Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Where to turn when a natural disaster upends your finances. Also in the news: 5 ways women can combat investing disadvantages, Ask a Travel Nerd on when to book holiday travel, and why your rent is often more than a mortgage payment.

Where to Turn When a Natural Disaster Upends Your Finances
Act quickly to get free aid first, then turn to financial tasks like contacting insurers and creditors.

5 Ways Women Can Combat Investing Disadvantages
Here are some of the investing disadvantages Americans say women have, and advice on how to overcome them.

Ask a Travel Nerd: Is It Time to Book Holiday Travel Yet?
Despite ongoing uncertainty caused by the pandemic, it still makes sense to book your holiday travel early.

Why Your Rent Is Often More Than a Mortgage Payment
The extra costs baked into your monthly rent.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are Medicare Advantage plans worth the risk? Also in the news: 4 ways women can invest in other women, 4 market headwinds facing first-time buyers, and 9 million Americans will get letters about missing stimulus checks.

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Worth the Risk?
Medicare Advantage plans offer extra coverage, usually at no cost, but you may pay more if you get sick.

4 Ways Women Can Invest in Other Women
Intentional investing can allow you to support women with your investment dollars.

4 Market Headwinds Facing First-Time Buyers
To find success in a housing market buffeted by the pandemic, buyers must be persistent, patient and preapproved.

9 million Americans will get letters about missing stimulus checks
Here’s where those notices are going.