Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: IRS Free File and how to get free tax preparation or free tax help in 2021. Also in the news: How women investors can rewrite their financial futures, options for people who can’t afford their tax bills, and beware of lender’s mistakes in your credit report.

IRS Free File & How to Get Free Tax Preparation or Free Tax Help in 2021
Here’s where to get free tax software, free tax preparation and free tax help this year.

How Women Investors Can Rewrite Their Financial Futures
When preparing for a secure retirement, women can be disadvantaged. But careful planning and intentional actions can help reduce roadblocks to financial health.

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.

Beware of Lenders’ Mistakes in Your Credit Report
Another reason why it’s important to monitor your credit report.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Credit basics you need to know. Also in the news: How a new homeowner bought a house in Vegas, 11 cheap date ideas, and what to do if your tax preparer can’t file your taxes by April 15th.

More Than Your Score: Credit Basics You Need to Know
You’re more than just a number.

How I Bought a Home in Las Vegas
One new homeowner’s story.

11 Cheap Date Ideas
Spend less without feeling like a cheapskate.

What to Do If Your Tax Preparer Can’t File Your Taxes by April 15
A look at extensions.





Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Don’t freak out about an emergency fund – just start one. Also in the news: Deciding on hiring a tax planner or DIY, how one couple paid off $100K in debt in 5 years, and the difference between hard and soft credit inquiries.

Don’t Freak Out About an Emergency Fund — Just Start One
The sooner, the better.

Hire a Tax Preparer or DIY? This Year the Decision May Be Harder
New tax laws may complicate things.

How I Ditched Debt: Side Jobs, Meal Planning and Faith
How one couple paid off $100K in 5 years.

The Difference Between Hard and Soft Credit Inquiries
How they impact your credit score.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 things you don’t have to pay a tax preparer to do. Also in the news: AmEx Gold’s inconsistent dining rewards are frustrating foodies, what you need to know about surging savings account rates, and what you need to know about “free” credit scores.

5 Things You Don’t Have to Pay a Tax Preparer to Do
Knock these things off your tax list.

AmEx Gold’s Inconsistent Dining Rewards Are Frustrating Foodies
A bumpy relaunch.

Savings Account Rates Are Surging: Here’s What to Know
Online banks are offering the best rates.

What You Need to Know About ‘Free’ Credit Scores
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How student loan default can gut your paycheck. Also in the news: Changing your screen habits from time-wasting to money-saving, 5 tips for cutting the cost of having your taxes done, and what to do about a surprise student loan bill.

How Student Loan Default Can Gut Your Paycheck
Avoiding wage garnishment.

Change Your Screen Habits From Time-Wasting to Money-Saving
Using your apps to be more productive.

5 Tips for Cutting the Cost of Having Your Taxes Done
Free help could be available.

What to Do About a Surprise Student Loan Bill
Don’t ignore the mail.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 tips for cutting the cost of having your taxes done. Also in the news: How to find the dirt on your tax preparer, making the most of a gig economy to pay down debt, and 11 smart ways to spend your tax refund.

5 Tips for Cutting the Cost of Having Your Taxes Done
How to rein in the costs.

How to Find the Dirt on Your Tax Preparer
Don’t give your info to just anyone.

How I Ditched Debt: Making the Most of a Gig Economy
A woman pays down over $25K in three years.

11 smart ways to spend your tax refund, according to personal finance experts
Don’t think of it as a windfall.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 2018 US Olympians open up about their money struggles. Also in the news: Tax forms to know about before filing your return, how to keep your tax preparer from hating you, and 10 cities where taxpayers receive the fattest refund checks.

2018 US Olympians Open Up About Money Struggles
Star athletes paid very little.

Tax Forms to Know About Before Filing Your Return
The most popular forms, explained.

How to Keep Your Tax Preparer From Hating You
Come prepared.

10 cities where taxpayers receive the fattest refund checks
Did yours make the list?

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Can’t refinance student loans? Try these tactics. Also in the news: 10-word answers to your biggest car insurance questions, 5 foods that raise blood pressure – and life insurance rates, and 5 ways to save on preparing your taxes.

Can’t Refinance Student Loans? Try These Tactics
Looking at the alternatives.

10-Word Answers (or Less!) to Your Biggest Car Insurance Questions
Short and sweet.

5 Foods That Raise Blood Pressure — and Life Insurance Rates
That burger could spike more than just your blood pressure.

5 ways to save on preparing your taxes
Keeping more of your money.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 things you should know about the Dow hitting 20,000. Also in the news: Starting 2017 with a financial cleanse, how to protect your finances during a divorce, and tax-preparation tips for early birds.

3 Things You Should Know About the Dow Hitting 20,000
Breaking the 20K mark.

Start 2017 With a Financial Cleanse
Resetting your financial baseline.

4 Ways to Protect Your Finances During a Divorce
Protecting yourself during a difficult time.

January Tax-Preparation Tips for Early Birds
Getting an early start.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

services_billToday’s top story: The pros and cons of automatic bill payments. Also in the news: When it’s time to sell a mutual fund, what you need before you file your taxes, and when to consider locking your Social Security number.

Pros and Cons of Automatic Bill Payments
Convenience could come at a price.

5 Reasons to Sell a Mutual Fund
The five signs that point to sell.

What you need before you file your taxes
Gather all your documents.

Should You Lock Your Social Security Number?
Guarding against identity theft.