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Sam Kemmis | NerdWallet

First it was Ubers. Then it was Wendy’s hamburgers (except the fast food chain clarified it was technically dynamic pricing, not surge pricing). But now, the real deal — surge pricing — is targeting your checked bags.

JetBlue quietly (sneakily?) introduced “peak” and “off-peak” pricing to its checked bag fees on March 22, a fact the world was alerted to because my editor happened to check the JetBlue website. That means you have to pay $5 to $10 more each way for checked bags on JetBlue when flying during busy travel times, such as the summer, much of the winter and some random weeks in the spring.

It’s a classic example of surge pricing — a type of dynamic pricing where companies only increase prices during times of high demand, but don’t lower pricing during times of low demand.

Technically, these new dynamic baggage fees won’t affect all customers like the blanket increases some other airlines, such as Alaska and Delta, recently added. Yet they also mean more complication and confusion for customers who are trying to figure out which airline offers the lowest total price for a given route. read more

Ashley Kimler | (TNS) Bankrate.com

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an emotionally and mentally challenging experience. Still, amid the turmoil of the grieving process, it’s essential to address the deceased’s financial matters and protect their credit information. Requesting a credit freeze is a crucial first step.

By following this process, you can safeguard their financial status and protect yourself and other loved ones from potential fraud or identity theft.

Why a credit freeze is necessary after a loved one’s death

A credit freeze is like a lock on someone’s credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to use their information for fraud.

When a loved one passes away, their financial details become vulnerable. Freezing their credit will:

—Prevent identity theft

—Prevent new accounts from being fraudulently opened under their name

—Protect sensitive information

Without a credit freeze, the deceased’s personal data, such as their Social Security number (SSN), could be stolen and used to open credit cards or other financial accounts. Some criminals use obituaries, death certificates and other information to steal the identities of people who have died. They might open new accounts or commit other crimes under the deceased’s name, causing problems for living relatives. read more

When thinking about retirement, should I be selfish with my money?

If you are saving monthly, have cash in the bank, no or minimal debt, and plan accordingly for your retirement, then this article may not interest you.

But, if you spend money freely, have high credit balances, and never place much thought on your future. It may be time to change your behavior, learning that it is okay to say “no” to spending money and placing your interests first.

According to a November 2023 survey by Bankrate, 49 percent of credit card holders carried debt from month to month, and in 2022, 23 percent of Americans had no emergency savings.

Unfortunately, we live in a world of consumerism. If you do not live in a lovely home, drive a nice car, or dine at first class restaurants, you may feel like a failure. But often, there is not a direct correlation between wealth and the image we present to our friends and family. Just because someone is perceived as successful, it does not mean they have acquired wealth or are prepared for retirement. read more

Jessica Gibson | (TNS) Bankrate.com

At first, thinking about how to get life insurance might seem overwhelming. If you’re not familiar with coverage types or how to buy life insurance policies, you might be tempted to put it off. Fortunately, Bankrate’s editorial team has done a lot of the legwork for you. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for purchasing a life insurance policy and included valuable tips for selecting coverage amounts and saving on your premium.

How to buy a life insurance policy

Purchasing life insurance may seem complicated if you have never done it before. The first thing to know is that you can choose between permanent and term life insurance. Each comes with potential pros and cons, as well as a wide range of premiums.

Purchasing a life insurance policy has become easier as more insurance providers allow you to request quotes and buy a policy through their website. If you prefer to speak with a licensed agent, you can usually reach out over the phone or in person. Your insurance provider or agent will explain how to finalize your policy. For instance, you might have to get a medical exam, which must be completed in person. read more

Fixed-up homes tend to sell faster and for more money than fixer-uppers.

But some owners would rather sell their home as-is than face the hassle of getting it into turnkey condition.

“People don’t do it, mostly because they’ve had bad experiences with renovations. There’s lots of anxiety,” said Michael Alladawi, chief executive and founder of Revive Real Estate, an Irvine company that helps homeowners refurbish their properties. “It’s not uncommon to hear horror stories, or to hear (it took) double the time and double the cost.”

But those sellers, Alladawi said, “are leaving money on the table.”

Revive, founded four years ago, claims its business takes the hassle out “presale renovations.”

Revive helps homeowners evaluate the cost and potential value of revamping kitchens and bathrooms and renovating floors. If refurbishing boosts the home’s value enough to make it worthwhile, Revive hooks clients up with contractors and oversees the construction. They even pay for the work, getting reimbursed from sale proceeds. read more