Money & Financial News

Your health care: Know your rights to receive best care
(ARA) - When you were laid off, you needed to cut your expenses to the bone. It was either food for your family or monthly health care premiums. So you decided to let your health care insurance lapse. You're not alone. Millions of Americans affected by the recession are being forced to face that decision.

Time- and money-saving tips for your 2009 tax return
(ARA) - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act makes early tax planning increasingly important. The number and complexity of the changes has prompted the IRS to release educational e-mails, videos, podcasts and other tools on a regular basis since the ARRA became law in February 2009.

Before applying for auto or mortgage loans, do your research
(ARA) - While the number of auto and mortgage loans issued are down, and the effort it takes to get a good loan these days might seem daunting, there are signs that consumer lending is improving with positive economic reports. And even though dollars aren't handed out as quickly or easily as they were just a few years ago, it is possible for a person to obtain a mortgage or auto loan.

Accessorize to get the most out of your truck
(ARA) - In a budget-conscious economy, more pickup truck owners are holding onto their truck longer than originally planned. If you're one of these truck owners, there are a few affordable accessories that can help you get the most of your truck and extend the life of your truck.

Eliminate stress with these smart vacation planning tips
(ARA) - Traveling during the summer and fall seasons takes a lot of planning -- whether your packing up for a weekend, a week or a month, going solo or with the family. A pre-vacation plan of action is a necessity to stay organized and stress free.

Simplify your life with a little technology
(ARA) - If you are like most people, every year the list of to-dos, appointments and demands grows bigger. Children's schedules, office appointments, scheduling conflicts can all be a little overwhelming at times.

Save money while holiday shopping
(ARA) - On average, Americans will spend $682.74 on holiday shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation. That is down about $20 from last year's average spending.

When going 'green' don't forget the fourth 'R'
(ARA) - Are you doing your part in helping to "green" America? We all know the three "R's" that we should be practicing each and every day - reduce, reuse and recycle - but did you know about the fourth "R," which helps you accomplish the other three? This "R" will not only cut down on your individual carbon footprint but will also save you money on your green home improvement projects.

Prep the holiday meal quickly and save money
(ARA) - If the holiday meal is at your house this year, you could completely stress out over the menu and ingredients, spending hours and plenty of money in an attempt to feed everyone the perfect holiday meal. Or, you could plan ahead, save a few dollars here and there, and enjoy the holiday.

Get your winter shopping done while it's still nice out
(ARA) - The calendar pages are flipping quickly and in just a short time, Old Man Winter will be here. Is your household prepared for colder weather?

Repairing a hybrid doesn't have to cost a lot
(ARA) - The government backed "Cash for Clunkers" rebate program helped dealers sell off 2009 models, and a wave of new vehicles is coming in anticipation of the federal mandate that cars average 35.5 mpg by 2016. If you haven't updated your vehicle in years, it will be more important than ever to analyze your needs and wants before you buy.

Tips to simplify your finances
(ARA) - Life is hectic enough and in these economic times, it's all the more important to carefully manage your money in a way that fits into your lifestyle. Utilizing tools that offer easy access to and constant control of your cash can save you valuable time and hassle.

Can't sell? Wary of being a landlord? Try corporate housing instead
(ARA) - The housing market is making it hard for many homeowners to sell. Yet the alternative - becoming a landlord and renting out your house - isn't always appealing. A growing number of savvy homeowners are pursuing a third option, renting out their homes as corporate housing.

Fun ways to escape with your family
(ARA) - A smaller budget and busy work and school schedules don't mean your family has to stay home all the time. There are lots of alternatives to an expensive family trip.

Give a gift that matters this holiday
(ARA) - When the economy struggles, buying the perfect gift becomes even harder. But instead of digging through sale racks or manning the line at a midnight store opening, why not try something different - a gift to a charitable organization in honor of the person you're gifting.

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