The Buffalo News: MoneySmart

Sailing solo: Singles face challenges keeping finances afloat

Updated: 11/02/09 8:24 AM

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.

Discount Diva: My mobile contacts? Priceless!

Updated: 11/02/09 8:26 AM

How much would you be willing to pay to make sure you never lost any of your cell phone data again? If you ever have lost your mobile contacts, how much would you have paid to get them back?

$5 billion in gift cards are never used

Updated: 11/02/09 8:25 AM

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.

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At 55 mpg, Prius remains best hybrid

Updated: 11/02/09 6:43 AM

The redesigned Toyota Prius remains the most fuel-efficient car consumers can buy at 44 mpg overall, according to Consumer Reports’ latest tests. The Prius has been CR’s Top Pick for Green Car in the Annual Auto Issue for the past six years, and the redesigned model recently received a Very Good road test score of 80.

Product Recalls / Where to go, what to do

Updated: 11/02/09 6:43 AM

Haunted House Candle

Cancel joy about uptick in the Dow

Updated: 11/02/09 6:43 AM

Someone asked me if I was excited when the Dow once again hit the 10,000-point mark. Nope.

Columns

Don’t want to shop? Then swap!

If you think about it, you probably have been bartering longer than you’ve been using money. Remember dumping out your trick-or-treat bag and swapping Smarties for Sixlets? Remember using your friendship as a trade? You know, like when your sister was going to the mall and you’d say, “Can I come? Ooh, please let me come! I’ll be your best friend!”