Action ItemACTION ITEMS
Money moves from this week's headlines
Gas prices are on the rise after attack on Saudi oil facilities
The gist → Following an attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities, the average price for unleaded gasoline in the U.S. rose by 3 cents, to $2.59 per gallon, according to AAA. CNBC
The move → If you put a lot of miles on your car, the cost of topping off your tank will quickly add up. Consider a credit card with gas rewards to help you save every time you fill up.
Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett turns down raise after winning a national title
The gist → Following his team’s 2019 national title win Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett, who reportedly made $4.15M last year, said, “[My wife and I] are in a great spot … I have more than enough.” He asked that his raise be used to pay his staff more and increase support for other athletic programs at the school. NBC News
The move → Refusing a raise is a real power move, but not the right one for everyone. If you get offered a raise, we usually recommend you accept — then follow our checklist to make sure you make the most of it.
Health insurance that doesn’t cover the bills has flooded the market
The gist → Some brokers are taking advantage of short-term healthcare, selling plans so skimpy that they offer no meaningful coverage — and customers are being left with massive surprise bills. Bloomberg
The move → Know that short-term health plans aren’t just short-term Obamacare plans — they come with huge exclusions and limits. If you’re considering one, find out exactly what you’re signing up for so you aren’t hit with surprise bills.
No money moves to make this week? Why not try a 5-minute money task? May we suggest:
📶 Learn about CD ladders
🎒 Find out if 529 plans are worth it
🤔 Take a quick quiz to see if you need life insurance (you might not!)
Keeping Score KEEPING SCORE
This week in money gossip
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Median age of new employees who “ghost” on the first day of a job CNBC
$193,415
Median base salary for a physician in the U.S., making it the highest-paying job in the country, according to a study by Glassdoor. Yahoo Finance
$156,851
Average debt of a graduate of Weill Cornell Medicine in 2019. Cornell University announced Monday that all students of its medical school who qualify for financial aid will now receive a full ride, meaning that this year’s freshmen will graduate debt-free. NYT
1,500+
Museums across the U.S. offering free admission for Museum Day on Saturday, September 21 Money.com
$233,610
Average cost of raising a child, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Chicago Tribune
Good GraphGOOD GRAPH
The best & worst states to raise a family
The Policygenius Family Friendly Index ranks states for safety, housing affordability, financial security, education and more. See how your state stacks up
100 words 100 WORDS OR LESS
Fast + free money advice from the Policygenius advisers
Does it ever make sense to cash out a 401(k)? — Lauren
While cashing out a 401(k) may seem like a convenient solution to a pressing financial issue, it rarely makes sense. In addition to the income tax that you’ll pay whenever you withdraw, in most cases, you'll also pay a 10% tax penalty for early withdrawal (exceptions include when you use the withdrawal to pay for expensive medical bills or if you experience a total disability). If you’re considering dipping into retirement savings early, I would highly recommend speaking with a financial professional to explore other options. Otherwise, you could risk losing out on years of future growth. — Patrick Hanzel, Policygenius CFP®
Pro TipPRO TIPS
Beth Koscianski, Policygenius insurance expert
Pg Easy Money agent beth k pblackowl
Money thing you’re most proud of: My good credit score
Best financial advice you ever got: Don’t ignore bills or financial issues! They don’t go away if you just ignore them. You’ve gotta make a plan and tackle them head on.
#1 money tip: Have an emergency fund that covers at least two months of expenses.
Debunk a money myth: It’s not “impolite” to talk about money with your friends. You’d be surprised how many great conversations can come from it.
Money must-read: The Financial Diet It’s an approachable financial advice blog written by women.
Check out more of Beth’s pro tips, including how she budgets and what she’d do with a $1M windfall, at Policygenius Magazine.