Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 alternatives to Airbnb. Also in the news: The importance of used car inspections, small home fixes that have a big impact on safety, and how to not go broke at the ballpark this summer.

6 Alternatives to Airbnb for When You Want Other Options
The vacation rental giant may have a near stranglehold on the market, but there are other options.

Get a Used Car Inspection Before You Buy — or After
Getting your own inspection of the car you bought online can provide peace of mind about your purchase.

Small Home Fixes Can Have a Big Impact on Safety
The following fixes typically cost $200 or less.

How to Not Go Broke at the Ballpark This Summer
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack (so long as it doesn’t break the bank).

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Small home fixes can have a big impact on safety. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on student loan debt, why you need to inspect the used car you bought sight unseen, and check whether your Toyota or Lexus is part of a massive recall.

Small Home Fixes Can Have a Big Impact on Safety
If it ain’t broke, maybe you should fix it anyway.

Smart Money Podcast: How We Got to $1.75 Trillion in Student Loan Debt
Learn the history behind the rising cost of college and how 43 million Americans landed with student loan debt.

Inspect That Used Car You Bought Sight Unseen

Check Whether Your Toyota or Lexus Is Part of This Massive Recall
More than 500,000 vehicles are thought to have a software error.