Good Question: How Long Should We Keep Financial Documents?
This time of year, many of us talk about getting our finances in order. A WCCO-TV viewer named Rachael from St. Joseph wrote us asking how long she should keep her financial documents.
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This time of year, many of us talk about getting our finances in order. A WCCO-TV viewer named Rachael from St. Joseph wrote us asking how long she should keep her financial documents.
About 40 percent of us will make New Year's resolutions for 2014. But,according to research by University of Scranton psychologist Dr. John Norcross, those lofty goals fall by the wayside after six months for more than half who set them. In his study, success rates were 71 percent for two weeks, 64 percent for one month and 46 percent for six months.
Every year, billions of people spend time with friends and family on December 25th to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But, there's no mention of Jesus' birthdate in Bible, so why do we celebrate on the 25th? Good Question.
It's that time of year when we might not even be able to see the real color of our car. When that familiar shade of dirty whitish-grey appears, it seems the cars themselves are screaming for a soapy brush. Nick Burlow, owner of Isles Auto Repair, says it's probably not a bad idea to wash your vehicle at least once a week.
Sara from Bloomington, Katie from Savage and Elisabeth from Owatonna asked: Why do we decorate with lights at Christmas?
During the holidays, many of us thank the people who have helped us throughout the year. According to a Consumer Reports survey from the 2011 holiday season, a little less than half of Americans tip during the holidays -- sometimes, it's with cash, gift cards, home-baked cookies and gifts.
Christmas is one week away, but the National Retail Federation says about half of us haven't finished our shopping and 14 percent haven't even started. "I'm just lazy," said Mohammed Abdelfathah of Fridley. "I say I'll do it in another hour, then another hour, then tomorrow."
We know Christmas must be close when we see poinsettias decorating offices, public spaces and homes. "I like them because they're pretty and last long," said 8-year-old Abby, who was buying one for herself and one for her mother at Bachman's on Tuesday night.
The new Weather Watcher sign atop the WCCO building has been alerting TV viewers and passersby to changes in the air since the day after Thanksgiving. That has prompted several Good Questions from WCCO viewers, including one from 10-year-old Alex of Glenwood City, Wis. He wanted to know: How do we decide when to change the color? For example, flurries were in the forecast for Monday night, but warmer weather is on the way. The Weather Watcher was shining red. "I was watching the news and it was showing red on the thing, and I looked at it and said snow is coming, too," Alex said.
There's no denying winter has arrived in Minnesota. Many of us have sent us questions about our recent blast of frigid air this week. So we thought we'd answer your cold weather Good Questions in this week's Reply All.
Every holiday season, thousands of Minnesotans will eat lutefisk dinners in church basements, restaurants and VFW posts across the state. On Friday night, Minneapolis' Mount Olivet Church will hold one of the largest in the state with 1,600 people.
Among our weapons to fight winter is an ingredient that's also on our kitchen table. Salt gets rid of the slick spots on our driveways and sidewalks. But how does salt melt ice? Good Question.
We all know Minnesota winters aren't easy, especially driving through all the ice and snow. This week's weather has reminded some of us it's time to change our tires. But who really needs snow tires? Good Question.
On CBS' 60 Minutes, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced a plan to deliver packages within 30 minutes by unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Amazon's "Prime Air' service could be used for packages which weigh less than five pounds, and can only be sent to destinations that are within 10 miles of an Amazon distribution center. Bezos said he hopes the service could be ready in four years. "I know this looks like science fiction," Bezos said. "It's not." So, how realistic is this idea?
James from Apple Valley and Anna from Sartell wanted to know: When did Black Friday start? According to BlackFriday.com, the term "Black Friday" was coined back in the 1960s, but it was really 1924 - the first year of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - that the day after Thanksgiving became the unofficial start to the Christmas shopping season. Early on, when the term was coined in 1961, it had a negative connotation because Philadelphia Police used it to describe the traffic jams and clogged sidewalks of that day. But, by the 1980s, the idea of the Friday after Thanksgiving putting the retailers back in the black (or profitable) started to take hold.
Thirty-one years ago on Thanksgiving Day, a massive fire in downtown Minneapolis robbed the Northwestern National Bank of its iconic weather ball. But on Friday, a new twist on the weather ball concept was shining over Nicollet Mall.
f turkey sandwiches, turkey soup and turkey a la king are on your menu over weekend, it's good to know long it's safe to eat Thanksgiving leftovers.
After all of the Thanksgiving cooking comes the cleaning as garbage disposals get a major workout. "The day after Thanksgiving is usually our biggest day for drains, especially kitchen sinks," said Jason Kuehn, a plumber with Dean's Professional Plumbing and Heating.
If you were to listen to the headlines, "Nature threatens holiday happiness," you wouldn't be crazy to think no one will be getting home for the holidays.
Imagine having to dress up an almost five-million-square foot space for the holidays! The daunting task is a reality for Brett Baudette, design manager at MOA. He says they "kick in to holiday gear" in mid-September, contracting out to about 100 workers who normally build inside the stores. "It's a team of construction workers," Baudette said. "It's kind of a fun change for them." They'll spend $250,000 on new decorations and labor, with most of the work executed in the middle of the night.
