4 personal finance technology trends for 2012

(AP) -- If you're one of the holdouts still paying bills with checks, tracking your accounts with pen and paper or clipping coupons from the newspaper, 2012 could be the year you take the digital plunge.

Apple accepts payment in China's yuan currency

Apple has started accepting payment in China's yuan currency through its online store, opening it up to the biggest Internet market in the world, company officials said Monday.

Square streamlines payment via mobile 'tabs'

Square, Jack Dorsey's mobile payments startup, was founded on the idea that it could simplify the way the world pays for goods and services.

Japan orders Sony to improve data security

Sony was told by the Japanese government on Friday to strengthen its data security as the electronics and entertainment giant reels from a series of attacks by hackers.

Spain gets world's first 'contactless' bank machines

Spain's biggest savings bank, La Caixa, said Monday it has installed "contactless" automatic teller machines in three Spanish cities, making it the world's first bank to use the techology.

Soon the government check won't be in the mail

(AP) -- Before too long, the government check will no longer be in the mail. Officials have settled on the dates when millions of people will no longer be able to get their Social Security and other benefit checks by mail.

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