Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Identity theft risks for holiday shoppers. Also in the news: 5 guidelines for happier holiday tipping, what to buy (and skip) in December, and how to balance your short-term and long-term financial goals.

Holiday Shoppers, Beware of These 3 Identity Theft Risks
Protect yourself.

5 Guidelines for Happier Holiday Tipping
Saying thanks.

What to Buy (and Skip) in December
Hold off on that TV.

How to Balance Your Short- and Long-Term Financial Goals
Your short-term goals should feed your long-term goals.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Parents are struggling to repay college loans. Also in the news: How to just say no to gift exchanges, late credit card payments may cost more in 2019, and how mobile wallets can do serious damage to your finances this holiday season.

Parents Struggling to Repay College Loans, Report Finds
Drowning in debt.

Millennial Money: How to Just Say No to Gift Exchanges
Skipping the Yankee Swap.

A Late Credit Card Payment May Cost You More in 2019
Late fees are on the rise.

Beware, mobile wallets can do serious damage to your finances this holiday season
Stick with cash.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Free investments can come at a cost. Also in the news: How to not be your own worst enemy when investing, 5 things to cut your tax bill by December 31st, and how to increase your 401(k) or IRA contributions for 2019.

Free Investments Can Come at a Cost
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy When Investing
Look for help.

Do These 5 Things by Dec. 31 to Cut Your Tax Bill
You’ve still got time.

Increase Your 401(k) or IRA Contributions for 2019
Boost your retirement savings.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Get to know your 401(k) plan. Also in the news: How one couple ditched debt, having the talk about college costs with your teen, and what to do if you’re affected by Marriott’s huge data breach.

Get to Know Your 401(k) Plan
Everything you need to know.

How I Ditched Debt: ‘We Have Choices Again’
One couple’s story.

Having ‘The Talk’ About College Costs With Your Teen
Keeping expectations in check.

What to Do If You’re Affected by Marriott’s Data Breach
Over 500,000,000 customers are affected.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 guidelines for happier holiday tipping. Also in the news: Money talk for young boys, how to save $500, and how to survive an insurance elimination period.

5 Guidelines for Happier Holiday Tipping
Some guidelines that may help you decide whom to tip, and how.

Dear Young Boys: Let’s Talk About Money
Especially investing.

How to Save $500
It’s about more than just skipping coffee.

How to Survive an Insurance Elimination Period
Making ends meet while waiting for an insurance payment.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 mental tricks to help you save more for retirement. Also in the news: How to boost your chances of getting a personal loan, answers to your HELOC questions, and how to get your finances in order before the new year.

4 Mental Tricks to Help You Save More for Retirement
Staying on the right path.

Boost Your Chances of Getting That Personal Loan
5 tips that could help your chances.

Answers for Your HELOC Questions in 10 Words or Less
Understanding your home equity line of credit.

Get Your Finances in Order Before the New Year
The clock is ticking.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Smart ways to rein in holiday spending. Also in the news: Budgeting before Black Friday to prevent costly regrets, why you should check travel prices before Black Friday, and 7 things not to buy on Cyber Monday.

Smart Ways to Rein In Holiday Spending
Keeping your expenses in check.

Budget Before Black Friday to Prevent Costly Regrets After
Don’t go in without a plan.

Check Travel Prices Before Black Friday
You could be missing out on deals.

7 things NOT to buy on Cyber Monday
Not all sales are created equal.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Shopping or skipping Black Friday. Also in the news: Notes from a disabled traveler, how to save money on a cross-country road trip, and how to locate the investment fees you’re paying.

Black Friday: Shop It or Skip It?
The pros and cons.

What I’ve Learned as a Disabled Traveler
Flexibility is key.

How We Saved Money on Our Cross-Country Road Trip
A look at the trip budget.

How to Locate the Investment Fees You’re Paying
Inside the fine print.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Think twice before paying for accident forgiveness. Also in the news: What to do when a fund in your portfolio closes, 5 Black Friday credit card strategies to add to your list, and how to get your finances in order.

Think Twice Before Paying for Accident Forgiveness
How much to pay for a mistake you might never make?

What to Do When a Fund in Your Portfolio Closes
ETFs are dying off.

5 Black Friday Credit Card Strategies to Add to Your List
Using your cards smartly this season.

How to Get Your Finances in Order
Prioritizing is key.

Smart Ways to Rein In Holiday Spending

The holidays are a huge deal in the Weston household — and every year, the expenses threatened to gallop out of control.

Keeping the holiday joyous and less stressful means keeping a firm rein on our spending. In my latest for the Associated Press, what we do, as well as smart frugal tips from others.