This week’s money news

This week’s top story: 5 tax moves to consider before year-end. In other news: Wells Fargo could face over $1B in fines, 4 ways savings vaults can help you manage holiday spending, and when student loan payments resume.

5 Tax Moves to Consider Before Year-End
Careful tax planning can mean fewer surprises when it comes time to file. Here are a few tips to consider before the year winds down.

Wells Fargo, Back in the Hot Seat, Could Face Over $1B in Fines
The nation’s third-largest bank has for years been embroiled in investigations and ethical breaches.

4 Ways Savings Vaults Can Help You Manage Holiday Spending
With these mini accounts, you can organize your spending this holiday season without going over budget while also earning interest.

When Do Student Loan Payments Resume?
The White House has extended payment forbearance into 2023. With forgiveness in doubt, use this extra time wisely.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How the pandemic disrupts holiday travel. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on charitable giving and using your savings to pay student loans, how to insure an expensive present, and how to plan for the end of student loan forbearance.

Change of Plans: How the Pandemic Disrupts Holiday Travel
More than two-thirds of Americans who had December holiday travel plans (68%) say these plans have been affected by the pandemic, according to a new NerdWallet survey.

Smart Money Podcast: Charitable Giving, and Using Savings to Pay Student Loans
Is using savings a good idea?

Bought a Pricey Present? Here’s How to Insure It
If you’re splurging on an amazing gift this year, it makes sense to protect your purchase.

How to Plan for the End of Student Loan Forbearance
January 31st is the new cutoff.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Your 401(k) match may be in jeopardy. Here’s what you should do. Also in the news: What happens to your travel rewards if your airline goes bankrupt, how to upgrade your old car with new tech, and why your student loan Coronavirus forbearance is messing up your credit report.

Your 401(k) match may be in jeopardy. Here’s what you should do
Steps to take right now.

Airlines are on the brink of bankruptcy — what happens to your voucher, travel miles and airline credit card if they go belly up?
No guarantee of a refund,

Upgrade Your Old Car With New-Car Tech
You can get rid of those 8-track tapes.

Why Your Student Loan Coronavirus Forbearance Is Messing Up Your Credit Report
Scores are dropping as much as 50 points.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 people who are crushing student debt. Also in the news: Skipping student loan forbearance, what it takes for early retirement, and 5 things to avoid buying during Labor Day sales.

Meet 5 People Who Are Crushing Student Debt
How you can follow their lead.

Skip Student Loan Forbearance — Do This Instead
Forbearance should be a last resort.

Dreaming of an Early Retirement? Here’s What It Takes
Better start saving.

5 things to avoid buying during Labor Day sales this year
Skip these “sales.”