Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Is Premium Economy airfare worth the money? Also in the news: 6 common retirement mistakes and the simple solution to all of them, credit cards that go beyond rewards to cover travel costs, and how to protect your finances if you’re worried about a recession.

Is Premium Economy Airfare Worth the Money?
Make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

6 common, costly retirement mistakes—and the one simple solution to all of them
Information is your biggest ally.

The Credit Cards That Go Beyond Rewards to Cover Travel Costs
Covering the small expenses.

Worried about a recession? Here are 4 ways to protect your finances
Turn your anxiety into action.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: The 6 big retirement mistakes and one way to avoid them. Also in the news: Decode your credit card’s fine print like a pro, use caution when shopping with buy now/pay later, and avoid ATM fees by getting cash back at the store.

The 6 Big Retirement Mistakes — and One Way to Avoid Them

Decode Your Credit Card’s Fine Print Like a Pro
Terms you need to know.

Buying Now and Paying Later? Handle With Care
Proceed with caution.

Avoid ATM Fees By Getting Cash Back at the Store
Skip a stop and the fees.

The 6 biggest retirement mistakes, and 1 defense

One of the biggest retirement mistakes you can make is not realizing what you don’t know.

I regularly hear from people in or near retirement who misunderstand how Social Security works, dramatically underestimate life expectancies or fail to plan for big expenses, such as long-term care or taxes.

These aren’t folks looking for advice. They’ve already made up their minds and want to argue about financial planning precepts, such as when to take Social Security or how much retirement is likely to cost. But what they think they know just isn’t so.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why people don’t get objective financial advice before they retire and how to change course.