Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When it’s OK to let your good credit score drop. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on crypto credit cards and short-term investing, why balance transfer cards are starting to make a comeback, and how a 24-year-old crushed $20K+ in credit card debt.

When It’s OK to Let Your Good Credit Score Drop
Don’t let possible score damage stop you from putting your credit to use in an emergency or to grab an opportunity.

Smart Money Podcast: Crypto Credit Cards and Short-Term Investing
A look at the best funds for short-term investing.

Why Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are Starting to Blossom Again
As the economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19, credit card issuers are bringing back these offers. Here’s where to find them.

She Crushed $20K+ in Credit Card Debt at Age 24
Annika Hudak’s road map included reviewing expenses, using balance transfers and tracking her progress.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How poor credit could raise your renters insurance rates. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on buy now/pay later loans and how to start building wealth, crypto-earning credit cards, and the retailers that offer the best employee discounts.

How Poor Credit Could Raise Your Renters Insurance Rates
Having poor credit could make your renters insurance nearly twice as expensive.

Smart Money Podcast: Buy Now, Pay Later Loans and How to Start Building Wealth
These offers are common when shopping online, but they aren’t always a good option.

Crypto-Earning Credit Cards Are All the Rage — But Should You Buy In?
The crypto curious might benefit, but most people will likely do better with a traditional rewards credit card.

These Retailers Offer the Best Employee Discounts
Something to consider if you’re job hunting.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 signs you’re about to overpay for life insurance. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on big purchases and overcoming money guilt, 53% of Americans support expanding Medicare benefits, and avoid penalties by filing for a tax extension.

6 Signs You’re About to Overpay for Life Insurance
If you focus on convenience or a policy’s extra benefits, you might pay too much. Here’s what to look out for.

Smart Money Podcast: Big Purchases and Overcoming Money Guilt
How to use credit cards to cover big purchases.

53% of Americans Support Expanding Medicare Benefits, Survey Finds
Some potential Medicare changes are more popular than others, according to a new NerdWallet poll.

Avoid Penalties by Filing for a Tax Extension
The deadline is midnight tonight.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How you can recover from a bounced check. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pet scams and buying different home types, the mortgage outlook for May, and how to find out if you qualify for a monthly broadband subsidy.

How You Can Recover From a Bounced Check
If you’ve bounced a check, ask your bank if it can waive any fees you’ve incurred, and get overdraft protection.

Smart Money podcast: Pet Scams and Buying Different Home Types
Common scams people fall victim to and how to avoid them.

Mortgage Outlook: May Rates Are Just Waiting on a Trend
How April rates flipped the script.

Do You Qualify For a $50 Monthly Broadband Subsidy?
Millions without broadband now qualify.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do with extra money? Also in the morning: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on air travel and collection accounts on credit reports, 6 reasons not to skip renters insurance, and how not to sabotage your savings with self-care.

What to Do With Extra Money
Extra cash is great, but what should you do with it? Investing is often the answer.

Smart Money Podcast: Air Travel and Collections Accounts on Credit Reports
Time to get back in the skies?

6 Reasons Not to Skip Renters Insurance
Renters insurance covers more than just the stuff in your apartment.

Don’t Let Self-Care Sabotage Your Savings
Self-care doesn’t have to punish your bank account.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to fill in your financial blind spots. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on cannabis investing and keeping too much cash, what to do if a credit card lowers your credit limit, and the best credit card welcome bonuses right now.

How to Fill In Your Financial Blind Spots
Taking in the whole picture.

Smart Money Podcast: Cannabis Investing and Too Much Cash
Just in time for 4/20.

What to Do if a Credit Card Issuer Lowers Your Credit Limit
Your main option is to ask your issuer to reconsider. But there are also some steps you can take to mitigate the effects of a cut and minimize the risk of future ones.

The Best Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Right Now
It’s a good time to be a traveler.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Prepare for COVID medical bills this year. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on pandemic savings goals and inheritance taxes, how to save on supplies as kids go back to school, and why your dog needs liability insurance.

Prepare for COVID Medical Bills This Year
Find out what’s covered under the law.

Smart Money Podcast: Pandemic Savings Goals and Taxes on Inheritance
A discussion about consumers’ saving habits during the pandemic.

Save on Supplies as Kids Go Back to School in Person

Why Your Dog Needs Liability Insurance Even if She’s Perfect
Personal liability, umbrella and animal liability coverage can keep your finances safe if your dog hurts someone.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 pandemic-driven financial habits worth keeping. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on spring cleaning and COVID taxes, life insurance options when living with HIV, and be on the lookout for streaming service price hikes.

5 Pandemic-Driven Financial Habits Worth Keeping
Americans have picked up new financial habits during the pandemic, and continuing them could boost their finances.

Smart Money Podcast: Spring Cleaning and COVID Taxes
Tidy up your digital life.

Living With HIV? Life Insurance Is Available but Limited
People living with HIV have options, but strict requirements make coverage difficult to secure.

Watch Out for These Streaming Service Price Hikes
Streaming is getting costlier.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Does Medicare cover COVID testing and vaccines? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on procrastination and paying student loans vs investing, 3 ways COVID has reshuffled our finances, and how the car you drive can raise your auto insurance rates.

Does Medicare Cover COVID Testing and Vaccines?
In general, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

Smart Money Podcast: Procrastination, and Paying Student Loans vs. Investing
How to stop procrastinating on big money tasks.

3 Ways COVID-19 Reshuffled Our Finances
Three financial trends we can chalk up to the coronavirus pandemic.

How the Car You Drive Can Raise Your Auto Insurance Rates
The cost of your car isn’t the only way your vehicle affects your auto insurance bill.