Get smart with your money
The holidays are a huge deal in the Weston household — and every year, the expenses threatened to gallop out of control.
Keeping the holiday joyous and less stressful means keeping a firm rein on our spending. In my latest for the Associated Press, what we do, as well as smart frugal tips from others.
Today’s top story: How to move forward after a financial setback. Also in the news: Military student loan rights, the best Black Friday deals on laptops and computers, and how to find cheaper international travel fares with a decades-old loophole.
How to Move Forward After a Financial Setback
Refuse to get stuck.
Thank You for Your Service: Military Student Loan Rights
Understanding your options can help reduce the risk of default.
Best Black Friday Laptop and Computer Deals, 2018
New tech for less.
Find Cheaper International Travel Fares Using This Decades-Old Loophole
Get to know the fifth freedom.
Today’s top story: At what age can you ignore your credit score? Also in the news: How to keep home improvements under budget, how holiday shopping plans are being influenced by the trade war, and 5 ways to spend down your 2018 FSA.
At What Age Can You Ignore Your Credit Score?
It’s older than you might think.
How to Keep Home Improvements From Demolishing Your Budget
Upgrading for less.
Americans’ Holiday Shopping Plans Taxed by Trade War
Paying attention to goods from China.
5 Ways to Spend Down Your 2018 FSA
The clock is ticking.
Today’s top story: Employee loans as alternatives to payday loans. Also in the news: 3 savings strategies for holiday shoppers, the best Black Friday deals, and many people are still paying off last year’s holiday debt.
Short on Cash? Employee Loans Are Alternatives to Payday Loans
78% of working Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Outsmart Other Holiday Shoppers With These 3 Saving Strategies
Your phone is your ally.
Best Black Friday Deals for 2018
Holiday strategies.
It’s the holidays already? Many are still paying off credit card debt racked up last year
It’s ok to use credit cards, but they need to be paid off promptly.
At some point, you’ll buy your last car and refinance your last mortgage. Surely then you can stop worrying about your credit scores.
Well, not really, although there are situations when credit scores shouldn’t be anyone’s main concern.
In my latest for the Associated Press, why credit scores still matter, even when you don’t plan to borrow money.
Today’s top story: Don’t make these big life insurance blunders. Also in the news: Bail on your big bank for better savings returns, Macy’s Black Friday ad, and a new banking scam to watch out for.
Don’t Make These Big Life Insurance Blunders
Common mistakes financial planners see.
For Better Savings Returns, Bail on Your Big Bank
Look small and local.
Macy’s Black Friday 2018 Ad, Deals and Store Hours
Department store deals.
Watch Out for This New Banking Scam
This one comes via text.