Caroline Kennedy was sworn in as the ambassador to Japan on Tuesday. So, that had Wendy from Eagan wondering: What does being an ambassador entail? According to the U.S. State Department, a U.S. ambassador is the president's highest-ranking representative to another country. That person's main role is to coordinate the Foreign Service office and the staff that serves under him or her. An ambassador is nominated by the president, but must be approved by the Senate. Some ambassadors are long-time diplomats, and others have been political friends or allies. In this case, Caroline Kennedy is a well-known person from prominent political family who will fill a high-profile ambassadorship.
The rules for car and booster seats can be confusing for any parent. Car seat laws vary by state. So what are the car seat laws and how do you know when your child should switch from a car seat to a seatbelt? Good Question.
For the first time since 1888, the first day of Hanukkah and Thanksgiving will overlap. Experts say that might not happen again until 79,811.
"One of the principles of the Affordable Care Act is that everybody has good insurance," said Dan McLaughlin, director of the Center for Health and Medical Affairs at the University of St. Thomas. "When you start pulling apart the insurance, all of the sudden you have inadequate insurance."
Every year, the average American family spends more than $100 on energy costs to power appliances that have been turned off. These "vampire appliances" - like televisions, cable boxes, DVD players, etc. - continue to use power once we turn off the power switch. According to the Department of Energy, this vampire power accounts for 4 to 5 percent of the energy use in a home. As is the case with almost all appliances, when we turn something "off," it's still usually "on" in standby mode.
Minneapolis Public Schools announced late Wednesday night that they are canceling classes for the remainder of the week after ICE agents fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning.
As conflicting accounts about what happened in Minneapolis swirl, state and federal investigators are now taking a closer look at Wednesday's ICE-involved shooting. WCCO looked at the Department of Homeland Security policy on the use of force.
Tom Homan told CBS News "it'd be unprofessional" to comment on the incident amid an investigation.
Video from the scene, along with statements from witnesses and local officials, disputes the accounts of federal officials regarding the circumstances that led up to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman.
Police in Moorhead, Minnesota, are asking for the public's help to find 17-year-old Neeshka Lafromboise, who has been missing since Monday.
Minneapolis Public Schools announced late Wednesday night that they are canceling classes for the remainder of the week after ICE agents fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning.
Officials in Burnsville, Minnesota, say a 23-year-old man is in custody and faces criminal charges in connection to a New Year's Day assault against a 74-year-old woman.
Video from witnesses gathered by WCCO show the moments before an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer fatally shot a woman in south Minneapolis.
A Minneapolis day care featured in a right-wing YouTuber's video about alleged fraud in Minnesota is now closed, according to state records.
A Twin Cities man accused of killing his girlfriend told investigators he accidentally shot her when he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled the trigger "to be sure it was unloaded," charges filed Tuesday state.
Police in Moorhead, Minnesota, are asking for the public's help to find 17-year-old Neeshka Lafromboise, who has been missing since Monday.
Brian Pippitt, who had his sentence commuted after two and a half decades in prison, has been released from prison.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
Leaders in Minnesota are reacting Monday morning to Gov. Tim Walz's announcement that he is dropping his reelection bid.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday reversed course by dropping out of the 2026 gubernatorial race amid intense scrutiny of his handling of the state's fraud scandal.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
A western Wisconsin town is reveling in the national spotlight.
When he's not playing zone or man, Hall is carving it up at local hills. He has qualified for multiple professional snowboard competitions.
Two people were killed and another hurt in a crash in western Wisconsin Tuesday afternoon.
Many people who serve in the U.S. military find it hard to ask for assistance when they've been trained to help and serve others.
Food Bank Eatery in North Minneapolis provides free meals for children, who may have little to eat after the pause of SNAP benefits for many in the community.
Firefighters are continuing a 44-year tradition that happens every year north of the Twin Cities.
It was a scary moment in the Twin Cities over the weekend, as a trailer hauling sled dogs turned over on Interstate 494 in Minnetonka.
On Sunday, members of Minnesota's Somali community spoke out against President Trump's social media post calling for an end to temporary protected status.
As conflicting accounts about what happened in Minneapolis swirl, state and federal investigators are now taking a closer look at Wednesday's ICE-involved shooting. WCCO looked at the Department of Homeland Security policy on the use of force.
Tom Homan told CBS News "it'd be unprofessional" to comment on the incident amid an investigation.
Video from the scene, along with statements from witnesses and local officials, disputes the accounts of federal officials regarding the circumstances that led up to the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state "doesn't need any further help from the federal government" after federal officials reported a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis.
President Donald Trump claimed that the woman shot and killed by an ICE officer in south Minneapolis Wednesday "viciously ran over the ICE Officer" prior to her death, though the video evidence he shared showed no sign of an officer being run over in the incident.
