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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 12 African-American financial gurus to follow in 2018. Also in the news: 3 ways to screw up your investment portfolio, the fee for U.S. Passports is increasing, and watching out for fake car deals this Presidents’ Day Weekend.

12 African-American Financial Gurus to Follow in 2018
Learning from the pros.

3 Ways to Screw Up Your Investment Portfolio
What NOT to do.

Act Now Before the Fee for New U.S. Passports Increases
Make your changes soon.

Watch Out For Fake Car Deals This Presidents’ Day Weekend
Don’t get taken for a ride.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Know how and when to thaw your credit. Also in the news: How to find lost 401(k) cash and other unclaimed money, why you should listen to money podcasts, and serious financial mistakes to avoid when getting engaged.

Don’t Be Frozen Out — Know How and When to Thaw Your Credit
Credit in the post-Equifax breach world.

How to Find Lost 401(k) Cash (and Other Unclaimed Money)
Reunite with your lost money.

Why You Should Listen to Money Podcasts
A few recommendations.

Getting engaged? Don’t make these serious financial mistakes
Starting off on the right foot.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Will your relationship last? Depends on your investment. Also in the news: How 12 Olympians pinched pennies to chase gold, your guide to buying life insurance on someone else, and the financial benefit of skipping Valentine’s Day.

Will Your Relationship Last? Depends on Your Investment
Putting in the time and effort.

How 12 Olympians Pinched Pennies to Chase Gold
Inspiring stories.

Your Guide to Buying Life Insurance on Someone Else
Not as evil as it sounds.

The Financial Benefit of Skipping Valentine’s Day
Consult your partner first.

You’re married, but your assets don’t have to be

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People who aren’t rich or famous typically don’t have prenuptial agreements, which are legal documents detailing who gets what in a divorce. Even ordinary folks without prenups, though, should think about how to protect their money if something goes wrong.

Planning for divorce may be cynical, but it’s also smart, San Diego certified financial planner Ginita Wall says.

In my latest for the Associated Press, how to protect your assets in case the unthinkable happens.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Are these 5 things worth credit card debt?
Also in the news: What Millennials should consider about life insurance, 5 gas-saving “tips” that don’t work, and what to tell high schoolers about money.

Are These 5 Things Worth Credit Card Debt?
Paying off your wedding on your 20th anniversary.

Life Insurance and Millennials — What to Consider Now
Looking and planning ahead.

These 5 Gas-Saving ‘Tips’ Don’t Work
You can leave the AC on.

What to Tell High Schoolers About Money
Thinking outside the box.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 blunders to avoid when doing your own taxes. Also in the news: What to do if your W-2 is missing, 6 key investing concepts, and why there’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to money.

Doing Your Own Taxes? Pros Say Avoid These 4 Blunders
Getting it right the first time.

What to Do If Your W-2 Is MIA
You have options.

6 Investing Key Concepts — in Plain English
Understanding the basics.

Don’t Let the Fear of Looking Stupid Lead to Money Mistakes
There’s no such thing as a dumb question.