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Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When life blows up your well-laid plans. Also in the news: How to shop Black Friday deals online, 5 things to consider when shopping for index funds, and how much you should have in your 401(k), based on your age.

When Life Blows Up Your Well-Laid Plans
A sudden change in your financial security can trigger a wealth of reactions, including grief and disorientation.

How to Shop Black Friday Deals Online
Smart Black Friday shopping begins with planning.

5 Things to Consider When Shopping for Index Funds
Index funds are a set-it-and-forget-it investment perfect for beginners, but it helps to know what to look for.

How Much You Should Have in Your 401(k), Based on Your Age?
The right amount at every stage.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What Biden’s win may mean for your student loan forgiveness and free college. Also in the news: 13 ways to leave scammers empty-handed this holiday season, credit card bonuses are at an all-time high, and 6 cybersecurity tips when you work from home.

What Biden’s Win May Mean for Your Student Loans and College Plans
A Biden victory signals possibilities for student loan forgiveness and free college.

13 Ways to Leave Scammers Empty-Handed This Holiday Season
Protect your mobile devices, recognize and avoid risks, and guard against ID theft while holiday shopping.

Credit Card Welcome Bonuses Are at All-Time Highs
Credit card companies really want your business.

6 Cybersecurity Tips When You Work From Home
Protecting yourself and your employer.

When life blows up your well-laid plans

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Job loss, business failure, involuntary retirement, divorce, disability or the death of a breadwinner — these are just some of the ways our finances can force us to come up with a Plan B. That’s never as simple as downloading a list and ticking off completed assignments, however.

Checklists can be helpful, for instance when you’ve just been laid off. But the biggest task after financial loss may be dealing with your emotions after the future you had envisioned disappears. In my latest for the Associated Press, how to handle the unexpected bumps in the road.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals, smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance, and how get ready for gift card scams this season.

Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
In general, Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Are you?

The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals
The many options depend on how much you hope to earn, and how far away your savings goal is

Smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance
Planning for tomorrow

Get Ready for Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Scams never take a holiday.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to turn unused credit card rewards into holiday gifts. Also in the news: Can college students booted for breaking COVID-19 rules get refunds, when to book your holiday travel, and how to get help from a food pantry.

How to Turn Unused Credit Card Rewards Into Holiday Gifts
You may be able to use rewards or credits to cover food, charitable donations, streaming services, exercise programs and more.

Can College Students Booted for Breaking COVID-19 Rules Get Refunds?
Be prepared for consequences, like suspension and lost financial aid, if you break your school’s COVID-19 rules.

Should You Book Holiday Travel Now or Later?
Booking your holiday travel early comes with more flexibility now than in past years.

How to Get Help From a Food Pantry
There’s no shame in needing help, especially right now.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to get your parent off the hook for your student loans. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on open enrollment and HSA vs. HFA, getting a side gig while on unemployment, and 5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020

How to Get Your Parent Off the Hook for Your Student Loans
Refinancing and co-signer release can get a parent’s name off of student loans.

Smart Money Podcast: Open Enrollment and HSA vs. FSA
Open enrollment is underway.

Can You Get a Side Gig While on Unemployment?
Depends on state law.

5 financial moves you need to make before the end of 2020
Preparing for the new year.