Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: When leasing a car is the more frugal option. Also in the news: How to actually achieve your debt payoff resolution, 5 basic features you should expect from your bank, and holiday debt could take years to pay off.

When Leasing a Car Is the More Frugal Option
Car buying has changed enough over the years that leasing may no longer be the costliest choice.

How to Actually Achieve Your Debt Payoff Resolution
Start the new year on the right foot.

5 Basic Features You Should Expect From Your Bank
Services you should expect.

Holiday debt could take years to pay off
Here come the bills.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Retirement costs that could surprise you. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on keeping your New Year’s money resolution, how procrastinators can win at gift-giving, and another reason to not pay for your gas at the pump.

Retirement Costs That Could Surprise You
Covering all the bases.

SmartMoney podcast: ‘How Can I (Actually) Keep My New Year’s Money Resolution?’
Making it past the first week and beyond.

How Procrastinators Can Win at Gift-Giving
You might need to leave the house.

Another Reason to Not Pay for Gas at the Pump
Hackers have a new way to steal your info at the gas station.

Thursday’s need-to-know news

Today’s top story: 6 for-keeps New Year’s Resolutions for New Homeowners. Also in the news: Saving money by exercising outdoors this winter, learning the basics of the GOP Tax Plan, and the pros and cons of prepaying your 2018 property taxes in 2017.

6 For-Keeps New Year’s Resolutions for New Homeowners
Survival tips to keep your resolution.

Burn Calories, Not Cash, by Exercising Outdoors This Winter
Take your routine outside.

The basics of the GOP Tax Plan, explained
Learning the basics of a complicated deal.

Will you benefit from prepaying your 2018 property taxes in 2017?
Call your accountant.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What Yoda would say if he were your financial adviser. Also in the news: Why the IRA will audit you, why waiting for perfect finances is futile, and how your New Year’s Resolutions can actually hurt your credit.

10 things Yoda would say if he were your financial adviser
Save money, you will.

7 Reasons the IRS Will Audit You
Avoid hoisting these red flags.

When It Comes to Your Finances, Don’t Let Perfect Get in the Way of Better
Waiting for perfection will only dig a deeper hole.

3 New Year’s Resolutions That Can Hurt Your Credit
Yes, you read that correctly.