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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AI Stocks Lead Nasdaq's 398-Point Nosedive: Stock Market TodayThe major stock market indexes do not yet reflect the bullish tendencies of sector rotation and broadening participation.
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Top Tech Gifts to Grab at Walmart Before ChristmasBig savings on Apple, Bose, HP, Vizio and more while there's still time to shop.
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AI Appliances Aren’t Exciting Buyers…YetThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is being embedded into all sorts of appliances. Now sellers need to get customers to care about AI-powered laundry.
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Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowMedicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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15 Reasons You'll Regret an RV in RetirementMaking Your Money Last Here's why you might regret an RV in retirement. RV-savvy retirees talk about the downsides of spending retirement in a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or other recreational vehicle.
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
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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 Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
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When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
