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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: 5 tips for avoiding tax scams in 2024. In other news: How a travel credit card can be your ticket to big savings, what to know when applying life insurance for transgender people, and government shutdown threat finally put to rest for now.

5 Tips for Avoiding Tax Scams in 2024
If someone unexpectedly tries to rush you into a tax decision, they are likely a scammer. Here are five tips for spotting and avoiding tax scams this season.

How a Travel Credit Card Can Be Your Ticket to Big Savings
A travel credit card can provide savings for your next vacation if you can make full use of its valuable features.

Life Insurance for Transgender People: What to Know When Applying
Gender identity won’t impact eligibility, but you may have to share your sex assigned at birth or medical history.

Government Shutdown Threat Finally Put to Rest — For Now
Early on Saturday, shortly after the midnight deadline, Congress approved a spending bill to avoid a shutdown.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Here’s which airline rewards program gives the most value. Also in the news: The most valuable hotel rewards program in 2022, 5 steps to strengthen your finances, and despite higher wages, inflation gave the average worker a 2.4% pay cut last year.

Here’s Which Airline Rewards Program Gives the Most Value
Alaska, Frontier and Southwest lead the way on cash value per mile.

The Most Valuable Hotel Rewards Programs in 2022
Radisson Rewards America and World of Hyatt lead the way on key measures of value.

5 Steps to Strengthen Your Finances in 2022
In 2022, setting grand financial goals may not be realistic for every budget, but there are still smart steps you can take to shore up your finances.

Despite higher wages, inflation gave the average worker a 2.4% pay cut last year
Inflation grew 7% in December from a year earlier, the U.S. Department of Labor said Wednesday.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to buy (and skip) in September. Also in the news: How to choose an airline credit card, how to help parents pay off college debt, and why the average American saves less than 5%.

What to Buy (and Skip) in September
Need a new mattress?

How to Choose an Airline Credit Card
Maximizing your miles.

Ask Brianna: How Do I Help My Parents Pay Off College Debt?
Contributing to the costs.

Average American saves less than 5%. How do you stack up?
How much do you save?

Q&A: Frequent flier cards

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Dear Liz: I have an airline credit card but I find it really hard to use the frequent flier miles I get. The “free” flights have gotten more expensive (they take more miles) and harder to find. I’m getting sick of paying an annual fee for nothing. Would I be better off with a cash-back card?

Answer: Good cash-back rewards cards typically offer rebates of 1% to 2% on most purchases, and some have rotating categories that offer rebates of 5% to 6%. If you’re not an elite frequent flier or trying to amass miles for a special trip, then putting most of your spending on a cash-back card can make sense.

Think twice about closing that airline card, though. It likely offers some perks worth keeping, such as free checked bags and priority boarding. If you take one or two flights a year, the card may pay for itself.