
Avoid online scams this Cyber Monday to finish your holiday shopping fraud-free
From deals that are too good to be true to packages stolen off porches, there are many ways shoppers can lose money while buying gifts this holiday season.

How to shop Black Friday like a pro (and score Target's Taylor Swift merch)
Even as sales expand across November and December, there are bona fide deals awaiting early risers who brave the chill the day after Thanksgiving.
![Surface parking at 1022 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN ] JOELKOYAMA•jkoyama@startribune Minneapolis, MN on March 28, 2014. One of th](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/67ORS66YQ7UOEAXEUHUB3H5RN4.jpg?h=190&w=320&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
How to park in downtown Minneapolis, whether you're commuting or having a night out
Parking operators say evening and weekend traffic is back to pre-pandemic levels, if not busier, while commuter traffic is about 70% of what it was.
When death planning, don't forget to account for your digital life
Unless you make plans for your digital afterlife — from photographs to cryptocurrency — accessing your online assets once you're gone can become a time-consuming, expensive and frustrating task for family and friends.

Why now might be the best time to shop for a Minnesota lake home
For buyers weary of competition, fall and winter are the best, and often cheapest, days to shop for lakeshore property.

How to negotiate with your real estate agent
Full-service agents in Minnesota have typically charged 5% to 6%. A settlement earlier this year aims to make it less expensive to buy and sell a home.

Here's how to update your home office to avoid costly pain
From carpal tunnel wrist injuries to "dead-butt" syndrome, desk workers are at greater risk of strain because of poor posture while telecommuting. There are ways to make your home office more ergonomic that are as simple as talking to your HR Department or buying a wireless mouse.

How to shop for the best deal on Medicare health and drug plans in 2025
A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs in Part D plans is one of the big new benefits consumers will see during open enrollment.

You don't need to be a real estate mogul to start a property investment portfolio
Nonaccredited, everyday investors have options like real estate funds, crowdfunding websites and partnerships.

Refresh your home on a budget with these simple projects
From professional help to free resources, how to refresh your house without spending a fortune.

Moving up? An executive coach might be worth the cost
Coaches, many of whom have climbed the corporate ladder, can help with new leadership skills to help get over a hump or give you confidence.
Business

Hackers have stolen your personal information in a data breach. Now what?
A plague of data breaches, exposing Social Security numbers, drivers license information and much more, has left millions of consumers more vulnerable to identity theft.
Business

'This is not a bill': How to decipher explanations of benefits and pay for your medical care
From huge charges and enormous discounts to 'reason codes' for insurance coverage denials, perplexing paperwork is a common side effect with health care.
Business

How to pack allergen-free snacks as kids head back to school
Some classrooms require allergy-friendly fare as food allergies remain on the rise.
Business

How to find affordable college housing in the Twin Cities
Starting early and going off campus can help university students find cheaper rents while pursuing their degrees at metro-area schools.
Business
How to join a Twin Cities community garden and save grocery money
Applications to join a community garden often open in September for future growing seasons, though some have waitlists of a few years.
Business

How to avoid costly concerts with these tips for affordable live music
From finding the perfect time to buy tickets to exploring free options, there are many ways to keep entertainment costs from consuming your whole budget.
Business

Adulting means paperwork: What to keep and what to shred
From passports to loan documents to credit card bills and more, here's how to manage important documents whether online or in real life.
Business

More time = more money: Whether on your own or through employer, save for retirement now
Employees are increasingly left to themselves to fund their retirements, and Social Security will only provide a fraction of the income you will need to live on once you retire. So use your resources to start planning for your old age as soon as possible.
Business

Willpower aside, exercising requires budgeting time and money
Working out can cost you thousands of dollars in gym memberships and equipment, but the expensive route isn't the only way to achieve your fitness goals.
Business

How to shop for a health insurance plan in Minnesota
Insurance options can vary considerably depending on age, income, geography, employment status and the market. So don't be afraid to seek help when confronting this complicated decision.
Business

How to get your resume past tech filters to a real person
Like most everything else, applications, cover letters and résumés are now online. But computers can be an ally in your job hunt, not a barrier.
Business

In the age of digital dollars, there's value to cashing in
"Cash stuffing," or using cash-filled envelopes as a budgeting tool, is having a social media-fueled resurgence as a way to save money for people accustomed to swiping credit cards.
Business

I was scammed. Here's how you can avoid what I went through.
Xfinity, Best Buy and its Geek Squad at top of federal list of companies most impersonated.
Business

Looking for a second career? 'Take it a step at a time.'
Networking is job No. 1 for those changing their professional trajectory.
Business

Bye-bye cubicles and corner offices: Reserving a desk for the day is new work trend
Here's tips on how to successfully deploy and work within the "hoteling" concept, which eliminates permanent desks in favor of flexible, shared spaces.
Business

Have a say in how your 401(k) account is invested
Most accounts go into funds, which contain hundreds or thousands of individual securities. But with a little effort, you can have more control of where your savings go.
Business

Are you going to the game? Make sure you bring your wallet
Enjoying a sporting event in person can become expensive fast. Here's tips on how to keep the fun outing affordable.
Business

No one likes shopping for home or auto insurance. Here are tips to make saving less onerous.
Shopping around for insurance has always been essential to finding the best deal and having the right coverage for unexpected emergencies. But as the costs to repair and replace possessions continue to rise — and the prevalence of extreme weather also increases — choosing an insurance carrier and coverage has become an even more important decision.
Business

How to make sense of a college financial aid package
With FAFSA woes delaying aid offers, these tips can help families make comparisons on a tight deadline.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune