Personal Finance

Don't rush into REITs

Bonds are barren of income, so investors are racing toward real estate investment trusts, or REITs, promising bigger yields. But bets on commercial real estate come with big risks.  More

Laid off and making the retirement savings last

After being laid off from his job, Ed Parker and his wife have been living frugally. But there's still room in their budget for travel. More

Become your kid's mortgage lender

Giving or lending money to help your child buy a house can offer financial benefits to both parties - if it's done the right way. More

Is J.C. Penney the future of retail?

Investors are clearly hoping that's the case. The stock has been on a tear since former Apple retail exec and new CEO Ron Johnson launched a bold, new pricing strategy. More

Watchdog: Auto insurers overcharging the poor

The Consumer Federation of America released a report claiming auto insurers are frequently charging low-income drivers much higher premiums than higher-income drivers and providing them with less coverage.  More

Home prices post steep decline

Prices fell steeply for the second month in a row in November, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city report. More

Worst place to lose your job: Florida

Florida has the highest rate of long-term unemployment in the nation. Some 53% of those without jobs have been out of work for at least six months. More

Don't outlive your savings: How annuities can help

An immediate annuity or a deferred income annuity may protect you against the risk of outliving your assets. Just be sure to take the time to understand them before buy. More

Dating and business: Not all that different

Just as healthy individual relationships require constant monitoring and care, the new paradigm for company and customer relationships values greater symmetry of power and dialogue. More

REITs to avoid

While equity REITs are looking pricey, you're still better off in them than these other types of real estate vehicles.  More

$30,000 for ultra first-class in the air

Singapore Airlines offers couples private suites with double beds on the A380 jet. Play

Which pays better: Government or private sector?

CBO report finds average compensation is higher for federal workers who have a master's degree or less. Those with more advanced degrees do better in the private sector. More

How I retired right

Successful retirees give advice on how they planned for and managed their retirement to live the good life. Play

Uber-lux green car

The Fisker Karma isn't your mother's Prius, but it uses the same electric hybrid technology to minimize its environmental impact. Play

The housing recovery that wasn't

The evidence for a recovery is compelling, but optimists should actually be watching rising interest rates. More

Newt's moon colony: What would it cost?

Newt Gingrich wants to build a permanent colony on the moon and, if his dream is fully realized, the price tag could be huge.  More

When friends and work just don't mix

An innocent attempt at networking could cost you your job, your friendship, or both. Here's how you can avoid disaster. More

Local currencies: 'In the U.S. we don't trust'

Alternative currencies have seen a surge in popularity as more Americans grow wary of the U.S. government and seek to keep wealth within their communities.  More

3 ETFs with healthy dividends

Exchange-traded funds offer a wealth of smart options for those investors on the hunt for solid yields. More

Romney's real estate deals

Out of all of the presidential candidates, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney owns the most real estate -- even after unloading a couple of sizable properties. More

Obama expands foreclosure prevention program

The administration said it was expanding eligibility for its HAMP program to borrowers with higher debt loads and that it would offer incentives to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reduce principal on loans.  More

Retirement saving: Don't shortchange the later years

A retirement savings plan that assumes you'll spend less in your later years doesn't take into account the potential for unexpected health care and other costs.  More

Recovering from a too risky portfolio

After dealing with a leukemia diagnosis and a layoff, the Mitchells are ready to take a much more conservative approach to their finances. More

How I buy groceries without cash

Philadelphia locals volunteer their time to earn Equal Dollars, an alternative currency that can be spent on food and medicine. Play

Spaceship house on a volcano

For $750K you can own The Volcano House on top of this once-active volcanic peak in the California desert. Play

Foreclosures were 20% of home sales

Sales of foreclosed homes comprised 20% of U.S. residential sales during the third quarter, according to RealtyTrac. That's a significant decline from the same period in 2010, but it's still a far cry from levels seen during healthier housing markets.  More

Rich, Gingrich and crazy rich

Which presidential candidate paid the most in taxes? Who is the most charitable? Here's an inside look at the top candidates' 2010 income tax returns. More

Feds crack down on counterfeit Super Bowl gear

As the Giants gear up to play the Patriots in Super Bowl XLV, federal agents prepare for one of the largest sporting goods-related counterfeit busts to date. More

How campaign finance works

Presidential campaigns are extremely expensive. Here's where it all comes from. Play

Super Bowl tickets starting at $2,800

New York-Boston matchup keeps demand for tickets high, though Indianapolis location could limit those looking to travel to Feb. 5 game. More

A digital pat on the back from the boss: What's it worth?

Some companies that are too busy for face-to-face recognition of their employees' efforts are turning to recognition software. But will it make a difference to a star staffer with options? More

Can you snag a tech job with training alone?

Maybe. But despite a plethora of government-funded training programs and lots of job openings in IT, getting hired isn't easy. More

Rafting trips? Cupcake trucks? 12 unusual perks

These Best Companies are stepping it up with treats like free hotel stays and cupcake truck visits to keep their employees happy. More

Should I get a rewards card?

I am thinking about adding a credit card that gives cash back for using it. Would it be beneficial for me to obtain a third card with a cash back program, or stay with the two that I have? More

Best Companies with no layoffs - ever!

These 14 employers have managed to survive a struggling economy while staying loyal to their workers. More

Michigan B-school tries to make it big in L.A.

University of Michigan's Ross School plans to start a new executive MBA program in Los Angeles, joining a saturated market with more than a dozen similar programs. More

When it pays to renovate

Find out which home renovation projects, like a small kitchen remodel or installing a steel front door, can pay off. Play

Solo nation: American consumers stay single

A record number of people in the U.S. now live by themselves -- and they spend $1.9 trillion a year. Businesses are beginning to take notice.  More

How to hire a contractor

Here's how to find and hire the best contractor you can afford. Play
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