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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to make the most of the Child Tax Credit this year. Also in the news: 4 reasons to ditch your old debit card, getting to know your 401(k) plan, and how to choose the best tax software.

How to Make the Most of the Child Tax Credit This Year
The tax credit is doubling for 2018.

4 Reasons to Ditch Your Old Debit Card
New card, new perks.

Get to Know Your 401(k) Plan
Everything you need to know about your retirement savings.

How to Choose the Best Tax Software for You This Year
DIY vs finding a pro.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Parents are struggling to repay college loans. Also in the news: How to just say no to gift exchanges, late credit card payments may cost more in 2019, and how mobile wallets can do serious damage to your finances this holiday season.

Parents Struggling to Repay College Loans, Report Finds
Drowning in debt.

Millennial Money: How to Just Say No to Gift Exchanges
Skipping the Yankee Swap.

A Late Credit Card Payment May Cost You More in 2019
Late fees are on the rise.

Beware, mobile wallets can do serious damage to your finances this holiday season
Stick with cash.

New scoring could help credit-shy millennials

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Millennials’ aversion to credit cards can make it hard for them to build good credit scores. A recently announced scoring system, the UltraFICO, may someday help them and other consumers get loans and credit based on how they use their bank accounts.

People who don’t overdraw and who keep a few hundred dollars in their accounts could get enough points added to their traditional FICO credit scores to qualify for approvals or better rates and terms. Others who don’t have FICO scores at all could get UltraFICO scores that allow them to get approved for credit.

In my latest for the Associated Press, learn more about UltraFICO.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Free investments can come at a cost. Also in the news: How to not be your own worst enemy when investing, 5 things to cut your tax bill by December 31st, and how to increase your 401(k) or IRA contributions for 2019.

Free Investments Can Come at a Cost
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy When Investing
Look for help.

Do These 5 Things by Dec. 31 to Cut Your Tax Bill
You’ve still got time.

Increase Your 401(k) or IRA Contributions for 2019
Boost your retirement savings.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Get to know your 401(k) plan. Also in the news: How one couple ditched debt, having the talk about college costs with your teen, and what to do if you’re affected by Marriott’s huge data breach.

Get to Know Your 401(k) Plan
Everything you need to know.

How I Ditched Debt: ‘We Have Choices Again’
One couple’s story.

Having ‘The Talk’ About College Costs With Your Teen
Keeping expectations in check.

What to Do If You’re Affected by Marriott’s Data Breach
Over 500,000,000 customers are affected.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 guidelines for happier holiday tipping. Also in the news: Money talk for young boys, how to save $500, and how to survive an insurance elimination period.

5 Guidelines for Happier Holiday Tipping
Some guidelines that may help you decide whom to tip, and how.

Dear Young Boys: Let’s Talk About Money
Especially investing.

How to Save $500
It’s about more than just skipping coffee.

How to Survive an Insurance Elimination Period
Making ends meet while waiting for an insurance payment.