

Smart Money Podcast: Open Enrollment and HSA vs. FSA
Open enrollment is underway.

Can You Get a Side Gig While on Unemployment?
Depends on state law.

5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020
Preparing for the new year.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Employers who chip in on your student loans. Also in the news: Six unexpected things you can find on sale on Black Friday, how to sign up for ACA health insurance for 2020, and spending tips for millennials can help anyone who would like to survive the holidays without debt.

These Employers Chip in on Your Student Loans
One of the best perks.

Six unexpected things you can find on sale on Black Friday
Look for travel deals.

How to Sign Up for ACA Health Insurance for 2020
It’s open enrollment time.

Spending tips for millennials can help anyone who would like to survive the holidays without debt
Win the holidays without going broke.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do if your parents need financial help. Also in the news: Why no new debt is the best holiday gift to your family, AmEx cardholders report account shutdowns, and why you should get a health insurance cost estimate even if you’re not buying coverage.

What to Do If Your Parents Need Financial Help
Balancing your needs with theirs.

The Best Holiday Gift to Your Family? No New Debt
The gift that won’t keep on taking.

AmEx Cardholders Report Account Shutdowns
Self-referrals appear to be the culprit.

Get a Health Insurance Cost Estimate Even If You’re Not Buying Coverage
You could be eligible for a subsidy.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to choose the right health plan. Also in the news: Your data is out there: how to take action, 7 retirement savings mistakes financial advisors see too often, and what to do if you haven’t filed your taxes in years.

How to Choose the Right Health Plan
Open enrollment season is here.

Your Data Is Out There: Don’t Freak Out, Do Take Action
Taking preventative measures.

7 Retirement Savings Mistakes Financial Advisors See Too Often
How they help their clients recover.

What to Do If You Haven’t Filed Your Taxes in Years
Time to come clean.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: College degrees can be a bargain abroad. Also in the news: Open enrollment time, how to finance a car at 0% interest, and 3 ways to protect your retirement savings from a market crash.

College Degrees Can Be a Bargain Abroad
Considering international universities.

Open Enrollment at Work: Get Ready to Get Choosyst
Finding the best plan.

How to Finance a Car at 0% Interest
Getting the best rate.

401(k) uncertainty? 3 ways to protect your retirement savings from a market crash
Protecting your future.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Mad at Equifax? Use that fuel to boost your cybersecurity. Also in the news: What to weight when considering a secured credit card, what not to do on your Facebook small business page, and 3 mistakes to avoid when picking a Medicare plan in open enrollment.

Mad at Equifax? Use That Fuel to Boost Your Cybersecurity
Batten down the hatches.

What to Weigh When Considering a Secured Credit Card
Things to watch out for.

What Not to Do on Your Facebook Small-Business Page
Setting the right tone.

Avoid these 3 mistakes when picking a Medicare plan during open enrollment
Choose wisely.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

8.6.13.CheckupToday’s top story: 5 must-know facts about Obamacare open enrollment. Also in the news: Why it’s getting harder to spot counterfeit cash, financial conversations you should have during the holidays, and how to host your first Thanksgiving without going broke.

5 Must-Know Facts About Obamacare Open Enrollment
Be informed before signing up.

Why It’s Getting Harder to Spot Counterfeit Cash
Criminals have become more sophisticated.

Financial Conversations You Should Have During the Holidays
Taking advantage of family gatherings.

How to Host Your First Thanksgiving Without Going Broke
Don’t go overboard.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

wall_street_zombie_moneyToday’s top story: Frightening types of 401(k) fees. Also in the news: It’s time for open enrollment, how to avoid bringing zombie debt back from the grave, and the staggering amount of money behind all things pumpkin.

3 Frightening Types of 401(k) Fees
The dark side of retirement funds.

Nov. 1 Means It’s Time for Health Insurance Open Enrollment
Time to purchase health insurance.

1 wrong move can bring ‘zombie’ debt back from the grave

If you thought the pumpkin spice craze was a bit much, look at this number
Pumpkins are a smashing success.