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starter credit cards

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to know when it’s time to ditch your starter credit card. Also in the news: How to cover yourself against car theft, tips on paying for your wedding, and how to make a budget if you want to freelance full time.

How to Know When It’s Time to Ditch a Starter Credit Card
Don’t get too comfortable with your first card — once it’s done its job, it’s time to move on.

Car Theft Is Up in the U.S.: Here’s How to Cover Yourself
With the right kind of insurance, you could avoid paying out of pocket if your car or catalytic converter is stolen.

Weddings Are Marching Back: Here’s How to Pay for Yours
It’s best to pay for a wedding with savings, but if you need to finance, look for low-interest options with affordable payments.

How to Make a Budget If You Want to Freelance Full Time
Turning side hustles into main hustles.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Best tips for saving for retirement at any age. Also in the news: Rewards are now standard on starter cards, how to outsmart porch pirates, and watching out for fake COVID-19 testing sites.

Best Tips for Saving for Retirement — at Any Age
It’s never too late — or too early — to make sound financial decisions and get yourself set up for retirement. Here we cover the best moves to make in your 20s and 30s, your 40s and 50s, and your 60s and 70s.

On Starter Cards, Rewards Are Now Standard. Here’s Why
There’s no need to wait until you qualify for a traditional card to earn rewards. You can do it while building credit.

8 ways to outsmart package-thieving porch pirates over the holidays
Take these steps to keep your packages safe

Watch Out for Fake COVID-19 Testing Sites
Scammers are after both your money and your identity.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Starter credit cards are still a thing but are harder to get. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on debt and refinancing, debt management as an alternative to credit card relief, and should you let your insurance company track your driving?

Starter Credit Cards Are Still a Thing but Harder to Get
Starter credit cards have gotten harder to qualify for in recent years — but not impossible. And more options exist now.

Smart Money Podcast: The Psychology of Debt, and When to Refinance
People are having complicated feelings about plastic.

If Credit Card Relief’s a No-Go, Check Out Debt Management
Not everyone will qualify for hardship programs or find the terms affordable.

Should You Let Your Insurance Company Track Your Driving?
You could get a significant discount.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like? Also in the news: Starter credit card options, how to avoid common and costly home renovation mistakes, and what to know about Sam’s Club’s new telehealth program.

Ask a Points Nerd: What Will Holiday Travel Be Like?
It’s hard to say how pent-up demand might affect this holiday travel season.

Starter Credit Card Options: Student Card or Secured Card?
They can both help you establish your credit history, but they function differently.

How to avoid common and costly home renovation mistakes
The key lies in good planning and financial strategizing

What to Know About Sam’s Club’s Telehealth Program
24/7 access to doctors.