Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to make more green at your next yard sale. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on using points to travel in luxury, what to do when you can’t afford car insurance, and these seven banks reimburse ATM fees.

How to Make More Green at Your Next Yard Sale
A successful yard sale involves hours of preparation and plenty of hard work.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Travel Diaries: Use Points to Fly in Luxury
Liz talks with NerdWallet travel writer Elina Geller about how she books international travel on points alone.

What to Do if You Can’t Afford Car Insurance
Don’t drop your insurance. Instead, start by contacting your insurer about payment options and discounts.

These Seven Banks Reimburse ATM Fees
Because why should you have to pay money to get access to your money?

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How COVID-fueled crowdfunding can revive small businesses. Also in the news: How point and mile values have changed over the pandemic, the one trick to traveling cheaply, and this tool tells you what you owe the IRS before they come looking for it.

How COVID-Fueled Crowdfunding Can Revive Small Businesses
Tips for launching an effective campaign.

How Have Point and Mile Values Changed Over the Pandemic?
For the most part, airline miles are worth more than they were last year, while hotel points are worth less.

There’s Just One Trick to Traveling Cheaply: Flexibility
To fly for the lowest price, you should try searching without a specific destination or date in mind.

This Tool Tells You What You Owe the IRS Before They Come Looking for It
Beating the IRS to the punch.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Gen Z can learn from Millennials’ money mistakes. Also in the news: How points and miles credit cards can ease the return to travel, financial vital signs to monitor right now, and the Biden administration makes it easier to qualify for Covid funeral reimbursement.

What Gen Z Can Learn From Millennials’ Money Mistakes
As millennials have learned, if you put off getting your financial life organized, your options are limited later.

How Points and Miles Credit Cards Can Ease Return to Travel
Compatibility is essential when it comes to consideration of travel credit card offers.

Financial Vital Signs to Monitor Right Now
Taking a mid-year checkup.

Biden administration makes it easier to qualify for Covid funeral reimbursement
Amended death certificates are no longer necessary.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 DIY home improvement projects to avoid. Also in the news: How to make use of the points and miles from a deceased family member, 10 tips for winter RV road trips, and how to make money by putting ads on your car.

4 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Avoid
For these tasks, you’ll want to hire a professional to make sure everything’s done safely and correctly.

How to Make Use of the Points and Miles From a Deceased Family Member’s Account
You might be able to transfer or use the points that your relative has left behind.

10 Tips for Winter RV Road Trips
This is the advice you need for taking an RV out on a road trip with snow in the forecast.

Make Money by Putting Ads on Your Car
No, really.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should I pay for my hotel using cash, points or both? Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on fake reviews and saving too much, 5 travel writers draft their favorite airlines, and where to get relief if there isn’t a second stimulus check.

Should I Pay for My Hotel Using Cash, Points or Both?
Here’s how you can figure out which booking option offers the best value.

Smart Money Podcast: Fake Reviews and Saving ‘Too Much’
How to tell if that review is sincere.

5 Travel Writers ‘Draft’ Their Favorite Airlines
In the spirit of the popular sports-related pastime, we’ve created our own fantasy airline draft.

Where to Get Relief if There Isn’t a Second Stimulus Check
Look for aid locally.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to buy a house without help from your family. Also in the news: What Walmart’s upgraded cards have in store for shoppers, the cheapest ways to fly to Disney World using points and miles, and how to boost your savings post-Fed interest rates cuts.

How to Buy a House Without Help From Your Family
Doing it on your own.

What Walmart’s Upgraded Cards Have In Store for Shoppers
Better perks are coming.

Cheapest Ways to Fly to Disney World Using Points and Miles
How to play the rewards game.

The Fed just cut interest rates. Here’s how to boost your savings
Time to shop around.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Also in the news: How to turn around car payment trouble, 7 ways to make your money last in retirement, and 8 ways to save on wedding gifts.

Baffled by Points and Miles? Let the 80/20 Rule Guide You
The Pareto principle.

Car Payment Trouble? How to Turn It Around
Taking back control.

7 Ways to Make Your Money Last in Retirement
Budgeting for the future.

8 Ways to Save on Wedding Gifts
Great presents that won’t break the bank.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Travel rewards can take you far – but only if you pay attention. Also in the news: How blind loyalty can cost you in the points and miles game, the states where tax bills have shrunk the most, and what to do if your credit card application was rejected.

Travel Rewards Can Take You Far – but Only If You Pay Attention
Don’t overestimate their value.

In the Points and Miles Game, Blind Loyalty Can Cost You
Keeping your rewards as rewarding as possible.

These are the states where tax bills have shrunk the most
Is yours one of them?

What to Do If Your Credit Card Application Was Rejected
Make sure your credit report is correct.