Hi Reader,

The past few days have been nothing short of nightmarish for so many travelers. You've probably seen the headlines about massive IT outages wreaking havoc at airports, hospitals and countless other places as well. I hope you and yours were largely unaffected.

Given the magnitude of the disruption, especially at airports, I thought it would be the perfect time to remind people of their rights when they find themselves faced with canceled flights.

The fact is that flight issues happen all the time. Sometimes software fails. Sometimes weather strikes. Sometimes mechanical issues arise. Sometimes connections are missed. There are as many possible reasons for delays and cancellations as there are people who fly. When these issues appear, it can be confusing and maddening. Quite simply, we often don't know what to do and what our rights are.

Here's perhaps the most important thing for you to remember the next time your flight is canceled: You have a right to a refund, no matter what the reason was for the cancellation.

Yes, you read that right. You are entitled to a refund for your cancelled flight regardless of the reason for the cancellation.

The airline might offer you a travel voucher or a flight credit or some other alternative compensation for your troubles, but you do not have to take it.

Again, you do not have to take it. You may get some pushback from the airlines. You may even have to jump through some hoops to get the refund, but don't let that deter you. If you want that refund for the canceled flight you didn't take, be persistent until you get it.

Even more good news about travel refunds

Later this year, the process of getting a refund for a canceled flight will be streamlined thanks to new rules from the Department of Transportation. According to the DOT website, "The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased." (To learn more, check out the above link.)

In my book, "Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How To Take Control Of Your Financial Life," I write about how to ask for a refund, including offering word-for-word scripts about what to say. It is just one of 45 different scenarios I talk about -- all of which are designed to help you pay less, earn more or keep more of your hard-earned money.

Streaming service overload?

On a different note, my company, LendingTree, just put out a report looking at the state of streaming services. It found that while 86% of Americans subscribe to at least one streaming service -- BTW, who are those 14% who don't? -- 72% of subscribers said they pay too much and 31% have even begun to cut back on their subscriptions.

With the Olympics coming soon and the NFL season rapidly approaching as well, streaming costs are going to become an even bigger issue for many.

What do you think? About how many streaming services do you subscribe to? Are you kinda done with subscribing to so many? And have you ever tried to negotiate with a streaming service? Reply to this email and let me know.

So... how's it going?

As this newsletter grows, I'd love to hear what's on your mind and what your biggest financial worries are right now. Also, if you've had a big financial win, please share that, too! Reply to this email or DM me at Instagram at @bymattschulz.

Have a great day!
Matt