The Daily Money 12-5

Happy Thursday, Daily Money devotees. It’s David, with our top personal finance and tech news. 

If you're banking on a big tax refund to cover your holiday bills, you may fall short. People living in colder-weather states could soon find themselves with smaller food-stamp benefits. And romaine lettuce from Salinas, California, has now sickened more than 100 people in 23 states.

Take another sip of coffee and keep scrolling for more.

David Brinkerhoff, Deputy Money Editor.