This week’s money news

This week’s top story: Smart Money podcast on more money hot takes, and leaving your job. In other news: How businesses can navigate digital options, forgiveness, forbearance and other student loan changes to know, and what concierge medicine is.

Smart Money Podcast: More Money Hot Takes, and Leaving Your Job
This week’s episode starts with a round of Money Hot Takes.

The Tip Jar Is Dead. How Businesses Can Navigate Digital Options
Setting up tipping screens is a delicate balance. Here’s how businesses are making the most out of the new norm.

Forgiveness, Forbearance and Other Student Loan Changes to Know
Be proactive to get ahead of major federal student loan changes.

What Is Concierge Medicine? (And Should You Consider It?)
Less waiting, more access, longer visits — find out if concierge medicine is right for you.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Student debt cancellation news, and money 101. In other news: How public defender in Florida got her student loans forgiven, and how much fees do impact Airbnb prices.

Smart Money Podcast: Student Debt Cancellation News, and Money 101
Here’s what we know and what we still need answers to.

How I Got My Student Loans Forgiven: Public Defender in Florida
Beth Bourdon, an assistant public defender at the Orange County Public Defender’s Office in Orlando, Florida, was used to her student loans not qualifying for relief that other federal loans did.

Just How Much Do Fees Impact Airbnb Prices?
The base price on an Airbnb isn’t what you’ll end up paying, so always compare final prices when booking.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are 0% interest student loans better than forgiveness? Also in the news: The worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them, 5 reasons why you haven’t switched banks, and the best app for splitting the check.

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.

The Worst Hidden Travel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Sticker prices can be misleading. Always make travel purchase decisions based on the final cost.

5 Reasons Why You Haven’t Switched Banks
Enough time, money and motivation can help overcome hurdles when changing banks.

The Best Apps for Splitting the Check
Never again break out the calculator to figure out how much you owe for mozzarella sticks.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why many new cars are cheaper than used. Also in the news: Do this if you’ve already refinanced your student loans, how to find a COVID test to return to the United States, and how the student loan pause has played out for borrowers.

Why Many New Cars Are Cheaper Than Used
Due to the lack of new-car inventory, the average used car now costs more than a new one.

Do This if You’ve Already Refinanced Your Student Loans
Time to refinance again.

Ask a Travel Nerd: How Do I Find a COVID Test to Return to the U.S.?
You need a negative result within one day of your return flight to the U.S. Have a plan for getting tested.

How the Student Loan Pause Has Played Out for Borrowers
New data show many borrowers have used that extra room in the budget to shore up their overall finances.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Parents with student debt want a do-over. Also in the news: What you need to know about Medigap Plan G, don’t let Social Security steer you wrong, and why Millennials and Gen Zers should be investing in Roth IRAs.

Parents With Student Debt Want A Do-Over
Nearly 1 in 3 parents regret their decision.

What Is Medigap Plan G? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan G, part of Medicare Supplement Insurance, helps cover additional costs not met by Original Medicare.

Don’t Let Social Security Steer You Wrong
When to claim benefits is a complex decision. Don’t rely on the help line staff, and consider getting a pro’s help.

Why Millennials and Gen Zers Should Be Investing in Roth IRAs
Minimize your tax exposure while taking advantage of compound interest.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: With student loan payments set to return, here’s how to get help. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money Podcast on managing finances abroad and a mid-year money check-in, taking financial advice from Reddit, and how to know if you’ll receive a plus-up stimulus payment.

With Student Loan Payments Set to Return, Here’s How to Get Help
The clock is ticking.

Smart Money Podcast: Midyear Money Check-in and Managing Finances Abroad
Checking in on your money goals.

Should You Take Money Advice From Reddit?
Crowdsourcing financial advice.

What’s a Plus-Up Stimulus Payment? (And How to Know If You’ll Get One)
You could be owed an additional payment.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 key credit card strategies for international travelers. Also in the news: How an iBuyer helps gets the timing right, missing the boat on SPACs, and how to plan for your student loan payments to resume this October.

5 Key Credit Card Strategies for International Travelers
People who spend a lot of time abroad should look for travel credit cards with international perks and partners.

The Property Line: How an iBuyer Helps Get the Timing Right
iBuyers let you make a non-contingent offer, set a flexible closing date and give you the power to buy with cash.

Miss the Boat on SPACs? It May Be for the Better
The SPAC party may be over, but if you missed it, you likely didn’t miss much.

How to Plan for Your Student Loan Payments to Resume This October
Only a few months left.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How one person’s travel credit card benefit saved them over $1000. Also in the news: How to file a complaint against your bank, how to buy the car you loved in high school without losing your shirt, and these states will pay off your student loan debt for moving there.

How My Travel Credit Card’s Benefit Saved Me Over $1,000
When the unexpected happens, a credit card’s trip cancellation or interruption insurance may recover the cost of nonrefundable expenses.

How to File a Complaint Against Your Bank
Work with your bank and if that fails, submit a complaint that specifies the problem and your proposed solution.

Buy the Car You Loved in High School (Without Losing Your Shirt)
Shop wisely.

These States Will Pay Off Your Student Loan Debt for Moving There
A look at the Smart Buy program.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 9 money numbers you need to know. Also in the news: The case for going back to school, how to avoid pet scams, and when to consider an FHA-backed mortgage.

9 Money Numbers You Need to Know
Give yourself a quick financial health check-up by seeing where you stand on a handful of important measurements.

College, Interrupted: The Case for Going (Back) to School
Skipping out on college, delaying enrollment or not finishing a degree can affect lifetime earnings.

Scam Alert: How to Get a Pet and Not Get Taken
Avoid online animal listings, and take steps to protect yourself when buying in person. Consider a shelter animal.

When to Consider an FHA-Backed Mortgage
The pros and cons.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Start early to get your house retirement-ready. Also in the news: Why these federal student loan borrowers are out of luck, 5 options for people who can’t afford their tax bills, and why big tax refunds aren’t as great as they seem.

Start Early to Get Your House Retirement-Ready
Most homes aren’t ready for “aging in place,” but you could take steps now to make your home better for retirement.

These Federal Student Loan Borrowers Aren’t Getting Relief
FFEL borrowers are out of luck.

5 Options for People Who Can’t Afford Their Tax Bills
If you can’t afford your tax bill, consider an installment plan or an offer in compromise if you qualify.

Why Big Tax Refunds Aren’t As Great as They Seem
You’re giving the IRS a loan.