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gift cards

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: What to do if the new tax law changes your paycheck. Also in the news: The smartest way to use gift cards, giving up your brick-and-mortar bank, and smart money moves for Black Americans in financial distress.

What to Do If the New Tax Law Changes Your Paycheck
What to look out for.

The Smartest Way to Use Gift Cards
How to get the most value.

Can You Afford to Give Up Your Brick-and-Mortar Bank?
Making the switch to mobile banking.

Smart Money Moves for Black Americans in Financial Distress
Fighting against income disparity.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to assess your credit card needs after divorce. Also in the news: Generation Z is off to a strong start with credit, why your friend has a better credit score than you, and how to ensure your gift cards don’t go to waste.

How to Assess Your Credit Card Needs After Divorce
How to determine what you need.

‘Gen Z’ Off to Strong Start With Credit, Analysis Shows
The fiscally responsible generation?

Why Your Friend Has a Better Credit Score Than You
Sifting through the possibilities.

How to ensure your gift cards don’t go to waste
Don’t toss away free money.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Finances for same-sex couples – what to consider before saying ‘I Do.’ Also in the news: Use caution when giving gift cards for grad gifts, how loved ones can destroy your finances, and what airlines owe you for an overbooked flight.

Finances for Same-Sex Couples: 7 Things to Consider Before ‘I Do’
Taking a big step.

This Graduation Money Gift Can Disappear Before It’s Spent
Pay close attention to those gift cards.

How Loved Ones Can Destroy Your Finances
Money and emotional ties can be a bad mix.

What does airline owe you for overbooked flight?
It might be more than you think.

Gift cards aren’t gifts

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gift-cardsIf it’s the thought that counts, then gift cards don’t count much at all.

They’re popular, granted. Six out of 10 people responding to National Retail Federation surveys this year said they wanted to receive gift cards for the holidays, and more than half said they planned to give them.

The rest of us may think of gift cards as a cop-out. Gift cards are what you give when you don’t have a clue what makes the recipient tick and can’t trouble yourself to find out.

In my latest for the Associated Press, why it makes more sense to give cash this holiday season instead of gift cards, and why the search for the perfect gift still matters.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: 5 browser extensions to save you money and time. Also in the news: The pros and cons of store cards, what effect Donald Trump will have on student loans, and the best and worst gift cards to buy this year.

5 Browser Extensions to Save You Money and Time
Making your browser work for you.

Store Credit Card Applications Surge During the Holidays — But Should You Get One?
The pros and cons.

Ask Brianna: Will Trump Hurt or Help My Student Debt?
What loan holders should expect.

The Best and Worst Gift Cards to Buy This Year, Based on Discounts and Popularity
Get the most bang for your buck.

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!