More about the economy...

This list of red flags can help you identify potentially pricey problems. You can use your observations to winnow your choices when you negotiate price with the seller.

Is your broker acting in your best interest?

As an investor you depend upon your broker for critical information and advice. Learn the clues you'll need to determine whether you've chosen a reputable professional.

Ten ways to fatten your wallet for Black Friday

Forget the mall. Save money -- and your sanity -- this Thanksgiving weekend with these money-minded alternatives to shopping frenzy.

Ten ways to cut health-care costs right now

Here are ten ways to cut out the unnecessary treatments, redundant tests, fraud, errors, and myriad other monetary sinkholes that do nothing to improve the nation's health.

Drought in higher rates may be over

Some foreign countries are beginning to increase rates, and when the U.S. follows suit this trend could mean higher interest payments and inflated prices for imports.

Special from CSMonitor.com
High unemployment means high military recruitment

Military recruits seek not just an adventure, but a much needed job. Plus the revamped GI Bill has attracted many looking to boost their educational qualifications.

Have a happy holiday on a Grinch-sized budget

If you are one of those tightening their belts this holiday, following are some suggestions to help make the most of your holiday funds.

Special from CSMonitor.com
H1N1: Without paid sick leave, workers won't stay home

Many workers choose to work if they don't have paid sick leave. Now, partly because of swine flu, 15 states are considering laws to make paid sick leave mandatory.

Kiplinger's best green and used cars of 2009

Whether you are looking to save money by buying a used car or just save on gas, these are Kiplinger's best cars for the price.

Kiplinger's best credit cards & bank accounts of 2009

To select the top credit cards of 2009, Kiplinger calculated how much a consumer would spend each month and then calculated how much they'd receive in cash rebates.

Five simple steps to motivate yourself to save without even realizing it

As Americans we know that we are not saving enough, especially compared to other countries. We recognize the problem, but how do we motivate ourselves to save?

Why wait until 2010? Make smart tax moves now

With less than 60 days until 2010, time is running out for those wondering if there is anything they can do to reduce their 2009 tax bill.

Why wages stick when the economy shifts

Even economists can't agree on the impact (or even existence) of wage stickiness. So, how does it affect you?

Top four (financial) life-changing events

From wedding bells to a having a baby on the way, good or bad, major life transitions carry daunting challenges along with them, especially for your finances.

Banks' H1N1 flu vaccines stir outrage

Wall Street is again the target of populist outrage, this time over the news that Goldman, Citi and others are receiving limited doses of the H1N1 vaccine amid a shortage.

Three money lessons every kid must learn

As parents we have a vested interest in raising our children to be responsible, independent adults. Here are three money lessons to help them achieve that independence.

Who is to blame for the bubble?

Professor Thomas Sowell take on how we got into this sorry mess is an insightful -- and unsparing -- account of the boom and bust of the housing market.

Are you living house poor?

The number of households paying more than 50% of their monthly income toward housing was 18.5 million -- over 100% more than the 8.9 million in 1991.

Black Tuesday: 80 years later

It's been 80 years since the stock market experienced a one-day slide of $14 billion. Find out what's changed -- and what hasn't.

What you need to know about the Credit CARD Act

The Credit CARD Act regulates how lenders charge fees and communicate with consumers. Here is what you need to know to understand how the law affects you.

High-paying jobs you don't need to go to college for

You don't have to go to college earn a decent living. These ten professions all pay good salaries without requiring post-secondary schooling.

How much money can you safely withdraw during retirement?

Many Americans are sorely mistaken on how much they will be able to withdraw from their retirement savings. Think you can retire with $400,000 in savings? Think again.

Obama's smart-grid game plan

The $3.4 billion injected on Oct. 27th is a small down payment on the cost of equipping the U.S. electrical system with smart meters, batteries, and sensors.

How much do YOU spend each year on holidays?

Halloween costumes, Valentine's chocolates and Christmas gifts are all symbols of cherished holidays, but they are also major budget-busters for consumers across the nation.

Bank bonus restrictions spark talent war

Executives have long justified their megabonuses by warning that if companies didn't pay up, talent would flee to rival firms. Now it appears that theory is being confirmed.

