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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The cheapest ways to fly to Hawaii using points and miles. Also in the news: 5 things to know about the Platinum Delta SkyMiles business credit cards, why you should use caution with buy-now, pay-later platforms, and see how the Democratic candidates tax plans would affect you.

The Cheapest Ways to Fly to Hawaii Using Points and Miles
Aloha!

5 Things to Know About the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card
Especially handy for small business owners.

Use caution with buy-now, pay-later platformsInstant gratification can have long-term consequences.

See How the Democratic Candidates’ Tax Plans Would Affect You
A look into the political future.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: SmartMoney podcast on how to pay off debt faster. Also in the news: What to expect when requesting a credit limit increase, why you should always pay in local currency when traveling, and 10 money mistakes millennials should avoid.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can I Pay Off My Debt Faster?’
Tips from the experts.

Requesting a Credit Limit Increase? Here’s What to Expect
Question and answerr

Why You Should Always Pay in Local Currency When Traveling
Avoid markups and fees.

10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid (No. 10’s a Shocker)
These mistakes could come back to haunt you.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Is Premium Economy airfare worth the money? Also in the news: 6 common retirement mistakes and the simple solution to all of them, credit cards that go beyond rewards to cover travel costs, and how to protect your finances if you’re worried about a recession.

Is Premium Economy Airfare Worth the Money?
Make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

6 common, costly retirement mistakes—and the one simple solution to all of them
Information is your biggest ally.

The Credit Cards That Go Beyond Rewards to Cover Travel Costs
Covering the small expenses.

Worried about a recession? Here are 4 ways to protect your finances
Turn your anxiety into action.

Is premium economy airfare worth the money?

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As coach travel gets more cramped, airlines have added “premium economy” sections that promise more space and comfort — often at a substantially higher price.

Air carriers have discovered many travelers are willing to pay two or even three times the prevailing economy fare to escape the crowded confines of coach. The extra money is mostly profit for the airlines, which is why so many now offer this class of service.

But what you get can vary dramatically by airline. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to avoid a wasting money on an upgrade that just isn’t worth it.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: One travel hacker’s favorite sweet spot redemptions. Also in the news: How your credit moves could send the wrong signal about you, how student loan fees work and what they cost, and MoviePass exposes credit card data of thousands of users.

One Travel Hacker’s Favorite Sweet Spot Redemptions
Stretching your miles further.

Do Your Credit Moves Send the Wrong Signal About You?
How to make sure you’re on the same page.

How Student Loan Fees Work and What They Cost
Don’t be caught by surprise.

MoviePass exposes credit card data of thousands of users
Check your accounts ASAP.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 cheaper alternatives to popular vacation spots. Also in the news: How credit unions fit in your financial life, how to prepare for an economic downturn, and the fee the IRS is waiving for more than 400,000 filers.

5 Cheaper Alternatives to Popular Vacation Spots
Save some money while still having a great trip.

How Credit Unions Fit in Your Financial Life
An alternative to traditional banking.

How to Prepare for an Economic Downturn
Don’t be caught off guard.

The IRS will waive this 2018 tax penalty for more than 400,000 filers
Waiving the underpayment fee.