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
WCCO gathered data on core staple items from Aldi in Apple Valley, Target in Fridley and Cub Foods in north Minneapolis.
Minnesota drivers have something to celebrate this holiday — a price drop at the pump.
With costs still high and budgets stretched, getting smarter with money matters more than ever.
There were 584 vehicles towed during this week's snow emergency in Minneapolis. That number stands at 352 and counting in St. Paul, where parking restrictions are in place until 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2.
As conflicting accounts about what happened in Minneapolis swirl, state and federal investigators are now taking a closer look at Wednesday's ICE-involved shooting. WCCO looked at the Department of Homeland Security policy on the use of force.
Officials in Burnsville, Minnesota, say a 23-year-old man is in custody and faces criminal charges in connection to a New Year's Day assault against a 74-year-old woman.
President Donald Trump claimed that the woman shot and killed by an ICE officer in south Minneapolis Wednesday "viciously ran over the ICE Officer" prior to her death, though the video evidence he shared showed no sign of an officer being run over in the incident.
A Twin Cities man accused of killing his girlfriend told investigators he accidentally shot her when he pointed the gun in her direction and pulled the trigger "to be sure it was unloaded," charges filed Tuesday state.
An ICE officer fatally shot a woman Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Just one day after dropping his bid for reelection, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said the state's paid family leave program is one of the most transformational bills the state has ever passed.
Roughly 12,000 Minnesotans have already applied for the state's new paid family leave program, according to an update by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
The clock is ticking to snag a few more gifts and prepare for that holiday trip to visit family. As the pressure builds, so does the stress.
The Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association says of the middle and high schools they know of, only 49% have an athletic trainer providing some level of service.
Here are the significant books, films and characters joining the list of works in the public domain on Jan. 1, 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
The band announced Perry Bamonte's death on their official website on Friday.
The message, aired on Channel 4 on Christmas Day, reflected on the impact of President Trump's second term in office thus far.
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat for the second time in four days, 122-94.
Langston Reynolds scored 22 points and Cade Tyson added 16 and Minnesota held off a rally to defeat No. 19 Iowa 70-67.
Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist, and the Los Angeles Kings held on to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2.
The Minnesota Vikings lost their bet this season that they could develop J.J. McCarthy and still win at the same time, with a roster strong enough to withstand the typical inconsistencies of a young quarterback in his debut.
The Minnesota Vikings now know the teams they'll be playing during the 2026 regular season.
The DFL race pits two prominent party leaders, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, against each other.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for answers about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. She is also denouncing the president's attacks on the Somali community and herself. In Talking Points, Esme Murphy shows us how, for Omar, this is a familiar position to be in.
Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is calling for clarity about the immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.
Fear and uncertainty continue in Minnesota's Somali communities as ICE continues its intensified focus on the Twin Cities.
Opposition to ICE actions is widespread among Democratic elected officials throughout the state, though nowhere more than in Minneapolis, home to the state's largest Somali population.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
The holidays are upon us, and in the town of Kellogg, Minnesota, you'll find a toy store unlike any other.
With the holidays fast approaching, and lutefisk on the menu for many families, one Minnesota town has the distinction of being called the "Lutefisk Capital of the Country."
It's a business model picking up steam across the Twin Cities. For instance, all the major sports venues in town, like Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium, no longer accept cash.
From the frozen ponds and lakes to the packed indoor rinks serving as community hubs, hockey is uniquely celebrated and cherished in Minnesota like no other state in the country.
Have you ever wondered how the actors memorize so many lines? A neurologist says everyone could strengthen their memories by taking cues from actors.
It's a beauty technique that's exploding. Depending on your age, you might not have heard of it. It's called micro-needling.
According to the Smithsonian Magazine and Britannica, eggnog has British roots.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Our overnight temps will stay mild as we remain in the high 20s. We will have a storm system approaching Thursday, but it will miss the metro area. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down what the rest of the week looks like.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
A storm system approaches from the south on Thursday. The bulk of it will miss us to the east, WCCO meteorologist Mike Augustyniak reports.
Persistent low clouds may limit warming elsewhere and keep visibility reduced at times through Wednesday night, WCCO meteorologist Joseph Dames reports.
Wednesday will bring early fog and a warm-up to parts of Minnesota.
Our overnight temps will stay mild as we remain in the high 20s. We will have a storm system approaching Thursday, but it will miss the metro area. Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer breaks down what the rest of the week looks like.
An ICE agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday and city leaders are demanding accountability. Is accountability to be had? Jennifer Mayerle looks into the Department of Homeland Security's current use-of-force policy.
Thousands turned out for a vigil for Renee Good, the 37-year-old shot and killed by a federal ICE agent, on Wednesday night. This comes as thousands of federal agents are in Minnesota for the largest immigration operation ever.
Emotions were on full display with many expressing sadness and frustration, not only over Wednesday's federal raid, but raids happening around the Twin Cities over the last 40 days.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference on Wednesday evening that the ICE officer who shot the woman was involved in an incident with an "anti-ICE rioter" in June.