Financial Planner
Weekend Checklist: Your Holiday Budget
If you haven’t done so already, plan your holiday spending so that you’re not still paying the bills next year at this time.
* Today: Have a plan. Before heading out to shop, make a list of the people you want to buy presents for and the amount you want to spend. Then add in decorating and entertaining costs. If the amount is more than you can pay off by January, consider cutting back; you’ll find ideas at the Dollar Stretcher Web site, https://www.stretcher.com.
* Saturday: Use the Internet. If you’re mall-phobic, you probably can do all of your shopping online this year; most brand-name retailers have Web sites that will gift-wrap and ship your presents. Be sure to check the total cost and use secure sites only. You can check out online companies at the Better Business Bureau Web site, https://www.bbbonline.org/database/search/default.cfm.
* Sunday: Give generously--and keep receipts. Many charities depend on year-end giving. If you itemize your deductions, you can deduct charitable contributions. Make sure to get receipts. You can charge a year-end contribution and still take the deduction in 1999, even if you don’t pay the bill until next year. (Do pay it off quickly, however, because interest charges can easily offset any tax break you’ll get.)
Weekend Reading
“Beat the Nursing Home Trap: A Consumer’s Guide to Assisted Living and Long-Term Care” by Joseph Matthews ($21.95, Nolo.com). If you thought saving for retirement was complicated, brace yourself for the red tape and confusion that can come with age-related illnesses. Fortunately, this straightforward guide can help you navigate the minefields of Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance; its goal is to educate consumers on alternatives to nursing facilities, such as home health care, board and care homes, and assisted living.
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Weekend Broadcasts (All times are PDT.)
Today
* 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 11 p.m.: “Watch and Make Money: A User’s Guide to CNBC.” Host: Alex Trebek. (CNBC)
* 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m.: “Moneyline.” (CNN)
* 5:30 p.m.: “Nightly Business Report.” Douglas Jimerson, president, National Investment Advisors. (KCET; also airs at 6:30 p.m. on KOCE)
* 8:30 p.m.: “Wall Street Week With Louis Rukeyser.” Daniel Barry, retail analyst, Merrill Lynch. (KCET; also airs at 6 p.m. Saturday on KOCE)
Saturday
* 4 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.: “Your Money.” (CNN)
* 9 a.m.: “The Motley Fool Radio Show.” Stocks we’re thankful for; various philanthropists; and donating stocks. (KFI-AM [640])
* 11:30 a.m.: “‘CBS MarketWatch Weekend.” (KCBS)
* Noon, 5:30 p.m.: “Moneyweek.” (CNN)
* 1 p.m.: “Money Talk” with Bob Brinker. (KABC-AM; also airs at 1 p.m. Sunday)
* 4:30 p.m., 11 p.m.: “Weekend Squawk Box.” (CNBC; also airs at 4:30 p.m. Sunday)
