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Credit Cards

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Credit card backgroundToday’s top story: The credit card mistakes you make every year. Also in the news: How to make a stress-free loan to your adult kids, how to bounce back from a financial setback, and the questions you should ask your employer about your 401(k).

5 Credit Card Mistakes You Repeat Every Year
Breaking the cycle.

Still Playing Parental ATM? How To Make A Hassle-Free Loan To Your Adult Kids
Handling a stressful situation.

8 Ways to Bounce Back From a Financial Setback
Don’t become complacent.

10 Big 401(k) Questions to Ask Your Employer
Getting the 411 on your 401(k).

Fed interest rate hike means it’s time to review your credit cards

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Pile of Credit CardsYou may hardly notice the first Federal Reserve rate increase in nearly a decade, but it makes now a good time to consider making changes to the credit cards you use. If you carry a balance, you may be able to reduce the future cost of your debt. If you don’t, you should be looking for better rewards deals.

The Fed on Wednesday increased its benchmark short-term interest rate, which it last raised in 2006 and which has hovered around zero since 2008, 0.25 percent.

In my latest for Reuters, what this hike means for you and your credit cards.

In my latest for Bankrate, how to balance diversification and simplicity in your financial life.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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taxesToday’s top story: The biggest income tax changes for 2016. Also in the news: What you wish you could tell your younger self about money, avoiding “skip a payment” holiday offers, and how to make a better money plan for the new year.

10 biggest income tax changes to plan for in 2016
Prepare yourself.

11 Finance Tips You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self
If you could turn back time.

Beware Credit Card “Skip a Payment” Holiday Offers
Don’t fall in a debt trap.

5 Ways to Make a Better Plan for Your Money in 2016
It’s all about planning.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Pile of Credit CardsToday’s top story: The hidden bonuses of paying off credit card debt. Also in the news: Financial tips for the sandwich generation, how to start preparing your taxes, and the changes coming to your credit card perks.

The Hidden Bonus of Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Your credit score will thank you for it.

The Sandwich Generation: 5 C’s To Deal With Your Financial Challenges
The financial challenges of taking care of your young and old.

11 Tax Moves Every Taxpayer Should Make Before the End of the Year
Time to get organized.

Big Changes Coming for Your Credit Card Perks
What’s in and what’s out.

6 questions to ask before getting a store credit card
Know what you’re signing up for.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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giftcardsToday’s top story: How to protect your gift cards this holiday season. Also in the news: Getting the most out of your credit cards over the holidays, where to cash a check without paying high fees, and personal finance mythbusting.

Why Gift Cards Aren’t As Secure As Your Credit Cards
Protecting your presents.

How to get the most out of your credit cards over the holidays
Making your credit cards work for you.

Where to Cash a Check Without Paying High Fees
Keeping as much of your money as possible.

5 personal finance myths you probably still believe
Mythbusting!

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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inside-passportToday’s top story: How being behind on your taxes could affect your travel plans. Also in the news: How to determine who you can claim as a dependent, financial steps to take when you’re on your own, and how to avoid costly credit card traps.

Haven’t Paid Your Taxes? You May Need to Cancel Your Travel Plans
Your passport could be in jeopardy.

This IRS Tool Tells You If You Can Claim a Dependent
Finding your tax breaks.

7 Financial Steps to Take Once You’re on Your Own
It’s a whole new world out there.

How to Avoid 5 Costly Credit Card Traps
Don’t fall in.