Weekly list of curated personal finance articles from around the web.

What if you used it up before replacing it? (No Sidebar). We replace the tube of toothpaste once we’ve used it up. Why don’t we apply the same practice to cars, clothing, or a couch?

How to recession-proof your personal finances (Due). The idea isn’t to live in fear, it’s to live well-prepared.

Is there a safe way to use your debit card? (Clark Howard). If you insist on using a debit card, here are two steps for better protection.

Trump accounts offer free money but 529s may be a better fit (NY Times via Archive.today). If eligible, take the $1,000. From there, a 529 plan account may be the wiser choice.

Find your fascination (A Wealth of Common Sense). Why it’s a better path to a fulfilling career than “Find your passion.”

Gen Z’s “retirement-maxxers” choose savings over doom spending (Bloomberg). These “kids” will be alright.

I tell people never to lease cars—except in this scenario (The Washington Post). “Leasing is living above your means, because it lets drivers get behind the wheel of a more expensive car than they can afford.”

Affording a home’s more than a mortgage. How dream homes can drain you (USA TODAY). Many first-time buyers vastly under-estimate the cost of maintenance and repairs.

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