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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Why good credit matters even if you don’t plan to borrow. Also in the news: An expert weighs in on how to travel safely, 4 options if you’re undecided about college this fall, and how to amend a tax return online.

Why Good Credit Matters — Even if You Don’t Plan to Borrow
Good credit provides a safety net in a crisis, and it can reduce bills and make you look better on applications.

Ask an Expert: Is Any Travel Safe?
Can we safely beat our cabin fever?

Still Undecided About College This Fall? Know These 4 Options
Things will look a bit different.

How to Amend a Tax Return Online
You no longer need to mail in corrections.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Can your credit card help you get a refund on a canceled trip? Also in the news: 9 alternatives to payday loans to consider during the COVID-19 crisis, what to do before adopting or buying a puppy, and how to earn more reward points on your next grocery run.

Can My Credit Card Help Me Get a Refund on Canceled Trips?
Your card may have travel protection.

9 Alternatives to Payday Loans to Consider During the COVID-19 Crisis
Other options to high interest loans.

Do This Before Adopting or Buying a Puppy
What to do before getting a quarantine buddy.

How to Earn More Rewards Points on Your Next Grocery Run
Cards are offering more practical rewards.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Can I buy or sell a house during the Coronavirus pandemic? Also in the news: How to manage your credit score during a crisis, Coronavirus cancellation and change policies for credit card travel portals, and how to get all your credit card payments deferred in one call.

Can I Buy or Sell a House During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
New regulations you’ll contend with.

How to Manage Your Credit Score During a Crisis
Looking at alternatives.

Coronavirus Cancellation and Change Policies for Credit Card Travel Portals
Everything you need to know.

Get All Your Credit Card Payments Deferred With One Call
A credit counselor can help you.

I travel-hacked a college tour and saved $3,000

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Amtrak’s “buy one, get one” spring sale got me started.

My teenage daughter and I had used a similar two-for-one deal last year to take an overnight train trip from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. This year, she wanted to use her spring break to check out colleges in Chicago as well as the Pacific Northwest. When Amtrak announced the return of its companion fare sale, I thought a couple of nights on a sleeper train might be a good way to start our college tour. She agreed.

At the same time, I noticed that we had travel rewards piling up all over the place: points, miles, free anniversary nights at hotels, even a Southwest companion pass that had yet to be used. At NerdWallet, we’re always telling people to spend rather than hoard their rewards, which get less valuable over time thanks to program devaluations.

So I decided to see how much I could save on one 10-day trip. In my latest for the Associated Press, find out what the grand total was and how we pulled it off.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to take charge of your credit this year. Also in the news: Several Chase cards will earn more rewards of Lyft rides, 6 inspired ideas for traveling smarter this year, and how much you need to save every month to earn $50K a year in interest for retirement.

How to Take Charge of Your Credit This Year
Take a crash course in credit.

Several Chase Cards Will Earn More Rewards on Lyft Rides
A boost for rideshare customers.

6 inspired ideas for traveling smarter this year
Rethinking old travel habits.

How much you need to save every month to earn $50,000 a year in interest alone for retirement
Crunching the numbers.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 6 great all-inclusive trips you can book this winter with points. Also in the news: Black Friday strategies that actually work, how to make the most of your 401(k), and how to set boundaries when your family is bad with money.

6 Great All-Inclusives You Can Book This Winter With Points
Get out of the cold.

Shoppers Share Black Friday Strategies That Actually Work
Hit the sales with a plan.

How to make the most of your 401(k)
Mistakes to avoid.

How to Set Boundaries When Your Family Is Bad With Money
Putting yourself first.