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Get smart with your money

vacations

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.

How to get rid of a timeshare

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Some timeshare buyers know almost instantly that they’ve made a mistake. Other owners struggle for years with loan payments and ever-escalating annual fees before they’re ready to throw in the towel. Even the happiest timeshare owners may decide they want out of their contracts, perhaps when they are no longer able to travel.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to get rid of a timeshare.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Credit cards can give you a break on back-to-school purchases. Also in the news: How credit card perks can be your ticket to a cheaper vacation, 3 questions to help grow your retirement savings, and a nonprofit that will give you $1000 if you take personal finance classes.

Credit Cards Can Give You a Break on Back-to-School Purchases
Easing the pain of fall’s big expenses.

Credit Card Perks Can Be Your Ticket to a Cheaper Vacation
Saving on fun.

3 Questions to Help Grow Your Retirement Savings
Give your retirement a boost.

This nonprofit will give you $1,000 if you take a few personal finance classes
Giving Millennials a head start.

How to be a happy timeshare owner

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Many people are desperate to shed their timeshares. That provides bargains for timeshare enthusiasts like Angie and Mike McCaffery of Los Angeles.

The retired couple has paid as little as 50 cents for “used” timeshares. They’ve parlayed their timeshare weeks at four mainland U.S. resorts into affordable stays in England, Spain, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“You hear all the nightmare stories, but if you know how to work it and you can plan ahead, it’s the best thing ever,” says Angie McCaffery, 71.

In my latest for the Associated Press, what people who are happy with their timeshares have in common.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Small financial mistakes that could cost you big. Also in the news: Are certificates of deposit worth it right now, saving on vacations through Costco, and how changing your wireless plan could affect your credit report.

Small Financial Mistakes That Could Cost You Big
What looks like a small mistake could become expensive in the long run.

Are Certificates of Deposit Worth It Right Now?
Rates are climbing.

Costco Travel Vacations Pack Luxury and Value
Savings beyond the warehouse.

Sprint’s $15 unlimited data plan required a ‘hard pull’ credit report, and it’s not the only one
Changing your plan could impact your credit report.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to resolve finances after a death. Also in the news: 8 ways to prep for financial adulthood, 5 survival strategies for camping on a budget, and how much money you need to save by the time you’re 35.

How to Resolve Finances After a Death
Tying up loose ends.

Class of 2018: 8 Ways to Prep for Financial Adulthood
You’re on your own now.

5 Survival Strategies for Camping on a Budget
Sleeping under the stars for less.

How Much Money You Need to Save by the Time You’re 35
Cause for debate.