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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to bounce back from an income drop. Also in the news: 5 tips for fostering a successful hybrid workplace, is the Fed to blame for high home prices, and why right now might be the best time to sell your car.

When Your Income Drops, Here’s How to Bounce Back
Recovering from an income drop depends on quickly cutting back expenses while also tackling the emotional stress.

5 Tips for Fostering a Successful Hybrid Workplace
Breaking old office habits and seeking employee input early and often can help create a successful hybrid workplace.

The Property Line: Blame the Fed for High Home Prices?
House prices are skyrocketing for multiple reasons. The Federal Reserve is just one piece of the puzzle.

Why Now Might Be the Best Time to Sell Your Car
Used cars have never been hotter.

Smart strategies to fight back against inflation

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Few economists predict we’ll return to the double-digit price increases of the late 1970s and early 1980s. But knowing some of the ways consumers coped back then — and how things are different now — can help you formulate a plan to deal with rising prices.

First, a primer: Inflation shrinks your purchasing power, so you need more money to buy the same goods and services. When inflation averages less than 2%, as it did from 2010 to 2020, it would take more than 35 years for prices to double. When inflation averages 5%, which was the annualized rate reported in May, prices would double in less than 15 years. That is a huge deal if you live on a fixed income or are trying to calculate how much you’ll need in retirement.

In my latest for the Associated Press, strategies that may prove helpful.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to know when it’s time to ditch your starter credit card. Also in the news: How to cover yourself against car theft, tips on paying for your wedding, and how to make a budget if you want to freelance full time.

How to Know When It’s Time to Ditch a Starter Credit Card
Don’t get too comfortable with your first card — once it’s done its job, it’s time to move on.

Car Theft Is Up in the U.S.: Here’s How to Cover Yourself
With the right kind of insurance, you could avoid paying out of pocket if your car or catalytic converter is stolen.

Weddings Are Marching Back: Here’s How to Pay for Yours
It’s best to pay for a wedding with savings, but if you need to finance, look for low-interest options with affordable payments.

How to Make a Budget If You Want to Freelance Full Time
Turning side hustles into main hustles.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 tips to keep a landscaping project on time and under budget. Also in the news: The mortgage outlook for June, student loan interest rates to increase July 1st, and how to get Amazon Prime Day prices without a membership.

5 Tips to Keep a Landscaping Project on Time, Under Budget
DIY projects can give your yard a new look on a short timeline, even with a low budget.

Mortgage Outlook: June Rates Could Rise If Bond Market Acts Out
How things look for the month ahead.

Federal Student Loan Interest Rates to Increase July 1
Rates will rise to 3.73% for the 2021-22 academic year after the historic low of 2.75% for the past year.

How to Get Amazon Prime Day Deals Without Paying for a Membership
Prime Day is just around the corner.