unemployment benefits

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 9, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 things agents wish people knew about insurance. Also in the news: 10 factors affecting COVID-era travel, how the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment, and how to spend your FSA before the grace period expires.

5 Things Agents Wish People Knew About Insurance
Agents from across the U.S. clear up a few of the most common insurance misconceptions.

10 Factors Affecting COVID-Era Travel in 2021
Traveling during COVID-19 means making more advance reservations and planning for vaccine or testing rules.

How the new stimulus bill will affect unemployment
PUA benefits are extended.

How To Spend Your FSA Before the Grace Period Expires
Use it or lose it.

The tax credit fix many can’t afford to miss

January 26, 2021 By Liz Weston

Families battered by the pandemic recession soon may discover that the tax refunds they’re counting on are dramatically smaller — or that they actually owe income tax. Congress offered a partial solution, but the fix hasn’t been widely publicized, consumer advocates say.

Refunds are crucial to many lower- and moderate-income households, which use the money to catch up on bills and medical treatments, pay down debt and boost savings.

But the unemployment insurance that kept many people afloat last year may cause problems at tax time this year. In my latest for the Associated Press, how a tax credit fix could lessen the blow of unemployment benefits taxes.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

May 28, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Find free, solid money advice in uncertain times. Also in the news: 9 budget-friendly ideas for a staycation, how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies, and what to do if you get a letter about unemployment benefits you never requested.

Find Free, Solid Money Advice in Uncertain Times
Many organizations are offering free virtual consultations to help stressed consumers navigate financial decisions.

9 Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Memorable Staycation
Travel plans are changing.

Here’s how unpaid debt is handled when a person dies
Who’s responsible?

What to Do if You Get a Letter About Unemployment Benefits You Never Requested
Don’t throw it out.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

May 20, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 0% intro APR credit cards can help in a crisis, but mind the details. Also in the news: A look at metro home affordability for first time buyers, how to find the right credit card for your side hustles, and how to stretch your money while you’re unemployed.

0% Intro APR Credit Cards Help in a Crisis, but Mind the Details
That 0% can be more complicated than you’d think.

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q1 2020
What the market was like before the pandemic.

Side Hustle Much? You Might Have the Wrong Credit Card
Finding the right card for the gig economy.

Ways to Stretch Your Unemployment Benefits
Making your benefits last.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

April 1, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What to do when your Coronavirus stockpile runs low. Also in the news: How expanded Coronavirus unemployment benefits work, buy a car at a safe distance with a No-Touch deal, and how to lift or cancel a credit freeze.