Tips For A Financially Healthy 2025

Russ Wiles, Arizona Republic   Sun, December 29, 2024

The economy enters 2025 in reasonably good shape, with a low unemployment rate, modest inflation, a trend toward declining interest rates and strong corporate profit growth that has been giving the stock market a lift.

It's thus not a bad backdrop for getting a fresh start on improving your finances. Here are some trends, issues and tips to mind in coming weeks:

7 Financial New Year’s Resolutions for Gen Z

Ashley Donohoe   Mon, December 30, 2024  GOBankingRates

The Fidelity Investments 2025 Financial Resolutions Study found that Gen Zers came in second behind millennials for feeling financially optimistic, making plans to reach financial goals and being willing to set resolutions. However, some in this group struggle with paying off student debt, lack sufficient savings and have a hard time managing expenses.

If you’re an adult Gen Zer, starting 2025 with some smart money goals can help improve your financial stability and prepare you for big decisions, including buying a home and starting a family.

3 Things To Sell To Pay Off Holiday Credit Card Debt

Andrew Lisa  Sat, December 28, 2024  GOBankingRates

If your generous nature outperformed your budget this holiday season, hopefully you’re anticipating a year-end bonus to cushion the blow. If not, look around — your ticket out of a post-holiday financial fiasco might be hiding among your household clutter.

The most common advice is to sell things like vinyl records, trading cards, comic books and classic toys. The problem is that those kinds of collectibles tend to carry significant sentimental value and — unless they’re truly rare, unique and pristine — are usually rendered next to worthless by the law of supply and demand.

What To Know And Do If You Win The Mega Millions Jackpot

Medora Lee and Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY Updated Thu, December 26, 2024

'Keep it quiet:' Here's what to know and do if you win the Mega Millions jackpot

Whether you bought a ticket yourself or got some as a stocking stuffer, could that $1.15 billion Mega Millions jackpot have your name on it? The odds may be against you − like 1 in 302.6 million − but that doesn't mean you can't prepare.

If there is a winner, Mega Millions jackpot would be the fifth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, making the take-home prize a lump-sum payment of an estimated $516.1 million after taxes. How do you even begin to get ready for a windfall like that?

5 Best Savings Tips From Money Experts To Kick Off 2025 Right

Chris Adam  Wed, December 25, 2024  GOBankingRates

If you’ve decided to make 2025 the year of savings, there are a few steps to take first whether you are looking to improve your finances, save for a big purchase or plan for retirement.

You’ll find lots of advice and expert tips about the best ways to save and what to do with that money. Here’s a look at some of the best tips we’ve found from five top money experts.

What Your Bank Isn't Telling You About Using Your Debit Card

Here's what your bank isn't telling you about using your debit card — and what savvy spenders do instead

Vawn Himmelsbach  Updated May 31, 2024  Moneywise

The use of debit cards has been prevalent in the U.S. for decades, and for good reason. They offer several advantages over other forms of payment, such as cash and checks.

However, they also have a few downsides — and knowing what these are might make you rethink how you're paying (at least in some cases).

What Documents to Keep and for How Long

Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY  Wed, December 25, 2024

Can I just throw out those old documents in my basement? We asked accountants.

As you ransacked your basement in search of holiday decorations, perhaps you came upon boxes of documents from the last millennium. And then, you probably asked yourself: “Couldn’t I just throw these out?”

Companies and governments often have document retention policies. Most people do not.

Common wisdom suggests we keep important papers for seven years, for reasons that, we vaguely recall, have something to do with taxes.

What You Should — And Shouldn't — Do If You Win The Mega Millions Jackpot, according to an expert

Kate Murphy  ·Reporter  Updated Tue, December 24, 2024  Yahoo News

There’s still a chance — 1 in nearly 303 million — for a lucky winner to score the Mega Millions jackpot, which climbed to an estimated $1 billion ahead of Tuesday's 11 p.m. ET drawing.

While securing the golden ticket is all a matter of luck, holding on to one’s newfound fortune after such a windfall requires some strategy.

5 Toxic Money Habits You Should Stop Right Now, According to Financial YouTuber Tae Kim

John Schmoll  Sun, December 22, 2024  GOBankingRates

Managing your finances takes work and commitment. Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to betray our goals through inaction or following certain toxic money habits. In some cases, you may need to get out of your own way and determine actionable goals.

What To Do If You Win The Mega Millions Jackpot

Jordi Lippe-McGraw  Sun, December 22, 2024

Did someone ask for a green Christmas?                                                                                                                         

Should someone win the Dec. 24 Mega Millions drawing, they would be waking up Christmas morning with an estimated $944 million in their pocket.

If won, the prize money, which equates to $429.40 million in cash, would be the largest amount won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history.

No winner was named in the Dec. 20 Mega Millions drawing, which featured a jackpot totaling an estimated $825. The winning numbers were 2, 20, 51, 56 and 67, and 19 for the Mega Ball.