Money & Finance

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(ARA) - In this uncertain economic climate, consumers are feeling the strain on their personal finances. Now more than ever, it is important to save on everyday expenses - big or small - wherever possible.

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(ARA) - Your wine collection is growing and probably so is its value. Based on the results of a recent wine auction, held in Hong Kong in early October, the price of collectible wines is breaking records.

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(ARA) - Despite high unemployment rates and a slow economy, job outlooks are bright for students considering degrees related to financial services. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2010-11, the demand for personal financial advisers, insurance agents and financial analysts is expected to rise faster than average by 2018.

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(ARA) - Nearly 251,000 identity theft-related complaints were made to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2010. So it's no surprise that - for the 11th straight year - identity theft ranks No. 1 as the biggest concern among consumers.

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(ARA) - See if you can pass this simple quiz about energy security and sustainability: What do the following have in common?

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(ARA) - Are you thinking about a major life or career change, such as early retirement or starting your own business? One of your major considerations should be health care costs. Can you obtain private insurance for you and your family? What happens if you don't have coverage and get sick or injured? If you purchase coverage and don't use it, are you just wasting money?

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(ARA) - If you made a list of things to accomplish by the end of the year, would "review taxes" appear? If not, add the item and put it toward the top. You could save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on your tax return with these simple tips.

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(ARA) - Maintaining a healthy cash flow and keeping a firm handle on expenses is considered sound financial management. For small businesses, however, it can be the difference between succeeding and struggling for survival. Making your money work harder is particularly important in times of economic uncertainty when small businesses are often faced with unpredictable sales and more stringent credit requirements.

(ARA) - In a tightened economy, states are faced with cuts to higher education, and tuition is on the rise in all 50 states. At the same time, having a postsecondary degree and credentialed job skills is ever more important to finding a job. Within this framework, the Army Reserve has found itself playing a greater role in educating soldiers who also comprise an important part of America's civilian workforce.

(ARA) - You probably already know you need to have some savings and a plan for retirement, even if you're just starting out in your professional life. Whether retirement is two years away or 20, your financial future won't just take care of itself.

(ARA) - Parents send their children to college hoping they'll learn enough in the classroom to get their degree, and enough about life to make their way in the world once they graduate. But firsthand knowledge of identity theft is one lesson parents don't want kids to have, and they should take steps to help their college-age children avoid it.

You know there's money to be made in the stock market, but when Wall Street insiders can't get a handle on what's going to happen next, you may wonder what hope you have of trading successfully. Some stocks can be outright esoteric, and if you don't understand what you're buying how are you supposed to understand how that stock might perform?

(ARA) - With mortgage expenses, car payments, pet costs and tuition bills, setting up a rainy day fund may not be your top priority. But let's face it - life doesn't always go as planned, and if you're not prepared, an unexpected financial situation - such as a major home repair or a lost job - could land you and your family in financial hot water. Do you know how you would pay for these expenses? A smart place to start is creating an emergency fund.

(ARA) - The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, but by making just a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, you could save approximately $170 per year and help the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

(ARA) - If you don't make $1 million a year, only own one modest home and are still driving the same car you bought six years ago, you might think you don't need to engage in "estate planning." Or you may think your family accountant or attorney will be the only professional you need to help you with this important task.

(ARA) - As the economy struggles to recover, many American workers continue to fear being laid off. And with good reason - with millions of Americans still out of work from one of the worst recessions in U.S. history, the competition to find jobs is fierce.

(ARA) - We all know what it means to save for a rainy day. But when it comes to sudden financial storms, few of us are really prepared. Unexpected loss of income can dampen even the best financial plan, as many have learned the hard way during the recent economic downturn. That's why having adequate insurance coverage is so important to your family's fiscal security.

(ARA) - It's time to trade in the sunglasses, swimwear and flip-flops for book bags, crayons and calculators.

Planning ahead to give your family financial security is probably something you want to think about early in life - maybe even before your family starts growing.

Many people believe they must have a traditional checking account for basic financial needs like paying bills, cashing checks and keeping finances balanced. The truth is there are alternatives to traditional checking accounts that can work just as well.

Many people believe they must have a traditional checking account for basic financial needs like paying bills, cashing checks and keeping finances balanced. The truth is there are alternatives to traditional checking accounts that can work just as well.

(ARA) - Summer trips are wrapping up and kids are counting down the days until they have to go back to school. With many parents weighed down by worries about escalating back-to-school costs, brushing up on tips and tricks for making the summer-to-school transition smoother will be helpful for the entire family.

(ARA) - Gas prices are on a roller coaster ride again. A bargain these days is anything under $4 a gallon, which is especially difficult since it's summer and everyone's hitting the road for vacations. Inching closer is fall's "back-to-school" drive cycle. In short, there is a lot of driving ahead and higher gas prices are now the norm, so it's time to look at ways to alleviate the pain at the pumps.

(ARA) - Eating right, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest are probably all on your list of healthful activities. But is checking your credit also on that list? It should be.