Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 items for your midyear money checklist. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on small business and inflation, a potential student trap, and store loyalty programs worth signing up for.

4 Items for Your Midyear Money Checklist
Review your expenses, deal with debt, plan for holiday shopping and sort out taxes and benefits.

Smart Money Podcast: Small-Business Inflation, and Sign-Up Bonuses
This week’s episode starts with a discussion with NerdWallet data writer Liz Renter about the impact of inflation on small-business owners.

Is ‘Learn Now, Pay Later’ Just Another Student Debt Trap?

These Free Store Loyalty Programs Are Actually Worth Signing Up For
If you’re going to shop at these places anyway, you might as well get your money’s worth.