Six financial moves that sound good... but aren't

Here are six common financial choices that sound like smart moves, but could leave you scratching your head wondering where you went wrong.

Special from CSMonitor.com
Can Detroit go green?

In the race for the best green auto technology, Detroit is a slightly late entrant. But from battery innovation to re-training workers, the Motor City is giving green a go.

Lessons from the movies about going broke

The last thing you may want to do is watch a movie about money troubles, but, movies about going broke can actually be helpful. Grab some popcorn and take a look.

Six lessons from the bear market

Savvy investors put a high premium on disciplined reviews of their gaffes. To that end, Kiplinger has compiled six important lessons from the recent market meltdown.

The Nobel Prize in Economics and you

Nobel winners Elinor Ostrom and Oliver Williamson focus on the problems of economic governance. While you not hear the term often, many people talk about it every day.

Does a permanent portfolio really lock in long-term profits?

Harry Browne believes his "permanent portfolio" theory is the ideal long-term investing strategy. Read this breakdown of his theory to see if it might be right for you.

Retailers brace for a chilly holiday season

This holiday season, retailers are fighting for the hearts and minds of the frugal consumer with some new tactics. Plus: a slideshow of hot gifts for the holidays!

Don't snooze through open enrollment

When your company has its open enrollment period, you should take the time to review your coverage and consider other benefits, including FSAs, HSAs and wellness programs.

Save $750 in the 100 days leading up to the holidays

There are about 100 shopping days until the holidays. If you've been crunched by the economy, and who hasn't?, resolve now not to go into debt for your holiday gifts.

America's Best Young Entrepreneurs 2009

Despite navigating the toughest economy in decades and being outnumbered by older, more experienced competitors, these 25 young entrepreneurs stand out from the crowd.

The scariest thing this Halloween? The economy

This Halloween, instead of ghosts and goblins, it's the economy that has consumers running scared. Plus: A slideshow of the most popular costumes of 2009!

Telling loved ones you lost your job

Admitting that you've lost your job can be tough. Dr. Susan Bartell, a New York, offers four helpful tips on how to best tell your family & friends you lost your job.

How to deal with conflict at work

A mix of sensitivity and self-consciousness can make it very hard for professional women to disagree. Here is some advice on navigating the landmine of on-the-job arguments.

Special from CSMonitor.com
In a ‘rebalanced’ world economy, a diminished US role?

American consumers can no longer borrow madly to buy so many goods from abroad. Shoppers in emerging nations must be the next engine of growth, some argue.

What H1N1 might cost you and your family

Are you ready for flu season? If not, you should be: for a family of four, even with a mild case of H1N1, the costs can add up to hundreds, or thousands, of dollars.

Recognize and avoid "work at home" scams

From pyramid schemes to envelope stuffing, there are a lot of scams masquerading as legitimate part-time work. Here's what to watch out for.

What to do as the economic recovery begins

If you have been walking on pins and needles in the past months, now is a good time to begin returning your personal finances to economic health. Here are eight ways to do so.

How to live within a budget and still have a life

A budget simply brings reality back into your financial picture. You can't have everything, but you can have a great life. Here are some ideas for getting started.

Socially responsible mutual funds

Is it possible to avoid unethical investments and still profit from mutual funds? Find out how you can use socially responsible mutual funds to make SRI work for you.

World's Best Companies 2009

From Japanese electronics to Spanish textiles, the 40 companies that made this list, compiled by A.T. Kearney, are thriving in the recession and preparing for beyond.

Beyond bond ratings

There's much more to the rating of a corporate- or municipal-bond issuer than a mere letter grade.

Ease the pain of a pay cut

Has a pay cut sliced your salary? Twiddling your thumbs on a furlough? Those are setbacks, but neither has to ruin you financially.

Five secular trends every investor should know

These trends have long-term causes, long-term effects, and can be depended on to be just as important in the future as they are today.

America's Deadliest Jobs

Think you have a tough job? Think again. After reading about the ten deadliest professions in America your cubicle will never feel more cozy.

Last chance to take advantage of first-time homebuyer tax credit

This year's first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 expires on Dec. 1, meaning buyers must close on a home by then to qualify for the credit.

Special from CSMonitor.com
Review: Michael Moore's 'Capitalism: A Love Story'

Michael Moore's amorphous, told-you-so attack on the economy is long on I-told-you-sos and short on remedies.

