Don't let scammers steal your holiday cheer! As we dive into the festive season, it's important to stay vigilant against scams that tend to increase during this time of year. Here’s what to watch for this holiday season.

The penny has been in our pockets for more than 100 years. Now, the little copper coin is rolling out of production. Earlier this year, the U.S. Treasury announced that it will halt the making of new pennies once the current supply runs out, which is expected by early 2026. The main reason for the directive is cost. It currently costs nearly four cents to mint a single penny, far more than its face value. Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have already eliminated their lowest-denomination coins with little disruption, and the U.S. is preparing to follow suit.

The holidays are all about celebrating with loved ones, but the excitement can easily be overshadowed by financial stress. To keep your season joyful—and debt-free—try these practical holiday spending strategies. Before you shop, decide how much you can spend without affecting your regular bills and needs. Your holiday budget should cover gifts, decorations, food, travel, and any extra expenses. Assign each category a spending limit and add up the totals to make sure you’re within your means. This gives you a clear spending roadmap and helps prevent surprises later.