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Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: This year, resolve to leave no gift card unused. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on saving for your dream retirement, how to have the wedding you want for less, and comparing car insurance rates.

This Year, Resolve to Leave No Gift Card Unused
Most gift cards are spent within a year, but billions of dollars remain unspent and about 1% to 2% of gift card dollars typically go unused.

How to Have the Wedding You Want for Less
When planning a wedding, there’s pressure to create a perfect event. But you can still have the day of your dreams with a wedding budget of any size.

Smart Money Podcast: Saving for Your Dream Retirement
Budgeting pro Marissa Lyda talks with Sean and Liz about saving and how she’s made a full-time job out of YouTube.

Compare Car Insurance Rates
The NerdWallet guide to finding the best car insurance rate

This year, resolve to leave no gift card unused

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Years ago, a friend who needed cash sold me a $100 Nordstrom gift card. I wish I knew where the heck I put it.

Gift cards are a popular holiday solution, especially recently, as supply chain disruptions and shipping delays have made gift buying more challenging. Most gift cards are spent within a year, but billions of dollars remain unspent and about 1% to 2% of gift card dollars typically go unused, according to Amy Dunckelmann, vice president of research operations for Mercator Advisory Group, a global payments consultant.

In my latest for the Associated Press, tips on using your cards wisely and what to do with cards you can’t use.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 banking facts to fortify your finances. Also in the news: Taking a new look at banking in 2022, 6 predictions for small businesses, and how to stop wasting your gift cards.

5 Banking Facts to Fortify Your Finances in 2022

2022. New year. New you. New look at banking? It would be a smart move.
Save for what makes you feel good in 2022
Expenses that don’t put a roof over your head, but do provide joy, rejuvenation and other hard-to-quantify benefits are worth saving for, too.

How will small businesses survive 2022? 6 predictions on what they’ll need for success.
It’s been a rough couple of years for many small businesses—what does the future hold?

How to Stop Wasting Your Gift Cards
Stop letting them collect dust in your wallet.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Average retirement savings by age and why you need more. Also in the news: The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals, smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance, and how get ready for gift card scams this season.

Average Retirement Savings by Age and Why You Need More
In general, Americans aren’t saving enough for retirement. Are you?

The best places to stash your cash for short, medium and long-term goals
The many options depend on how much you hope to earn, and how far away your savings goal is

Smart tactics for millennials flocking to buy life insurance
Planning for tomorrow

Get Ready for Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season
Scams never take a holiday.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: New Year, Fresh Finances: How to rebound after banking troubles. Also in the news: Gift card expiration dates, 5 great reasons to carry a hotel credit card, and why lawmakers may kill this popular retirement tax break for the wealthy.

New Year, Fresh Finances: How to Rebound After Banking Troubles
Giving yourself a fresh start.

When Do Your Gift Cards Expire?
Checking the fine print.

5 Great Reasons to Carry a Hotel Credit Card
Extra perks that make it worthwhile.

Lawmakers may kill this popular retirement tax break for the wealthy
Say goodbye to the “stretch IRA”?

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to prevent gift card fraud this holiday season. Also in the news: Those “live checks” promise cash but come with a catch, renovation loans expand your home buying options, and the 2019 tax brackets.

How to Prevent Gift Card Fraud This Holiday Season
Keep an eye out for scams.

That ‘Live Check’ Promises Cash, but There’s a Catch
It could come with a whopping interest rate.

Renovation Loans Expand Your Homebuying Options
Move-in ready homes are becoming harder to find.

These Are the 2019 Tax Brackets
Small changes for 2019.