MEXICO, Mo. – Don’t let an identity thief steal the sparkle out of your holiday season.

SHELBYVILLE, Mo. – ’Tis the season to be jolly. And in debt. Plan your seasonal shopping purchases to avoid overspending, says University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist Wendy Brumbaugh.

KIRKWOOD, Mo. – As the holiday season approaches, many will face the daunting task of keeping up family traditions without breaking their budget.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -Families feeling financial stress can reduce holiday shopping anxiety through planning and by following a few basic tips, said a University of Missouri Extension personal finance specialist.Suzi McGarvey offers these suggestions for keeping holiday spending under control:

CARTHAGE, Mo. – Smart consumers know money isn’t earned accidentally, so they don’t spend it carelessly. One useful tool for shrewd shoppers is the Rule of Three.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – If you’re in the market for a car that will save you money at the pump, looking at miles per gallon may not be the best way to compare fuel efficiency, says a University of Missouri Extension financial planning specialist.