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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: The hidden cost of helping friends earn more credit card rewards. In other news: 6 LGBTQ+ celebrations around the world worth a trip, how to use credit cards to save money on gas, and white house extends key student loan forgiveness deadline.

The Hidden Cost of Helping Friends Earn More Credit Card Rewards
Credit card rewards earned with your spending aren’t taxable, but you could owe taxes when you refer friends to a card and get a bonus.

6 LGBTQ+ Celebrations Around the World Worth a Trip
Celebrate Pride worldwide all year round, and see some sights while you’re at it.

How to Use Credit Cards to Save Money on Gas
The best cards for gas earn at least 3x back at the pump, and they don’t feature names of big oil companies or service station brands.

Act Now: White House Extends Key Student Loan Forgiveness Deadline
You now have until June 30 (instead of April 30) to consolidate certain federal student loans — and potentially get loan forgiveness in September (instead of July).

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: April mortgage rates will be stuck in neutral as inflation idles. In other news: Certain borrowers should consolidate their federal student loans by April 30 to get forgiveness, defaulting on a car loan, and what a Kroger-Albertsons merger could mean for grocery shoppers.

April Mortgage Rates Will Be Stuck in Neutral as Inflation Idles
Mortgage rates shouldn’t change much in April, as inflation remains stubbornly elevated.

Do This by April 30 if You Want Loan Forgiveness This Year
Certain borrowers should consolidate their federal student loans by April 30 to get forgiveness — or move a lot closer to it.

What Happens If I Default on My Car Loan?
Defaulting on a car loan can lead to late fees, a dip in your credit and even vehicle repossession.

What a Kroger-Albertsons Merger Could Mean for Grocery Shoppers
Antitrust experts fear the deal, which would be the largest grocery merger in U.S. history, would harm workers and consumers alike.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why one teacher changed careers and gave up loan forgiveness. Also in the news: What the signs are that I need a new bank, how to make extra cash by renting out your car, and how to get 100% of your student loans forgiven through the borrower defense program.

Why One Teacher Changed Careers and Gave Up Loan Forgiveness
A NerdWallet writer shares her experience of leaving the teaching profession — and the promise of student loan forgiveness.

Ask a Nerd: What Are the Signs That I Need a New Bank?
A few key signs can let you know if it’s time to open a new bank account elsewhere.

How to Make Extra Cash by Renting Out Your Car
A handful of Airbnb-like services bring the sharing economy to personal vehicles.

How to Get 100% of Your Student Loans Forgiven Through the Borrower Defense Program
Students who attended certain for-profit colleges may be eligible for complete federal loan relief.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 reasons not to tap your home equity right now. Also in the news: How much an abortion cost, how to tell if you’re eligible for student loan forgiveness, and what the difference between a recession and a depression is.

3 Reasons Not to Tap Your Home Equity Right Now
Borrowing against the value of your home is tempting, but consider your overall financial picture first.

How Much Does an Abortion Cost?
Abortion costs roughly $750 or less in the U.S., but access depends on factors such as where you live and how long you’ve been pregnant.

How to Tell If You’re Eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness
If you have debt from federal student loans, this is your lucky day—maybe.

What’s the Difference Between a Recession and a Depression?
There are multiple factors that contribute to these financial downturns.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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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.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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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.