Personal Finance
Health careers hold hope for job seekers eager to learn
Many people who have lost jobs to the recession may find a cure for unemployment in the health care field. (Updated: 11/08/09 8:24 AM )
College grads must work even harder to find jobs
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — College students graduating in December and May are likely to be the first in a generation to enter a job market featuring double-digit unemployment. That has colleges and universities across America scrambling this fall to revamp their career-placement offerings to help new grads land jobs. (Updated: 11/08/09 8:24 AM )
Some ways 401(k) plans can be better
Data from Fidelity Investments show that more participants increased the amount they were saving in the second quarter of the year than decreased it. And account balances at the end of the second quarter are up 13.5 percent from the first quarter. The market’s bullish rise definitely had something to do with that increase; but account values are also up because more people kept contributing than did not, even in the darkest days. (Updated: 11/08/09 8:24 AM )
Credit card companies pump up rates, fees
If you’ve got a credit card, you’ve likely been zinged already. (Updated: 11/08/09 8:24 AM )
Rental plan may let some stay in homes
WASHINGTON — Under a policy announced Thursday, thousands of borrowers on the verge of foreclosure soon will have the option of renting their homes from Fannie Mae. (Updated: 11/06/09 6:59 AM )
When is it reasonable to tap the 401(k) funds?
I heard from a family the other day that wondered about taking a loan out of the 401(k) — or maybe a hardship withdrawal. Did somebody lose a job? Was it hard to pay the mortgage? The car note? (Updated: 11/02/09 6:43 AM )
Not much new in AARP travel discounts
Some suppliers still offer discounts to AARP members—mainly for hotels and rental cars. The details have changed a bit since my last summer update, but the basic conclusion remains: Many of AARP’s discounts are also available to travelers of any age through AAA, credit cards or other organizations. (Updated: 11/02/09 6:43 AM )
Sailing solo: Singles face challenges keeping finances afloat
For years, Gary Snow’s income tax deductions left him scratching his head. “I worked two jobs, and at the end of the year when I did my taxes, I wondered where all the money went,” he said. (Updated: 11/02/09 8:24 AM )
$5 billion in gift cards are never used
Thinking of buying a general purpose gift card that can be used at most stores? There are a few things you should know about the cards issued by Visa, MasterCard and American Express, according to the Consumer Federation of America. (Updated: 11/02/09 8:25 AM )
Prepaid cards do offer users freedom, but not necessarily from various fees
WASHINGTON — Consumers are increasingly turning away from traditional bank accounts and credit cards in favor of a different form of plastic: prepaid cards. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:50 AM )
Study: Recession makes retiring at 65 harder
DES MOINES, Iowa — Workers in more than half of U. S. households will likely be unable to retire at 65 at the same lifestyle they enjoy today, a new study says. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:50 AM )
If you’re planning holiday travel, act fast
The holidays will be here before you know it, and if you haven’t made arrangements to fly home for Grandma’s pumpkin pie, do so as soon as possible. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:50 AM )
Crooks use real names for scams online
John Pynn says his business, All Time Moving in Roseville, Mich., has been pretty steady, not great, as he only handles local moves and does not go out of state. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:50 AM )
How trusty Washington Mutual became a predatory lender
SEATTLE — For decades, Washington Mutual lived up to its image as a staid, straightlaced Seattle institution. Its motto: “The Friend of the Family.” (Updated: 11/01/09 6:50 AM )
Consumer spending deals blow to market
NEW YORK — Grim signals about consumer spending ripped through the markets Friday, sending stocks tumbling as investors raced for safe havens. (Updated: 10/31/09 8:24 AM )