Avoid chasing your 401k tail

There are many different strategies for making money in the market but, according to research by a Harvard professor, a plan based solely on emotion is doomed for failure.

The Forbes 400 Richest Americans

For the 16th straight year America's richest man is Bill Gates. However, the collective net worth of The Forbes 400 has declined, falling $300 billion in the past 12 months.

Could the recession be good for your health?

The economic downturn may not be all bad. In fact, U.S. researchers say recessions may actually be good for health.

Job Fair 101: What to wear, bring and ask

We know all's fair in love and war, but what's fair at a job fair? Are certain questions off limits? What should you wear? How do you set yourself apart from the pack?

How to read your credit report

Your credit report is a detailed listing of all your debts and payments, going back through your entire payment history. Here's a closer look at how to read and understand it.

IRA Conversions: Wait for 2010 or do them now?

Next year, there will be no more income limitations on eligibility to convert your traditional IRA accounts into Roths. That doesn't mean you should forget what you can do now.

IRS asset seizures: Could it happen to you?

If you can't pay your taxes, know that the IRS has many avenues for collecting what you owe. Here's how this process works and how it can be avoided.

Recession has women rethinking childbearing

Women are postponing pregnancy and having fewer children because of the recession, but just when they need birth control most, many can't pay for it, a new survey finds.

Three health insurance mistakes to avoid

Whether you're perusing your employer's open-season packet or weighing your options after getting a pink slip, you may be facing some critical decisions about health coverage.

Best ways to raid your nest egg

You know you shouldn't crack your nest egg until it's time to retire, but these are extraordinary times. If you must tap your retirement funds, the key is to minimize taxes.

Twenty lazy ways to save money

Here are a few relatively simple ways to keep an eye on your pennies while you're waiting for a brighter economic future to arrive.

Six steps to take before agreeing to a short sale of a home

Selling a home for less than the debt on the loan, called a "short sale," is not desirable, but sometimes it is necessary for those who face major financial hardship.

How to practice defensive saving

Finding a great deal no longer involves just walking into a sale. You need to some legwork and practice defensive saving: compare costs, look for coupons and plan ahead.

Ten investments you don't need

Worried that your portfolio may have become a financial hazard? If you find yourself heavily invested in any of these strategies you may want to rethink your portfolio.

How to survive four financial horror stories

From tax boogeymen to phantom credit card charges, if you face one of these scary situations, use Kiplinger's tricks to protect your pocketbook.

Recession tackles NFL team values

Despite income from TV deals and PSLs, Forbes' annual rankings of NFL team values found that a quarter of the league's franchises are worth less now than they were a year ago.

Five signs of a pending bull market

Being able to accurately spot the beginning of a bull market can be one of the most lucrative skills around. Here's what to look for.

Your stake in healthcare reform

Drawing from key points in President Obama's address, here are a few ways in which the administration aims to improve your health care and contain your costs.

Health care reform: Where we stand

Amid heated protests and marathon negotiations, U.S. lawmakers vow to change health care as we know it. Here's what the new system might look like.

Did Cash for Clunkers do its job?

Amid all the claims and counter-claims about Cash for Clunkers, one thing is clear: The CARS 2009 program stimulated the sales of new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Banking Stress Tests: Would yours pass?

Stress tests can be, well, stressful. Knowing what a stress test is can help investors find good bank investments and customers put their money in safer institutions.

Seven expenses that are keeping you in debt

If you are interested in living debt-free, here are seven expenses to watch for that may be holding you back from being in the black.

Latest in stimulus: 'Cash for refrigerators'

Coming this fall, a clunkers-type program to boost sales of energy-efficient home appliances will authorize rebates of $50 to $200.

Good news about index funds

Funds that merely mimic the market did better than expected during the downturn. They're also attracting gobs of cash.

Home refinancing do's and don'ts

Looking to take advantage of low mortgage rates? By following these tips, homebuyers can be well prepared to make their biggest investment an even better value.

Tasty returns from emerging markets

For investors with three to five years to spare, emerging markets have much to offer -- such as faster-growing economies.

IRS alerts public to new identity theft scams

The IRS reminds consumers to avoid identity theft scams that use the IRS name, logo or Web site, and has provided updates on some of the more recent scams being used.

