A holiday sinking fund is a mini-savings goal where you set aside extra cash to cover your anticipated extra spending in December. Even if it feels like it’s too late to make any real progress, there are actually several ways to cut back, earn more, and save plenty of money before Santa comes down the chimney. Start with a clear holiday budget, then create a plan for the next three months. Temporarily cut back recurring expenses, implement a no-spend challenge or two, lower your grocery bill, and declutter your home to earn some extra cash. In just three months, your holiday sinking fund will look merry and bright!

Protecting your finances online starts with a few simple habits: use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), monitor your accounts regularly, and think twice before sharing personal information. This guide explains the most common financial scams, how cybercriminals target different age groups, and practical ways to protect children, teens, older adults, and yourself from fraud and identity theft. It also covers what to do if your financial information is compromised, including when to freeze your credit, contact your bank, and report scams to the appropriate agencies.

Avoid common back-to-school shopping mistakes by creating a budget that works for you. Start by calculating how much available cash you have to spend, then get creative to stick to the plan. One common mistake is to buy supplies you already have. Also remember to take advantage of hand-me-downs and secondhand stores. Starting the school year off on strong financial footing means less stress for you and your kids!

Asking for a higher salary at your current job or when offered a new job can make a big difference in your financial well-being. But don’t let yourself be led by emotion; instead, research market data and leverage new pay transparency laws to justify your value. Also walk in the door with proof of your experience and project outcomes. With the right data and a willingness to negotiate benefits beyond pay, you could end up with a healthy total compensation package that gets better year after year.