Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Here’s how much you should have saved by 30. Also in the news: Taking the smart investor’s vow: to buy and to hold, getting real about the cost of an average retirement, and the MyHeritage hack affects 92 million customers.

Here’s How Much You Should Have Saved by 30
The magic number.

Take the Smart Investor’s Vow: to Buy and to Hold
In it for the long haul.

Let’s Get Real: What an Average Retirement Costs
Breaking down the numbers.

MyHeritage hack affects 92 million customers, reveals more risks with genealogy sites
Another day, another data breach.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 proven ways to increase your home’s value. Also in the news: Paying off debt while saving for retirement, fresh ways to save some green at the farmer’s market, and how some employers are helping to pay student loans in order to attract workers.

5 Proven Ways to Increase Home Value
Enhancing your curb appeal and interior.

Q: Pay Off Debt or Save for Retirement? A: Both
You don’t have to choose.

Fresh Ways to Save Some Green at the Farmers Market
Avoiding high prices at the supermarket.

Employers Help Pay Student Loans to Attract Workers
Now that’s a perk.

How to hack your employee health benefits

Employee health benefits can have huge value, but you may not be taking full advantage of yours. In my latest for the Associated Press, three hacks that can help you get more of what your company offers.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to save money by thinking like a college student. Also in the news: What an average retirement costs, how soon should you worry about your credit, and how to budget for your kids’ summer vacation.

Save Money by Thinking Like a College Student
You can skip the ramen.

Let’s Get Real: What an Average Retirement Costs
Breaking down the numbers.

Ask Brianna: I’m 18. Should I Worry About My Credit Yet?
It’s never too soon.

How to Budget for Your Kids’ Summer Vacation
Summer can get very pricey.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 3 things you can buy for less on Memorial Day. Also in the news: Why declining rental car insurance abroad is risky, hidden hotel fees that could spoil your stay, and 15 money-saving tips for big families.

3 Things You Can Buy for Less on Memorial Day
A handy cheat sheet.

Declining Rental Car Insurance Abroad? Know the Risks
Why you might need more coverage.

Don’t Let Hidden Hotel Fees Spoil Your Stay
Stay away from the minibar.

15 Money-Saving Tips for Big Families
Learning from the experts.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 ways to build your credit in less than an hour. Also in the news: Investing in international stocks, why you should invest in the stock market even if it scares you, and where to find the best Memorial Day sales.

6 Ways to Build Your Credit in Less Than an Hour
60 minutes to better credit.

Investing in International Stocks: A Road Map
Diving into the international market.

Invest in the Stock Market, Even if It Scares You
Take a deep breath.

Where to Find the Best Memorial Day Sales
Find the best savings.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What the Dodd-Frank rollback means for consumers. Also in the news: Memorial Day travel tips to remember, a day in the life of a portfolio manager, and 4 in 10 Americans can’t fund a $400 emergency expense.

Dodd-Frank Rollback: What It Means for Consumers
Sorting through the confusion.

Memorial Day Travel Tips to Remember
Travel safely!

A Day in the Life: Portfolio Manager
Staying ahead of trends in the market.

4 in 10 Americans can’t fund a $400 emergency expense without borrowing, Fed survey finds
An alarming statistic.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 questions to ask before getting your favorite brand’s credit card. Also in the news: 7 ways to save on concert tickets, why you should try slow travel at least once, and where you have the best chance of finding a free checking account.

6 Questions to Ask Before Getting Your Favorite Brand’s Credit Card
Are the rewards worth the interest rate?

7 Ways to Save on Concert Tickets
Concert season has begun.

Why You Should Try Slow Travel at Least Once
How to savor your vacation.

Here’s where you have the best chance of finding a free checking account
Credit unions are your best shot.

Don’t get taken for a ride this summer at the theme park

The best way to save money at theme parks this summer is simple. Don’t go.

Peak season means peak pricing. Admission discounts can be hard to find, and nearby hotels jack up their rates. Add in the always-inflated prices of food, souvenirs and parking, and you’re buying a pretty expensive day out. At the mega-parks operated by Disney and Universal, a family of four can easily spend $1,000 per day.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to rein in costs while keeping your sanity.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to say no to co-signing – and yes to helping. Also in the news: How to rake in cash at your yard sale, fighting against auto loan bias, and 401(k) mistakes to stop making.

How to Say No to Co-Signing — and Yes to Helping
Protecting yourself while helping others.

Rake in Cash at Your Yard Sale
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

You Can Fight Auto Loan Bias, Despite Congress’ Reversal
You still have options.

Stop Making These 401(k) Mistakes
Stop hurting your retirement.