Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to budget for a new home so you don’t end up house poor. Also in the news: Why (and how) to renew your passport now, even if you’re not traveling soon, once-rare cell phone protection is now a common credit card perk, and should you plan for $50,000 in student loan forgiveness?

How to Budget for a New Home So You Don’t End Up House Poor
Before buying a home, figure out how much house you can truly afford, including a budget for maintenance and repairs.

Why (and How) to Renew Your Passport Now, Even If You’re Not Traveling Soon
The State Department is processing applications slower than usual, so you’ll want to apply early.

Once-Rare Cell Phone Protection Now a Common Credit Card Perk
Cell phone insurance is the kind of perk that can benefit both the cardholder and the card issuer. Here’s why and what to know about it.

Should You Plan for $50,000 In Student Loans Forgiveness?
Is there reason for optimism?

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why taking Social Security early costs too much. Also in the news: Student loans still cover living costs with classes online, why you should renew your passport right now, and how millennials and Gen Z are using TikTok to learn about personal finance.

Why Taking Social Security Early Costs Too Much
Longer lifetimes make the penalty for taking Social Security early, and the reward for delaying, too high.

College Going Online? Student Loans Still Cover Living Costs
Your cost of attendance might be different if you’re learning remotely due to COVID-19.

Why you should renew your passport right now
Try to beat the long lines.

How millennials and Gen Z are using TikTok to learn about personal finance
Sharing tips they didn’t learn in school.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news


Today’s top story: How being late on your taxes could ground your vacation plans. Also in the news: 5 ways to maximize ‘shoulder season’ travel, what it’s like to win money to pay down student loans, and why you shouldn’t use your debit card on anything you can’t afford to lose.

Late on Your Taxes? Your Vacation Plans May Get Grounded
Your passport could be in jeopardy.

5 Ways to Maximize ‘Shoulder Season’ Travel
Off-peak travel offers bargains.

What it’s really like to win money to pay down student loans
Pressing your luck.

Don’t Pay Debit on Anything You Can’t Afford to Lose
Learning from WOW Airlines.




Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 12 African-American financial gurus to follow in 2018. Also in the news: 3 ways to screw up your investment portfolio, the fee for U.S. Passports is increasing, and watching out for fake car deals this Presidents’ Day Weekend.

12 African-American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2018
Learning from the pros.

3 Ways to Screw Up Your Investment Portfolio
What NOT to do.

Act Now Before the Fee for New U.S. Passports Increases
Make your changes soon.

Watch Out For Fake Car Deals This Presidents’ Day Weekend
Don’t get taken for a ride.