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Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 great ways to invest your tax refund. Also in the news: How to say no to being a bridesmaid, when to upgrade at the gas pump, and how to decode your financial aid letters.

5 Great Ways to Invest Your Tax Refund
The best ways to put your windfall to good use.

Ask Brianna: How to Say No to Being a Bridesmaid
While keeping your friendship intact.

Premium and ‘Top Tier’ Gas: When to Upgrade at the Pump
When the higher octane is necessary.

How to Decode Your Financial Aid Letters
Deciphering your offers.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 4 ways to curb your online shopping enthusiasm. Also in the news: 13 last-ditch ways to avoid the poorhouse in retirement, why you should freeze your child’s credit, and 8 inspirational stories of people who overcame debt.

4 Ways to Curb Your Online Shopping Enthusiasm
Back away from the mouse.

13 Last-Ditch Ways to Avoid the Poorhouse in Retirement
There’s still time.

Why You Should Freeze Your Child’s Credit
Identity theft starts early.

8 inspirational stories of people who overcame debt
Learning from those who have been there.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: 5 ways to mute the “buy now” appeal in infomercials. Also in the news: What you need to know about investing in IPOs, 3 smart ways to supercharge your travel rewards, and what to know about income-driven student loan repayment plans.

5 Ways to Mute the ‘Buy Now’ Appeals in Infomercials
Don’t reach for your wallet.

What You Need to Know About Investing in IPOs
The risks and rewards.

3 Smart Ways to Supercharge Your Travel Rewards
Rack up more miles.

What to Know About Income-Driven Repayment Plans
For those with high student loan debt and low income.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How bad credit can increase your car costs. Also in the news: Owning Bitcoin creates a complex tax situation, 13 last-ditch ways to avoid the poorhouse in retirement, and the top 7 tax deductions and credits people forget.

Good Driver, Bad Credit: What Makes Your Car Costs So High
It’s not just the monthly payment.

Owning Bitcoin Creates a Complex Tax Situation
Taxing cryptocurrency.

13 Last-Ditch Ways to Avoid the Poorhouse in Retirement
Before it’s too late.

Top 7 Tax Deductions And Credits That People Forget
Leave no deduction behind.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Bucking tradition at your wedding can help you save money. Also in the news: How schools can teach kids to be smart consumers, what to buy (and skip) in April, and how to save for retirement without a 401(k).

Engaged? Bucking Tradition Can Help You Save Big
Thinking outside the box.

How Schools Can Teach Kids To Be Smart Consumers
Learning lifelong skills.

What to Buy (and Skip) in April
Be careful with that refund.

How to save for retirement without a 401(k)
Options for the self-employed.

How schools can teach kids to be smart consumers

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Most financial literacy efforts in schools don’t improve people’s behavior later in life. That could be because we’re focusing on the wrong things.

Trying to teach teenagers how to shop for a mortgage, for example, may be an exercise in futility. The information simply isn’t relevant to them — yet. By the time they are ready to buy a home, the loans available and the rules surrounding them may have changed.

Instead, we should be teaching kids the habits that make savvy consumers. In my latest for the Associated Press, four skills that make a difference regardless of someone’s circumstances or the economic climate.