December 21, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 holiday disasters that are covered by home insurance. Also in the news: How to get started on a post-pandemic budget recovery plan, a new episode of the Smart Money podcast on lessons listeners learned during the pandemic, and 3 mistakes to avoid when you buy a recreational vehicle.

5 Holiday Disasters That Are Covered by Home Insurance
Here’s how home insurance pays for fires, stolen gifts and other seasonal disasters.

How to Get Started on a Post-Pandemic Budget Recovery Plan
Rebuilding emergency funds, paying off debt and planning for the next crisis are top strategies for 2021.

Smart Money Podcast: Listeners Share Money Lessons From the Pandemic
Insights from our listeners.

Three mistakes to avoid when you buy a recreational vehicle

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December 14, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How the pandemic disrupts holiday travel. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on charitable giving and using your savings to pay student loans, how to insure an expensive present, and how to plan for the end of student loan forbearance.

Change of Plans: How the Pandemic Disrupts Holiday Travel
More than two-thirds of Americans who had December holiday travel plans (68%) say these plans have been affected by the pandemic, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Smart Money Podcast: Charitable Giving, and Using Savings to Pay Student Loans
Is using savings a good idea?

Bought a Pricey Present? Here’s How to Insure It
If you’re splurging on an amazing gift this year, it makes sense to protect your purchase.

How to Plan for the End of Student Loan Forbearance
January 31st is the new cutoff.

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December 7, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Federal borrowers get to skip another student loan payment. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on the financial lessons of the pandemic, how to recover after being denied a mortgage, and how to financially plan for having kids.

Federal Borrowers Get to Skip Another Student Loan Payment
New deadline of January 31st.

Smart Money Podcast: Pandemic Money Lessons, and Saving for a Down Payment
What we can take away from the pandemic.

Mortgage Denied? Here’s How to Recover
Determine the reason for denial — such as lack of credit history or a high debt-to-income ratio — then address it before reapplying.

How to Financially Plan for Having Kids
It’s going to be a long haul.

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November 30, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Biden’s student loan forgiveness could wipe out debt for 15 million borrowers. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on what Biden may do for your finances, when to donate rewards to charity and when to give cash, and mortgage rates stay low as December deadlines loom.

Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Could Wipe Out Debt for 15 Million Borrowers
More than a third of federal borrowers could see their balances fall to zero with $10,000 in debt cancellation.

Smart Money Podcast: What Biden May Do for Your Finances and How to Make Money
What your finances could look like under a Biden administration.

When to Donate Rewards to Charity and When to Give Cash
Want to help a charity without tapping into your bank account? Sometimes donating your rewards can be a good option.

Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stay Low as December Deadlines Loom
Uncertainty ahead.

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November 23, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How your mental health can affect how you save money. Also in the news: The holiday shopping episode of the Smart Money podcast, how to protect your credit when shopping for the holidays, and how to choose a secure credit card.

Your Mental Health Can Affect How You Save Money
How your state of mind can affect your wallet.

Smart Money Podcast: The Holiday Shopping Episode
Answering your holidays shopping questions.

How to Protect Your Credit When Shopping for the Holidays
Start by understanding your credit score, then set a spending limit and be strategic when shopping.

How to Choose a Secured Credit Card
Finding the right card to build your credit.

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November 16, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What new debt collector rules mean for you. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on holiday travel and giving money advice to family, what to buy (and skip) on Black Friday, and questions to ask your realtor when selling your home.

What New Debt Collector Rules Mean for You
Find out where they can contact you.

Smart Money Podcast: Holiday Travel and Giving Money Advice to Family
The holidays are almost here.

What to Buy (and Skip) on Black Friday 2020
Start making your lists.

Questions to Ask Your Realtor When Selling Your Home
Important information.

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November 9, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to get your parent off the hook for your student loans. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on open enrollment and HSA vs. HFA, getting a side gig while on unemployment, and 5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020

How to Get Your Parent Off the Hook for Your Student Loans
Refinancing and co-signer release can get a parent’s name off of student loans.

Smart Money Podcast: Open Enrollment and HSA vs. FSA
Open enrollment is underway.

Can You Get a Side Gig While on Unemployment?
Depends on state law.

5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020
Preparing for the new year.

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