Now is the perfect time to get your financial house in order in preparation for the New Year. That can include taking a serious look at your spending habits, deciding whether it's time to consider new stock options, or mapping out a plan to secure your financial future after retirement.
SEE OUR SLIDE SHOW: Fabulous Freebies 2012
Our year-end round-up of hits and misses -- from retirement savings plans to technology products to shopping deals -- will help you determine which items are worth footing the bill (or simply drain your budget) and get you on the right financial track:
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Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Investing: Check out our best and worst picks for initial public offerings, stocks, mutual fund managers, online brokers and investment newsletters.
Online Advice: Learn which tool is best for do-it-yourself investors and financial planners, and which one you should steer clear of.
Retirement: Our favorite brokerage firm for IRAs offers a wide range of investment choices and no annual fees. Also, find out which state is tax-friendliest for retirees.
Banking and Credit: Looking for a place to stash your cash? See our best and worst money market picks.
Budgeting Sites: All budgeting sites aren't created equal. Whether you're tech-savvy or a novice, ease of use makes all the difference.
College Planning: From 529 savings plans to which major will leave students in debt most, here's the rundown.
House and Home: See which home improvement project will get you the most bang for your buck.
Shopping Deals: It's no secret that organic grocery stores are pricey, but our worst pick for savings can really drain your budget.
Technology: Check out our top picks for on-the-go Internet plans, free office software, music streaming and more.
Cars, New and Used: If you're in the market for a new vehicle, here's a look at the best and worst family sedans, midsize crossovers and more.
Airlines and Hotels: Find the frequent-flier program that easiest to earn miles, which airline has the best baggage handling record and more.
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Stock Market Today: Stocks End Higher in Whipsaw SessionThe main indexes were volatile Thursday with Nvidia earnings in focus.
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Trump Picks Dr. Oz as Head of Medicare and MedicaidPresident-elect Donald Trump picked Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Here's what to know about the former TV host.
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
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Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
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Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
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How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
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Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
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How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
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Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
