World News Center
Credit card debt at an 8-year low
September 6, 2010The amount of credit card debt consumers are carrying dropped to an eight-year low and delinquencies continued to decline in the second quarter as consumers looked to shore up their savings.
Boost your company's profits, boost your career
September 6, 2010The person at your office who routinely brings in millions of bucks worth of business probably doesn't have to worry about job security. Or begging the boss for a raise. Or advocating for a promotion.
State tax hikes could go too far
September 6, 2010Some U.S. states facing steep budget gaps have resorted to tax policies that could be harmful over the long term, a non-profit research group said Monday.
How financial reform will really work
September 6, 2010Almost two years after the near collapse of the U.S. financial system, a sweeping reform package has finally been signed into law. Now the real work begins.
The U.S. is a mess. Should we invest overseas?
September 6, 2010Question: Looking into the future of the American economy, I see tons of debt, the yoke of increasing social spending, pork-fed bureaucratic waste, the exporting of jobs and the importing of poverty. While this may paint a negative picture, I feel it's reality. We all want to be patriotic, but aren't there more fiscally responsible places to invest in that may offer a better landscape? --Dave, Bethlehem, Penn.
Do high-cost funds pay off?
September 6, 2010Question: I'm trying to choose between two funds in my 401(k) that invest in the same sector. One has higher fees, but it also performs better. How can I tell if a fund's performance is worth the higher price? --Jordan, San Antonio, Texas
Will the next pop be the bond bubble bursting?
September 6, 2010Question: I'm within five years of retirement and currently have about 35% of my investments in bond funds. With rising interest rates a likely scenario, how do I stay diversified without exposing myself to a "bond bubble"? -- John Clay, East Helena, Montana
Skeptical of too-good-to-be-true retirement plans
September 6, 2010Question: Are you familiar with something called a Plan B pension? Is it a legit investment and, if so, how can I sign up? --Lloyd, Decatur, Georgia
Tired of living paycheck to paycheck
September 6, 2010Question: I've been trying to be a little more thrifty lately. I realize that a lot of the luxuries Americans have are "wants" not "needs." Basically, I'd like to balance my household budget so I don't end up with just $30 at the end of the month. I'd even like to start building some savings. Any suggestions? --Kim, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Can mom afford to work only part-time?
September 6, 2010Shawn and Mary Kate DeRose live comfortably on a combined $133,000 income. They pay their debts, save for retirement, even have room to splurge on dinners out and high-end gym memberships.
