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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The average 401(k) balance by age. Also in the news: Taking the next step with your student loans, 3 money tasks to do right now, and what to do with all the tax documents you’re receiving.

The Average 401(k) Balance by Age
How do you match up?

Take the Next Step With Your Student Loans in 2019
Setting small goals.

3 Money Tasks You Need to Do Right Now
Starting the year off right.

What to Do With All the Tax Documents You’re Getting Right Now
What to keep and what to toss.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 3 colleges that help you handle student debt. Also in the news: How one couple purchased a home in Oakland, Marriott/SPG cards are getting a makeover, and how to get reimbursed for old medical expenses with your HSA.

3 Colleges That Help You Handle Student Debt
You’re not alone.

How I Bought a Home in Oakland
One couple’s story.

Bonjour, Bonvoy: Marriott, SPG Cards Getting New Names, Perks
New goodies.

Get Reimbursed for Years-Old Medical Expenses with Your HSA
No time limit on reimbursements.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: A beginner’s guide to budget travel. Also in the news: Get up to 75% off Spirit Airlines round-trip flights, 10 tips for family budget travel, and questions to ask before taking a tax refund advance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Budget Travel
It’s all in the planning.

Flight Deal: Get Up to 75% off Spirit Airlines Round-Trip Flights
Fly the cheaper skies.

10 Tips for Family Budget Travel
Flexibility is key.

Before Taking a Tax Refund Advance, Ask These Questions
Don’t jump the gun.

There’s always a next recession, so be prepared

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Recessions are like natural disasters: They’re inevitable, but smart preparation may reduce the impact on you.

The U.S. economy has grown steadily since emerging from the “Great Recession” in June 2009, but expansions can’t continue forever, and this one is already the second-longest on record. Only the expansion from March 1991 to March 2001 lasted longer.

Recessions occur when growth stops and the economy starts to shrink. They vary in severity and length, but often jobs disappear, incomes decline and lenders make it harder to qualify for credit.

Knowing what may be coming can help you fortify your finances to withstand a possible slowdown. In my latest for the Associated Press, some steps to consider.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to invest during a bear market. Also in the news: Saying goodbye to John Bogle, how to budget for a family trip to Disney, and questions to ask before taking a tax refund advance.

How to Invest During a Bear Market
Strategies to consider.

Why We’ll Miss John Bogle — and His Wealth of Investing Wisdom
Saying goodbye to a legend.

How to budget for a family trip to Disney.
Money for Mickey and friends.

Before Taking a Tax Refund Advance, Ask These Questions
Beware of hidden fees, high interest.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: More parents are putting limits on college help. Also in the news: Mastercard’s new rule will make some “free” trials more transparent, what you need to know about SIPC insurance, and why you should be wary of new tricks for raising your credit score.

More Parents Are Putting Limits on College Help
Limiting contributions.

Mastercard’s New Rule Will Make Some ‘Free’ Trials More Transparent
Reminding you when the trial is up.

SIPC Insurance: What It Does and Does Not Protect
Covering your brokerage.

Be Wary of New ‘Tricks’ for Raising Your Credit Score
They could end up doing the opposite.