Daily Money - Issue #266: Happy Scholardays!

On budget binders: Not physical ones but I use YNAB, which is a zero-based budget system… similar to a digital version of envelope budgeting. I, too, find cash stuffing or budget binder videos fascinating to watch. — Scholar Amanda

On the Andrew Garfield episode of 'Chicken Shop Date': I’m an old cranky white man but thank you for turning me on to that chicken shop date. Made me less cranky! — Scholar Robert

On getting cash advances: When I go to the grocery store and pay for my purchases with a credit card, I can usually get cash back without any cash advance fees. If it's not free, I'll go to an ATM and use my ATM card instead. — Scholar Smith

On metal cards: It made me wonder if they set off metal detectors at various venues. According to Mr. Google, they do. Therefore, I would not want one.  It's bad enough that my eyeglass case sets off the detectors at Disney World, I don't want to have to take something else out of my purse. — Scholar Nancy

On whether to cash in a life insurance policy: I think the answer to your question lies in how much the premiums are and the amount of the insurance policy. Many financial folks recommend term life since it is cheaper, and you use the money you would have spent for savings or investment. That always sounds good, but I'm not sure many people actually figure, "Oh, I was going to spend $68 a month on the policy, but term is only $15 a month, so I'll be sure to put $53 into my savings!" It also depends on how much cash value it has now. — Scholar Dean

On not having joint bank accounts: My wife and I have been married 63 years. We have an agreement about who pays for what. We discuss “happy purchases.” — Scholar Jim

On the best cover songs: All Dylan covers. "All Along the Watchtower" — Jimi Hendrix, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" — Guns N' Roses, "Like a Rolling Stone" — one version by John Mellencamp and the other covered by, you guessed it, the Rolling Stones. — Scholar Shannon

On loud budgeting: Simply put, one only needs to say to themselves 'do I want it or do I need it?' Most times, it’s a want, so the answer would be NO! A simple way to keep yourself on a good financial path. — Scholar Janice

Singer/songwriter Taylor Swift gave out an eye-popping $197 million in bonuses to the folks who worked on the Eras Tour in addition to their salaries, according to a People story published just days after she wrapped the 149-show run. Beneficiaries included makeup artists, physical therapists, caterers and more, ensuring there's no bad blood among crewmembers.

I'm taking the next few weeks off to rest, relax and eat copious amounts of cookies. See you in the new year!

P.S. What's your favorite financial lesson from 2024? What do you want me to write about next year? Do you think you'd win on pop culture Jeopardy!? Send feedback to julia@money.com.