Consumers catch Cash for Clunker-mania

It is hard to judge the success of an effort after its first few days, but if the initial results are any indication, Cash for Clunkers is a certified hit.

IRS warns taxpayers to beware of first-time homebuyer credit fraud

The IRS has announced its first prosecution related to fraud involving the first-time homebuyer credit and warned taxpayers to beware of this type of scheme.

Four tips for getting ahead in hard times

The workplace hasn't exactly been business as usual lately, but that should not derail your career path. Here are four ways to succeed in business today.

Stopped paying your insurance bill? It could cost you

Even if money's tight, don't cut down on your insurance policies: an insurance policy lapse can make it more difficult, and costly, to find coverage down the road.

Can a recession be good for your health?

These days, the headlines are all the same: unemployment rates are up, consumer confidence is down, and the global economy is still struggling. However, new studies suggest that a recession can actually be good for your health in more ways than one.

Home insurance costs have yet to follow home prices lower

While home values have declined steeply over the last two years, homeowners have not seen their insurance costs follow the same downward trend. Here's why.

Millions in U.S. can't afford health insurance

Most people in the U.S. who try to buy health insurance on their own never end up getting coverage, often because the premiums are just too expensive.

Living healthily on less

Most people are cutting back in these tough economic times, trying to save more and make do with less. There are ways to save money, while still eating healthily, staying physically fit and receiving needed medical care.

President Obama's remarks on 21st Century financial regulatory reform

Here are Obama's remarks regarding financial regulatory reform, including his desire "to put in place rules that will allow our markets to promote innovation while discouraging abuse."

Employer-based health insurance is no longer an option for millions

With the loss of their jobs, Americans are not only losing their income, but for those who have health insurance through their employer, they are losing that as well.

Rising male unemployment highlights women's need for life insurance

While women may be gaining ground in the labor force, they remain a distant second when it comes to protecting their loved ones with life insurance coverage. Women rely on the male's insurance policy, failing to realize the family could be devastated if his income was to be lost.

Auto insurance fraud on the rise: Is the economy to blame?

As the economy has gone downward, auto insurance fraud has risen dramatically... and so has the number of people who believe committing such fraud is acceptable.

AAA: Despite recession, cost of driving remains static

According to AAA's 2009 Your Driving Costs report, the average cost of owning and operating a new car in the U.S. has remained relatively unchanged year after year.

Across the U.S., stress varies by region

Life in America is getting more stressful, particularly because the current state of the economy, and some states seem to be faring decidedly worse than others.

Tax Tip: What happens after I file?

Most taxpayers have already filed their tax returns but may still have questions. Here's what you need to know about refunds, recordkeeping, mistakes, and what to do if you move.

Hope for the future at the 2009 NY Auto Show

As seen by the 23 cars in this slideshow, if you can look past the bad economic news, the future of the auto industry looks bright with a new generation of cars to fall in love with.

How old is too old to work?

Researchers have learned that there is no ideal retirement age and that older adults who keep their thinking skills sharp can stay more competitive in the job market.

How first-time home buyers can get the most from a new tax credit

The recent expansion in the first-time home-buyer credit -- to as much as $8,000 -- will make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market this year.

How NOT to divorce your car

Across the country, as economic woes worsen, car owners are resorting to desperate and sometimes illegal measures in an attempt to divorce themselves of expensive cars.

Slash your monthly bills with online help

As the nation's economic crisis grows, families everywhere are tightening their belts. Here's how the web can help you slim down your budget.

With the economy down, sleeplessness is up

Almost a third of all Americans are tossing and turning, unable to get a good night's sleep because they're worrying about the economy, their jobs or their money, a new poll finds.

President Obama's message on the 2010 Budget

President Obama has handed in his budget for fiscal year 2010. Here is his message and a link to the complete budget.

President Obama's address to joint session of Congress

Read the prepared remarks of President Obama's first address to a joint session of Congress.

Low-cost strategies to maintain health in hard times
Everyone needs to make sacrifices during hard economic times, but you don't have to shortchange your health.

Economy driving women to skimp on health care: poll

A faltering economy is taking a toll not only on women's wallets but on their health as well, a new survey finds.