Thursday’s need-to-know money news

file_161555_0_tax refundToday’s top story: How to keep your tax refund safe. Also in the news: How to achieve financial fitness, building your gift-buying budget, and how to be smart about holiday spending.

The Simple Way to Keep Your Tax Refund Safe
Protecting what’s yours.

5 Money-Saving Exercises to Achieve Financial Fitness
Getting your wallet in shape.

How to Build Your Gift-Buying Budget
Be strategic.

Why the Holidays Make Us Dumb About Spending
How to stay smart.