July 23, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to do with your ‘treasures’ your kids don’t want. Also in the news: How ‘shadow lenders’ can leave college students in the dark, why it’s harder than ever to find a balance transfer offer right now, and 5 destinations from Netflix hits to inspire your future travels.

What to Do With Your ‘Treasures’ the Kids Don’t Want
Don’t take it personally.

‘Shadow’ Lenders Can Leave College Students in the Dark
Know exactly what you’re borrowing.

Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Find a Balance Transfer Offer Right Now
The coronavirus strikes again.

5 Destinations From Netflix Hits to Inspire Your Future Travels
You’ll travel again someday.

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July 16, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Probate workarounds can save your heirs time and money. Also in the news: Student loan refi rates keep dropping, which airline you should fly in 2020 (and beyond), and how to know if you should refinance your mortgage.

Probate Workarounds Can Save Your Heirs Time and Money
There are often workarounds to help get assets to heirs, but avoiding probate isn’t the right move for everyone.

Student Loan Refi Rates Keep Dropping, Should You Take the Plunge?
The advertised minimum fixed interest rate on refinanced student loans dropped to an average of 3.51% on July 1.

Ask a Points Nerd: Which Airline Should I Fly In 2020 (and Beyond)?
Flying has become a lot more complicated.

How to Know if You Should Refinance Your Mortgage
Mortgage rates continue to drop.

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July 8, 2020 By

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Why missing college this fall is a bad idea. Also in the news: Why you should get your finances in top shape now to refi your student loans, choosing the Medigap plan that’s right for you, and how to apply for a $1,000 grant if you’re a freelancer or gig economy worker.

Why Missing College This Fall Is a Bad Idea
You could be wasting time and money.

Get your finances in top shape now to refi your student loans
Get the best deal possible when the grace period ends.

‘Medigap’ insurance covers some Medicare costs. How to choose a plan that’s right for you
Covering some of your Medicare costs.

How to Apply for a $1,000 Grant if You’re a Freelancer or Gig Economy Worker
Apply for an EIDL.

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July 6, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 expert tips to get hired from home. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast looks at the wealth gap, an artist shares her business story, and how to repay your coronavirus retirement distribution.

4 Expert Tips to Get Hired From Home
Hunting in the pandemic.

Smart Money Podcast: The Wealth Gap, and How to Cope With Variable-Rate Student Loans
Inequality in the United States.

Money/Makers Q&A: Hollis Wong-Wear Builds a Business to Fuel Her Art
One artist’s story.

How to Repay Your Coronavirus Retirement Distribution
Prepare for end-of-the-year taxes.

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June 23, 2020 By

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to bank when you can’t go to the bank. Also in the news: Don’t fall for COVID-19 student loan relief scams, file your claim in the Yahoo data breach settlement by July 20, and how to hire a financial advisor who won’t rip you off.

How to Bank When You Can’t Go to the Bank
The pandemic has made in-person banking complicated.

Don’t Fall for COVID-19 Student Loan Relief Scams
Scammers are charging for free information.

File Your Claim in the Yahoo Data Breach Settlement by July 20
But don’t get too excited about the amount.

How to Hire a Financial Advisor Who Won’t Rip You Off
Trusting the right advisor.

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June 4, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Take control now with advance medical directives. Also in the news: How to transfer a credit card balance in 3 simple steps, how to set up a 50/20/30 budget, and tax filing tips for college students.

Take Control Now With Advance Medical Directives
Some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

How to Transfer a Credit Card Balance in 3 Simple Steps
What to do when you find a better rate.

How to Set Up a 50/20/30 Budget
Based on three easy categories.

Tax-Filing Tips for College Students
Navigating the student loan maze.

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May 15, 2020 By

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to work around delays in major IRS functions. Also in the news: A path to getting your getting your camp deposit back, student loan interest rate dropping to historic lows, how to choose your next credit card.

How to Work Around Delays in Major IRS Functions
Services have been dialed back.

Camp’s Closed: A Path to Getting Your Deposit Back
It’s going to be a very different summer.

Student Loan Interest Rate Dropping to Historic Low
The impact of new rates.

How to Choose Your Next Credit Card
Finding the card that meets your needs.

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May 14, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Should you leave your kids an equal inheritance? Also in the news: The Points Nerd on who we can trust about travel safety, a student loan expert takes her own advice, and how to apply for a credit card when you don’t have a credit score.

Should You Leave Your Kids an Equal Inheritance?
Consider family dynamics.

Ask a Points Nerd: Whom Can We Trust About Travel Safety?
Err on the side of caution.

A student loan expert takes her own advice
Making the system work.

How to Apply for a Credit Card When You Don’t Have a Credit Score
Build up your credit worthiness.

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May 4, 2020 By

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How states are helping student loan borrowers during the Coronavirus. Also in the news: Making a financial recovery kit to rally faster after disaster, a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on buying a first home in an expensive area, and why your credit limit just dropped.

How States Are Helping Student Loan Borrowers During the Coronavirus
Find out what your state is doing.

Make a Financial Recovery Kit to Rally Faster After Disaster
Using all this free time wisely.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘How Can I Buy My First Home in an Expensive City?’
Important factors to take into consideration.

Why Your Credit Limit Just Dropped
Reducing risk.

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April 23, 2020 By

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Global Entry travelers now have an 18-month renewal grace period. Also in the news: College students can get more aid during the Coronavirus crisis, 4 ways to travel cheaply during an economic downturn, and choose a student loan repayment program with this calculator.

Global Entry Travelers Now Have an 18-Month Renewal Grace Period
An extended renewal period due to COVID-19.

College Students Can Get More Aid During the Coronavirus Crisis
Three ways to find help.

4 Ways to Travel Cheaply During a Recession
Traveling during an economic downturn.

Choose a Student Loan Repayment Plan With This Calculator
Finding the plan that works best for you.

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