In The News

Parents often shy away from the topic, but children need to learn financial basics. Experts offer their 2 cents on what youngsters need to know.

Bad banking habits can cost you big bucks in fees and other penalties. Watch out for these 4 blunders that can drain your accounts.

Cellphones account for an increasing proportion of household expenses. How much have they really changed your bottom line?

Card issuers may help you dispute merchant charges, but what if your clash is with the credit card company itself? These agencies can help.

If you have a pocketful of plastic that’s causing you trouble, it may be time to cancel an account. Here's how.

Do your Research Before Making Donations to Victims' Family Funds. Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to reports of phony charity solicitations, supposedly on behalf of the families of victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, CT on Friday. BBB recommends donors avoid giving to charities or funds through unsolicited phone calls, emails, texts or social media appeals. Charity scammers strike after natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, floods and earthquakes, as well as tragedies such as the Colorado theater shootings and now the Newtown school massacre.

Even as money etiquette evolves in the age of social media and oversharing, the combination of tact and common sense goes a long way.

These rules worked for a proven money manager for more than 4 decades. They'll work for the next 40 years, too.

It's also the season for taking stock financially and reviewing what you should do with your money. Don't overlook these key tasks.