Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: With mobile payments, you can go without a wallet at checkout. Also in the news: Managing your credit card debt plan with a paycheck, cheap and easy dinner ideas from frugal nerds, and the new 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2019.

With Mobile Pay, You Can Go Without a Wallet at Checkout
Pay with just a wave of your phone.

If Your Pay Fluctuates, a Credit Card Debt Plan Can, Too
Riding the monthly debt plan wave.

Cheap, Easy Dinner Ideas From Frugal Nerds
Homemade doesn’t need to be dull.

These Are the New 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2019
You can increase the money you put aside next year.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to score luxury travel for less. Also in the news: Target’s Black Friday ad, how to save money on health care, and breaking down the three new tiers of economy airline fares.

How to Score Luxury Travel for Less
Luxury travel at less-than-luxurious prices.

Target Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours
Start your list.

How to Save Money on Health Care
Important questions to ask.

Breaking Down the Three New Tiers of Economy Fares
Even economy has tiers now.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to dispose of a credit card. Also in the news: Costco’s Black Friday ad, 3 simple ways to boost your savings, and how to tell when a sale isn’t actually worth it.

How to Dispose of a Credit Card — No Burying Required
Put the shovel away.

Costco Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours
Start your Black Friday planning engines.

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Savings
Letting your money do the work.

When a Sale Isn’t Actually Worth It
Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean it’s saving you money.

How to score luxury travel for less

Let’s shatter one myth right now: Airline passengers typically can’t talk their way into upgrades from the cheapest coach seats to first class just by dressing up and asking politely.

Travel providers usually save their best experiences — comfortable seats, spacious hotel suites, quick check-in lines — for those willing to pay more. When upgrades are handed out for free, the goodies typically go to frequent travelers who spend a lot with those providers.

There are ways, however, of getting a much better travel experience without paying top dollar.

In my latest for the Associated Press, a few approaches to consider if you want to make your next trip a little more luxurious.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Overcoming your fear of your college debt. Also in the news: 3 simple ways to boost your savings, tools and tactics to do your own financial planning, and overcoming your financial fears.

Are You Afraid of Your College Debt?
Start by knowing where you stand.

3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Savings
Easy peasy.

Tools and Tactics to Do Your Own Financial Planning
Tackling it on your own.

Things people seem to fear financially are not always worth worrying about
You can relax.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save money on health care. Also in the news: How to work from anywhere like a boss, one person’s homebuying journey in Seattle, and why employers check your credit report.

How to Save Money on Health Care
The three questions you need to ask.

How to Work From Anywhere Like a Boss
Reliable wifi is key.

How I Bought a Home in Seattle
One person’s homebuying journey.

Why Employers Check Your Credit Report
Lookimg for financial distress markers.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How today’s low taxes can nurture your nest egg. Also in the news: 4 questions to ask before you DIY, how a single mom masterminded a $700K swing from debt to savings, and how the new UltraFICO credit score will work.

How Today’s Low Taxes Can Nurture Your Nest Egg
New tax laws present a golden opportunity.

4 Questions to Ask Before You DIY
Doing it yourself could end up costing more.

Single Mom Masterminds $700K Swing From Debt to Savings
Learn how she did it.

Here’s How the New UltraFICO Credit Score Will Work
FICO scores are in for a big change.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 ways to save on housing costs in your 20s. Also in the news: Billions in free college money went unclaimed this year, the complications of putting plastic surgery on your plastic, and how being lazy can actually help you save money.

4 Ways to Save on Housing Costs in Your 20s
Skipping avocado toast won’t cut it.

$2.6B in Free College Money Went Unclaimed by 2018 Grads
Fill out the FAFSA.

Putting Cosmetic Surgery on Your Plastic? Avoid These Complications
Sizing up the costs.

How being lazy can actually help you save money
Yes, you read that correcly.

How to write a will that won’t trigger a family feud

Creating an estate plan is a gift to the people you leave behind. By expressing your wishes, you’re trying to guide your loved ones at a difficult, emotional time.

All too often, though, well-meaning people do things destined to create discord, rancor and resentment among their heirs. What looks good on paper may play out disastrously in real life, says estate and trust attorney Marve Ann Alaimo, partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur in Naples, Florida.

“People want to think everybody will be nice and do right,” Alaimo says. “Human nature is not always that way.”

In my latest for the Associated Press, four things you can do to reduce the chances of family discord.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Text a retailer and you could get back money and time. Also in the news: Shoppers cash in on the Golden Age of branded credit cards, how to spend money guilt-free even if you owe student loans, and the do’s and don’ts of using store credit cards for holiday shopping.

Text a Retailer and You Could Get Back Money and Time
No more waiting on hold.

In ‘Golden Age’ of Branded Credit Cards, Shoppers Cash In
Rewards and incentives are everywhere.

Spend Money Guilt-Free — Even With Student Loans
Don’t ignore your own needs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Using Store Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping
The holiday shopping season is right around the corner.