Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How the toy shortage could affect your holiday. Also in the news: How to pay for home improvements without equity, 3 free ways to run your business more smoothly, and how to save money like a ‘super saver’.

How the Toy Shortage Could Affect Your Holidays
Popular toys could be hard to find this holiday season because of supply chain issues, so planning is key.

How to Pay for Home Improvements Without Equity
Hoping to buy a home? Strategizing how you’ll pay for home improvements now can save you stress later.

3 Free Ways to Run Your Business More Smoothly
These three ideas can help your business operate more smoothly without costing you any money.

How to Save Money Like a ‘Super Saver’
If you want to save a super amount, do what so-called “super savers” do.

How the toy shortage could affect your holidays

Many popular toys may sell out long before the holidays, thanks to ongoing pandemic-related disruptions. This could be a disaster — or a great opportunity to reshape how we celebrate.

We can shop earlier and more thoughtfully, resisting the last-minute scramble for “must-have” items that really aren’t. We can choose classic over trendy, handmade over mass-produced. We can swap experiences for stuff and even make this a learning opportunity for our kids.

In my latest for the Associated Press, strategies that could result in a saner, less-stressful holiday.