August 29, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to check if your bank is greenwashing. In other news: Smart Money Podcast on how to manage medical debt and the meanings behind common real estate terms.

Is Your Bank Greenwashing? Here’s How to Check
Research the impact your bank has on the planet and any environmental claims or commitments it makes.

Smart Money Podcast: How to Manage Medical Debt
Personal finance Nerd Kim Palmer talks with Maloney about her own experience working in an ER as well as dealing with medical debt she accrued as a teenager.

The Meanings Behind Common Real Estate Terms
DOM, EMD, contingency, stale listing, and other housing market lingo.

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August 15, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Medicare Part A’s belly-up date means for you. In other news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on investing for your dream life, what the Inflation Reduction Act means for your Medicare coverage, and what small businesses should do now to prep for a recession.

What Medicare Part A’s Belly-Up Date Means for You
Shifting services, revamping drug coverage and cutting payments to providers are all strategies that could slow Medicare Part A insolvency.

Smart Money Podcast: Investing for Your Dream Life
This week we’re running an episode from our financial dream series.

What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Your Medicare Coverage
The act would implement cost-cutting measures for prescription drugs and cap out-of-pocket spending with Medicare Part D.

4 Things Small Businesses Should Do Now to Prep for a Recession
Speculation about a looming recession is putting pressure on many small-business owners to protect themselves against a downturn.

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August 1, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: After a fall, crypto winter sets in. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast for kids on where money comes from, can job-hopping help retirement savings, and these states are having a tax-free back to school shopping weekend.

After a Fall, Crypto Winter Sets In
Cryptocurrencies hit a rough patch in 2022, with prices falling and some companies facing serious financial issues.

Smart Money Podcast for Kids: Where Does Money Come From?
This week’s episode we take on money questions from two kids, Ellington and Langston, who want to know where money comes from, where it goes after you spend it and how to decide how much you need to save.

Can Job-Hopping Help Retirement Savings?
Changing jobs often has its pros and cons, but understanding how it hurts or helps your retirement savings can help you make more informed decisions

These States Are Having a Tax-Free Back-to-School Shopping Weekend This Month
You may be able to purchase some of your supplies without involving Uncle Sam.

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July 28, 2022 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to budget realistically for home repairs. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on small business owners who pivoted during covid, how a billion dollar jackpot actually works, and 5 ways to spend a billion dollars.

How to Budget Realistically for Home Repairs
If you’re a homeowner and haven’t faced a big repair bill yet, just wait.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Business: Building a Brick-and-Mortar Business
This week, we talk with a business owner about how she opened a full-service beauty salon and bar, grew it to two locations with dozens of employees — and how she pivoted again and again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mega Millions: How a Billion-Dollar Jackpot Actually Works
The winner won’t see the full amount — at least not all at once. Here’s how to play, and what it means if you win.

Mega Millions: 5 Ways to Spend a Billion Dollars

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July 25, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 ways to protect yourself from Medicare fraud. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on questioning the 50/30/20 budget, 5 credit card mistakes to avoid during tough times, and the cheapest places to buy an acre of land in the United States.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Protect your Medicare number and review your statements to guard against Medicare fraud. If it does happen, help is available.

Smart Money Podcast: Questioning the 50/30/20 Budget, and Company Stock
This week’s episode starts with a discussion of the 50/30/20 budget — why it works and how to use it as prices soar.

5 Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid During Tough Times
By having a plan and knowing about less costly alternatives, you can avoid credit card mistakes that lead to debt.

The Cheapest Places to Buy an Acre of Land in the U.S.
There are still some (relatively) affordable places to put down roots.

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July 21, 2022 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to buy stuff that lasts. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on how to build the right team, positive signs for college enrollment, and the most creative ways to use the equity in your home.

How to Buy Stuff That Lasts
Savvy consumers consider price, performance and reliability when making a major purchase, such as a car or home appliance.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Business: Building the Right Team
This week, we talk with a business owner about how she launched her IT consulting business, the way she learned to choose the right partners and what her exit strategy is.

A Positive Sign for College Enrollment — Finally
After a two-year slump in college enrollment, there’s at least one early indicator of a reversal ahead: Financial aid application submissions are up.

The Most Creative Ways to Use the Equity In Your House
To start with, you can actually use a HELOC to pay off your existing mortgage.

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July 18, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to afford big-ticket items for the year. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on summer travel tips and conflicting financial priorities, how a Burbank teacher got their student loans forgiven, and 4 smart ways to teach kids about saving money.

How to Afford Big-Ticket Items for the Year
If you need to make a big purchase this year, such as furniture or an appliance, plan around sales and your budget.

Smart Money Podcast: Summer Travel Tips and Conflicting Financial Priorities
This week’s episode starts with a discussion about summer travel: how to manage costs, stay safe and prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations.

How I Got My Student Loans Forgiven: Teacher in Burbank, California
A fraught program gets temporary improvements.

4 Smart Ways to Teach Kids About Saving Money
Kids can learn to save by talking about money, securing a strong savings account and setting trackable goals.

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July 14, 2022 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to find an LGBTQ-Supportive financial advisor. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on setting your business up for success, the debate over student loan cancellation, and which items actually got cheaper this month.

How to Find an LGBTQ-Supportive Financial Advisor
Financial advisors exist for every income level and can help LGBTQ+ people realize their goals and ensure their wishes are honored.

Smart Money Podcast: Nerdy Business: Setting Your Business Up for Success
This week, we talk with a business owner about how she turned on-the-side consulting work into a business with multiple revenue streams — and her passion for supporting other Latina entrepreneurs.

Are 0% Interest Student Loans Better Than $10K Cancellation?
Cancellation is the most popular proposal to address student loan debt, but it isn’t the only one out there.

These Items Actually Got Cheaper This Month
The new Consumer Price Index spells trouble, but not all items are affected.

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July 11, 2022 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are 4-day workweeks and flexible hours the future of full-time? Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on home affordability trends in the United States and abroad, what to do if you can’t out-budget inflation, and how to set your own prices for Amazon Prime Day.

Are 4-Day Workweeks, Flexible Hours the Future of Full-Time?
While a shorter week sounds appealing, there are trade-offs — and perhaps other ways to raise worker satisfaction.

Smart Money Podcast: Why Are Homes Pricey in the U.S. and Abroad?
This week’s episode is a conversation among NerdWallet’s housing Nerds who discuss home affordability trends in the United States and abroad.

What if You Can’t ‘Out-Budget’ Inflation?
Inflation is a nightmare for the many Americans who already stretch their dollars to cover basic needs.

How to Set Your Own Prices for Amazon Prime Day (and Why You Should)
Beat Amazon’s manipulation tactics by setting your own maximum prices on Prime Day.

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June 30, 2022 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: A special episode of the Smart Money podcast on Queer money talk. Also in the news: How to shop for back-to-school during inflation, renting an EV for a gas-free road trip, and is owner financing ever a good idea?

Smart Money Podcast: Queer Money Talk
This week’s episode is dedicated to a conversation with David Auten and John Schneider of the Queer Money Podcast about the personal finance challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community.

Amid Inflation, Shop Back-to-School Early — But Not All at Once
Just as school-aged kids ease into summer break, the state of the economy forces many parents to put back-to-school shopping on the radar early.

Want a Gas-Free Road Trip? Consider Renting an EV
You can find EVs at some locations of major car rental companies or through car sharing alternatives.

Is Owner Financing Ever a Good Idea?
https://lifehacker.com/is-owner-financing-ever-a-good-idea-1849129075

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