Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to tell if that ‘contact tracer’ is really a scammer. Also in the news: Don’t wait to refinance these student loans, why you should aim for 1% credit utilization, and the $600 unemployment boost is likely ending. Here’s how you can access cash now.

Is That ‘Contact Tracer’ Really a Scammer? How to Tell
How to keep yourself.

Don’t Wait to Refinance These Student Loans
You could save money on your private loans.

Why You Should Aim for 1% Credit Utilization
The lower the better.

The $600 unemployment boost is likely ending. Here’s how you can access cash now
Barring an extension from Congress, the boost will end this week.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Financial lessons we’ve learned while staying at home. Also in the news: 6 ways your investments can fund racial justice, how to organize important documents simply and safely, and see if you qualify for public service loan forgiveness with this tool.

Financial Lessons We’ve Learned While Staying at Home
Emergency funds are critical.

6 Ways Your Investments Can Fund Racial Justice
Putting your portfolio to work.

How to organize important documents simply and safely
What to keep and for how long.

See if You Qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness With This Tool
The criteria is strict.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Get your finances ready to refi your student loans. Also in the news: Watching out for COVID-19 student loan relief scams, complaints against financial institutions rise during the pandemic, and a beginner’s guide to employee stock plans.

Get Your Finances Ready to Refi Student Loans
You probably shouldn’t refinance most student loans until after Sept. 30. But you can get ready right now.

Don’t fall for COVID-19 student loan relief scams
Scammers are still working during the pandemic.

In the Pandemic, Complaints Against Financial Institutions Rise
Complaints are up over 31%.

A Beginner’s Guide to Employee Stock Plans
important basics you should know.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How the pandemic alters Americans’ financial habits. Also in the news: Navigating LGBTQ financial challenges, a July 15th tax extension reminder, and Americans are heading back to the stores.

Survey: How the Pandemic Alters Americans’ Financial Habits
Nearly 70% of Americans have been dealing with a negative impact to their finances.

Q&A With Debt Free Guys: Navigating LGBTQ Financial Challenges
Happy Pride!

If You Request a Tax Extension, You Still Have to Pay by July 15
You must file AND pay.

Americans appear ready to shop again
Back to the stores.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: These are probably your best options for travel this summer. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on how the pandemic is changing our financial lives, how your state may let you deduct the costs of working from home during the pandemic, and 10 steps to avoiding tax-return identity theft.

These are probably your best options for travel this summer
It’s going to be weird.

SmartMoney Podcast: The Pandemic Is Changing Our Financial Lives, and What to Know About Refinancing Now
Things have changed dramatically.

Your State May Let You Deduct The Costs of Working From Home During the Pandemic
Covering the costs of your upgrades.

10 Steps to Avoiding Tax-Return Identity Theft
Protecting your Social Security number.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 money goals if you’re still employed during COVID-19. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on credit card offers, good reasons to get a personal loan, and how to find companies offering payment relief during the pandemic.

5 Money Goals If You’re Still Employed During COVID-19
Save, save, save.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Where Have All the 0% Offers Gone?’
The economy isn’t the only thing slowing down.

What’s a Good Reason to Get a Personal Loan?
Watch out for high interest.

Find Companies Offering Payment Relief During the Pandemic
Give BillGo a try.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Start thinking bankruptcy now to maximize your options later. Also in the news: Why this is the perfect time to teach teens about credit, how to protect your stimulus relief check from debt collectors, and how to return a deceased relative’s stimulus check.

Start Thinking Bankruptcy Now, to Maximize Your Options Later
Timing is everything during the pandemic.

This is the perfect time to teach teens about credit
5 ways to prepare Gen Z for the real world of debt and finances.

How to protect your stimulus relief check from debt collectors
Turn that check into cash quickly.

How to Return a Deceased Relative’s Stimulus Check
Unfortunately, you can’t keep it.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Is my money safe in a bank during the COVID-19 crisis? Also in the news: Helping home buyers keep their distance with e-closings, what kinds of credit card relief are available during the pandemic, and how to save for retirement while on unemployment.

Is My Money Safe in a Bank During the COVID-19 Crisis?
Should you be worried about your accounts?

Mortgage E-closing: Helping Home Buyers Keep Their Distance
Changes during the pandemic.

COVID-19: What Kinds of Credit Card Relief Can You Request?
Several options are being offered.

How to Save for Retirement While on Unemployment
Saving for the future is still important.