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Many New Year’s resolutions focus on financial goals, such as paying off credit card debt, saving for a new house, or simply getting more educated about money.

How to make a plan for your money in 2026

The Associated Press spoke with people who are making financial resolutions for 2026. Here’s a look at what they’re planning and how you can draw inspiration for your own resolutions.

Many think burning wood in your fireplace for heat saves money and is good for the environment. While not exactly true, there are ways to be more efficient when burning wood.

Burning wood emits more than fossil fuels. Here’s how to build a better fire.

Burning wood emits more carbon and particulates than gas or coal. That doesn’t mean we should extinguish fireside nights. But we can dramatically improve what we burn and where we source it. Here’s how to burn better (and why electricity is still the hottest thing around).

Cheese Ball with Salt-and-Butter-Roasted Pecans from “Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South“ by Vivian Howard.

Cheese balls are back. How to make this classic party dish cool again

The cheese ball is a cliché. And like the pig in a blanket and the baked potato, the cheese ball is so cliched it has actually become cool. Socially acceptable or not, when this dish is put out at a party, people hover over it like it’s a crystal ball.

A choose-your-own adventure cocktail, with or without booze

This choose-your-own-adventure drink lets guests customize how much alcohol, if any, they consume. The nonalcoholic base is a sweet-tart mix of apple cider, lemon juice and a spiced pumpkin syrup. Whether they opt for a low-ABV sipper or a boozier punch, guests will end up with a drink that’s bright and seasonal.

Midwest hit with more extreme cold after winter storm

Now comes even more frigid weather in the U.S. Midwest. Extreme cold with near-zero degree wind chills descended upon parts of Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Wisconsin, fo...

This tomato and feta dip is a hit for a party or a night on the couch

Savory, tart and sweet tomatoes and punchy feta join forces in this warm dip that has a lovely background note of spice thanks to Calabrian chiles. It works as a festive appetizer or fun meal with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Boxed wine can deliver quality, value and a relaxed vibe, making it ideal for parties.

Boxed wine is a pro move for holiday parties. Here are 8 to love.

It’s hard to argue with that value proposition of boxed wine, especially as end-of-year expenses soar like reindeer. La vie en cardboard isn’t entirely rosy, though. Quality varies, and some styles of wine are better suited to the format than others. Here’s how to find boxed wines that impress.